The Rates at Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

"When to go: Anytime but awards season—late January through mid-March—when prices spike and traffic is intolerable"

"For the location, prices are surprisingly reasonable, but there is serious competition from nearby Restaurant Row"

""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"

"The gym also gives out expensive memberships to neighborhood locals"