The SLS Receives My Nod for Best Hotel
I travel to Los Angeles two to three times a year for work and I typically stay at the W Hollywood Hotel. I decided for my next five-night trip that it was mandatory that I stay somewhere else (the W Hollywood is unbearable after two nights). After some research and a reasonable rate negotiated by my employer’s travel agent, I decided on the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, a hotel of The Luxury Collection by Starwood. The SLS is located on La Cienega Boulevard, near the behemoth shopping center - the Beverly Center. 
Upon arrival, I was warmly greeted by the valet attendants and quickly entered the outdoor lobby, which is quite striking (i.e. crystal-like deer heads). The lobby, although dark, is nicely appointed with animal sculptures that double as lighting fixtures. Don’t be alarmed when you get into the elevator. The well-dressed people staring at you when you get on the elevators are only pictures but will require a double take because of their life-sized appearance. I stayed on the fifth floor in a Premier King room facing La Cienega where I could hear the hum of cars whizzing by the hotel. The decorative room with its large windows, mirrored walls, and moody lighting made up for the noise. 
The bathroom has two sliding doors: one that peeks into the living area and another one, which connects into the small hallway. The Ciel products in the bathroom were refreshing and I made sure to stock up upon checkout. The gym, located on the 2nd floor near Ciel Spa, has enough equipment to conduct a full workout. Altitude, or what I call it, a “Super Chic Pool Deck,” is abundantly staffed with affable waiters including a guy named Alex. What makes this hotel so amazing is its stellar approach to customer service. Everyone from the valet guys to the front desk attendants exude niceness. The SLS or “See Life Sideways,” according to its marketing materials, isn’t cheap (I dinned on a $40 dollar breakfast consisting of a pressed croissant and juice) but its well worth the price.