Startle

The design of Montage Beverly Hills draws inspiration from the Spanish-colonial-revival architecture and Mediterranean style that was popular back in the 1920s and 1930s in Beverly Hills. Basically, it’s a modern redux of “old Beverly Hills.” The entire Montage property is awash in brown, gold and cream hues, which complements the prevalent bright blue sky in Beverly Hills. From the rooftop, you have a wonderful view of the replicated Beverly Hills City Hall dome atop the adjacent Bouchon Bistro. The architects of Montage Beverly Hills wanted to create a mini Beverly Hills, which is why they also put in a public park, Beverly Canon Gardens, next to the hotel. These gardens, complete with three fountains, were inspired by the simplicity of European gardens. Throughout the hotel, you’ll discover more European influences in the paintings and objects d’arts, as well as set drawings and original costume designs from old Hollywood film classics. But while the hotel has an old Hollywood feel, it’s still equipped with the most modern technology and amenities, from a bedside control system that lets you direct everything in the room (temperature, lights, drapes, etc.) to the lavish rooftop pool with swanky private cabanas. The regal Montage Beverly Hills will really make you feel like you’ve returned to an era of elegance and class.

Montage Beverly Hills boasts a rooftop pool with panoramic views of Beverly Hills and beyond. The elevated saline pool is made of blue mosaic tiles with petite spitting fountains and large potted plants lining the border. If you’re going for an underwater swim, don’t think you’re crazy when you hear music — soothing classical music plays beneath the surface. Surrounding the pool are private cabanas, some equipped with an LCD TV, a DVD player and, of course, complimentary wireless Internet access, or you may opt for one of the many terrycloth-covered lounge chairs of which there are plenty to choose from. You can also request a fax machine in your cabana. A Montage Beverly Hills staff member may come around and offer you free lime-flavored slushie shots — the answer is yes, please — or order off the full menu at the adjacent Conservatory Grill, Montage’s signature rooftop restaurant serving breakfast and lunch (we recommend the super-fresh 90210 Cobb salad). You’ll find plenty of towels to lie out on or dry off with, along with an ample supply of bottled water to stay hydrated. The pool is open 24 hours, so you can get in a swim whenever you like. The rooftop pool is a wonderful way to take full advantage of Southern California’s perfect weather and enjoy the stunning view of the Hollywood Hills.

What you should know first and foremost about Montage Beverly Hills is that the hotel offers one of the most luxurious overnight experiences you’ll find anywhere. To make the most of your stay at the Five-Star hotel, here are a few specific things you’ll want to be in the know about:

1. If you like pasta, you’ll surely be dining at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Scarpetta. The best seat in the house is the Chef’s Counter, a handful of seats at the far end of the open-air kitchen. Take a seat here and you’ll receive attentive service and a chef’s tasting menu you won’t soon forget.

2. Across from Scarpetta is the Lobby Lounge, where you can hear live music nightly in this spacious, high-ceiling den. (Tuesday through Saturday, you’re also privy to an exclusive sushi menu.) A lovely afternoon tea is also served here, where you can try the amazing delicacies from pastry chef Richard Ruskell, who won the Food Network’s Last Cake Standing to win the title of “Best Cake Artist in America.” What most people don’t know is that you can also order his cakes for private celebrations or if you simply want a delicious cake — just let the staff know that you’d like to purchase one.

3. Besides visiting Spa Montage, a 20,000-square-foot escape that draws inspiration from Spain’s bathing rituals, treat yourself to a haircut next door at the Kim Vo Salon. Most likely, you’ll see Kim Vo himself. E! News watchers will recognize him from his many appearances on the show. The celebrity hairstylist is often in his flagship salon.

4. Remember to bring your gym shoes. One look at the top-notch Montage’s gym facilities and you’ll want to keep up with your physical regimen (and gym-goers have full access to the Spa Montage facilities). A bunch of great fitness classes are offered for only $25 a pop.

5. For families with kids, Montage Beverly Hills offers a children’s program called Paintbox. The hotel arranges fun events for the little ones while you enjoy a spa day or some shopping. You can choose whether your child attends a full day or half day of events.

There’s much to love about Montage Beverly Hills. From the Spanish-colonial-revival architecture to the fantastic location right near Rodeo Drive, the Five-Star hotel is the sort of the place you’ll want to return to again and again. Here are the five things we love most about this Beverly Hills hotel:

1. The restaurant. We must first mention the hotel’s restaurant, Scarpetta. Chef Scott Conant brings his acclaimed restaurant (from New York and Miami) to Beverly Hills. For dinner, request to sit at the Chef’s Counter, which is located inside the immaculate kitchen, where you’re able to watch Scarpetta’s cooks whip up modern Italian fare just inches away. On Sundays, the kitchen is transformed into a prix fixe brunch buffet that’s easily one of L.A.’s best. For $68, dine on all-you-can-eat seafood, pasta, farmer’s market salads, carved meats, omelets and waffles, and much more. You’ll even find unusual treats like foie gras ice cream sandwiches. Upstairs, you’ll need a reservation to enjoy a Macallan scotch at the speakeasy-like Ten Pound.

2. The spa. The two-story, 20,000-square-foot Spa Montage Beverly Hills is a different kind of sanctuary. Here, you’re pampered to the point of surrendering to your own personal providence. You will especially love the coed mineral pool, as well as the Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna in the large locker room.

3. The rooftop pool. The best thing about the rooftop pool is that it’s open 24 hours. It’s an extra-large saline pool that’s usually void of children doing repeated cannonballs. You might opt for a private poolside cabana equipped with an LCD TV and DVD player. And always say yes to the complimentary lime slushie shots being passed around. The view of the Hollywood Hills is amazing and the adjacent Conservatory Grill is a great spot for lunch.

4. The Garden Suites. We love the Garden Suites. Open up the double doors, step onto your fully furnished patio and take in the view of the lovely Beverly Canon Gardens. It doesn’t get any better than this in Beverly Hills.

5. The green effort. The final thing we love about Montage Beverly Hills is its conscious sustainability efforts. The hotel earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification, thanks in large part to its eco-friendly construction practices. But even the little things count: All in-house computers are defaulted to print double-sided, the hotel boasts an 83 percent recycling rate of site waste — these are just two examples of the countless ways Montage Beverly Hills is doing its part to be green.

Even if you’re not the type to ever buy anything from the mini-bar, everyone enjoys a look to see what’s inside. So here’s a sneak peak at what’s inside the mini-bar at Montage Beverly Hills: On the marble countertop, behind cabinet doors, you’ll find some candy bar options including Snickers, Kit Kat, a Hershey’s chocolate bar, along with a bag of Pop Chips, and small little boxes filled with various nuts and gummies — cashews, pistachios, gummy bears, chocolates, etc., if you’re just looking for a flavorful snack. Here, you’ll also find mini liquor bottles and a mini bottle of red wine. Open up the refrigerator below and you’ll pretty much any beverage you can think of — Red Bull, Starbuck’s Espresso Shot drinks, Canada Dry club soda, Sprite, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Fiji bottled water, Tropicana orange juice, and Ocean Spray cranberry juice. Those mini bottles of liquor include Bailey’s Irish cream, Kahlua, Ketel One vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin and Bicardi rum. You’ll also find some Fat Tire beer, Amstel Light and a bottle of Gosset champagne. Whatever you choose to drink — alcoholic or not, you can find it here so you can have something refreshing without leaving your room. The Five-Star hotel also provides complimentary bottled water in your room.

At Montage Beverly Hills, there’s hardly any mention of double beds. In fact, most beds at the Beverly Hills hotel are king-sized ones (with the exception of a few standard guestrooms with two queen-sized beds). No doubt you have an affinity for luxury hotel beds, and the Five-Star Montage Beverly Hills does not disappoint. The cloud-like bed is covered in crisp 500-thread count Filli d’Oro linens — they’re stark white with gold embroidering, making a square on top. The bed skirt sports a similar palette — white with gold embroidered vintage designs. There are large and plush pillows, which all (including the decorative ones) feel rest-worthy. At the center of the pillow pile, you’ll find a neck roll with an embroidered letter — depending upon your last name’s initial. This customized touch makes you feel rather special. The dark mahogany wood headboard is regal and sophisticated, matching the rest of the room’s décor and furnishings. Once you crawl into this bed, you’ll melt into the layers, stretch out and never want to leave. So you’ll be happy to know that you won’t have to; the bedside control panel lets you switch the lights and television on and off, open and close the shades, and adjust the temperature in the room. You’ll have no problem getting your z’s while staying at Montage Beverly Hills.

Montage Beverly Hills offers an extensive number of enticing vacation packages. You can see all the specials on the hotel’s website, where you’ll likely find as many as 10 offers at once. Some packages might be as simple as the “Bed and Breakfast Special” — you get a full breakfast for two with one night’s stay. Or the “Cirque du Soleil” package, which offers you a discount on the visiting Cirque du Soleil show at the Kodak Theatre, plus a $95 credit for breakfast at the rooftop restaurant, The Conservatory Grill, or in your room. The most popular package might be the “Relax & Revive”, which gives you a daily $100 credit at Spa Montage, a full breakfast for two each day, and one category room upgrade at the time of reservation. To get the most exclusive online offers, become a fan of Montage Beverly Hills on Facebook and follow the hotel on Twitter.

Montage Beverly Hills offers handy laundry services to keep you looking your best during your stay in Beverly Hills. Whether you’re a busy business traveler, or just need an outfit pressed for a special dinner, the hotel offers 24-hour laundry and dry-cleaning services to meet your needs. Just stash your stuff in the laundry bag left in your room, fill out the accompanying form and dial up housekeeping to come pick it up for you. You can note when you would like it delivered, but you won’t be woken up too early or bothered late at night unless you request it. If you’re looking to get a jacket or sport coat cleaned and pressed, it will cost you $14, pants are $12, dresses are $22 and skirts are $14, shirts are $12 and lingerie will cost you $8. If you need your clothing dry cleaned and pressed, the prices are just a bit higher: a jacket or sport coat is $15, pants are $14.50, dresses are $25, skirts are $14, shirts are $13 and lingerie is still $8. You can choose to have your clothing starched, and whether you want them to be delivered to you folded, on hangers or covered in plastic. Regardless, your clothes will be fresh and clean for your night out in Beverly Hills. Ah, if only it worked this way at home.

Montage Beverly Hills boasts a rooftop pool with panoramic views of Beverly Hills and beyond. The elevated saline pool is made of blue mosaic tiles with petite spitting fountains and large potted plants lining the border. If you’re going for an underwater swim, don’t think you’re crazy when you hear music — soothing classical music plays beneath the surface. Surrounding the pool are private cabanas, some equipped with an LCD TV, a DVD player and, of course, complimentary wireless Internet access, or you may opt for one of the many terrycloth-covered lounge chairs of which there are plenty to choose from. You can also request a fax machine in your cabana. A Montage Beverly Hills staff member may come around and offer you free lime-flavored slushie shots — the answer is yes, please — or order off the full menu at the adjacent Conservatory Grill, Montage’s signature rooftop restaurant serving breakfast and lunch (we recommend the super-fresh 90210 Cobb salad). You’ll find plenty of towels to lie out on or dry off with, along with an ample supply of bottled water to stay hydrated. The pool is open 24 hours, so you can get in a swim whenever you like. The rooftop pool is a wonderful way to take full advantage of Southern California’s perfect weather and enjoy the stunning view of the Hollywood Hills.

The rooftop pool at Montage Beverly Hills offers an abundance of special amenities. The most helpful one might be the self-serve fruit-infused water dispenser conveniently located on a table beside the poolside lounge chairs. You may snag a plush towel for yourself at your leisure, or simply ask one of the helpful Montage staff members for assistance. Each private poolside cabana provides an LCD TV, a DVD player, a telephone, complimentary wireless Internet service, a safety lockbox and a fully stocked mini-bar (fax machines are also available by request). Pool attendants come around with free passed refreshments such as lime-flavored slushie shots — yum. Perhaps the most unexpected amenity is the underwater sound system. We love listening to the soothing classical music while taking a swim. The Southern California sunshine is also an amenity, but we’re afraid Montage Beverly Hills had nothing to do with that.

The concierges at Montage Beverly Hills can do pretty much everything. We have put them through test after test and they have come up aces. The concierge staff is always up on what to do in Beverly Hills and will earnestly provide recommendations, book reservations and make appointments to ensure you have the best experience possible while in town. If you need to know where the nearest drugstore is, the concierge can help. If you want a hard-to-get reservation at Spago because you heard about the unbelievable chopped salad, the concierge will make sure you get in. If you need a babysitter on a Friday night, just ask the concierge to arrange it. You can get all this going even before you head out for your flight. Check out the hotel’s website, where you’ll find the virtual concierge. Fill out information about your visit — your reservation confirmation number, how long you’ll be staying and which activities you would like to participate in while you’re in town. The concierge staff will get a jump on getting everything coordinated for you so that when you arrive, you have an agenda all set and ready to go. Don’t forget to ask for whatever it is that you need — from horseback-riding lessons to arranging transportation, the concierge team at Montage Beverly Hills is very helpful.

Turndown at Montage Beverly Hills creates a cozy atmosphere for bedtime. When you check in at the hotel, a front desk employee will accompany you up to your room, where he’ll ask you various questions — what type of daily paper you would like to receive, if you need dinner reservations and what time you would like turndown service each evening. He’ll coordinate it so that you can head out for the night, and by the time you get back, your room will be ready so that you can dive right into bed. When you return, you’ll find mood music humming on your TV, dimmed lights and a bottle of Montage-logoed water on your bedside table along with a glass and the television remote. The duvet gets pulled back from the bed and the pillows adjusted. A room service breakfast menu sits on your pillow, in case you want to go ahead and order food for the next morning. The drapes are drawn, blocking out all natural light so you can sleep in way past dawn. In the bathroom, your amenities are organized, and the bathmat is put out so you can hop in the shower. This all creates a relaxing and warm mood in your luxurious room, making for a good night’s rest.

The design of Montage Beverly Hills draws inspiration from the Spanish-colonial-revival architecture and Mediterranean style that was popular back in the 1920s and 1930s in Beverly Hills. Basically, it’s a modern redux of “old Beverly Hills.” The entire Montage property is awash in brown, gold and cream hues, which complements the prevalent bright blue sky in Beverly Hills. From the rooftop, you have a wonderful view of the replicated Beverly Hills City Hall dome atop the adjacent Bouchon Bistro. The architects of Montage Beverly Hills wanted to create a mini Beverly Hills, which is why they also put in a public park, Beverly Canon Gardens, next to the hotel. These gardens, complete with three fountains, were inspired by the simplicity of European gardens. Throughout the hotel, you’ll discover more European influences in the paintings and objects d’arts, as well as set drawings and original costume designs from old Hollywood film classics. But while the hotel has an old Hollywood feel, it’s still equipped with the most modern technology and amenities, from a bedside control system that lets you direct everything in the room (temperature, lights, drapes, etc.) to the lavish rooftop pool with swanky private cabanas. The regal Montage Beverly Hills will really make you feel like you’ve returned to an era of elegance and class.

Montage Beverly Hills offers plenty of amenities to keep you happy. Here are our five favorite amenities. Be sure to scope these out:

1. The mineral pool. You can’t beat the coed mineral pool at Spa Montage; it’s an intimate bubbling pool that offers a little more privacy than the one on the rooftop. It’s heated at 102F, so you can just relax in the water. Plus, more often than not, you will have the mineral pool all to yourselves.

2. The gym. The complimentary 24-hour gym rivals any luxury fitness center, boasting plenty of cardio and strength-training equipment, each outfitted with individual TVs to make the time fly. You’ll find plenty of freeweights as well as a noise-protected Pilates and yoga studio for a more mellow workout. Fitness classes are available for $25. The gym is for hotel guests only.

3. The children’s program. The Paintbox children’s program is pretty great — it’s offered for hotel, restaurant and spa guests who need babysitting services. Your kids won’t just be looked after — they’ll get to do everything from arts and crafts to outdoor activities, while you’re enjoying a meal or a day of shopping. Hourly, half-day and full-day programs are available.

4. The rooftop pool. The glistening rooftop pool, open 24 hours, is a wonderful way to take full advantage of Southern California’s perfect weather and take in great views of the Hollywood Hills. You can opt to rent one of eight private cabanas — which are equipped with a stocked mini-bar, TV, DVD player and more — if you want even more privacy.

5. The house car. Perhaps the best amenity of all (exclusive to those staying in deluxe suites and up) is the complimentary access to the hotel’s Mercedes-Benz fleet. You’ll get hooked up with your own car to drive around the 90210 during your stay here. They’re set up with navigational systems — something we find is a must in L.A.— so you don’t have to worry about following a map while hundreds of cars are hurling past you on the 405. Just choose where you want to go and follow the directions.

The style of Montage Beverly Hills, although nothing near simple, can be described in five poignant words.

1. Elegant. From the circular driveway to the personalized monogrammed bedding, the Five-Star Montage Beverly Hills is elegant through and through. You’ll find chandeliers, large colorful flower arrangements, mosaic tiling, marble flooring, fountains, sculptures and artwork throughout the property — all of which exude elegance.

2. Classic. While the hotel is new — it was built in 2008 — the Montage Beverly Hills has a classic old Beverly Hills look and feel. Amenities like the full-service barbershop are reminiscent of a simpler time.

3. Polished. The hotel offers polished, professional service at every turn. From the gracious check-in, which is done in your room, to the luxurious John Lobb-certified shoe shines, you will feel well taken care of while staying at the Beverly Hills hotel.

4. Luxurious. Montage Beverly Hills offers you nothing but the height of luxury; it would only make sense that everything you see and touch in this hotel looks and feels luxurious. From the bedrooms and bathrooms to the rooftop pool and spa, you’ll be in the lap of luxury. If you’re staying in a deluxe suite (or higher), you’ll be able to drive around on of the hotel’s Mercedes-Benzes.

5. Mediterranean. Montage Beverly Hills is easily something you’d see on the coast of the Mediterranean — the paint job is just better. No, really — its Spanish-colonial-revival design style mixed with the beautiful outdoor Beverly Canon Gardens and guestrooms with French doors that open up to patios, some of which overlook a large courtyard, make you feel like you’re on the Mediterranean instead of the West Coast.

The closest train station to Montage Beverly Hills is miles away. There isn’t a train station in Beverly Hills; the closest one is five and a half miles away in Koreatown (the Purple Line stop there, just outside of the historic Wiltern Theatre at Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue). If you’re considering taking a train to Montage Beverly Hills, you may want to rethink your plans. Honestly, no one in L.A. takes the train because it’s just not convenient. A lot of Angelenos are, in fact, unaware that Los Angeles even has a working train system. To be fair, the train is a wonderful way to get from Hollywood to Downtown, or Downtown to Pasadena, but that’s about it. To get to Montage Beverly Hills, you’ll either have to drive yourself or take a taxi.

There’s much to love about Montage Beverly Hills. From the Spanish-colonial-revival architecture to the fantastic location right near Rodeo Drive, the Five-Star hotel is the sort of the place you’ll want to return to again and again. Here are the five things we love most about this Beverly Hills hotel:

1. The restaurant. We must first mention the hotel’s restaurant, Scarpetta. Chef Scott Conant brings his acclaimed restaurant (from New York and Miami) to Beverly Hills. For dinner, request to sit at the Chef’s Counter, which is located inside the immaculate kitchen, where you’re able to watch Scarpetta’s cooks whip up modern Italian fare just inches away. On Sundays, the kitchen is transformed into a prix fixe brunch buffet that’s easily one of L.A.’s best. For $68, dine on all-you-can-eat seafood, pasta, farmer’s market salads, carved meats, omelets and waffles, and much more. You’ll even find unusual treats like foie gras ice cream sandwiches. Upstairs, you’ll need a reservation to enjoy a Macallan scotch at the speakeasy-like Ten Pound.

2. The spa. The two-story, 20,000-square-foot Spa Montage Beverly Hills is a different kind of sanctuary. Here, you’re pampered to the point of surrendering to your own personal providence. You will especially love the coed mineral pool, as well as the Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna in the large locker room.

3. The rooftop pool. The best thing about the rooftop pool is that it’s open 24 hours. It’s an extra-large saline pool that’s usually void of children doing repeated cannonballs. You might opt for a private poolside cabana equipped with an LCD TV and DVD player. And always say yes to the complimentary lime slushie shots being passed around. The view of the Hollywood Hills is amazing and the adjacent Conservatory Grill is a great spot for lunch.

4. The Garden Suites. We love the Garden Suites. Open up the double doors, step onto your fully furnished patio and take in the view of the lovely Beverly Canon Gardens. It doesn’t get any better than this in Beverly Hills.

5. The green effort. The final thing we love about Montage Beverly Hills is its conscious sustainability efforts. The hotel earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certification, thanks in large part to its eco-friendly construction practices. But even the little things count: All in-house computers are defaulted to print double-sided, the hotel boasts an 83 percent recycling rate of site waste — these are just two examples of the countless ways Montage Beverly Hills is doing its part to be green.

If you’re coming from Los Angeles International Airport, Montage Beverly Hills is roughly 30 minutes away — if you don’t run into a lot of traffic. Of course, L.A. is notorious for its gridlock, and the highway can often be your worst enemy. We recommend taking surface streets: From LAX, you’ll want to travel east on Century Boulevard; then hang a left onto La Cienega Boulevard. Here, you’ll remain for at least seven somewhat un-scenic miles — save for the occasional archaic oil rig left over from L.A.’s oil-drilling past. You’ll pass Rodeo Road, and think, “Ooh, it’s Rodeo Drive!” No, in fact, it’s just Rodeo Road (pronounced “ro-dee-oh,” like that of the honky-tonk variety). Soon, you’ll approach Wilshire Boulevard, where you’ll take a left-hand turn. Drive a little more than a mile and turn right onto North Canon Drive. The valet team at Montage Beverly Hills will be on your left ready to relieve you of your car. And oh, the Rodeo Drive — “ro-day-oh” — you were looking for? It’s just two blocks away.

What you should know first and foremost about Montage Beverly Hills is that the hotel offers one of the most luxurious overnight experiences you’ll find anywhere. To make the most of your stay at the Five-Star hotel, here are a few specific things you’ll want to be in the know about:

1. If you like pasta, you’ll surely be dining at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Scarpetta. The best seat in the house is the Chef’s Counter, a handful of seats at the far end of the open-air kitchen. Take a seat here and you’ll receive attentive service and a chef’s tasting menu you won’t soon forget.

2. Across from Scarpetta is the Lobby Lounge, where you can hear live music nightly in this spacious, high-ceiling den. (Tuesday through Saturday, you’re also privy to an exclusive sushi menu.) A lovely afternoon tea is also served here, where you can try the amazing delicacies from pastry chef Richard Ruskell, who won the Food Network’s Last Cake Standing to win the title of “Best Cake Artist in America.” What most people don’t know is that you can also order his cakes for private celebrations or if you simply want a delicious cake — just let the staff know that you’d like to purchase one.

3. Besides visiting Spa Montage, a 20,000-square-foot escape that draws inspiration from Spain’s bathing rituals, treat yourself to a haircut next door at the Kim Vo Salon. Most likely, you’ll see Kim Vo himself. E! News watchers will recognize him from his many appearances on the show. The celebrity hairstylist is often in his flagship salon.

4. Remember to bring your gym shoes. One look at the top-notch Montage’s gym facilities and you’ll want to keep up with your physical regimen (and gym-goers have full access to the Spa Montage facilities). A bunch of great fitness classes are offered for only $25 a pop.

5. For families with kids, Montage Beverly Hills offers a children’s program called Paintbox. The hotel arranges fun events for the little ones while you enjoy a spa day or some shopping. You can choose whether your child attends a full day or half day of events.

Don’t worry about paying any fees while staying at Montage Beverly Hills — the only extra fee on top of your room rate is the $35 overnight valet charge (and that’s if you brought a car), which is fairly standard among luxury city hotels. (Don’t try and park your car yourself. It’s a $70 ticket from the city of Beverly Hills if you improperly park on the street.) However, you don’t have to pay extra for anything else — including Internet. Montage Beverly Hills graciously offers complimentary wireless access throughout the hotel (you can upgrade to high-speed for $19, but we have found what’s offered to be fast enough). The hotel also provides numerous other freebies, including daily newspaper delivery, turndown service, bottled water in your room and piping-hot coffee each morning in the lobby. You can even get a free shoeshine during your stay at the Five-Star hotel.

Montage Beverly Hills is different from other Five-Star hotels — even in Beverly Hills — in its design and attitude. The look and feel of the hotel is a throwback to the glamour of Beverly Hills in the ’20s and ’30s, yet it is every bit as modern as any other new hotel. The luxurious hotel might look vintage but it actually opened in 2008 and earned its Five-Star rating in 2010, something that rarely happens by our standards.

It looks like it could be a black-and-white film star’s Spanish-colonial-revival estate, with all the amenities of a 21st-century Five-Star hotel. Kick back in your comfortable room and enjoy the complimentary wireless Internet, relax in one of the poolside cabanas and watch the LCD television or take a swim and enjoy a symphony — the underwater sound system plays classical music. This old-yet-new-again look and vibe gives the Montage something fresh that attracts a young and sophisticated clientele who is drawn to the heightened sense of luxury, grace and elegance. You get the feeling that this is how Five-Star hotels used to treat your grandparents, but are now passing down that same sense of unparalleled hospitality to you — in a modern way.

Montage Beverly Hills is located on Canon Drive, a tiny thoroughfare lined with shops and restaurants in an area known as the Golden Triangle in Beverly Hills. The Five-Star hotel, which sits at 225 N. Canon Drive, takes up much of the western side of Canon Drive between Dayton Way and Clifton Way. You can’t miss the elegant Spanish-colonial-revival building — it looks as though it’s from the ’20s and ’30s (the Mediterranean look was prevalent in Beverly Hills back then), but the hotel was built in 2008. Your room might overlook the Beverly Canon Gardens, a well-manicured park connecting Canon with Beverly drives. The Montage Beverly Hills created these gardens and is also responsible for the matching buildings on other side of the three fountains. The major tenant there is legendary chef Thomas Keller, who brought his famous Napa bistro, Bouchon, to the Montage Beverly Hills grounds. The hotel is about as centrally located as you can get in Los Angeles. Rodeo Drive is a few steps away, you’re within walking distance of many good restaurants (a rarity in drive-everywhere L.A.), and downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica and West Hollywood are all within a short drive.

If you’re planning on driving to Montage Beverly Hills, your best parking option is to use the valet service. Overnight valet parking will cost you $35. It might seem steep at first, but self-parking overnight garages are rare in Beverly Hills and it’s better than risking a parking ticket from the city of Beverly Hills for double the fee by trying to park on the street. This being Beverly Hills, there’s also a private entrance for VIP or celebrity guests. The hotel offers a separate in-and-out garage to bypass the paparazzi. If you’re in need of such privacy, just let the hotel know. Otherwise, valet is your best bet.

Internet and Wi-Fi access is offered throughout Montage Beverly Hills, and it’s free, so don’t worry about racking up any extra fees. Whether you’re hiding out in your room, relaxing on your outdoor terrace, soaking up the sun on a lounge chair alongside the rooftop pool, or scrolling through your iPad before your treatment at Spa Montage, you will be able to stay connected through your Wi-Fi-enabled device at every moment during your at Montage Beverly Hills (though we recommend disconnecting for a bit to take in your pretty surroundings). Overall, it’s a very Wi-Fi-friendly place.

If you want your stay at Montage Beverly Hills to be perfect, you should be sure to pack these five important things. They’ll help you make the most out of your time at the Five-Star Beverly Hills hotel.

1. A bathing suit. A proper bathing suit is arguably the most important thing to pack, since you’ll obviously be taking full advantage of the mosaic-tiled rooftop swimming pool complete with underwater sound system, private cabanas and glamorous views of the Hollywood Hills.

2. Sunscreen. You’ll need to pack appropriate sunscreen to protect your skin from Southern California’s abundant sunshine. This being Los Angeles, large designer sunglasses don’t hurt, either.

3. Workout gear. If exercise is important to you, vacation or not, then don’t forget your workout gear and sneakers; Montage’s 24-hour gym is likely nicer than your own gym. You’ll find individual TVs on the cardio equipment and plenty of water, fresh fruit and towels to accompany your visit.

4. A nice outfit. You’ll need nice dinnertime attire for your evening at Scarpetta; the hotel’s signature restaurant has a sleek-cool vibe, so we suggest an outfit that makes you feel smart, sexy and sophisticated. Plus, you never know which celeb you’ll run into here — when we were there last, we almost bumped into rapper/actor Ludacris walking through the hotel — so dress your best.

5. An extra piece of luggage. This isn’t a bad idea, considering that you’re steps from Rodeo Drive. The selection is unreal — be prepared for more shopping than you thought. You’ll be thankful for the extra room.

Montage Beverly Hills offers a few planned activities for both kids and adults. The Five-Star hotel organizes fun-filled itineraries for children as part of its Paintbox program. Kids will be able to take part in games, arts and crafts and other fun activities at the Montage Terrace, the Beverly Canon Gardens or at the rooftop pool. This program allows parents to get in some alone time at the resort while the kids are busy playing with other children staying at the hotel. Don’t worry — there are fun things planned for adults, too. Montage Beverly Hills sets up a great afternoon tea in the Lobby Lounge (Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.). Your artisan tea — which may or may not be spiked with Scotch — will be served in lovely custom china that’s been hand-painted by a porcelain artist, Lissi Kaplan. Along with your midday libation, you’ll enjoy tasty gourmet tea sandwiches (watercress and egg salad on white bread; cucumber and Danish butter on pumpernickel) as well as exquisite pastries, cakes and scones made by executive pastry chef Richard Ruskell, winner of the Food Network show Last Cake Standing. Trust us, you need to try Ruskell’s cakes while you’re here. You can also enjoy live music in the Lobby Lounge every day of the week, and Tuesday through Saturday, you can listen to live tunes while nibbling on delicious sushi and sashimi during the Sushi and Sound program. Now that’s a plan.