Big, bold and ostentatiously beautiful, the Waldorf Astoria is one of the Beverly Hills’ newest luxury hotels. Opened in 2017 at a cost of $200 million, it isn’t shy about showing you where all that cash went. Before you even get inside the dramatic, high-domed lobby with its crystal chandeliers and Lalique installations, there’s the slick and tucked-away driveway, which despite being squeezed into the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards, somehow feels chic. Motor up the impressively private-feeling entryway to a host of eager valets, who will seamlessly whisk your car away to an unknown parking spot for which you will tip handsomely.
From the outside this elegantly curved 12-story tower block is bracingly modern (it took a decade to build), but inside they’re channeling an art deco-inspired minimalist maximalism. Everything seems to be made of white marble with gold accents, and it’s hard to ignore the feeling that you’ve just have stepped into an extremely high end bank—or, at the very least, a jazzed-up replica of Park Avenue’s original Waldorf Astoria, which was built in 1931 and claims protected New York City landmark status. Here, inspiration from the Golden Age of Hollywood is clear, and though the likes of Jean Harlow might balk at the exterior, you imagine that they’d feel more than at home inside the sleek space, which doesn’t just look immaculate but smells great too.
The same glamorous yet clerical atmosphere can be found in the 119 deluxe rooms and 51 suites, with their teak cupboard doors and big brass fittings. Bathrooms are fitted out with Aesop toiletries and are sparkling clean, while bedroom bookshelves come with a selection of classy art books. But the real draw is the vast floor-to-ceiling windows, with electric-powered blinds and curtains which can be opened and closed at the flick of a switch on a tablet which also acts as a digital concierge. There are private balconies too, deep enough to comfortably contain a couple of cozy chairs. If you’re lucky you’ll get a view of the Hollywood Hills—if not, Century City.
Like any Beverly Hills hotel worth its salt, there’s a rooftop pool—and one you can actually do lengths in, rather than just pose. (Though no one will judge you if you wish to simply lie prostrate on a lounger and gaze in the general direction of green Bel Air.) Go at 9am, and, like us, have the entire rooftop—huge hot tub included—to yourself. There’s a restaurant up there too, the Rooftop by JG, though it’s Espelette Beverly Hills, from chef Steve Benjamin (formerly of L’atelier de Joel Robuchon in both Paris and Las Vegas) and his European-inspired coastal menu that pulls in moneyed guests from around the neighborhood. If you feel like venturing out for (a much more affordable) dinner, the newest branch of legendary Boyle Heights taco spot Guisados is a five-minute walk away.