Category Archives: Hotels

Le Parc Suite Hotel

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**** (4 stars)

We’ve stayed at several upscale Beverly Hills hotels on our annual Thanksgiving trips, but decided to try something different this year, and were quite happy with Le Parc Suite. It seems to be a converted apartment building in a residential neighborhood. The pluses are:

Very large rooms with kitchens, easily sleep four.
Convenient (but expensive) parking.
Great room rate.
Convenient location.
Decent work out room and restaurant.
Gas fireplaces in rooms.
Fairly quite area.
Free fast Wi-Fi.
Friendly staff.

There are really no downsides, and I am sure we’ll be back.

Le Parc Suite Hotel
733 W Knoll Dr
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 855-8888
http://www.yelp.com/biz/le-parc-suite-hotel-west-hollywood

Rosen Shingle Creek

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**** (4 stars)

Lovely hotel, built on a Vegas scale, with superb convention facilities, and an interesting collection of small cafes.

Unfortunately on our first visit the Italian restaurant, Cala Bella, was disappointing in both food and service. The oddly named steakhouse, A Land Remembered, was a better bet.

For kids who want to spend the vacation in the pool, this is a great choice, because there are plenty to choose from. And if golf is your thing, it’s right outside.

I love the secluded feel of the property, with the long entry way and manicured grounds, yet it’s really conveniently located near attractions and I-Drive.

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Update, one year later:

On a busy convention night, we were only able to get into Cala Bella. We sat at the “Presentation Bar” which faces directly into the kitchen, and it was, ironically, the quietest spot in the house. Service was attentive and knowledgeable, and the food was excellent. Unlike the bland cioppino of our first visit, the flatbread was bursting with fresh flavors and tasted just like the sidewalk pizzas in Italy. Chilean sea bass was perfectly cooked, and the mushroom side dish with our entrees was another standout. A completely different experience from our first visit, and I’ll happily return.

Rosen Shingle Creek
9939 Universal Blvd
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 996-9939
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rosen-shingle-creek-orlando-2

L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

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***** (5 stars)

If you like hotels that make you feel like you’re coming home, this is the place to stay. Great friendly staff, huge rooms, nice view. It can be pricey, but sometimes there is a stay 3 nights get one free deal that makes it more attractive. Nice gym facility. Convenient location. Includes free wifi (I’m always annoyed that the cheap places give it for free, the expensive ones tend to charge, so this is a plus.) We used to stay at the Four Seasons because of its homey atmosphere, but this place tops it, so we’ve stayed here three years in a row.

L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
9291 Burton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 278-3344
http://www.yelp.com/biz/l-ermitage-beverly-hills-beverly-hills

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

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**** (4 stars)

This is a beautiful (if barren) setting, and the hotel creates a delightful oasis, with wandering lanes linking the room, and a pleasant pool. If the weather is hot, that does mean a hot walk to the main building for meals, but that’s why you’re here, I suppose. Dinner in the dining room is good, if not inspired, and if the weather permits the outdoor dining is delightful, with live music, and a view of the craggy surroundings. Breakfast is a nice buffet. Compared to other Four Seasons, the resort seems a bit short on amenities, as beyond hiking in the desert or swimming in the pool, there is little to do. But for a relaxing getaway, it’s a pleasant place. Wifi is free.

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North
10600 E Crescent Moon Dr
Scottsdale, AZ 85262
(480) 515-5700
http://www.yelp.com/biz/four-seasons-resort-scottsdale-at-troon-north-scottsdale