by Paul Revel PENINSULA BEVERLY HILLS
DISCREET LUXURY IS THE BEST WAY to sum up this property in the heart of Beverly Hills – despite its proximity to busy boulevards, it feels private, secluded and exclusive, tucked away behind thick foliage. Perhaps that’s why it appeals to A-listers who don’t always want to be in the spotlight – only the secret service agents gave away the presence of Hillary Clinton, who was a guest during my stay. The hotel completed a US$25 million renovation in 2012.
9882 South Santa Monica Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, US Tel: (1-310) 551 2888
peninsula.com
ROOMS: A total of 194 guest rooms, including 16 villas and 37 suites. The rooms are spacious – my grand deluxe room was a bright and airy 57sq m with full-height French windows. It’s also work-friendly: a large desk with lots of stationery, a printer/scanner/copier (you visit the hotel website to download the driver), a connectivity hub including a USB charger, and free wifi throughout the hotel. The big Hollywood-esque bathroom is clad in pink and white marble, with bath and separate walk-in shower and Oscar de la Renta products. RESTAURANTS AND BARS: The poolside Roof Garden restaurant on the fifth floor is a great spot, daytime or evening, with gas patio heaters if there’s a chill in the air – that is, anything under 20˚C for southern Californians. The chef grows herbs, salad leaves and vegetables in rooftop beds, and serves fresh, casual Californian fusion cuisine, including fish tacos, jerk chicken
paillard and lobster BLT. The Belvedere restaurant on the ground floor has an outside patio and serves great breakfasts. The wood-panelled Club Bar is a cosy celeb haunt in winter. BUSINESS FACILITIES: Three meetings spaces, including the Verandah Room, with a capacity of 120 theatre-style, or a reception for 250, including the outdoor garden terrace, which can be covered in winter. Additionally, the Belvedere has a private dining room. LEISURE FACILITIES: The rooftop pool, with views of Century City, is a real highlight, as is the luxurious spa with an indulgent range of signature treatments. Also on the top floor is the well- equipped fitness centre. VERDICT: Despite the celebrity comings and goings, and high-end exclusivity with prices to match, the hotel retains a comfortable, relaxed feel. There’ll be few business travellers unhappy to find themselves booked into the Peninsula.
by Paul Revel
AMERICAN AIRLINES A321 Business class
Los Angeles LAX- New York JFK
THIS IS AMERICAN AIRLINES’ new business-focused transcontinental service, which started in January this year and features four classes of cabin – with half the economy cabin as Main Cabin Extra (AA’s premium economy). This means nearly two-thirds of the aircraft’s 102 seats are at some level of premium class, which give the flight a high-end, upmarket vibe. This is reflected in the business and first class cabins, which both feature fully flat beds. By May, all 11 of AA’s daily flights on this route are planned to be operated by A321s.
CHECK-IN AND LOUNGE: There is kerbside check-in at LAX’s Terminal 4, but it was just as easy and quick to go inside to the empty business class priority check-in desk. The Admirals Club lounge seats 300-plus, and offers free wifi, computer terminals, printing/ copier facilities and showers. Beer and wine are complimentary, plus a few snacks. SERVICE: Pre-takeoff, I asked for my jacket to be hung up, which it was, and was offered a glass of prosecco. Service was friendly and solicitous, in an easy going, informal American style. The afternoon meal included a good starter of smoked salmon with
BUYINGBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM
seared ahi-tuna, salad with strawberries and pecans, and a choice of breads. The gorgonzola-crusted beef fillet was the only disappointing part of the meal. Also on offer was spinach and cheese stuffed chicken breast, and stuffed portabello mushroom. The wine list included Echelon California cabernet and Rued chardonnay from the Russian River Valley (also in California). THE SEAT: The business cabin is configured 2-2 (a 1-1 configuration is the main advantage of first class). There’s a decent amount of in-seat stowage, a cubbyhole behind your shoulder, which has UK
mains power and USB sockets. Plus there is a shallow shelf below the 15.4-inch touchscreen, and you can stow a bag under the ottoman footrest. It’s a good seat for this 5- to 6-hour flight – the guy next to me was over 6ft and he could stretch out on the fully flat bed (pillow and quilt are provided). There’s a great choice of IFE and excellent noise-cancelling Bose headphones. VERDICT: I expect business travellers will welcome this service: a good experience and a pleasant way to travel coast-to-coast, with attentive staff and a comfortable space to work, relax or sleep.
BBT MAY/JUNE 2014 115
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