Hilton Los Angeles, Universal City

Ah, Hollywood, land of fame, fortune and movie stars. of today live in southern California, there are those who don’t. So I wondered where those stars like to staywhen they’re here. I found out that the first priority is location…aside from five star luxury of course! Then I discovered that when Roger Moore was here to get his star put in the Walk of Fame…right at 7-007 Hollywood Blvd. he stayed at the Hilton Universal! Right in the middle of everything!

In fact, this hotel can’t get any closer to the action! It is right in Universal City, standing 26 stories atop That means anyone staying in one of the 482 rooms here is already at the world famous amusement park, Gibson Amphitheater for concerts, the shops and restaurants of Citywalk, and the actual Universal Pictures film recording studios. Other studios, like Warner Bros., Disney and NBC television are a stone’s throw away. Plus, look out any window and you will have a panoramic view of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Hills and the San Fernando Valley. If you have any doubt about where you are, you just have to look out the windows! This has to be the best view in town! What is more, the hotel is conveniently located for public transportation to reach other destinations in the Los Angeles area.

Hands down, this is a great place to bring the family while here doing business. They havecompleteted a multi-million dollar renovation. which makes the Hilton an award winner in several categories. Its contemporary California style, gives a resort feel with the most modern conveniences and homey comforts. Their commitment to superior service, high standards, and beautiful décor have won them the Four Diamond Award from AAA, the Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award and Successful Meetings Pinnacle Award. Like I said, this place is great for both business and pleasure.

The Hilton rooms can be standard with either a king bed or two double beds, nine suites have an office alcove, living room and either one or two bedrooms or executive appointed king bed or two double bed rooms. The executive level rooms have added amenities like, irons with ironing boards, make-up mirrors and access to the exclusive executive lounge, 24 hours a day.

The furnishings in all rooms include either mahogany or maple wood furniture, at least 1up to 3 flat screen TV’s, a clock radio with MP3 connection, desk with high speed internet connection, two phone lines with a phone in the bath in many rooms, coffee maker, mini-bars and in-room safe for valuables. There are even cozy arm chairs with ottomans to just simply sit back and relax in. The with alcove/parlor rooms are a living room plus mini-office arrangement so high-power deals can be forged in privacy without having to go to an office outside of the hotel. They also have dining and kitchen facilities en-suite! These have provided service for kings, presidents and none other than Mr. James 007 Bond himself, Roger Moore.

Now, the bathing facilities in the executive rooms have His and Her marble bathrooms, terrycloth bath robes, Serenity baths with La Source toiletries from Crabtree & Evelyn© for a touch of class. That means there is an over-sized spa-tub with gold faucets. Move over Greta Garbo and Marlene Deitrich, here I come! Not staying in a suite? Don’t worry, all the rooms have lovely bathrooms and those special toiletries are right there waiting for you to pamper yourself. All rooms feature special Suite Dreams box springs and mattresses, with Super Topper mattress pads to assure a good night’s sleep. The Touch of Down pillows are like resting your head on a fluffy cloud, wrapped ‘round with luxurious 250 thread-count sheets and duvet to be snuggly warm. You don’t have to be a celebrity to enjoy that sort of comfort, believe me.

After that spy operation or mogul deal has closed, why not wind down with that shaken, never stirred martini certain secret agents adore? Head into the Hilton Lounge in the lobby, where you can any libation just the way you like it. They mix a mean martini and there is a snack menu that will have your mouth watering. How ‘bout an onion ring stand? Shucks, I thought I could practice my ring toss when nobody was looking. There is music provided in the evening for your enjoyment.

Of course after that cocktail, you’ll be ready for some fabulous food. Simply walk across the lobby to Café Sierra. Here you will find an eclectic array of California, continental and Chinese cuisines. This is the best place around for Sunday brunch which has, incidentally, been voted California’s Number One Seafood & Prime Rib Buffet. Do try to save room for dessert, there is a chocolate fountain to die for if you like sweets like I do. I didn’t know what to choose from the buffet, everything looked scrumptious and the choices were huge!

When you’ve had enough sweetness from Café Sierra’s chocolate fountain, you could hit the health club to work it off. They have a complete workout facility. There is also the hotel pool to soak up some of that California sunshine and it has a little eatery and beverage service so you don’t have to leave that lounge chair for a minute. If you don’t see any celebrities with an entourage, you can also catch one of the many tours that can be arrange for you downstairs at the concierge desk. Universal Studios is not the only theme park attraction they have in California. Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain are all close enough for a day’s outing. Then, of course, you will want to see Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, even a tour of the movie star homes is available.

Yes, I know, this is also a business trip and you may be planning a gathering of host of international spies, a trade show, an awards dinner for undercover operations well done, possibly the merging of two powerful houses or two people joining hands in marriage. All can be easily arranged and catered for at the Hilton Universal.

I may not be royalty, a politician, celebrity or even a secret spy, but I know quality, value and expertise when I see it. The Hilton Universal Hotel is top of the line at the top of the hill in Universal City, Los Angeles. Come enjoy the movie capital of the world with all the luxuries of a star…