Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, USA

On Wiltshire Boulevard, this smart hotel is nestled in one of LA's most exclusive, moneyed neighbourhoods. Although there's not much interest in the immediate vicinity, high-end shopping and fine dining are easily accessed. The shops of Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip are less than a ten-minute drive away, while Santa Monica beach, Hollywood Boulevard, Universal Studios Theme Park and the airport are all about 25 minutes away.

By plane: flights to Los Angeles from London take 11 hours. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from LAX airport. Parking costs $68 per day. Book flights to Los Angeles.

From the moment you enter the double-height, three-tiered lobby area with its opulent carpeting, Italian marble, large chandelier and other nods to luxury, the grandeur sets the ambience. The hotel was built by architectural firms Perkins+Will and Gensler, and is one of the tallest buildings in Beverly Hills, extending to 13 floors, including the rooftop. The room interiors were designed by famed French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon and don't disappoint.

The staff are friendly and professional. Facilities include a large roof deck with a restaurant, al fresco bar, saltwater pool and hot tub, a spa and a 24-hour fitness centre with personal trainers on request. There's also a salon for hair, make-up and eyebrow treatments, a concierge, valet service and numerous complimentary services such as unpacking, shoe shine and garment press. On the ground floor, there's a pop-up shop and another, Bijou, with high-end men's fashion.

• Restaurants
• Bar
• Swimming pool
• Fitness centre
• Paid parking
• Free Wi-Fi

All of the rooms and suites have terraces and feel suitably stately. Neutrally decorated primarily in cream tones, but perhaps with flourishes of pale green, baby blue, gold or brown, as well as a big, supremely comfortable bed, they may also have a chaise longue or armchairs. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the glorious views.

Room types: Superior King, Superior Queen, Deluxe, Beverly Hills, Junior Suites, Suites, Penthouses

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, tea and coffee facilities, TV, free Wi-Fi

The food options are overseen by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. There's the upscale Jean-Georges Beverly Hills with indoor and outdoor seating, al fresco dining at The Rooftop by JG or poolside, light bites in the Lobby Lounge and cocktails at the swish Jean-Georges Beverly Hills Bar. However, whilst dining here is in great surroundings, the food we tried was underwhelming.

Jean-Georges Beverly Hills: innovative Califorian cooking with some New York favourites. Open daily for breakfast and Tues-Sat for dinner.

The Rooftop by JG: Californian dining. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Sat & Sun for brunch.