The chic Philippe Starck decor at this Los Angeles hotspot rockets guests into the future as soon as they walk in. Fresh off a $22 million renovation in 2018, the hotel has retained the playground-esque feel that Starck created through a unique blend of dining, drinking, and lounge spaces that are mostly decorated with mid-century modern furnishings, with surrealist touches. With a food program run by the inimitable chef José Andrés, who has made the SLS a hotspot for trend-followers and foodies in the know, you’re guaranteed to eat well here. The hotel offers complimentary car service within a two-mile radius. Starck designed the Ciel Spa to resemble “a dreamscape” and that it is, with ethereal white decor and treatment rooms featuring huge, free-standing bathtubs.
SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills has won the 2019 CNT Readers’ Choice Awards as the best hotel in the world and Laura Ratliff reviews the hotel.
How did it strike you on arrival?
The chic Philippe Starck decor at this L.A. hotspot rockets guests into the future as soon as they walk in. Fresh off a $22 million renovation in 2018, the hotel has retained the playground-esque feel that Starck created through a unique blend of dining, drinking, and lounge spaces that are mostly decorated with mid-century modern furnishings, with surrealist touches.
Nice. What’s the crowd like?
Beautiful people who definitely live in L.A.
The good stuff: Tell us about your room.
Rooms are neutral and modernist, but have cozy touches such as faux-fur bed throws and handmade needlepoint pillows. Some rooms have balconies or terraces, and many have spacious, free-standing bathtubs.
How about the little things, like mini-bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?
Bath products are by Ciel, which also runs the hotel’s 5,000-square-foot spa—more on that later.
Room service and food: Worth it?
The inimitable chef José Andrés has made the SLS a hotspot for trend-followers and foodies in the know. Bazaar serves multi-course molecular gastronomy tasting menus that include dishes like his famous cotton-candy foie gras and liquid olives. Afterward, finish your meal off with a treat from his SLS Patisserie. (Andrés’s team oversees the 24-hour room service menu, too, so no matter where, you’ll eat well here.)
Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.
The hotel offers complimentary car service within a two-mile radius. Starck designed the Ciel Spa to resemble “a dreamscape” and that it is, with ethereal white decor and treatment rooms featuring huge, free-standing bathtubs. The spa menu includes standard massages and facials, but also more invasive treatments such as biopuncture and even a post-liposuction care package. (Just in case you forgot that you’re in L.A.)
Bottom line: worth it, and why?
Utterly sleek, but still comfortable—and with great access to shopping and other L.A. attractions.
