Photos: The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Just four stories and done in classic Renaissance style, The Peninsula Beverly Hills features 195 rooms, suites and villas that are private while still within walking distance of local hot spots like Rodeo Drive.

The first space we saw after entering the hotel was The Living Room. Its cozy, unassuming feel makes it an ideal place for taking afternoon tea, which the hotel offers daily (by reservation).

Strawberries and cream, English cucumber and mint sandwiches, and a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne are just some of the delights served at The Peninsula’s legendary afternoon tea, which costs $125 per person.

Dark, masculine and moody, The Club Bar perfectly contrasts the light and airy Living Room. It’s open until midnight on weekdays and 2 a.m. on the weekends. We believe this is one of the best places in Beverly Hills to get a nightcap.

Helmed by Michelin-awarded chef Ralf Schlegel, The Belvedere is open Wednesday through Sunday. Diners should expect European influences and world-class service at The Peninsula’s fine dining restaurant.

Open seven days a week for all three meals, The Rooftop Garden is a gorgeous place to dine and take in the cityscape, whether you prefer a sunny breakfast or lunch, or a dusky dinner.

The rooftop pool at The Peninsula Hotel is heated, as is the adjacent hot tub. So, even if Los Angeles manages to get cold during your visit, the pool will still be nice and comfortable.

We saw guests splurging on a poolside cabana during our visit. Each cabana comes with a TV, a Bluetooth sound system, a refrigerator, a fan and a heater.

The hotel offers a full-service spa that we got to look around on our way out of the property. Even if you don’t book a treatment, the Himalayan salt sauna should do the trick after a workout or a long flight.