If you’re the kind of person who watches "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" at least once a month, or who justifies $600 Christian Louboutin heels (they’re better than six pairs of uncomfortable knockoffs), or who still occasionally relies on the Bank of Dad, then you’ll feel fine splurging on a glam trip to the Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills. Sure, it’s not a trip to Paris, but you’ll still look plenty chic lounging on the Rooftop Garden around the pool alongside jet-setters and celebs.
You’ll want to take off your dark sunglasses when you arrive, if only for a moment, so you can take in the view: a pristine white marble lobby with arched windows overlooking a tropical garden. Then head straight to the rooftop, where your in-town vacation awaits.
Rooftop hangouts have become de rigueur, from Hermosa’s Union Cattle Co., which overlooks the beach, to the Standard Downtown, where parties play out like an American Apparel ad come to life. But unlike those spots, which rage into the night, the Peninsula creates a luxurious resort vibe that only ever gets as spirited as an elegant cocktail party—albeit one where ladies wear little black…bikinis.
In May the hotel unveiled a $4 million renovation of the rooftop, overseen by Cheryl Rowley Design. In addition to creating a “living wall” made of palm trees, jasmine and wisteria (still growing in), there’s now an intimate space with a fire pit and a small teak bar in the dining area, which serves $16 cocktails such as pomegranate mojitos and white peach and pear martinis.
Most exciting, though, are the revamped private cabanas. No longer just shaded spots with recliners, each cabana now has a 24-inch flat-screen TV, a phone, Wi-Fi access, a ceiling fan and a water mister—yes, a bit like the Evian spray. And yes, there are the requisite cabana boys, always at the ready to bring over complimentary chilled towels, smoothies and fruit skewers.
Guests can now turn their cabana into a mini-spa and get treatments like the Hot Towel Infusion Massage or the Sensual Couple Massage. (Sorry, the cabana boys don’t administer these.) If you really want to feel pampered, go for the one-hour Peppermint Foot Treatment ($155), which includes a foot soak, invigorating exfoliation and a massage that hits every pressure point. Or, if you’re willing to mess up your hair, the Wild Lime Scalp Treatment ($85) is a relaxing stress-reliever like no other. Just one bit of advice: It’s best to book morning appointments, when there’s still a light breeze.
The only bummer about the cabanas is that they’re only available to hotel guests—and room rates start at $525 a night. If you can’t convince the Bank of Dad to fork over that much cash for a one-night in-town escape, the Peninsula does have two spa-only cabanas available. You won’t be able to watch TV in your own private hut after your treatment, but then again, the panoramic views of the city are actually far more enticing.
Alexandra Le Tellier is Bars & Clubs editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
