Summer in Los Angeles is a sensory feast: the glow of the Hollywood Hills at sunset, the salty breeze of Santa Monica’s coast, the sparkle of Beverly Hills boulevards. But how do you experience it all without the stress of navigating LA’s sprawl? The answer lies in choosing the right home base—one that combines wellness, design, and curated hospitality in equal measure.
This season, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is redefining what it means to “check in” for a luxury LA escape. From my two-night stay, I discovered how the property serves not just as a retreat but as a gateway to explore Los Angeles’ most iconic neighborhoods.
Set at the crossroads of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills places guests in the heart of one of LA’s most legendary spots. Just steps from Rodeo Drive and a short drive to the Beverly Hills Flats, the property blends Art Deco influences by Pierre-Yves Rochon with California ease. My Deluxe King Room felt like a serene private apartment—ideal for recharging between city adventures.
With daily breakfast at Espelette, a dedicated dinner at The Rooftop Beverly Hills, and a meticulously designed home base, the experience offered a seamless balance of relaxation, design, and curated hospitality—perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers seeking a summer escape.
Hollywood to Downtown: Rooftop Views That Frame the City
Los Angeles is best appreciated from above, and nowhere offers a more cinematic perspective than The Rooftop Beverly Hills. Styled as an elegant garden retreat, it combines lush greenery with the timeless glamour of a guest-only rooftop pool. But the real showstopper is the nearly 360-degree view: from the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory to the Santa Monica coastline and even the snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains in the distance.
Whether by day or under the stars, the rooftop offers a front-row seat to the city’s ever-changing skyline. It’s a reminder that LA is not just one destination, but many—each visible in a single panoramic sweep.
Dining in LA is a journey through cultures, and The Rooftop Beverly Hills, helmed by Executive Chef Peleg Miron, captures that diversity with an Asian-inspired menu. Here, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese flavors meet Western tradition in a uniquely Californian way.
Cocktails like the Mezcal Sunset (Clase Azul Tequila and Mezcal with passion fruit) and the refreshing Watermelon Mirage complement standout bites such as the Tuna Crispy Rice, Lobster Burger, and a decadent Crispy French Fries & Caviar.
Wilshire Corridor: Wellness Elevated at La Prairie Spa
Los Angeles has long been a wellness capital, but this summer, the bar has been raised with the debut of The Art of Wellness at the La Prairie Spa. As the only La Prairie Spa on the West Coast, this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star sanctuary now offers 10 results-driven rituals that blend European heritage with advanced skincare science.
Highlights include the Earth & Water Ritual, a head-to-toe treatment inspired by Swiss natural elements, and the Tailored Cellular Reset Facial, a bespoke experience guided by in-depth skin analysis. With options ranging from detoxifying amber mud masques to platinum-enriched facials, the program transforms self-care into a true art form—making the spa a destination in itself.
A Five-Star Lens on Los Angeles
What struck me most about my time at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is how it reframed my view of Los Angeles. The property doesn’t just offer luxury accommodations—it curates the experience of the city itself. Whether indulging in spa rituals on Wilshire, soaking in rooftop views of Hollywood, or stepping into the polished energy of Beverly Hills, guests are invited to explore LA through a distinctly elevated lens.
This summer, for couples, families, or solo travelers, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is a five-star vantage point from which to see—and truly experience—Los Angeles.
