The award winning Renaissance Hollywood opened late 2001, and is the number one best choice in hotels if you wish to feel the pulse of Hollywood and be in the heart of the city. The excitement and glamour of the world's movie making capital comes to life here on the cornerstone of the spectacular Hollywood and Highland Center . It is considered L.A. 's hottest shopping and entertainment destination. This dazzling hotel captures the legendary glamour and excitement of Hollywood 's illustrious past, and indeed what a past it has. The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa plays neighbor (right outside the hotel) to trend-setting shops, world-class restaurants, legendary landmarks and state-of-the-art entertainment venues, including The Kodak Theatre - home of the annual Academy Awards ceremonies... The hotel now serves as Oscar-night headquarters for the frenzy of participants and paparazzi attending the Academy Awards. I wish I could have been there on that wild evening.

I simply loved this awesome hotel, and for so many reasons I would highly recommend it. Its contemporary L.A. residential décor of the '50s creates a strong sense of context and place that is warm and inviting. I found everything about this hotel from the location to the hotel itself to be a fascinating adventure. The hotel's whimsical stylish designs exude the sophisticated style and clean lines of mid-century modernism. Throughout the hotel, you will see showcased a combination of 33 established and emerging talented artists.

The elegantly appointed large rooms and suites are designed to reflect the hotel's unique character and sophistication while accented perfectly by the classic Hollywood charm. What I noticed particularly in my room, was the obvious attention to premier luxury and the stunning view of the Hollywood Hills. Yes, you could also see the famous Hollywood sign! The whole vision was rather breathtaking, exhilarating, and almost surreal. My room with opulent amenities was comfortable, quiet, with a luxurious cozy bed and bedding. All rooms and suites include individual climate control, two-line cordless telephones and data port, high-speed internet connections, color TV, CD Players, writing desk, in-room pay movies, hair dryers, coffee makers, bathrobes, and bathroom amenities packages by Bath and Body Works.

The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel offers 637 distinctive guest rooms and 33 suites. If you are looking for the best of the best in luxury, book the unforgettable 3,500 square foot Panorama Suite that features spectacular 270 degree views. It is amazing. Rooms on the seventh floor and up, offer truly impressive views...so do bring your camera. One-third look toward the Pacific Ocean , one-third face the skyline of Downtown L.A., and one-third take in the lush Hollywood Hills.

The hotel's location is an outstanding plus, so walking around is unusually easy. Sightseeing is in-effect unavoidable, since the hotel shares the same block as Hollywood 's most famous landmarks -- the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Furthermore, The Hollywood Bowl (which you won't want to miss) is less than a mile away and the subway stops under the hotel complex, providing access to Universal Studios and other destinations. Other major points of interest close by are:

Hollywood & Highland Shopping Center

Kodak Theater, home of the Academy Awards®

Grauman's Chinese Theater

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Lucky Strikes Bowling Alley

Hollywood Bowl (2 minutes)

Rodeo Drive (10 minutes)

Disneyland (40 minutes)

Griffith Park and Observatory (5 minutes)

The Hollywood Bowl (5 minutes)

Santa Monica Pier and 3rd Street Promenade (35 minutes)

The Getty Center (40 minutes)

Universal Studios City Walk (4 minutes)

Six Flags Magic Mountain Amusement Park (40 minutes)

Major motion picture studios including Paramount , Universal, and Warner Brothers

The Renaissance, as I discovered first hand, guarantees savvy, impeccable service from its helpful, stellar and friendly staff. Everyone who worked in the hotel was delighted to make sure my every need was tended to. Do stop in the Concierge Lounge if you are in a suite for a complimentary (and delicious) breakfast, Hors d'oevres and dessert spreads. In addition, there is a wonderful restaurant in the hotel you might want to check out, Twist - the Hotel's "California-Eclectic" restaurant and sushi bar.

There is also, for your convenience, a state-of-the-art communications facility which enables business travelers to stay in touch. I found this facility very helpful and user-friendly.

So, if you are planning a trip to Hollywood, your very best choice all around is the Renaissance

Spa Luce

More than a Spa...

The Spa Luce, (which opened in May) offers a one-of-a-kind tranquil urban oasis within the fast paced city. Here I was able to experience the chance to escape into a beautiful state-of-the-art spa facility designed to balance and revitalize mind, body and spirit. The aura here is not only original but unique. From the moment I walked through its doors, I felt as though I was transported into an ultra-chic, cave-like, futuristic, calming atmosphere. As corny as it might sound, I literally entered into a sensory journey of bliss, well-being, and tranquil serenity like no other spa I have ever been to in the world. I was greeted personally and escorted to my locker which was equipped with amenities that were exceptional; a luxurious robe, slippers, brush, razor, comb, tooth brush and paste. Then, while I waited for my treatment, I was brought to the (perfectly named) all white, plush, dimly lit, 'relaxing room'.

Here I kicked-back and enjoyed nuts, fruits, water and hot tea. I was so relaxed that I was almost annoyed when I was called for my massage. Carol gave me the most memorable massage. The Spa Luce's motto is to tailor make every massage to the client's needs and desires, and that was abundantly achieved as far as I was concerned. The 6400-square-foot spa features personalized treatments, (treatments include full use of the spa facilities, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms.) celebrity-inspired pampering, and top-of-the-line beauty and health products. Sonya Dakar Skincare, the Somme Institute, and Red Flower are the signature products.

Natural sunlight streams into the spa and its seven distinct treatment rooms to create an environment of light and warmth that enhances the regenerative healing properties of the facility. The spa offers a wide range of rejuvenating skincare therapies and body work that are truly outstanding. I also enjoyed the fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center and a gorgeous outdoor rooftop pool overlooking the city. At that point, I was so comfortable that I didn't stop to reflect what I looked like in my bathing suit, for a change. Do not miss out on the unforgettable Spa Luce experience.

So, if you are planning a trip to Hollywood, your very best choice, all around is the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel and Spa. I truly look forward to returning someday.