The hospitality industry doesn't tend to have a long memory. Sure, when I pick up the phone to ring the desk, they address me by name, but that's because it appears on their screen when the call comes through. As soon as my bags are packed and someone else has replaced me, I'm nothing but a mark in the ledger. Another traveler, come and gone. At least, this is what I thought until I checked in to the Raffles L'Ermitage hotel in Beverly Hills.

My room keys and portfolio were located at the host stand, and the valet who opened my car door also led me to the room, where I was given a tour and a handful of remote controls. As soon as he left, I pointed them at everything I could, turning up the Bose stereo as Mr. Adam Freeland provided some background music. Lights were dimmed, the temperature was increased and then decreased, and I think there might have been a button to run a jacuzzi bath if I wanted it.

This hotel also provides something that you won't find at a lot of larger properties: privacy. There are sensors in the room that let the hotel know that you're inside. There won't be any housekeeping staffers coming in while you're just out of the shower to check your mini-bar. They also won't be pushing around a noisy, unsightly cart, as they are required to carry things to your room by hand.

As for the mini-bar itself, all soft drinks and water are free, so you won't be paying ridiculous sums of money for them. One hotel that I stayed at recently which will remain nameless charged me $437 for a Sprite. "The customer," the note read, "Apparently consumed a Sprite, and instead of charging him $4.37 we charged him $437." It was not the L'Ermitage.

Actually, my mini-bar was full of a product called Sprite Zero, which I was unaware even existed. Apparently my affinity for regular Sprite was noted in my customer profile, and the next time I stay on the property, my minibar won't contain a single ounce of this Sprite Zero travesty.

The afternoon was spent by the pool, where in the name of privacy, little curtains are brought up between each set of guests. Complimentary magazines, water, and suntan lotion is placed around the pool, and as food is ordered, an entire table is brought out to the pool. As you watch the sun fade past the skyline, surrounded by 360-degree views of the city, as well as the silhouettes of your fellow sunbathers behind their dividers, you easily forget about the price of your room service hamburger.

There's an atmosphere here that I haven't seen anywhere else. There are people who conduct all of their meetings in the low-key Writer's Bar. It's a comfortable place to sit and write, people-watch, or plan your next caper.

I also got to meet the concierge, Christine, who is apparently one of the best in the business. "Would you like us to arrange a complimentary Mercedes for you to go to Beverly Hills?" I grabbed my Freeland CD and headed for the door. The destination was uncertain, but the return trip is guaranteed.

THE DETAILS: Raffles L'Ermitage Beverly Hills
9291 Burton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.278.3344

Story by Alex Storch.
Original Publication Date: May 4, 2009