Viceroy L'Ermitage Beverly Hills

An aptly colored pair of red carpets mark the otherwise inconspicuous entrance of this celebrity-magnet luxury property in Beverly Hills. With its appropriate name  -- L'Ermitage is French for hermitage -- this hotel has long been considered a calming, luxurious, and extremely private respite for the famous and well-to-do. The property was remodeled in 2015 -- five years after joining the Viceroy chain -- and hushed public areas are finished in a palette of white marble and brushed metals with moody lighting and an understated contemporary elegance. Superlative service kicks in right away -- guests are greeted by at least four porters at the entrance, addressed by name, and escorted to the front desk, where the receptionist sets to booking spa or restaurant reservations immediately. VIP guests who prefer a little more anonymity (of which Angelina Jolie counts as one) can cruise in unnoticed via the private entrance, while romantic couples often escape to the guest-only, 24-hour rooftop pool. The restaurant's outdoor patio or the downstairs lounge make for fine deal-making spaces for any Hollywood industry insiders that pass through as well. 

The hotel is tucked away in a quiet residential section of Beverly Hills, an enclave of wealthy living and luxury shopping in the middle of L.A.'s west side. With no other hotels within blocks, L'Ermitage feels more secluded than it is, and views of the surrounding hills from the rooftop pool only enhance that sensation. But the busier streets of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive -- where the lion's share of Beverly Hills restaurants and designer boutiques are located -- are only a five-minute drive away. Farther afield, the Getty, L.A.'s free art and cultural center, is a 15-minute drive away, while Hollywood tourist spots like Grauman's Chinese Theater and Hollywood Walk of Fame are 20 minutes away. Los Angeles International Airport will take about a half-hour drive from the hotel. 

The 114 suites here continue the muted, metallic palette found throughout the rest of the hotel, which includes shimmering textured wallpaper and gold and bronze accents. Venetian glass mirrors, white onyx, and dark-gray marble surfaces all further convey a sensation of glamour and luxury, though the style is restrained and sober. Roaring '20s era details -- like the seating in the dressing rooms that are found in every room -- combine with contemporary abstract wall art to create interiors that are balanced and refined. Space is generous, with entry-level rooms measuring 650 square feet (60 square meters), including lounge areas featuring custom-made Italian furniture (some of which are separate from bedrooms). Higher-floor rooms have views over the city and mountains beyond; lower-level rooms, however, can be prone to street noise on certain sides of the building. Standard amenities include in-room bars, Nespresso machines, large flat-screen TVs with Bose speakers; standard in-room Wi-Fi is free, but high-speed Wi-Fi for up to three devices comes with a fee. Turndown service is also included in rates and cookies welcome everyone to their room.Marble bathrooms are roomy, with generous countertops, separate tubs, and spacious walk-in showers; waffle bathrobes and designer toiletries are included, while mirrors have integrated TVs. For longer-term stays, Residential Suites are available, with separate kitchen or kitchenettes, lounges, and dining areas, plus two or three walk-out balconies. Rooms like the Presidential and Royal Suites are a true splash, and feature variable additions like a movie room, full kitchen, or small unfurnished balconies. The Royal Suite's white marble bathroom is a real stunner, and may alone be worth shelling out the extra cash. 

Opened in 2016, the hotel's chic and stylish restaurant, Chez Nous, is modeled on a French bistro and serves top-quality fare for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Breakfasts include continental, American, and Mediterranean fare, and there's also a range of omelets, cereals, and fresh fruit, though it's not included in standard rates. Lunch is mostly soups and salads, and dinner is a mixture of French-style haute cuisine mixed with some Italian and Spanish flavors. Despite high-end dining, the hotel lacks much in the way of nightlife, helping to keep things blissfully quiet and low key.A rooftop pool is better for cooling off rather than swimming, with panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills to the north (though most lounge chairs face a bare, brown wall). There's also a rooftop bar serving drinks and snacks, though most of the terrace area feels underused (and is often reserved for events) and a few shabby spots make the area fall short of the hotel's overall luxury rating. There's also an eighth-floor spa with zen-inspired decor that includes two treatment rooms, a sauna, and fitness center with up-to-date cardio and cable equipment. Standard Wi-Fi is free throughout. The hotel has a dedicated concierge and offers free local car services. Free strollers, pool and bath toys, and babysitting services (fee) are all available for those traveling with kids as well. Pets are allowed for a daily fee, and in-room pet amenities are available as well.