migmag's profile and reviews

Kitschy chic hits the desert at this 1950’s style hotel that reaches out and touches yesterday. The “totally retro” enclave takes you on an odyssey to a different America when time was serendipitous. A unique courtyard clad with blue chaises, pink-plastic flamingos and colorful rafts lazily floating in the pool, plays host to thirteen rooms. Ella Fitzgerald and Sinatra tunes sprinkle the air, inviting guests to tap their foot to the beat. Keeping with this light-hearted feeling, each room has whimsical, themed decorations.

Choose from The Rebel Studio, 50’s Musicals or Hawaiian Surf - none will disappoint. Complimentary breakfast opens your peepers with the smell of dark java surging like a lava lamp. For those guests who are tethered to 2006, a business center and high-speed wireless Internet are available. A round of rousing applause is due for this hotel’s uniqueness. You can’t help but to feel cool when staying at The Ballantine’s, it’s like you’re hanging with the “in crowd.”

This oh-so hip pad is a must for anyone visiting the area. Four blocks from famed Rodeo Drive, the trendy hotel is in a residential neighborhood nestled among ficus and palm trees. Its minimalist, 123 rooms are infused with Asian tranquility. Silk bedcovers, English Sycamore and butter-soft leather furnishings reveal attention to detail. A fax, copier, printer, CD & DVD player, Bose speakers, and 40” screen TV are de rigueur in each room. Business cards and hotel stationary imprinted with guests name and in-residence phone number are presented along with the room key. A 24-hour flexible room check-in/check-out policy allows vacationers the option to arrive and depart at their will. If visitors check-in at 9 p.m., they may check-out at 9 p.m.

Raffles Amrita Spa is perched on the top floor of the property. The Zen atmosphere exudes relaxation. Clean, simple architectural lines create an unencumbered feel. Yellow Orchids float among smooth, river-rocks in the lobby fountain. Jazz plays in the background. Picture windows offer 360 degree views of the Hollywood Hills while running on the treadmill. Ascend a few stairs to the roof-top pool. Towels drape canvas chaises which surround the watery oasis. Three cabanas are available for rent, adding privacy. The Pool Terrace offers casual dining throughout the day.

Visit Raffles’ famous “Writer’s Bar” located on the ground floor. A favorite with the locals, this comfy, sofa adorned spot is where business deals are cut over a few snacks and libations. In the need for something more substantial? Dine at L’Ermitage’s signature restaurant JAAN. Either place is the perfect accompaniment to this five-star enclave. Before retiring for the evening, read a few pages from a tiny book of “Stories For Bedtime” provided in the room for your reading pleasure. Nighty-night.

Shopoholics rejoice! Southern California has combined a five star hotel with five star shopping. The Westin South Coast Plaza has teamed with South Coast Plaza mall to create the ultimate weekend.

The Westin name is synonymous with luxury and first class service. The Westin trademark "Heavenly Beds" are known throughout America, as well as the Westin properties world wide.

The Club Spa at the South Coast Westin offers aromatherapy, reflexology, massages, and any other services. An outdoor fitness room allows guests to enjoy the wonderful weather. After a workout, walk across the bridge connecting the Westin hotel to the South Coast Plaza shopping mall. Touted as the “ultimate shopping resort", it lives up to its moniker. Boutiques and award winning restaurants fill the three levels. A hotel shuttle is available for those who buy more than they expected.

According to the TIA (Travel Industry of America) 51% of pet owners travel with their pets. Lowes Beverly Hills Hotel has tapped into this market. They offer a fantastic Pet Program - VIP - Very Important Pet. Staying up with the trends is paramount in so-chic Beverly Hills, and guests traveling with pets is the "in thing."

A room which is designated for a "pet guest" has two dog bowls, bottled water and gourmet treats (which are made especially for Loews Hotel chain.) A room service menu is available for your pampered pooch. Bow Wow Tenderloin, Chow Hound Chicken or Rin Tin Tin, are just a few of the choices from which "Fido" can pick from.

If guests prefer to eat outside, Loews has a wonderful outside cafe, allowing owners and their pet to dine together. Should you choose to go out at night, a dog sitting service is available for an extra fee. Usually $20-$25 and hour, with a three hour minimum. The VIP Program is a win-win situation for the many people who consider their pet part of the family.