SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills

Character and identity

Open since 2008 and refreshed by a $22 million renovation in 2018, this 297-room Beverly Hills hotspot sits at the crossroads of Beverly Hills and the La Cienega corridor, putting Rodeo Drive, Melrose and Hollywood Boulevard within a five to ten minute drive. Philippe Starck's design language runs throughout: surrealist touches, mid-century modernist furniture, antler lamps, oversized vases and a recurring monkey motif. Rooms read neutral and modern with faux-fur throws, needlepoint pillows and freestanding tubs. The 5,000-square-foot Ciel Spa is an all-white dreamscape, and the rooftop pool and lounge anchor the social scene, alongside a 24-hour Technogym-equipped fitness centre.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What you're paying for is the Starck spectacle and the social scene, not a discreet retreat. The hotel is sleek, comfortable and well located, with a strong spa and rooftop, but the identity is firmly hip-L.A. theatre. Book a room with a balcony or freestanding tub, and prioritise spring or early autumn when the rooftop pool is in full swing.