The Hollywood Suite at The Maybourne Beverly Hills.
Source:
https://scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3200858/claridges-beverly-hills-sister-maybourne-walking-distance-rodeo-drive-southern-california-vibe-meets Travel
At Claridge’s Beverly Hills sister The Maybourne, walking distance from Rodeo Drive, southern California vibe meets laid-back British hospitality
- The five-star hotel, opened in 2020, is a quiet oasis in busy Los Angeles, handy for Rodeo Drive and some of the city’s best restaurants
- The rooms are opulent, there’s a touch of British hospitality, a bar designed by Hong Kong’s André Fu and a view of the Hollywood sign from the rooftop pool
The California Suite at The Maybourne Beverly Hills.
Is this the old Montage? I heard this question being asked at least three times during my stay at The Maybourne Beverly Hills. The five-star hotel does indeed occupy the former premises of the historic Montage Hotel in Los Angeles.
It was born anew in 2020 after a revamp that crossed the sunny vibe of southern California with a touch of British hospitality.
British? Yes, the Beverly Hills is the first North American outpost of the Maybourne Hotel Group, the company behind three of London’s legendary names: Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley.
The connection, however, ends there, as the newcomer differs significantly from its older siblings. From its bright decor to its laid-back attitude, the property is modern charm at its best, while offering the top-notch service those London hotels are known for.
What’s it like, then? On a quiet street in buzzy Beverly Hills, the property has a residential vibe, even though it’s just a stone’s throw from Rodeo Drive, the shopping mecca for the rich and famous.
Public spaces are decorated with pieces by artists such as Ed Ruscha, Damien Hirst and JR, which provide a counterpoint to the soft interior palette – pastels such as pink and jade dominate – and beige furniture.
The Library Suite at The Maybourne Beverly Hills.
Most rooms and suites come with balconies and feel like cosy flats. Our suite looked like a chic version of a dollhouse with none of the kitsch and chintz such a description might bring to mind. The well-curated library in the living room was an unexpected touch.
I’d rather explore than read books in my room. What’s there to do? If you’re new to LA, The Maybourne is a great base. The city can be overwhelming for first-time visitors as it lacks a proper centre and is not pedestrian-friendly. Beverly Hills, however, is one of the few neighbourhoods where you can go for a stroll.
Apart from the aforementioned Rodeo Drive, you can get a breath of fresh air and stretch your legs in the Beverly Gardens Park. You’re also close to some great restaurants, including E. Baldi, Spago and Il Pastaio, and cult supermarket chain Erewhon, which recently opened a branch around the corner and is a popular destination with health and wellness aficionados.
The Maybourne Bar was designed by Hong Kong architect Andre Fu.
What if I don’t want to be healthy? Why are you considering LA then? Just kidding, there are definitely plenty of opportunities to indulge.
The Terrace, on the ground floor and overlooking the Beverly Canon Gardens, is a great spot for a pasta lunch, while The Maybourne Bar, designed by Hong Kong’s André Fu, is a small watering hole that attracts local residents, hotel guests and a young, fashionable after-work crowd.
The Cigar and Whiskey Bar is one of only three public places in Beverly Hills where smoking is allowed indoors.
The rooftop pool at The Maybourne Beverly Hills.
This is California. Is there a pool or a beach nearby? While Beverly Hills is not a beach town – you’re going to have to drive to Santa Monica or Malibu for that – the hotel has a pool on the top floor, where you can luxuriate in comfy cabanas, take in sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills, or look at the Hollywood sign while trying to recall how many films you’ve seen it in.
Being in the pool area, surrounded by greenery and with the palm tree-lined streets below, you truly feel like you’re in Los Angeles.
What if I want to work out or be pampered? On the third floor is a spacious green lawn, where we noticed a yoga class going on during our stay (it’s also a great spot to stretch pre- or post-workout); a large gym; and a spa, where facials are performed with products from French-Japanese brand EviDenS de Beauté and botanical-based label Ila.
The Terrace restaurant at The Maybourne Beverly Hills
OK, now give us the elevator pitch. The Maybourne Beverly Hills is a modern version of the grand hotel of yore. Its art-filled interiors are bright and welcoming, and the young staff are friendly and apparently always ready to help.
It is close to buzzy areas including West Hollywood and tourist spots such as The Grove – an outdoor mall and farmer’s market – yet secluded enough to offer privacy and quiet.
Rooms start at US$1,095 per night.