Montrose, Beverly Hills: Unveiling the Hidden Gem of LA Luxury
Montrose, Beverly Hills: (Mostly) Holding onto the Dream – A Brutally Honest Review with a Side of Glitz
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Montrose Beverly Hills. Forget the staged Instagram paradise; this review is going to be as real as your last late-night Taco Bell run. I've broken it down, rambled a bit, and overall, tried to give you the lowdown on whether this place is worth your hard-earned (or, you know, borrowed) cash.
Accessibility: The Double-Edged Sword of LA (and Montrose)
Let's be honest, LA is a nightmare for accessibility. If you're relying on public transport, you're already signed up for a slow, sweaty, and potentially confusing adventure. Montrose, bless its heart, tries. I saw an elevator (phew!), and there were clearly some facilities for guests with disabilities listed – though more specific details on the website would be a huge plus. It's the Beverly Hills address – you're already talking car culture. So, factor in the parking situation (more on that later) and be prepared to navigate the LA sprawl.
Value 1-2 Stars
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: A Hopeful Wish?
I'm going to be honest, I didn’t personally check if the restaurants and lounges are explicitly wheelchair accessible. But in these types of places, you are likely to get a bit of a 'let's see how it goes'. I hope I'm wrong.
Value: Unknown, but be ready to ask questions!
Wheelchair Accessible: Mostly, but Verify!
See above. Check and double check before you sink any cash.
Value: Depends. Get your facts straight first.
Internet: The Digital Tether.
Okay, let's be real. We live in a digital world. No internet? No deal. Montrose nails it here. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Score! And good news, there's internet access [LAN] – which, for those of us who like to plug and play, is a huge win. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep. So, whether you're catching up on emails, streaming a movie, or, like me, endlessly scrolling through travel blogs (ironic, I know), you're covered.
Value: 5 Stars. Essential. Truly.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Where the Magic (and the Price Tag) Really Kicks In.
Alright, this is where Montrose gets its swagger. They've got the amenities. They know what people expect in a Beverly Hills hotel.
- Spa & Relaxation: This is where I went full-on indulgent. The pool with a view is a definite highlight. Picture this: sun dappling the water, a gentle breeze, and the faint drone of traffic (yes, even in luxury, LA is still LA). I spent a solid afternoon basking there. They have a sauna, a steam room, and offer massage. I went for a massage, and I'm rating it a solid 8/10. The Swedish massage to bliss was legit. My therapist was fantastic, knowing all the right pressure points and listening when I needed a bit of a lighter touch. They also have a spa, and a Gym/fitness center, and a foot bath. The body wraps and body scrubs are available too!
- Seriously, that pool though. Sigh. I'm getting back there.
Value: 4 stars - Definitely splurge-worthy if you need a good recharge
Cleanliness and Safety: The Covid-Era Reality Check
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room… or, you know, the invisible virus floating around. Montrose takes this seriously, and it showed. They advertise anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas. I saw staff wearing masks, and there were hand sanitizing stations. They're offering "room sanitization opt-out" which is a nice touch, letting you take control. They have all the standard safe dining set ups, like safe dining set up, staff trained in safety protocols, sterile kit items. They even have professional-grade sanitizing services. Things like that. It all felt…reassuring. They're also doing the normal checks, like removing shared stuff.
Value: 5 stars. This is non-negotiable these days.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Beverly Hills Lifestyle (and Your Credit Card)
Alright, the fun part. Montrose offers a good array of dining options - from the classic Breakfast [buffet] type to the more elegant A la carte in restaurant. Then there's coffee shop + Poolside bar, snack bar and Room service [24-hour]! Also, a vegetarian restaurant – which I really appreciate in a town obsessed with kale smoothies. They also have a bar and happy hour, which is essential for unwinding after a day of being fabulous. The international cuisine in restaurant is a definite draw, and I tried the Asian cuisine in restaurant and it was a solid 7/10. Desserts were a 9/10.
Value: 4 stars. A bit pricey, but you’re in Beverly Hills. Settle in.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
This is where Montrose truly shines with all the extras. Think concierge service ready to get you a reservation at the hottest restaurant, daily housekeeping, laundry service, and dry cleaning (because let's be honest, who actually washes their own clothes on vacation?). They have a car park [free of charge], safe deposit boxes for your valuables, and even a convenience store for those last-minute essentials. The doorman is super helpful!
On-site Event Hosting, Baby!
I'm not talking about another banquet hall. This is different. The Montrose, Beverly Hills, hosts on-site events that cater to the soul. It’s more than just a meeting; it's an experience. The meetings are not just meetings, they're the chance to learn from masters in their crafts and to get inspired.
Value: 5 stars. Because let's face it, convenience is king (or queen) in Beverly Hills.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly? Maybe…
While Montrose markets itself as family-friendly, and they offer babysitting service, and have Kids facilities. I would suggest a solid vetting of what they can fully deliver. I would also advise confirming details. Then confirm those details again and again.
Getting Around: Navigating the LA Labyrinth
Car Park [free of charge]: This is a huge win. Finding parking in Beverly Hills can be a contact sport. The fact that Montrose offers complimentary parking is a massive stress reliever. They also will take car of you with Valet parking. Taxis and a Car power charging station are, of course, available.
Value: 5 stars for the free parking!
In-Room Glory: Where You Actually Live
Alright, the nitty-gritty. What's it like to live in a room at Montrose?
- Comfort: The beds are comfy, the linens are crisp, and the blackout curtains are a godsend for fighting jet lag (or, you know, sleeping in after a night out).
- Technology: Wi-Fi [free], of course. A desk to work on and a few outlets in handy places. I had no issues here.
- Extra Touches: Bathrobes, slippers, complimentary bottled water, and a well-stocked mini-bar. It’s the little things that make a difference.
Value: 4 stars. Solid, but a bit standard for the price point.
The Verdict: Is Montrose a Hidden Gem?
Yes… but.
Pros: Fantastic amenities, the pool is a dream, the staff are generally lovely, and the location is primo. It’s stylish, well-equipped and very Beverly Hills.
Cons: This is Beverly Hills, so it ain't cheap. It is the kind of place, where you feel you are not being held up, but certainly you are being charged, and there's not much room for on-the-cheap if you're looking to keep the whole experience. You may choose to pay out the nose for something that is a little less 'polished' than other places. Make sure you check on the Accessibility front.
But here's the thing: If you want a luxurious experience in a coveted location, and you're prepared to pay for it, Montrose Beverly Hills is definitely worth considering. It's a solid choice–just be prepared for the Beverly Hills price tag.
Here's the Call to Action, my slightly-rambling, but hopefully convincing offer:
Tired of the Ordinary? Escape to the Extraordinary at Montrose Beverly Hills!
Feeling the post-pandemic blahs? Craving a dose of sunshine, luxury, and a little bit of Hollywood magic? Then it's time to book your escape to the Montrose Beverly Hills!
Here's what you get:
- Unwind like a star: Dive into our stunning pool with views
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly polished, cookie-cutter travel itinerary. We're going to Montrose and Beverly Hills. And trust me, it's going to be a wild ride. (Disclaimer: I'm already feeling a little overwhelmed just thinking about it. This is real life, people!)
Day 1: Arrival and the Illusion of Luxury (Montrose… mostly)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up, which is already a struggle because I'm a chronic snoozer. Groggily, I shove my suitcase (a glorious, slightly-too-small piece of carry-on baggage) into the back of a barely-functioning Uber. The driver, bless his heart, is blasting some ancient salsa, and I'm already feeling a little panicky. (Traffic, you magnificent beast!)
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive at the hotel in Montrose. It's cute! Super cute, actually. Think… "charming" bordering on "slightly dilapidated." But hey, the bed looks comfy. I try to unpack with the methodical precision of a seasoned traveler, but end up throwing everything, including my socks, everywhere. (Organization? What's that?)
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Hit up a local diner in Montrose, because, carbs and bacon. This place is straight out of a movie – red vinyl booths, the whole shebang. They're playing classic rock, the waitress calls me "honey," and I'm pretty much sold on small-town America, or at least this diner version of it. The burger is… well, it's everything I want it to be.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore Montrose. I decide to wander around, because structured sightseeing is for people who have their lives together (which I clearly don't). I stumble upon a quirky bookstore and end up spending an hour browsing the used book section. I find a tattered copy of "Moby Dick" and briefly consider buying it, but then remember my luggage situation.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Sunset drinks at a rooftop bar (Montrose also has one, who knew!). The views are stunning, and the cocktails are STRONG. I make a friend who is a local. We chat until the darkness and the wine start to blur things. (Hey, don't judge my life choices!)
- Night (9:00 PM - Late): It all goes downhill from there. There is the pizza place, the karaoke with the new friend, and the general lack of self-control. (I'm pretty sure I sang at least one song, but the memory is fuzzy, and probably best left forgotten.)
Day 2: Beverly Hills and the Quest for Hollywood Glamour (and an overpriced coffee)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Recovering (sort of!) and a mad scramble to pack – I have become a master of repacking a bag – this time with the added knowledge that I have, at most, 3 outfits. The Uber trip to Beverly Hills is an exercise in silent judgment: expensive cars, perfectly coiffed hair, and the faint aroma of freshly baked money.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Rodeo Drive situation is… well, it's exactly what you think it is. Think a parade of designer labels and an abundance of things I could never afford. I wander around gaping. Eventually, I retreat to the first decent-looking coffee shop (which is ridiculously overpriced). I watch the people go by. It's fascinating. And depressing. (Why am I not rich?)
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): I decide to treat myself to some proper food. I stumble upon an Italian restaurant and order the pasta. A delicious, creamy, carb-filled intervention.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): I try to channel my inner movie star at a walk in the park, I pretend I know what I’m doing. It’s as close as I get to a red carpet. I manage to take some pictures, and I attempt to act cool and relaxed. After it is done, I realize the embarrassment.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 8:00 PM): I try and get a reservation for the night, but the place is booked solid, but this makes me laugh, a little.
- Night (8:00 PM - Late): A quiet night, and I write this, because you know what? I’m tired, and I have to face the music tomorrow.
Day 3: Goodbye, for now…
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The dreaded packing. The hotel staff is very understanding, and very nice.
- Departure (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Off to the airport. I stare at the city, and think, "I needed this."
- Flight (12:00 PM - Late): I will be back. That’s all.
Montrose & Beverly Hills: My Brain Vomit on LA Luxury (and Maybe Regret)
So, Montrose *is* actually in Beverly Hills, right? Because Google Maps is a liar sometimes...
Okay, deep breaths. It's a bit of a geographical brain-bender, isn't it? Montrose *is* in the hills, but... it's *technically* not inside the official, shimmering bubble of Beverly Hills. It's nestled *near* it, often considered part of the broader "Beverly Hills Adjacent" area, meaning you’re practically brushing shoulders with the rich and famous. Think of it like... the cool, slightly disheveled younger sibling who hangs out with the popular kids. You're close enough to catch the spray of champagne, but maybe not invited to the yacht parties. I once tried to get an Uber to "Beverly Hills" from Montrose, figuring it was all the same... BAD IDEA. Ended up explaining for ten minutes to the driver, sweating, that I wasn't a complete idiot. Or, you know, maybe I am.
What's the *vibe* of Montrose, then, if it's not just pure Beverly Hills fluff?
Okay, here's the deal. Montrose, in a nutshell, is *aspirational*. It’s a beautiful place, seriously. Lush landscaping, incredible views, homes that look like they're ripped from the pages of Architectural Digest. But it's also… quieter. Less frantic than the Rodeo Drive madness. Think "refined elegance" meets "slightly less obvious wealth." People here take their dogs to the park and actually *smile* while they do it. It's a bizarre, unsettling experience if you're used to stressed-out city dwellers. I'm pretty sure I saw a woman in yoga pants *actually* petting a neighbor's cat. Unbelievable!
Is it ridiculously expensive? Like, eye-watering expensive?
Let's just say you probably won't be paying with loose change you find in the couch cushions. Yes, it's expensive. Houses in Montrose, even the "modest" ones (and those are relative, people!), cost a small fortune. Prepare for sticker shock. Rent? Forget about it. Seriously, unless you have an overflowing trust fund or sell your soul to the devil for a really, *really* good mortgage rate, you're probably not living there. I once saw a realtor's sign that said, "Cozy 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home, just perfect for entertaining." And I thought, "Cozy? For the *Jetsons*?"
What's good to *do* in the Montrose area? Beyond just, you know, breathing the rarefied air?
Okay, this is where it gets interesting. You could spend all your time staring at the amazing architecture. There are some truly stunning homes. But, after a while, even the most architecturally-minded person (like me, obviously!) needs a break. Hiking in the nearby canyons is fantastic. Trust me, bring water, it's LA, and the sun is a jerk. Exploring the nearby shops and restaurants is a must - I've had some truly incredible meals around there. (And a couple that made me want to weep in the bathroom.) Even just driving around, gawking at the houses, is a pretty decent form of entertainment. Just try not to look like a total tourist... although, let's be honest, you probably will.
Okay, spill the tea. What’s the *worst* thing about Montrose?
Ugh. Okay, besides the fact that I can't afford to live there, it can sometimes feel a little… sterile. Perfectly manicured lawns, gleaming cars, and everyone seems to be wearing designer workout gear. It’s the kind of place where a rogue weed probably gets a stern talking-to from the HOA. And, to be brutally honest, it’s not exactly diverse. (I'm not saying it's *bad*, I'm just saying it’s not exactly a melting pot.) I spent a day just eating at different places once, and that's when I realized a lot of them tasted *exactly* the same. Not great.
Is it safe? Like, really, REALLY safe?
Hee hee! Yeah, it's safe. I mean, I'm sure there are petty crimes, you know, the occasional missing chihuahua or stolen designer handbag. But you can pretty much walk around at any hour without feeling like you're going to get mugged. (Unless you're wearing something incredibly flashy and, you know, *asking* for it.) The biggest danger you face is probably tripping over someone's flawlessly landscaped hedge. I remember seeing a guy walking his dog at midnight, wearing a full tuxedo. And I thought to myself, "Yup, definitely safe." It's almost… *too* safe. Makes you wonder what kind of shady deals are going on *behind* those immaculate facades, doesn't it? Just kidding… mostly.
Okay, spill the *real* tea. What's your MOST memorable experience in Montrose?
Alright, alright, buckle up, because this is a ride. I have to tell you about… THE GROCERY STORE. Yes, the grocery store. Not just *any* grocery store, mind you, but this particular, bougie, organic, artisanal, pre-prepared food emporium. It's like a museum of deliciousness. I was there, just browsing, feeling like a total peasant amidst all the gourmet cheeses and imported olive oils, when I saw *him*. Brad Pitt. I know, I know, I'm not mentioning any names (but it was totally Brad). Wearing a baseball cap, looking surprisingly… average. Like, he was just trying to find a decent avocado, just like me! I almost choked on my free sample of kombucha. I wanted to say something, you know, "Hey, Mr. Pitt, I love your work!", but I was too starstruck. I ended up just staring at him from across the organic produce section. He eventually picked up some blueberries and walked off. AND THAT WAS IT. My moment with Hollywood royalty. My life. The only time I felt remotely like I belonged in that grocery store. A glimpse of the world of Montrose, a world of the rich and famous, and it turned out to be incredibly… anticlimactic. Or, you know… perfect. Or, okay, fine. I'm still bitter. I should've said something! I bet he gets that all the time. Stupid Brad Pitt. Stupid expensive grocery stores.
