Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

In the Sofitel's guest rooms, a framed picture of the Eiffel Tower sits on a shelf next to a framed picture of the Hollywood sign. The shelf encapsulates the hotel's aesthetic, which combines the elegant luxury for which this French chain is known with a modern Hollywood trendiness. Calls to the front desk are answered with a hearty "bonjour," while the concierge can ably discuss which Hollywood clubs are good on which nights. The dramatic black marble lobby is evocative of a night club with an art emphasis, starting with a huge modern sculpture ("The Knot" by Damon Hildreth). Orange velvet chairs, neon accents, and pop art like an orange 100 dollar bill dot the space. Enormous pink lilies and roses sit behind the reception desk and there's a selfie station for photos. A central location, at the crossroads of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood across from the huge Beverly Center mall, attracts a chic, international crowd and fashion and entertainment industry folk, who enjoy proximity to Hollywood nightlife as well as Beverly Hills and Third Street shopping.

Located on the corner of La Cienega and Beverly Boulevard, a major intersection, and across the street from the huge Beverly Center mall, the hotel is in a busy commercial area. It borders the trendy, bustling West Hollywood, and quieter, ritzy Beverly Hills, an enclave of wealthy living and luxury shopping in the middle of L.A.'s westside. It's about a five-minute walk from Third Street, for upscale boutiques and cafes. Sunset Strip, known for its nightlife, is a five-minute drive. Rodeo Drive is about 10-minute drive. Universal Studios takes about 20 minutes to reach. It's about 30 minutes in the car to Santa Monica Beach. Los Angeles International Airport is about a 30- to 45-minute drive

Starting at 340 square feet, standard rooms aren't huge, but with featherbeds, 400-thread-count sheets, and huge rain showerheads, they pack in a lot of luxury. With photos of both the Eiffel Tower and the Hollywood sign, modern furnishings, an entire wall paneled in a light wood, and a large, lovely pendant lighting fixture hanging over the entry, decor is a welcoming fusion of modern Californian and classic French styles. High ceilings and huge windows that stretch to the floor and nearly across the wall; windows in the lowest category Superior Rooms are set back a few feet from behind the curtains, creating an odd sort of pseudo-balcony. For a bit more, guests can upgrade to a Luxury Room, 50 square feet larger, with French doors that lead out onto a furnished balcony. Sumptuous beds are topped with thick down comforters and fluffy, high-quality, poly-filled pillows. All rooms feature 31-inch flat-screen TVs, espresso machines, Bose Wave Radio II alarm clocks, and Wi-Fi (covered in the daily Resident Fee). Large, stylish bathrooms feature marble counters, undermount sinks, bamboo plants, and L'Occitane toiletries. Bathrooms in standard Superior Rooms have speakers that broadcast sound from the bedroom TV. In Luxury Rooms, bathrooms have Switchlite glass panels that turn into a TV with flip of a switch. Standard Superior Rooms feature stand-alone showers with huge rain showerheads. Only suites and double double rooms have bathtubs.

Cattle & Claw's menu focuses on lobster and burgers, but it also serves a full breakfast buffet and lighter items like salads. The indoor dining room is distinctly decorated with framed art of women on the walls and chic banquette seats. There's also an outdoor garden dining area overflowing with greenery. Room service is available 24 hours. For cocktails, Riviera 31 is a trendy bar and lounge area popular with locals and guests. The space often hosts events. The hotel's shining feature is its 5,000-square-foot spa and fitness center -- so lovely that locals can buy memberships to use the facilities. SoSpa offers a full range of treatments in contemporary surrounds with dark colors and soothing music. Hotel guests can use day spa facilities -- sauna, steam room, and a shower with 20 jets -- for free. The 24-hour fitness center features dozens of Life Fitness cardio and weight machines, plus good lighting and chic decor. Evian water, fruit, and chilled towels are provided. There's also a salon for beauty and hair treatments. The small pool off the 2nd floor is slightly disappointing -- its landscaping, stylish cantilever umbrellas, and piped-in lounge music don't mask the busy street noise and ugly view of the mall next door. The space does have a seasonal pool bar. For events, there's an expansive function space. Wi-Fi is covered via the daily Resident Fee. Valet parking is charged at a hefty rate per night, but that's standard in Los Angeles.