Written by Matthew Berritt. After a $40 million renovation not long ago, the Sofitel Los Angeles has achieved the perfect blend of French influence and Hollywood glamour. The towering lobby features crystal-ensconced peonies, a dramatic staircase, and ultra-modern sculptures. Our editor-in-chief, Devorah Rose, and I are escorted to the penthouse floor that houses the hotel’s two Imperial Suites. My bellman swings open the double doors and gives us the requisite tour. The living and dining areas embody the same modern elegance as the lobby, while the bedroom, complete with the famed Sofitel SoBed, exudes warmth and encourages restful relaxation. The master bath is nearly as spacious as the bedroom and features a soaking tub for two and a marble shower with dual rainfall showerheads. The suite also features a delightful veranda with unobstructed, sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills. After settling into our respective suites, we make our way down to the hotel’s heralded new lounge, Riviera 31. The dramatic, red walls are adorned with oversized photographs from Cannes Film Festivals during Hollywood’s golden age. Nestled in a banquette, beneath an image of a bejeweled Elizabeth Taylor, we order libations and a few bites. While my ususal cocktail du choix (a Hendrick’s Gibson) is impeccably prepared, Devorah’s cappuccino is lauded as the finest she has ever tasted. The standout offering was unquestionably the organic beet salad, accompanied by roasted squash from California’s own Bellwether Farms, and an
herb fromage blanc. Sofitel Los Angeles is a seven-minute drive to one of my longtime favorites, Chateau Marmont, where we wrap up our evening. In the morning, I head down to Le Spa for a 90-minute soin de peau, a luxurious facial. Sofitel’s spa is a tranquil respite nestled off the hotel’s main entrance. Renowned facialist Tej Maarfi uses a targeted Carita treatment to boost cellular vitality and revitalize the delicate area around the eyes. Le Rénovateur is employed as an exfoliant. Ingredients include a unique elixir of roasted sunflower seeds marinated in essential oils to purify, brighten, and soften. After my facial, I retreat to the relaxation room for artisanal teas and assorted macarons. That evening, we dine in Esterel, Sofitel’s new French Mediterranean restaurant. The room is warmly lit. Intricately carved woodwork transforms our corner booth into an enclave. My meal begins with a perfectly charred octopus. The tentacles are paired with a brightly acidic tomato caper relish, buttery gem lettuce, and a cumin yogurt dressing. The hero of the meal was seared duck breast, rounded out by fennel-roasted tree-ripened nectarines, panzanella, basil, and fava beans. This was a culinary delight. From check-in to check-out, every aspect of our stay was beyond reproach. Delightfully balancing the splendor of Beverly Hills with the effortless glamour of the French Riviera, I am entirely charmed by Sofitel Los Angeles. As far as this traveler is concerned, I have a new spot to call home when visiting Los Angeles. There is no L.A. hotel whose location, level of service, casual luxury, or overall commitment to excellence rivals Sofitel’s. Sofitel Los Angeles is, in my estimation, L.A.’s new pièce de résistance. sofitel.com
Sofitel Los Angeles
