Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here – Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express
Back in December, we shared a list of 18 exciting hotel openings in 2017. Among them was the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, so when I had a chance to tour the new property, I gladly accepted. Note that we did not stay at the hotel and this is a first look, not a review.
The luxury hotel is located in the heart of Beverly Hills at the intersection of Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards. It's right next to its sister hotel, the iconic Beverly Hilton, which is home to many events including the Golden Globes and Daytime Emmy Awards.
The $200 million building is 12 stories high with 170 rooms designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. Although Hilton elite members do not get upgrades to suites when staying at Waldorf Astoria hotels, it's worth mentioning that 51 of those rooms are suites. Here's a look inside one of LA's most anticipated hotels.
The Lobby
When I pulled up to the property, I entered through the ivy covered porte-cochère.
I was immediately greeted by a row of staff eager to assist arriving guests. Although not present during the time of my visit, there's usually also a Rolls Royce house car parked up front.
My tour began in the absolutely stunning lobby. With a triple-height ceiling and marble columns, it reminded me a little of the former Waldorf Astoria New York.
The reception desk is located on the right hand side of the lobby.
Everyone appeared to have a smile on their face.
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Guests can order food and drinks in the elegant lobby lounge.
The lounge includes a full bar.
Dining
Next, we went to the hotel's main restaurant, Jean-Georges.
I did not have the chance to try any of the food, but chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is Michelin-starred so it should not disappoint. The restaurant offers several types of seating options. Like the lobby, you'll find high ceilings and plenty of natural light.
While the main dining area is on the right hand side of the restaurant, guests looking for just drinks and appetizers can visit the bar on the left.
For those looking to enjoy the beautiful Los Angeles weather, outdoor dining is available on the patio.
There is also a private room that accommodates up to 25 people.
The green palette and floral designs of this room reminded me of the interior of the classic Beverly Hills Hotel.
From there we went to the rooftop restaurant, which is also operated by Jean-Georges, but more casual than its counterpart.
Again, there are several different seating options available for guests — all with guaranteed amazing views.
You can see the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills from up here.
All the way to Century City.
The Rooftop Pool
An infinity pool is on the other side of the rooftop.
There are poolside cabanas, which can be rented for $400 per day Monday through Thursday and $500 per day Friday through Sunday. They come with La Prairie sunscreen, Voss water, soft drinks, Wi-Fi, a flat screen television and a fruit bowl.
Should guests opt to lounge on the rooftop — but not at the restaurant or pool — there is also a seating area with views of the Wilshire Corridor and Holmby Hills.
The Wilshire King Deluxe Suite
Finally, it was time to check out the rooms. The first room we viewed was the Wilshire King Deluxe Suite, which was a decent size at about 700 square feet plus a 241 square-foot balcony.
The bathroom boasts white marble with gold metallic accents. As expected from a suite, there are two vanities.
Different from what is provided in the standard rooms (more on that later), suites offer toiletries made by Diptyque. There is also a case containing shaving kits, mouth wash, a shower can, a sewing kit and a comb.
Although I did not have a tape measure with me, I am not sure that this shower would pass the TPG shower test.
On the other side of the bathroom you'll find a bathtub.
Across from the bathroom is the walk-in closet.
Interestingly, the hallway leads directly to the bedroom and not to the living room. However, I appreciate that the bedroom has its own floor-to-ceiling window to allow natural light to come in even when the pocket doors to the living room are shut.
The living room has a small sofa, desk, three chairs and a second large flat-screen TV.
With easily accessible power outlets and no unnecessary items in the way, the desk is perfect for getting work done.
There is an iPad at the end of the desk, which can be used to do things such as control lighting, temperature and order room service.
The mini-bar is also located in the living room. Nespresso coffee capsules and glasses can be found in the first drawer of the bar.
The second drawer has some snacks and a bottle of wine.
Hidden in a cabinet above the counter is fridge with a nice selection of drinks and spirits.
The living room opens up to a very well-sized balcony furnished with comfortable seating for two. It's worth mentioning that every room has its own balcony.
As one of the tallest buildings in Beverly Hills, the balcony provides excellent unobstructed views.
Other Rooms
Next, we viewed the Deluxe Room with two queen beds, which is about 540 square feet, including a 84 square-foot terrace. The only difference between the Deluxe Rooms and standard category Superior Rooms is that the Deluxe are on higher floors.
The bathroom of the Deluxe Room is almost identical to that of the Deluxe Suite.
Like the suite, the same case containing additional toiletries like a shaving kit and mouth wash is available.
However, unlike in the other room, the bath products are by Salvatore Ferragamo Tuscan Soul, as is the standard for Waldorf Astoria properties.
Everything else, such as the closed off toilet area and separate bathtub, looks the same.
While king rooms have a blue-and-cream color scheme, two queen rooms have a gold-and-cream one.
Again, this room has the same desk with two chairs and iPad as the suite.
Amenities
After that, we went to second floor to view the La Prairie Spa. At 5,000 square feet, the spa has six treatment rooms as well as separate steam rooms and "experience showers" for men and women.
We then walked down to the lower level of the spa, where you'll find the gym and the brand new Tracey Cunningham Salon.
The gym is more than 1,000 square feet and offers a good range of equipment.
Here's another view:
A small business center is located by the ballroom.
After that, I soon found myself back to the lobby where the tour began.
Overall Impression
This new hotel is absolutely stunning. While I can't comment on the service firsthand, I'd expect it to be on par with other Waldorf Astoria properties, which is usually impeccable. As the only five star hotel of "the big five" (Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott and Starwood) you can redeem points for in Beverly Hills, the Waldorf Astoria is definitely a welcome addition.
How to Book
As of this writing, rates in July start at $590 per night, with award nights ranging from 70,000-95,000 Hilton Honors points per night at this Category 10 Hilton property.
TPG values Hilton points at 0.6 cents a piece according to the latest TPG Valuations so it is important to always calculate whether it makes more sense to book using points or cash. Since the lowest rate I found in July was $590 per night, even paying the highest award redemption price of 95,000 points would make more sense than paying cash for a July stay.
Although the elevated signup bonus of 100,000 points is over now, you can earn 75,000 Hilton points for signing up for the Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express.
Hilton elite benefits are somewhat limited when staying at Waldorf Astoria hotels so I asked the hotel agents what they usually offer for elites. Gold and Diamond members receive space-available upgrades (but not to suites) while elites receive free extensions when booking massages that last 60 minutes or more — Gold members receive an additional 15 minutes while Diamond members receive an additional 30.
It's also worth mentioning that this hotel is part of so eligible cardmembers can receive the usual LHRC benefits such as free breakfast and any other perks unique to this property, like airport transfers. It is also part of the program, which offers similar benefits. Note that Amex's program is currently offering a complimentary fourth night offer through the end of September 2017.
Given that my Hilton points balance is currently zero, it will probably be a while before I get to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. That said, I am thankful for being given a first look at the new hotel and definitely believe that it lives up to all the hype.
Have you been to the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills? Tell us about it, below.
All photos by the author.
