HOTEL/CHEF PROFILE . . . 
THE ROOFTOP JG AT WALDORF ASTORIA TOP O' THE WORLD MA! By Bonnie Carroll 
The 12-story Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, is Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts' first new build on the West Coast and second California property, joining the legendary Waldorf Astoria portfolio of 26 hotels and resorts. Owned by Alagem Capital Group and clients of Guggenheim Partners, the hotel's 119 deluxe rooms and 51 suites are part of a world-class, Art Deco-influenced design created by renowned interior design firm Pierre-Yves Rochon, Inc (PYR). 
Culinary Dream Team - Steve Benjamin, Jean-Georges, Deden Patra & Richard Archuleta World-class dining shines at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills with three exciting venues created by the legendary French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. They include the elegant Jean-Georges Beverly Hills, the chef's signature restaurant, as well as The Rooftop by JG and Jean-Georges Beverly Hills Bar, all offering a new standard in fine food. (1).jpg) .JPG)
The Rooftop by JG is rapidly becoming the place to be seen by the Hollywood set in Beverly Hills, where guests lounge in comfy chic green on green furniture, sipping cocktails with friends overlooking all of Beverly Hills and beyond. The panoramic views are astounding from this elegant, but relaxing venue where a superb menu offers the finest in Jean-Georges creative and inventive plates. He and his culinary team devoted themselves to synergizing JG style with California taste and the result is perfect and includes divine appetizers like Tuna Tartar with a ginger marinade or Eggplant Fritters savored with a marvelous Mojito Cocktail or a perfect Raspberry Bellini. .JPG) .JPG)
The menu includes everything from American favorites to popular 'now' dishes as well as some French favorites like a beautiful 'Nicoise' salad. The Lobster Burgers, Eggplant Fritters with honey and manchego, Mushroom Tacos, and a fantastic Wagyu Beef Hot Dog Duo with Kimchi relish and sweet potato chips reflect a variety of appreciated Los Angeles flavors. .JPG)
The rooftop is also the location of the Waldorf Astoria Pool, Cabana Area and Lounge. It is a blissful and private respite where guest can enjoy total relaxation, food & beverage service, private massages and body treatments while taking in views all the way to the ocean. Early in the morning there is a sense of watching the entire city waking up over a cup of coffee. .JPG)
This is the new Beverly Hills, and a must visit for any traveler to the area. The food is absolutely beyond delicious and the service is excellent. Sunset on a spring or summer evening on Rooftop JG is the kind of stuff Hollywood dreams are made of, and the visiting clientele to the new Waldorf Astoria are the best of the best as well. .JPG)
I lived and worked in Beverly Hills for many years, and have always had a love affair with this delightful little city that developed Rodeo Drive into the 'street of dreams' in the 70s. A city where some of the finest restaurateurs like Patrick Terrail of Ma Maison opened venues and became instant success stories. But, sitting on The Rooftop by JG watching the city activity below, I kept hearing Hollywood screen writer Ivan Goff's words, Top O' The World, Ma from his Oscar Award nominated film White Heat, running through my head, and to be sure Jean-George and his culinary team must be on top of the world over the success of this divine destination. The Rooftop JG at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills 9850 Wilshire Boulevard Beverly Hills, California 90210 1-800-774-1500 www.waldorfastoriabeverlyhills.com _____________________________________________
HOTEL HASSLER ROMA MARKS 125 YEARS  This year, the iconic five-star Hotel Hassler Roma, located above the Spanish Steps with incomparable views of the city, marks its 125th anniversary. Owned by President and General Manager Roberto E. Wirth, fifth generation of a famous Swiss hotelier dynasty, the Hassler has continued its legacy as Rome's five-star lodging of choice for the world's elite and discerning travelers since 1893, having played host to everyone from Charlie Chaplin to George Clooney. The hotel acted as Eisenhower's HQ during the war, the place that Audrey Hepburn called home while filming Roman Holiday, and the honeymoon spot for Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier.
 | | | Renovated entryway |
Now, 125 years later, the Hassler still maintains a perfect balance between the past, present and future, always looking to exceed the expectations of its guests throughout the years. To mark this occasion, the grande dame has renovated a number of its public spaces, rooms and suites in order to continue to preserve the iconic hotel's timeless elegance, while adding in a new contemporary style. They have also reduced the number of rooms and suites in order to create larger rooms as well as additional suites. The goal behind the renovations was to continue to satisfy the needs and desires of the Hassler's clientele, without losing that traditional feel that loyal returning guests love. After a brief three-week closure at the beginning of the year, the Hassler reopened on January 29, 2018, unveiling touches of new styles and refreshed looks as they go into their 125th year. These renovations were initiated by Roberto Wirth, who personally oversaw the project, supported by a team of architects and engineers.
The renovations include the following:
Entrance and Lobby: The main entrance has undergone some major changes, including a new fanlight allowing natural light to flood into the main hall, as well as brand-new front doors featuring modernized technology. The lobby has new flooring made of Botticino marble, and new upholstery has been added to the walls. The concierge and reception desks have received a new look, now finished in brown with golden foil decorations. | | | Presidential Suite San Pietro |
Presidential Suite San Pietro: Designed with the intent to satisfy the expectations of today's traveler, the furniture and fabrics in this elegant suite have been altered to give the space an updated look, while retaining the suite's original style.
Salone Eva and Sala Vietri: These lavish public spaces located near the entryway have been newly refreshed, allowing the spaces to look and feel brighter. New mirrors, lighting and upholstery have been added. The small gate at the entrance of Salone Eva, which has been part of the hotel for over 50 years, has been gilded again with gold leaves, and looks more opulent than ever.
"In short, we want the Hassler to continue to be the location par excellence when travelers come to Rome," says President and General Manager Roberto E. Wirth, "and to achieve this goal, we need a constant commitment and the will to continue to maintain the high standards that distinguish us. We have invested a lot over the past few years and we keep investing: the goal is to be at the forefront not only in terms of comfort but also in terms of technology. Above all, it is necessary to be vigilant in order to satisfy our guests. If I think of the future, I also see a new generation, represented by my son and daughter, who will continue the great hotel tradition of our family."
ABOUT HOTEL HASSLER ROMA: Set atop the Spanish Steps and featuring a panoramic view of the entire city, Hotel Hassler Roma is owned by President and General Manager Roberto E. Wirth, fifth generation of a famous Swiss hotelier dynasty. For more than a century, Hotel Hassler Roma has continued its legacy as Rome's five-star lodging of choice for the world's elite and discerning travelers. Each of the 91 rooms, 21 of which are suites, is individually designed with an elegant combination of classic and contemporary touches. Highlights include the Michelin-starred panoramic restaurant, Imà go, the Salone Eva and Palm Court restaurant and the Hassler Bar, as well as the neighboring, Hassler-owned II Palazzetto, a hotel, wine bar and special event space.
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