The Crescent Hotel Affordable Beverly Hills
Vacation
by Debbie Stock
Beverly Hills, Calif.—Luxury
cars and fine diamonds are as common as celebrity sightings in Beverly
Hills, the city known for its wealthy and prominent citizens. But
don't let the glam and
glitz fool you. For less money than a wallet at Rodeo Drive's Gucci, you can
live the Beverly Hills dream at one of its finest boutique hotels. Just in case you're not aware,
in addition to three AAA Five Diamond properties, affordable luxury at The Crescent Hotel welcomes those on a budget. Perfect for a weekend
getaway, longer vacation stay or shopping spree, guests can dine, lounge and
sleep in a hip
setting that's comfortably close to everything.
Located on the corner of Crescent
Drive and Brighton Way,
The Crescent Hotel is a 35-room boutique property
located in a pleasant building that
blends with the neighborhood of two and three-story structures within view
of the city's crown jewel. From the hotel's popular outdoor lounge you can
see the gold, gilded cupola of the Spanish Renaissance-styled City Hall, a
landmark recognized as one
of the most unique government buildings in the U.S. Designed in 1932 by architect William
Gage, interior terrazzo floors and marble walls offer an elegant setting
befitting the bronze sculpture in the second floor lobby, "Torso of a Walking
Man" by Auguste Rodin. Down the hall just a few doors from the
priceless piece, the city's Director of Communications and Marketing summarizes the lifestyle
visitors can experience and embrace at zip code 90210.
"Many have the perception that because
Beverly Hills is a renown city, it's not user-friendly," said Robin
Chancellor, an attractive, personable Beverly Hills spokeswoman. "We're
very fortunate to enjoy a wealth of artistic, cultural and entertainment
experiences that surround us. But what we cherish most is the sense of
community we want to share with guests."
That's really what Beverly Hills is all about, she said.
When staying at The Crescent, you can wander over to the
Civic Center to explore alluring architecture, fine art and the community gathering place, Beverly Hills Library. Filled
with magazines, books, reading nooks, fantastic artwork, gift shops and an
exceptional children's wings, out-of-towners can spend time in the
public library free of charge. In addition to its quiet spaces, the
breath-taking Civic Center offers outdoor art exhibits featuring world-class
artists, seasonal free
concerts with some of L.A.'s great bands and sparkling holiday light displays (the
talk of the town). The Civic Center complex is one of the many "must see"
attractions providing photo opportunities just outside the door of The
Crescent Hotel.
Beverly Hills is a "happening"
destination where fine art,
architecture, superb cuisine and world class Rodeo Drive shops create an
exciting atmosphere that you'll have plenty of time to explore during an
overnight stay. A variety of stores and services you can walk to range from
high-end couture to Gap. For plus sizes 12-22, Marina Rinaldi sells fine
clothing styles for women, while Jimmy Au's for Men 5'8" and Under
offers designer suits, slacks, jackets and accessories in men's small sizes
and lengths. You can even
outfit your pet at The Beverly Hills Mutt Club.
After you shop for fashion, take time
to pamper yourself at a day spa such as Anastasia, founded by Anastasia Soare.
Affectionately referred to as “the definitive brow expert,” she's
worked her magic on a who's who list of celebrities and divas. Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Renee Zellweger, Oprah Winfrey,
Helen Hunt, Reese Witherspoon, Naomi Campbell, Kate Capshaw and many other
chic women frequent the Beverly Hills salon. It is located five blocks from
The Crescent at 438 N. Bedford Dr., Beverly Hills. Call: (888) 409-BROW.
For home furnishing accents, Crate & Barrel,
Z Gallerie and Williams-Sonoma offer stylish products at affordable prices.
Be sure to enhance your newest table settings by serving only the finest
foods and wines. Entertaining has never been so easy or enjoyable, thanks to
the friendly help you'll receive at The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.
Exquisite cheeses and gourmet foods range from succulent sun-dried tomatoes
to a unique Arbequina Extra Virgin olive oil made by Olea Farm. Cheese and
wine lovers won't want to miss this fantastic artisan cheese shop recognized
as the purveyor of choice for professional chefs and caterers Patina, Saddle
Peak Lodge, Bon Appetit at the Getty Museum, and Spago, to name a few. One
specialty cheese that's luscious and creamy is made by an employee's very
own family in a recipe handed down through generations. In addition to
knowledgeable staff who can provide samples and answer your questions, owner Norbert Wabnig
is often at the store tasting new products to add to the collection of great
foods and wines. Perfect for gift-giving or
entertaining, The Crescent Hotel guests can have perishable items and wines
shipped. The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills is located at 419 N. Beverly Drive,
Beverly Hills, California 90210. Call toll-free: (800) 547-1515. cheesestorebh.com
From top quality green tea with
beneficial antioxidants sold at Le Palais des Thés, to Starbucks coffee blends, you can sip, drink, sample and dine
your way through a six block span of restaurants
and shops surrounding The Crescent Hotel. This hidden gem of Beverly Hills accommodations―the place that
celebrities probably wish you didn't know about―has
hosted stars (according to guests) such as Cameron Diaz, Justin Timberlake, Tori Spelling and Michael
Keaton. Known for its relaxing atmosphere and incredible service, you'll be
amazed that such a cool place exists close to every amenity imaginable.>
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