Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the Thompson Beverly Hills and was greeted warmly by the doorman and front desk staff. Check-in was efficient and friendly, and I was quickly on my way to my seventh-floor corner suite. To reach the floor, I inserted my room key into a slot in the elevator — a thoughtful security measure, since ABH, the hotel’s rooftop bar, is accessible to the public via the same elevators as the guestroom floors.
Guest Quarters: My corner suite offered expansive views over Beverly Hills and plenty of natural light from three floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel’s overall décor leans dark, so the abundant daylight in the suite was particularly welcome. The open floorplan creates a smooth flow from the entry to the living area and then into the bedroom, giving a sense of spaciousness. A small refrigerator in the entry area is convenient for extended stays. The sitting area includes a couch, an easy chair and a desk chair. The desk was a good size, though accessible outlets were limited; I had to unplug lamps to charge devices, which was mildly inconvenient. The living room featured a large flat-screen TV, and the bedroom had a wall-mounted TV as well. The suite also included a minibar and a solid audio system. The corner bedroom was bright thanks to two windows; the king bed was comfortable and complemented the open layout. The bathroom had dual sinks and a walk-in shower. Toiletries were C.O. Bigelow — a brand I tried for the first time and found impressive.
Services/Amenities: The hotel’s gym is modest but functional, with a few free weights, ellipticals, treadmills and stationary bikes. It sits on the top floor near the ABH rooftop bar and pool lounge. The rooftop pool is small but suitable for a few laps, and the views from the roof are excellent. During my stay a strong Santa Ana wind limited outdoor time, so I did not use the pool or rooftop bar. I did have breakfast at Caulfield’s, the hotel restaurant; the staff were friendly, accommodating and the food was above average.
The Experience: What stood out most was the quality of service. The Thompson staff were consistently helpful and responsive to requests. One suggestion for improvement: make the hotel signage more visible from the street, as it is currently quite discreet. Overall, I enjoyed my stay and would definitely return.
GT Checklist
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub/shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Large, flat-screen TV
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Ample lighting
- High-quality bed linens
- Choice of pillows
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Easy-to-set alarm clock
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- In-room coffeemaker
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
Thompson Beverly Hills
9360 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
tel 310 273 1400
thompsonhotels.com