Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, CA

The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills has been a hotel I’ve wanted to visit for a while now. Usually there’s limited availability for free night certificates (of which I had thanks to my American Express Hilton Surpass credit card), but the pandemic changed all that. With Beverly Hills being an easy drive from Phoenix, I decided to book a weekend trip with nothing planned other than enjoying milder weather than Phoenix from my room's balcony.

While things were a bit different (only the rooftop restaurant open and closures of the spa, salon, and gym as well as many of the lobby stores), the hotel itself was still impressive. I was greeted warmly and, having arrived before check-in, escorted (the elevator operates by keycard) to the rooftop restaurant to have lunch while I waited for my room.

Just as I finished eating, I received a text that my room was ready and that I should respond with my location so a staff member could show me to the room.

It was a quick process and I was soon relaxing in my third floor room. Hilton Gold status didn’t get me an upgrade this time, so the balcony view was of the street below, but I enjoyed it all the same.

I was also impressed to find a welcome chocolate cupcake waiting for me.

The room had pretty much everything one could ask for with robes, slippers, and even an umbrella.

The front door had a chain lock and privacy notification done electronically rather than with a door sign. The massive bathroom had the standard toiletries along with extras like a loofah, bath salts, and a Dyson hair dryer although there was no lock on the bathroom door.

In-room coffee (but no tea) was ready to go and the small fridge was fully accessible as all the minibar products had been removed (they could be ordered via an iPad).

The lights and window blinds were all controlled with a convenient touch of a button. The room also featured one large screen TV across from the two queen beds.

Every piece of furniture from the beds to the balcony chairs was splendidly comfortable and so my plans to spend the weekend relaxing went beautifully. Pleny of outlets including for USB cables were in the room too, so I didn't have to worry about charging any of my electronics.

Hilton Gold status gives guests a $25/day dining credit at the hotel restaurants, so I ate a few times at The Rooftop by JG. The view was always gorgeous, but service varied widely. Most times the staff was attentive, but on Friday night (a little busy, but not crowded due to social distancing guidelines) I sat for so long without ordering and without even being given a glass of water (when I finally did get water, there was no ice) that I contemplated leaving and ordering room service. I timed it at over 30 minutes. If I hadn’t been marveling at the sunset, I wouldn’t have waited that long. When the waiter did arrive, there was no acknowledgement of the wait. The food was good, but for the price (though it Beverly Hills, so it was all relatively affordable), I expected top-notch service each time.

The pool and hot tub are next to the rooftop restaurant, so the view from twelve stories up can also be taken in while swimming or lounging on one of the many recliners.

The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is pet friendly though there is a fee. Parking is valet only at the steep price of $65/day.

DoubleTree Suites Doheny Beach in Dana Point, CA

Christmas found me heading to Dana Point, CA just like I did a few years ago although this time I chose a different hotel. The DoubleTree Suites Doheny Beach is right across from the beach as the name implies. It was too cold to wade into the water, but the view from the rooftop was great. Unfortunately the rooftop bar wasn’t open for service during my visit. So I ordered a martini from the downstairs restaurant and carried it up to the rooftop bar which was right next to my fourth floor room. In some ways I’m grateful the bar wasn’t open as it may have made for noise outside my room.

I booked the standard king suite, which is the room I got when I arrived early to a lobby decorated for Christmas. The woman working at the front desk implied that an upgraded room with an ocean view might be available later in the day, but I was in need of a nap and asked for the first available. The cutely decorated fourth floor room suited me fine. In addition to the comfortable king bed which was flanked by nightstands with lamps, there was a pull-out sofa bed in a separate living area that also featured a desk and TV.

There was another TV above a dressing bench in the bedroom portion of the room. In the closet was extra bedding if someone was going to be sleeping on the pull-out as well as a safe and an iron and ironing board. I appreciated having a mini-fridge and plenty of outlets, some of which included USB ports. A coffeemaker was also in the room.

The tiny bathroom was unfortunately a bit dark with a small vanity. Along with the standards of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soap, there was also a hair dryer, shower cap, and sewing kit.

The view from my room was of the freeway and there wasn’t a balcony (although there was a sliding glass door) as the rooms with an ocean view have, but I was only a few steps from the Longboard Rooftop Lounge that did feature an excellent view and had cozy seating too.

As a Hilton Gold member, the cold buffet at the Doheny Surf restaurant located just off the lobby was included in my stay. There was a good selection including fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, and pastries. Much to my surprise and appreciation, I was able to take my food to go. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Room service is also available.

Along with it's next to the beach location, the pet-friendly hotel has plenty to offer. There’s a gym, pool, and bicycles are available to rent on-site from a third party.

The lobby also has a small business center with computers for use.

Parking is $29/day whether valet or self-park.