Located at Pico Boulevard, one mile south of Rodeo Drive shopping and the same distance east of Century City, this is one of the few hotels in town to plummet in the ranks since the last inspection.
The hotel has changed management three times over the last few years, with Renaissance and Loews packing up for greener pastures. This is now an independent, and though its size is a perfect fit for an independent boutique hotel, it appears to be having a hard time of it.
Maintenance and service standards are both modest, which in Beverly Hills is practically against the law. Except for a few deteriorating fabrics, the hotel hasn't changed much since lowering the Loews flag, its notable pro-pet policy luring PETA activists.
Despite its flaws, this is a better alternative than the Best Western Beverly Pavillion for frugal travelers inclined to stay in (or near) Beverly Hills, but it falls short of its claims of elegance and luxury. This is a far cry from the glamorous Beverly Hills Hotel.
The plain 12-story tower has some liabilities: Its peripheral location hardly looks like Beverly Hills, the tiny but well-designed pool area is set hard against the street, and public areas are limited in size. To compensate, the hotel almost appears overdecorated in casual, comfortable residential style.
Stained awnings accent the entrance, and an open space draped like a cabana provides a lush alfresco rendezvous. From the clogged entrance drive, staffers escort arrivals into the small but stylish marble lobby, where the reception counter is inlaid with onyx and mother-of-pearl. Big mirrors enhance the effect. The adjoining parlor looks smart with its gas fireplace, slip-covered furniture and potted palms. Coffee is served here each morning.
The restaurant and bar are spruced up with plantation shutters and contemporary art, and are open to the small street-side pool. Here, classic American dishes are tweaked with international flavors. Despite its 90035 zip code, the martinis are as overpriced as those in 90210. The rooftop function space is perhaps the highlight here, offering stunning 360-degree views; it is one of the most scenic gathering 
places in L.A.
The hotel has a fitness room, but those seeking a serious workout can visit a nearby club for a fee. Valet parking also charges, but the shuttle to Rodeo Drive, 10 minutes away, is free. The extravagant pet policy not only invites critters of all shapes and sizes, but guest with pets need not worry about an added fee, nor do they need to provide a deposit to insure a clean exit. Special pet beds, pet menus and hefty welcome packages greet pets and their owners upon arrival.
The balconied guest rooms are mostly standards, but a handful of distinctive units and two floors of suites broaden the options. They feature two design schemes: rooms with Regency stripes on the walls and caramel-hued quarters with checkered headboards. Nothing has transpired since Loews walked out in August of 2006. However talented the housekeepers are, maintenance is lacking, with aging fabrics and carpeting all too apparent.
Guests rarely complain about the beds, which have Swedish foam mattresses. All rooms come with oversized 
furniture, heavy drapes, side chairs with ottomans, dual-line phones, fax machines, TVs in armoires, minibars, safes and two nightstands.
Baths have phones and granite counters. Deluxe detail abounds here: two robes, dimmer lighting, soundproofed windows, movable lamps for reading, and 15-ft cords for phones. Wireless Internet access is now standard, and all rooms have CD players, VCRs and Web TVs. The top three floors are premium levels. Odd-numbered units face north and have views of the Hollywood sign above the sixth floor. These are also the quietest.
Room service runs nonstop.
This is ostensibly a commercial hotel with few perks to lure leisure travelers looking for this town's celebrated lifestyle. Low rates and stunning views are currently the best things going for The Tower.
