Crescent Hotel Beverly Hills

First built in the 1920s as a hotel housing silent film stars, The Crescent later became an apartment building, and then -- in 2003 -- was renovated and reopened as The Crescent. The space maintains its decidedly Hollywood-loving aesthetic, though with a fresh boutique-style spin. Almost every piece of wall is covered in photographs of celebrities -- including Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, and The Beatles. David Bowie takes up a floor-to-ceiling spot at the check-in desk. Mirrored ceilings, hardwood floors, black-and-white art deco carpets, wall decals, and large potted plants give it a fun, light feel, but the building is rather old, so some of the flooring is a little wonky. In the recently renovated bar area (as of 2017), curated magazines and large Hollywood-themed art books take up plenty of bookshelf real estate. Overall, given its often relatively low rates, this remains one of the most popular options in the area. However, due to that fact, be prepared to book well in advance for rooms like the Itty Bitty category, as their low price tag draws plenty of travelers year round. 

Situated five blocks from Rodeo Drive -- and even closer to Canon Drive, Beverly Drive, and S. Santa Monica Boulevard -- guests are within the most prime of Beverly Hills shopping districts. The whole neighborhood has a decidedly upscale feel. Most top boutiques are located along Rodeo Drive, including Hermes, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, and Tom Ford -- among other designers. Along Canon, Beverly, and S. Santa Monica Drives, visitors can cruise in and out of numerous additional shopping outlets, as well as dozens of cafes and restaurants. Cross Santa Monica Boulevard and wander into the Beverly Hills Gardens Park, which has nice walking trials and a huge art fair in May and October. Depending on traffic, LAX is within a 40-minute drive, while the Santa Monica Pier can be reached in about 25 minutes. LACMA and The Grove are around 15 minutes away by car. 

The 35 rooms at The Crescent are full of personality -- each features custom art (usually a large framed photograph of a celebrity); massive, ornate headboards; and quirky chandeliers. There's a clean, kitschy feel to the rooms -- the black-and-white carpeting and colorful bedspreads add to this vibe -- but they can be incredibly small. Queen Rooms run about 160 square feet (15 square meters), and there isn't a full closet for hanging clothes. The bathrooms are almost fully concrete, which gives them a chic, industrial feel, but the flooring can be easy to trip on upon entering. Although each bathroom features a vessel sink, high-end toiletries, and an artistic shower curtain, only eight have bathtubs. Upgraded bathrooms include a bidet and heated towel rack. Creature comforts in all units include flat-screen TVs (with 100 channels), air-conditioning, white noise machines, iPhone docks, free water, and free Wi-Fi. King Rooms add more space plus mini-fridges, couches, and bigger closets. Despite the few quibbles here and there, given the price tag and location, the rooms are a solid value for the money. If you're really looking to save cash, opt for one of the Itty Bitty Rooms, which are dirt cheap by L.A. standards.

Features aren't too numerous here, but what's on offer all adds value to a stay here. The hotel's bar has eight craft beers on tap and adjoins a lovely outdoor terrace. During happy hour, guests can enjoy free beer and wine in the bar or outside. The terrace has a relaxed vibe, with wooden tables, couches, and big potted plants, though it's right on Crescent Drive, which can be noisy. The dining area -- which right now only serves bar snacks -- houses a piano. Breakfast is complementary, and includes hot and cold selections as well as specially roasted coffee and unlimited prosecco. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but parking comes with fees and is valet only.