The Bar/Lounge at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

"The dimly lit Stone Rose lounge is good spot for late-night cocktails and/or canoodling, and Kerry Simon's Simon LA has modern comfort food"

"Amenities: 24-hour Room Service, Bar/lounge, Gym, Pool, Spa View the entire Hot List of the travel world's most noteworthy debuts in 2007 ›"

"Massively renovated in 2006, this 295-room outlet of a French chain on the border of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills combines Continental elegance and Hollywood trendiness, with luxurious rooms, a trendy bar and restaurant, and a gorgeous spa and fitness center"

"And once you've made it through the traffic, you'll find a very impressive hotel operation: smart, reliable and also, thanks to the presence of the Simon LA restaurant (run by star chef Kerry Simon) and the Stone Rose Lounge, surprisingly fashionable"

"One look at the platoon of valets in black berets, the barely lit lobby, and the bouncer stationed at the cocktail lounge and you’d be forgiven for thinking that the $40 million renovation did little more than turn this former faux-château into yet another slick and soulless hostelry"

"Rooms have got ivory laquered chests and premium beds, and the restaurant and Rande Gerber's slick Stone Rose Lounge have become the new darlings of the in-crowd"

"Esterel resto great for all day schmoozing; but for heat and South of France cocktails hit sexy Riviera 31 lounge"

""Elegant and sleek", this Beverly Grove "VIP establishment" offers "modern, classy" facilities, including a spa, outdoor heated pool and fitness center, plus quality dining and a "great" lounge; guests are "treated like movie stars" before retiring to "plush", "lovely" rooms, so while it's "a bit pricey", most agree "all things considered, it's a worthwhile expense"

"It acts like a conservative extension of the lounge, rather than the other way around"

"The chic lounge is decorated with old Hollywood glam in mind, and features jazz, burlesque, DJs and drag shows throughout the week"