Viceroy L’Ermitage
ONE of aKIND
Writer Julianne Zigos @juliedee59 Photos Courtesy of Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills
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ince 2010 Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills has been the epitome of luxury lodging. Boasting the largest rooms in Beverly Hills, the hotel is comprised totally of suitestyle accommodations, therefore living up to its name, l’ermitage, meaning a secluded residence or private retreat; hideaway. One hundred and sixteen suites in total, each one is complete with a private balcony promising views of either Hollywood or Beverly Hills. Secluded and residential it is. Situated on a tree-lined neighborhood block among affluent apartments and million dollar mini-mansions it’s less than a mile away from the action on Rodeo Drive. Traveling sans wheels? The Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills has you covered, offering on-call house Mercedes to shuttle you to your choice of the many local designer boutiques, museums, and restaurants.
Immediately upon arrival, we feel right at home. And that’s the intention. L’Ermitage has recently undergone and completed a $50 million dollar renovation courtesy of Smith-Firestone Associates (SFA). Along with updates to the décor or the rooms, lounges, and restaurant one of the main objectives was to create a lobby that wasn’t — an entryway that made guests feel like they had arrived at their home away from home rather than like checking in at another swanky, yet impersonal hotel. “The lobby vibe is that it isn’t a lobby,” says Kara Smith president of SFA. “It feels perfect for a long stay.” The color scheme for the redesign is downright regal. Neutral hues are tranquil yet elevated, brushed in gold and silver from the walls to
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the carpeting with matching metallic upholstery and lustrous leather and velvet coverings. Bold accents of royal blue and dark chocolate create rich contrast throughout the corporate areas of the residence. “Our intent was to create a series of unique settings that celebrate the individuality and personalities of L’Ermitage’s guests,” said Smith. All the glitz and glamour nods to vintage Hollywood, and we can easily see how this tranquil retreat became a celebrity haven. “Beverly Hills is a destination that is one of a kind and Viceroy L’Ermitage is a hotel within that destination that is equally one of a kind. To stand out amongst the quality of competition that we face it was important that the approach to the design in this hotel was truly individual,” says Bill Walshe, Chief Executive Officer of the Viceroy Hotel Group of the redesign, revealed in 2016. “This renovation, the refurbishment, and the re-launch has truly been a labor of love. The memories that our guests’ generate at this hotel are one-off, bespoke, couture memories that will last for a lifetime.” One of our favorite luxury settings is the rooftop pool, featuring 360-degree views of Beverly Hills and private cabanas to enjoy a massage or cocktails in the shade. The amenities don’t stop there. Guests can also make a toast with welcome glass of bubbly upon arrival or relax and rejuvenate with complementary yoga on Saturdays. Can’t bear to part with your pooch? L’Ermitage is highly pet friendly, offering a Canine Club that includes treats, dog walking services, and a custom Viceroy dog bed, leash, food and water bowls en suite. There is a fee, but L’Ermitage Beverly Hills will donate 50% of it to local adoption center, Wags & Walks.