Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/meridien/lax/lax.html

What would Beverly Hills be without a fabulous French hotel?

Four and a half years ago (1999) French chain Le Meridien took over Asian-style Nikko, near corner of La Cienega and Burton Way in a most fashionable section of Los Angeles.

Fifteen million dollars later—voila!—Le Meridien at Beverly Hills.

Upon entering lobby, one is enveloped in an atmosphere of fresh, open, comfortable luxe. Marble tile floors color of sun-washed stone extend to reservation desk, a concierge desk, a business center, Café Noir Bar & Lounge, and guest elevators. Ficus trees, potted white chrysanthemums, and a gurgling atrium fountain are centered among cozy couch and coffee table arrangements, as if you were entering an Architectural Digest living room you can call your own.

At reception desk I'm told, "The computers have been down since Friday, so we're going to do this old-fashioned way." The woman speaking has a welcoming smile as she presents paper and pen. "It won't take long." And indeed, when one is greeted with such natural honesty who cares about computers?

Later, Director of Operations Kurt Wiksten says, "At least you'll get an honest, truthful response from us. We're not perfect, but we'll do what we can to make your stay comfortable."

My Junior Suite is everything one would expect. The room is spacious, peach, with blond woods and a chaise longue in addition to queen-sized bed. Linens are top-of-the line and bathroom is oversized and high-tech. There is a deep soaking tub and separate roomy tiled shower, plus bathrobe and slippers. The technology doesn't overpower design, and though this is still a bedroom, you're comfortable with all business amenities available.

All guestrooms have double-edged executive desks, high-speed wireless internet access, personal "walk around" phones, a phone in bathroom, a fax/printer/copier machine, CD/video players, and a bedside control unit programmed in six languages. This is Beverly Hills, after all, where world meets to wheel and deal.

Le Meridien at Beverly Hills, where, according to literature, "European luxury meets L.A. style" has 197 oversized guestrooms, including 54 suites, all designed for a wide variety of personal and business needs.

Other amenities found in all rooms include tea and coffee making items, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, minibar, satellite television, and international direct dial telephone. You can have a free nightly shoe shine and in morning LA Times is outside your door. There are rooms with handicapped capabilities and telephone for use by deaf. Voicemail you check easily yourself is standard on your telephone.

Oui, this is a class hotel, but without any pretense or arrogance. Oui, décor is first-class, amenities abundant, food exquisite and ambiance relaxing, but it's people who make Le Meridien Beverly Hills such a special hotel.

The concierge desk is rarely idle. Here guests can take advantage of a variety of services. From 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., besides driving instructions and car rental, concierge on duty often arranges limo service, gift baskets and flowers, airline and show tickets. Concierge Michelle, originally from London, points to an award on wall and says in her lilting accent, "This is an international award that we're very proud of."

The plaque reads "Resort & Great Hotels Connoisseur's Choice 2002 AWARD to Le Meridien at Beverly Hills."

What was her most unusual request? Michelle pauses, then relates an event that happened during a video conference at LA Convention Center. "A man in Presidential Suite wanted an Xman 2000 game installed in his room." When she found a company to complete it in three hours, he rented it.

To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/sfo/drisco/drisco.html

We all have our own definition of home: Mine is a place of security, a headquarters that I frequently check in to. It's little things that make a home: sweet scent of an afternoon tea, or memorizing where each creak in a wooden floor is. El Drisco Hotel, built in 1903, perches along a ridgetop in ritzy San Francisco Pacific Heights, as close to home as you can possibly get.

My first impression is related to famous Disneyland Haunted House ride. The long hallways felt somewhat scary, with vertically-striped wallpaper reminiscent of 19th century Victorian homes. The concierge at front desk is exceptionally pleasant. Even though I have only one bag, he still offers to help me take it to my room - very professional. I must add that candies near large, wooden front door make me feel like Pavlov's dog; my mouth watering thinking about them on my way in or out of hotel.

Granted, I'm six foot five, but it is still strange ducking under elevator doorway on way to my room, reiterating my theory that one hundred years ago, people actually were shorter. Possibly this is just another aspect of this incredible Edwardian architecture hotel, reinforcing life of a bygone era. I am confused upon reaching my room - #406; opening door is a revelation of yet another hallway leading to two private rooms across from one another. The wooden and carpeted floors slant slightly to right, style of any historic hotel that has seen a century of guests.

Upon entering room, I am greeted by nicely laid out robes, slippers, and a very impressive view - this is a "Deluxe, City-View Suite", consisting of two adjoining rooms. One room is maintained with Victorian-era furniture, and a couch that pulls out to a queen-sized bed. In other room is main queen-sized bed, a boudoir, and a dark, plum-colored wooden desk, slick with lacquer. When I sit down at desk to go over my daily plans, I secretly imagine I am a wealthy CEO making important business decisions from my office overlooking city.

The Drisco boasts 43 guest rooms, 19 suites and plush robes and slippers in every room. Each room also has a CD player, television with VCR, and snacks if you can't make it until dinner. The television probably doesn't get much attention considering gentle sea breezes occasionally strolling in through vintage-style windows, summoning you to go out and keep it company.

In fact, Pacific Height's prestigious residents live down block on "Millionaires' Row"; their houses are reminiscent of renovated Victorian castles. I can't imagine what's not to like at Drisco, serving as a social center for wealthy neighbors. There's a continental breakfast buffet each morning, town car service into and out of city on weekdays, and an evening wine aperitif for those with more sophisticated tastes.