5 minute read
Reviews
ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: After an early-morning flight from Philadelphia International Airport, I arrived at SLS Beverly Hills in the early afternoon, ready to check in and head to my room to relax a little before dinner that night. When I arrived at the hotel, the nicest doorman greeted me, asking me how my day had been and directing me where to go. The check-in experience was smooth and quick. I headed to my room on the third floor, ready to settle in.
Advertisement
GUEST QUARTERS: My guestroom was some distance from the elevator but not too long a walk. I entered into a spacious living room area with a giant closet on the left-hand side. Continuing into the room, I found the door to the bedroom on the right; beyond was a bright yellow couch in the living room. Across from the couch a generously sized TV displayed a digital message reading, “Welcome, Mary” — a personal touch I appreciated. A countertop below the TV held a nice set-up of liquors and spirits, while underneath, a mini fridge offered an assortment of drinks both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. Next to the fridge a shelf held different types of savory and sweet snacks. The living room featured a small table convenient for getting work done or enjoying a quick meal.
The spacious bedroom featured a comfy king-sized bed where I experienced one of the best sleeps of my life. Across from the bed, a smart TV allows guests to log in to their Netflix, Hulu and other streaming services. Next to the bedroom, the bathroom included a huge walk-in shower, and a lovely vanity provided plenty of shelf space for toiletries and makeup products.
Although the room was amazing, my favorite item was the robe. It felt like I was walking around in a cloud. I wore it every chance I got!
SERVICES/AMENITIES: Since we were in the city for work, I didn’t have much time to explore the hotel. Guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast, including freshly squeezed juices and more, by the cozy fireplace at The Nook. For dinner, Vista Rooftop offers California cuisine and breathtaking views of Beverly Hills.
The hotel features a rooftop pool where guests can relax on a daybed and soak up the sun’s rays by the water. Guests can also head to Ciel Spa to indulge in a range of treatments, full salon services and more. Before you start your day, don’t forget to get in a workout at the SLS Fitness Center.
REVIEWED BY Mary Melnick
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
The rooftop pool offers the perfect place to take in the amazing views of Beverly Hills and other communities beyond. -------------------------With two restaurants on property, guests can enjoy two different dining experiences. -------------------------The hotel isn’t far from The Grove and Rodeo Drive, so guests can explore both during their stay.
SLS HOTEL, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL, BEVERLY HILLS 465 S. La Cienega Blvd. Los Angeles, California 90048 tel 310 247 0400 marriott.com
THE BLUFF HOTEL SAVANNAH HISTORIC DISTRICT
ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I flew from Sarasota, Florida, to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, where my cousin picked me up and drove us to The Bluff Hotel. What better way to enjoy Savannah than with a girls’ weekend in early December, just as the city decorated for Christmas?
Part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, this boutique hotel sits close to the Talmage Memorial Bridge on the edge of the River District. We self-parked; and as we walked inside, hotel staff swiftly greeted us and took us through an easy check-in process. We made our way to the second floor to a room near the elevator but with a nice view of City Hall.
GUEST QUARTERS: Our King Suite featured separate living and sleeping areas. In the living room I enjoyed a generous L-shaped sofa, cozy corner chair and wall-mounted flat-screen TV, along with an oversized hardcover book of Savannah on the coffee table. The mini-kitchen offered two barstools and a large wooden countertop which held a nice welcome gift of nuts and chocolates from River Street Sweets and a bottle of Shatter Grenache. The sleeping area offered an extremely comfortable king-sized bed and another cozy corner chair and flat-screen TV. The art above the bed displayed framed photos in black, white and sepia tones depicting local landmarks. Although a bit minimalist and modern in its design, the extra details of the Savannah-specific coffee-table book and prints elevated this room to its boutique status.
I was surprised to see the bathroom was the same length as the bedroom — and one of the larger bathrooms I’ve recently seen while traveling. There was no tub, but it featured a large walk-in shower with glass doors at one end; a wide mirror, sink and large countertop at the other; and a toilet in the middle. Amenities included LATHER modern apothecary products, and I couldn’t get enough of the bamboo lemongrass shower gel.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: The Bluff offers a large gathering area with a full cocktail bar called Twin Spades, impeccably designed, but no bartenders were available during the pandemic. I used the space to work remotely and prepare for my upcoming appointments, enjoying the clean lines and punches of color in the modern art on the walls.
I did take advantage of the complimentary hot breakfast offered each morning and was impressed with how well-stocked it was, allowing me and many other guests to start the day with a full stomach.
Although The Bluff is lovely on its own, one of the best aspects is the location of the hotel. My cousin and I walked to the River District more than once and could easily enjoy the beautiful squares for which Savannah is famous. For those whose feet aren’t quite up for the walk, The Bluff offers bicycles for rent, and the city accommodates with plenty of bike trails and spaces for riding.
REVIEWED BY Carrie Cox
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
Excellent location to enjoy the Savannah River District and within walking distance of most of the city -------------------------Complimentary hot breakfast with Southern favorites like biscuits and sausage gravy, cheesy grits and eggs -------------------------Spacious suites with separate working, sleeping and eating areas
THE BLUFF HOTEL SAVANNAH HISTORIC DISTRICT, ASCEND HOTEL COLLECTION 630 W. Bay St. Savannah, GA 31401 tel 912 629 2001 thebluffhotel.com
