Three Days In Beverly Hills LA CA

My first rule --- wherever I am going, and as soon as I arrive, I unpack immediately. It is my desire to immerse myself and "live like a local."

““Live Like A Local””

I love Beverly Hills. So any chance I get to zip on down, my heart starts pumping, my adrenaline rushing. I don't even care if I fly or drive. I actually enjoy the "me time". I learned that saying from my daughter Bianca.

So here goes. You have 3 nights and 4 days. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to do it all. Many have tried, but can't keep up! Can you?

Check In: Viceroy L’ermitage Beverly Hills or the LUXE Rodeo Drive Hotel

Viceroy L'ermitage Beverly Hills - One of my favorite Beverly Hills hotels conveniently located on Burton Drive between Rodeo Drive and Robertson Blvd. on a lovely tree-lined street. The lobby bar and lounge feels like home, comfortable yet not overly crowded like larger hotels. You might even overhear a Hollywood deal in the making.

If I don't stay at the Viceroy L'ermitage I usually stay at the LUXE Rodeo Drive Hotel. However if the weather is nice ( and I need a swimming pool ) or I have a lot of work I opt for L'ermitage. Their rooms are quite spacious, more like suites then rooms. The large bathroom with tub and separate shower, and the walk-in closet are sheer perfection. I could stay in my room all day, working and ordering room service. I may pop up to the gym for a quick workout overlooking Sunset Blvd - rather, looking up towards the Sunset Strip. Or hold a meeting or meet with a friend downstairs for a cup of tea or a glass of wine. The lobby bar and lounge feels more like your own private living room with the bonus of cocktail service! A spa treatment is always a nice way to unwind, but a hot steam after a long day of sipping and shopping is a daily must. Simply no need to ever leave. (I have actually inquired about renting by the month!) And no need for a car - take Uber or Lyft to and from LAX and use thee hotel car service @ L’ermitage while in-residence. (Just call the concierge.)

The LUXE Rodeo Drive is ideal when I am flying solo. It's cozy and I feel safe. Many of the staff have been with the LUXE for over 20 to 30 years. It's a very comfortable and stylish hotel similar to a European Bed and Breakfast. And, the breakfast is lovely too. The location couldn't be more ideal. Walk right out the front door and you are smack dab in the middle of decadence, extravagance and luxury... Rodeo Drive.

I can walk to everything I need from the LUXE Rodeo Drive Hotel.

Sephora

for a mini make-up application;

lunch at Villa Blanca or Barney Greengrass now Fred's or The Grill on The Alley - where deals are definitely being made at the table all within earshot;

SoulCycle Beverly Hills is a few blocks away just down Rodeo Drive, make a left at the corner past the exquisite Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel...

'tap it back' and get in a great workout.

And you'll find every boutique and department store you can imagine within a few blocks.

Who says "No one walks in LA?"

Also within my pillars, I rotate lunch, dinner and drinks between Spago, Il Pastaio and Via Alloro

Day 1

Morning Work Out

Nobody walks in LA - well I always do. Check out the shops on your way to SoulCycle located on Wilshire Blvd near Beverly Drive.

Everyday is a fashion opportunity, as I always say. As I always say.

““Everyday is a fashion opportunity.””

Lunch @ Villa Blanca | Owned by Lisa Vanderpump of the BRAVO TV Show, Beverly Hills Housewives. We always catch a glimpse of a celebrity. A creature of habit I always start my trip here. A vodka soda and the Chinese Chicken Salad. I especially love the all white interior with tall vases of fresh flowers.

Head back to the hotel, take a nap or grab a steam or a workout because more socializing, eating, drinking and people watching is just around the corner. Or... head over for a Beauty Consultation at Spaulding Drive Plastic Surgery - Not sure what you want or need, then see what the Beverly Hills Doctors recommend. This is the office of Paul Nassif from the Beverly Hills Housewives and Botched. However, I see Dr. Yoo for Botox and Filler and Aubrie for my Vampire Facials aka Micro-Needling.

Dinner | If you are star gazers, try SUR Restaurant in West Hollywood. You never know if they’ll be filming the night you’re there. Be Photo Ready !

But my favorite is on Sunset Blvd - Eveleigh. The decor reminds me a bit like the indoor outdoor restaurants in Tulum.

Day 2

Relax, Exercise, Sip & Socialize

Order in, and enjoy breakfast in bed.

Hike Runyon Canyon |

Bring lots of water and a hat! This takes longer then expected. It's beautiful and crowded. But the views are lovely.

Relax at L’ermitage by the rooftop swimming pool featured in my coffee table book, Contained Beauty, Photographs, Reflections and Swimming Pools.

If you're at the LUXE Rodeo Drive, enjoy the fashionable rooftop deck -- lounge in the sun during the day or catch a movie after dark.

I am all about strategic planning. So I plan my activities wisely in order to limit drive time between events.

Dinner | Katana on Sunset Blvd then walk next door and be entertained at the Infamous Comedy Story on Sunset Blvd. And if you aren't ready to say good-night, walk across the street to The Mondrian Hotel and sip by the swimming pool. Or grab a cab and hit the Sunset Tower Bar where the Hollywood Celebrities and Social Set frequent. If you're feeling more artsy and bohemian you'll like Chateau Marmont. Think Entourage.

Day 3

Breakfast at Il Fornaio. I used to go every morning before work when I lived in LA. I love listening to the patrons and waiters conversing in Italian. Oh how I wish I could speak Italian.

Tour Greystone Mansion

Sunday or Any Day | Enjoy Brunch at The Ivy on Robertson - I am not a beach gal, so I don't go to The Ivy in Santa Monica, but if you are, head West. Beware of the traffic!

If it is Sunday Brunch you'll be greeted by a glass of champagne. If not, order the Bloody Mary.