Arrival/Check-In: I arrived mid-afternoon. The driveway was busy but efficiently managed by parking and front-door staff. A bellhop handled my luggage, and at the front desk a friendly clerk welcomed me and confirmed my Beverly Suite (room 302), a newly renovated accommodation. Although there had been a small reservation mix-up on our end, the Peninsula team resolved it quickly and professionally, correcting the issue with calm efficiency.
Guest Quarters: My suite opened into a spacious living area with a comfortable sofa and coffee table. The minibar was attractively arranged on a silver tray and included a bucket of ice. Opposite the seating area, a credenza supported a large flat-screen TV, and at the far end a well-equipped desk held a printer and fax. I used the printer to finalize a speech for the rooftop event the next day. Beyond the desk, a private patio with a table and chairs allowed me to enjoy coffee and check email outdoors despite it being mid-December.
The suite’s layout included a large closet in the hallway, with the bathroom to the right and the bedroom to the left. The bathroom featured warm pink-hued marble and natural finishes that created an inviting atmosphere. It offered a spacious soaking tub and a generous walk-in shower, plus double sinks. High-quality amenities, including Oscar de la Renta body lotion and shampoos, were provided, along with essential personal-care items such as cotton swabs and shower caps; the staff were ready to fetch anything else I needed.
The bedroom contained a king-sized bed with a personalized pillowcase embroidered with “FXG,” a thoughtful detail. The suite’s renovation reflected the careful attention to comfort and style Peninsula guests expect.
Services/Amenities: The Peninsula stands out in this category. I dined at the signature restaurant, The Belvedere, which has recently undergone an extensive renovation and now features an expanded outdoor patio that’s worth experiencing. I also visited The Roof Garden and The Club Bar. The cuisine across these venues was excellent, and the service elevated each experience. At The Belvedere I hosted a departure breakfast for Global Traveler VIP staff and found the team attentive and professional. At the more relaxed Roof Garden, a large group enjoyed a poolside luncheon. The Club Bar remains a Beverly Hills institution; staff remembered me from previous visits and their warm, humorous approach made the stay feel personal. The cocktail waitress Jolly, in particular, looked after me and my team throughout our visit.
Top Takeaways:
◆ The rooftop event space worked beautifully for our GT Tested Reader Survey awards and is a striking nighttime venue.
◆ Exceptional linens contribute to consistently excellent sleep quality.
◆ The Peninsula’s employees are a defining feature of the property, making it one of the best places to work and stay in the Beverly Hills hotel scene.
THE PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS
9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
tel 310 551 2888
beverlyhills.peninsula.com