Should you you say ‘oui’ to a stay at Sofitel Los Angeles, here is what to expect!

THE WHAT

First, for those who are unfamiliar, Sofitel is the only French luxury hotel brand with a presence on five continents with 120 addresses, in almost 40 countries that offers a genuine experience of the French “art de vivre.” You’ll definitely find that at the brand’s Los Angeles property in spades thanks to its particular blend of Hollywood hip and French luxury.

THE WHERE

The hotel has some seriously prime real estate. Located at the intersection of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, Sofitel is located near some of the best and trendiest restaurants in L.A., including The Nice Guy, Verlaine, Rosaline, Matsuhisa and E.P./LP. It’s also a stone’s throw about from Melrose Place and literally across the street from the Beverly Center (seriously, you can even see it from some of the north-facing rooms).

Restaurant L'Esterel — Restaurant L’Esterel

THE ROOMS

Blending Hollywood glamour with European flair, Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills rooms and suites are adorned with the trademark SoBedTM sleeping systems, flat panel HP televisions, oversized work desks, two-line telephones, and both wired and wireless Internet access available throughout the hotel. Amenities include room service, turndown service and an outdoor heated pool and fire pit. Our recommendation: go big or stay home. Book the Penthouse, which offers 950 square feet of space, views of the Hollywood Hills, a glass-enclosed shower, balcony, Bose surround sound and Hermes amenities. Tres chic, as the French might say!

THE SPA (+ SALON + FITNESS CENTER)

We know it’s cheesy, but it’s true—there’s a lot here for your mind, body and spirit. First, the fitness center: it’s awesome and actually huge for a hotel gym, which tons of cardio, weight training and everything in between. Plus, go at the right time, and you’ll have the whole place to yourself. And though it isn’t in the same vicinity, yes, to answer that burning question, the property does have a pool. Moving on, Le Salon at Sofitel is a great place to get your ‘do done for a night out in Tinseltown, featuring planters with fresh lavender, and splashes of modern furniture and European/French statement pieces. This boutique salon is comprised of three chic stylist stations, a drying station, makeup application area, and a charming al fresco “bistro” style patio garden. Le Salon meshes well with the hotel’s contemporary French profile: the space exudes a cozy, feel framed within high-end sophistication akin to that of its spa, a charming and intimate relaxation spot that offers massages, facials and body treatments using specialty beauty products from Decleor and Carita. There’s also a hammam for a much-needed indulgence. This fall make sure to check out a special on offer, that includes a massage and a blowout: $200 will buy you a 60-minute So Relaxing Massage and a wash and blowout at Le Salon. Magnifique!

THE RESTAURANTS

There are a plethora of options here, but our favorite is the magical Le Jardin, the floral, secret garden-inspired patio area of the hotel’s signature eatery, Estérel. The former takes you to the south of France; designed as a French garden patio, is an extension of Esterel Restaurant’s indoor space and is home to many breathtaking features for an alfresco afternoon and evening dining including contemporary lighting and fountains, a Provencal inspired herb garden, colorful seating and an extensive driftwood bar and three “living walls” of plants as the backdrop. In a corner is a romantic table for two framed by a flowered trellis, surrounded by greenery—the perfect spot for a romantic date night. Next to the patio, hidden in the back, there’s the Aviary, which includes an outdoor space with a private bar, a wall full of mirrors and bird cages overhead.

From Estérel, named after the mountains in southeast France that overlook the sea, expect French bistro fare with accents of Mediterranean flavors. There’s something for everyone, including gluten-free, vegetarian and children’s options. That said, oysters and champagne really lend themselves to this setting.

Last but not least is the hotel’s newly renovated lounge, Riviera 31. The France-meets-California look of this updated boite (and very recently updated too, given that the hotel showed off the bar’s new look on May 31) with a sensual baroque take on flowers. It is the evening foil to Le Jardin, full of opulent textures, a dark and sexy color palette, hushed lights and velvet booths, accents of gold furniture and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system to support the Riviera 31’s renowned live music programming. An open floor plan creates a great vibe for various live performances, and a built-in custom DJ booth features both an updated sound and high-tech lighting system. Throughout the space, pillars are painted in a glossy black reminding the baby grand piano style, and he cozy ruby red velvet sofas welcome the guests for lounge on, under the gold Rococo ceiling. Additionally, the VIP area is updated to give clientele, well, the VIP experience—here you’ll find customized floral wallpaper that covers the walls and serves as a beautiful backdrop to the lush sapphire blue velvet couches.

An updated cocktail menu focuses on rum and whisky libations, served alongside a menu of small plates that combines California’s health conscious needs and the Mediterranean’s fresh and seasonal ingredients. FYI: this place gets rowdy on weekend nights with bass-a-thumping, but it won’t bother guests who decide to turn in early at all.

THE ART

Some of the coolest features of the Sofitel lie in its lobby art. There’s “Knot No. 11” by sculptor Damon Hyldreth, a piece specifically commissioned by the hotel to represent the Gordion Knot, a symbol of swift and decisive decision making. There’s also the awesome and Instagram-worthy Butterfly Coin Chair, made of 1,480 American half dollars, which is a stone’s throw away from the photo booth that you may (or may not, given the day) be lucky enough to use.