The Sofitel, Los Angeles

Whoever decreed that less is more certainly has not stayed at the Sofitel Los Angeles during the Christmas holiday season. The dazzling lobby which already is a masterpiece of sheen and shine and typically looks like a Fred and Ginger stage set had been transformed with a generous blaze of white twinkle lights into a winter wonderland. Let’s just say that it’s normally a lobby that evokes a feeling of celebrities lurking in the corners – dark and sexy – with the emphasis on dark, but today a perfectly proportioned Christmas tree standing dead center behind the mammoth steel sculpture that dominates the open space and chilly temperatures outside, have brought the holiday spirit full circle.

I was half expecting to hear Jingle Bells any minute, but maybe in French. I was happy to be back at Sofitel, L.A., one of my favorite hotels and the Squire’s too.  A slice of Paris in the middle of Los Angeles as their moniker goes; what could be more enticing?

It’s no secret that the hotel has earned kudos for its contemporary chic décor and winning service; I’d go so far as to say that it’s a perfect marriage of French style and American culture. Take breakfast, for example. A simple continental breakfast brings a bread basket that includes a slice of fresh baguette (with real French butter), two freshly baked mini-croissants (accompanied by Bonne Maman jams and honey), a Pain Raisin, a Chocolate Brioche and a homemade poppy seed muffin (maybe for those who have not embraced a real French petit dejeuner). Coffee is strong yet “Americain” and fresh o.j. and complimentary vials of a fresh smoothee (which change every day) complete the spread.  Add a full blown rose (or orchid) sitting in a pretty glass and your favorite paper to get your brain revved and you have the perfect beginning of a day dans le chambre.

But even before breakfast hastily arrives, if you were smart enough to grab a Hollywood Hills facing Luxury King (as opposed to the busy boulevard side) you probably parted the thick silk curtains and basked in the view from your big cozy bed. Or marched into the walk-in closet sized shower with its peek-a-boo window and peered out on the scene from within.

You’ll be tempted to stay in that bath for awhile thanks to plush white towels aplenty and Les Notes de Lanvin amenities. It gets even better of course, this being L.A. after all. Once you tear yourself away from your swank little apartment, you’re ready for a workout, naturally. And trust me; you won’t be in a rush to vacate the Sofitel’s gym too soon.  You’ll probably make a friend or two, it’s that kind of place – professional, deluxe and spacious. Afterwards be sure to book a facial at the adjacent spa or head right across the street to the Beverly Center for a little shopping spree. In a city known for its brutal traffic you can practically stay car-free here; literally everything you’d want is steps away from the property. Why hassle?

Besides the beloved ambience and over the top service, that is perhaps the single most important aspect about the Sofitel, Los Angeles – accessibility 24/7.  And when you return to your little slice of Paris you’ll breathe a sigh and head to your well-appointed chamber. Crack open a petite bottle of Moet from the mini-bar and relax in front of the huge flat screen. I wonder what flavor the smoothie will be tomorrow.