Martini Madness On Rodeo

With the price of a few rounds of “designer” martinis requiring a C-note these days, it’s hard to imagine five for less than $20. But that’s exactly the deal at the Luxe Hotel’s Bar 360 Monday-Friday, 5:30-7:30 pm: $3.60 drink specials include a fresh watermelon martini, or, shades of Sex and the City, a cool Cosmopolitan, both giving deeper meaning to “happy hour.” Small plates like fried green tomatoes and fresh burrata, lobster...

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The Continental Touch
Jan25

The Continental Touch

So, you’re looking for some quiet luxury, a bit off the beaten path, but still close in and a tad undiscovered. It’s no further than a stone’s throw from the heart of Century City. Not many people realize that InterContinental has taken over what was formerly the Park Hyatt and for those with really long memories, the JW Marriott property on the edge of the Fox lot. Now that the St. Regis has gone condo, this is the hideaway hotel in...

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Topping Toppers: The Penthouse
Jan12

Topping Toppers: The Penthouse

Remember that kitschy Mexican dive Toppers, that place you took out-of-towners for a couple of cheap beers, marginal Margaritas and free nachos for happy hour? Those bad/sad memories will be forever altered as soon as you step into the gauzy, elegant yet beachy Penthouse atop the Huntley Hotel (designed by Thomas Schoos, of Koi and NY Tao renown.)  Open just over a month, the Penthouse is packing them in for happy hour, dinner and...

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Bon Relaxation

Remember when the Sofitel across from the BevCen was Ma Maison and stodgy/French, as opposed to its current hip/modern French? With last summer’s opening of Simon LA and Rande Gerber’s Stone Rose, those images were banished forever from the corner of La Cienega and Beverly. Now it’s the spa’s turn for a complete makeover, and it’s gorge. Officially named LeSpa at Sofitel, it JUST opened its doors. Pampering aestheticians love using...

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Montage Beverly Hills: New Place For Old Money
Jan15

Montage Beverly Hills: New Place For Old Money

Once TAR’s favorite open-air parking lot, the space between Canon and Beverly Drives has finally been transformed—after years of political wrangling between the neighbors, including hotel neighbors who didn’t want the competition and the city—into one of Beverly Hills’ premier places to stay. Managing director Ali Kasikci, formerly of the Pen, is making sure this new 8-story, 201-room luxury hotel becomes an icon of style and...

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