Arrival/Check-in: I was welcomed with a warm “Bonjour!” from the doorman when I arrived at Sofitel Los Angeles. He walked me to the front desk and we chatted briefly about my trip. Check-in was quick, and the front desk attendant gave me a short tour of the lobby, pointing out the restaurant and bar, the business center and the concierge desk before calling the elevator to my room.
Guest Quarters: My luxury room on the fifth floor looked toward the hills and offered a distant view of the Hollywood sign. A box of chocolates, a bottle of Evian and a welcome note from Günther Zweimüller, the hotel’s general manager, were waiting on arrival. The desk provided good workspace and convenient outlets, along with Sofitel stationery. The room’s décor blended French style with Hollywood glamour: cream-colored walls accented by two paintings and two photographs. A king-sized bed sat between a nightstand and a dresser, and the hotel provided a selection of pillows. Outlets next to the bed made charging devices easy, and a large HD television offered entertainment while I relaxed. Heavy drapes helped block morning light as I adjusted to the time change.
The bathroom was a comfortable size and stocked with L’Occitane bath products. It featured a glass-enclosed rainfall shower with a detachable showerhead option. A robe and slippers hung beside the sliding bathroom door, and a small shoot of green bamboo on the vanity added a fresh touch. The closet was a standout: the light switched on automatically when opened and off when closed, and a variety of hangers were provided for convenience.
Services/Amenities: At check-in I received a voucher for $25 off any treatment at LeSpa, though I didn’t use it during this stay. The front desk mentioned there would be coffee in the lobby in the morning, but the coffee stand had been removed by the time I went down at 8 a.m. Room service is available 24 hours, which is a helpful option even if I didn’t order it. On my final night I visited the Stone Rose Lounge for a glass of wine. A long corridor leads to the dimly lit bar, which offers a range of seating—small tables, leather couches and bar stools. I sat at the bar overlooking the outdoor patio, which was too windy to enjoy that evening.
Just beyond the front desk is a compact business center with several Mac desktops and a printer; the facilities were sufficient for basic needs. WiFi in the hotel is offered for $9.99 per 24 hours, though several nearby coffee shops provide free access for guests who prefer not to pay the daily fee.
The Experience: My first stay at Sofitel Los Angeles was enjoyable. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the room was comfortable, well-equipped and conveniently located. I look forward to returning and to hearing “Bonjour!” again.
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
Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles
8555 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
tel 310 278 5444
www.sofitel.com