luxe

Earlier this summer friends and I had an amazing dinner at the Luxe on Rodeo Drive. I’d mentioned that it’s the perfect place for a staycation so we pulled out our calendars and they gave me a pair of rooms Monday Night. The most difficult part of a staycation with The Luxe Rodeo was figuring out my kids’ schedules.

I love a good hotel and Jane and her friends love a hotel sleepover. There’s something totally irresistible about crisp white linens, sumptuous beds, blackout curtains and room service. I am also unabashedly high maintenance and when I see that a hotel has a four diamond rating from AAA I know that there’s a good chance I’ll be pleased with the service (and I was).

We checked in to the Luxe Monday afternoon and the girls needed to get themselves ready. They were going to have dinner at On Rodeo, which has the trifecta of fun, delicious and fabulous for people watching. I met a girlfriend for dinner around the corner because the girls wanted to have a sophisticated dinner and I was not invited (I was, however, allowed to pick up the tab – yay me?).

While they got ready I wandered outside and hit up Fendi, Gucci and Prada. It’s not that I wanted to go shopping it’s that they were clearly in view from my window and it wouldn’t have been a good hotel write up if I didn’t visit the neighbors, right? Also, I’m searching for the perfect cross body bag for every day and I’m pretty sure I found it but somehow that feels like a bigger commitment than buying a house. I know, I’m weird.

After a little shopping my Mom and Stefanie showed up to the hotel. We were taking a look at the rooftop because I have a big birthday to celebrate with Mr. G this year and Jane has a Sweet Sixteen in the Fall. We all agreed that it’s a spectacular place for a party. The views are magnificent, it’s private and we already know that Luxe provides excellent service because we’ve spent a zillion hours nibbling with them.

I didn’t take a good picture of the view from the rooftop so I’ll have to go back and get one.

Stefanie and I walked around the corner to the South Beverly Grill where the drinks are good enough that you don’t notice the prices on the menu. We had a fabulous time chatting and catching up and planning our next adventures. She’s headed to Vietnam and we’re headed to Polynesia. As we wandered back to the hotel for some coffee and dessert we found the girls playing around on the steps over at One Rodeo.

If you stay at the Luxe you’re basically trapped in a zone that you’ve seen every inch of on TV and in the movies. It’s a playground for the rich and since there’s no entry fee you can sort of hang around the playground and watch and enjoy.  The girls ran back up to Sprinkles and had ice cream with cupcake tops.

There is a hotel on Rodeo Drive not more than one, just one. It’s a street that is known everywhere you go. Just say “Rodeo Drive” and folks know what you’re talking about.

If you’re looking for a central location this will suit you. It’s just a few minutes to the beaches or downtown, Westwood is nearby if you want to visit someone at UCLA or if you’re like me and you just don’t want to be home for a night it’s unbeatable. Right now I’m seeing rates around $360 with AAA, if you have dinner for four up the street at Crustacean you’ll be spending that before the tip.

If you’re looking for a resort the Luxe isn’t for you. The rooms are updated and clean but they don’t have spa bathrooms or a pool. There’s a fantastic outdoor area that’s more serene than scene. If you’re looking for a resort type hotel I would not recommend anything in Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills is urban and you’re there for the shopping and the touristy stuff. If you’re looking for a resort head to Santa Monica or hide out in Bel Air. You can always grab a salad and spend an hour or two at the Beverly Hills Hotel’s pool but it’s small and tired.

If you’re looking for the charm of a European Hotel without the cramped quarters and snootiness then the Luxe is the right place for you. There are less than 90 rooms, well appointed and they’re ready for international travelers. When I went under the desk to plug in my two phones, ipad and computer I saw this. It’s really quite handy when you don’t have a multitude of converters.

I’m excited to plan a party with Luxe. The kids’ school has had their galas at the Brentwood location and everyone was tickled with the space and the service there. The rooftop in Beverly Hills has an air of exclusivity and I like feeling like I’m on vacation 4 miles from my house.

Travel Tips:

• It’s a boutique hotel on a street that goes to sleep by 10pm don’t worry about requesting a high floor, they’ll all be mostly quiet
• Weekdays are low key, my room was next to an elevator and was completely quiet
• The second floor has a patio between the buildings. If you’re a smoker or need a place for a toddler to run around without traffic this is a good floor for you
• Try the bread pudding, it’s happiness on a plate
• Enjoy breakfast at On Rodeo – people watch and relax