Montage Laguna Beach

5 Luxury Hotel Lounges in Southern California

If you love luxurious hotels and resorts, Southern California is the place to visit. Living in Southern California for 20 years and selling high-end wine and spirits qualifies me to write this article. Not only did I continually visit these locations for work-related business (more on this in my bio!), these locations were also my “chill” spots when I wanted to kick back with the girls over bubbles.  Some old, some new, but all magnificent for relaxing with your honey or taking the time and enjoying a well-deserved cocktail on your own.

Peninsula Beverly Hills

Peninsula Hotel – Beverly Hills – The Club Bar

Hidden amongst the trees in the heart of 90210 is this iconic hotel. Stars can go unseen as the entrance is small, but the luxury is colossal. When I was selling Grey Goose Vodka, I got a kick out of visiting the Belvedere, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Deep, inviting, dark leather chairs and an extensive selection of spirits is welcoming to all. A must after a long day shopping on Rodeo Drive.

The Beverly Hills Hotel – Beverly Hills – Polo Lounge

Polo Lounge

Beverly Hills Hotel

If you have never heard of this hotel, let me let you in on a great secret. This is the essence of what I am about. Classic and iconic are not strong enough words to compliment the “Pink Palace,” as it is known. There are two options at the Polo Lounge, the outside patio or inside bar and lounge. The outside floral patio offers bright ambiance and a very popular brunch. For me, the inside bar is where I enjoy my beverages, and it’s always a martini here. My father was a martini man, and I imagine us at the bar with Frank Sinatra sitting right next to us, enjoying cocktails and reminiscing about the Rat Pack.

Montage – Laguna Beach – Lobby Lounge

Montage Laugna Beach

Do you like to smell the sea breezes with your bubbles? I do, and you can’t get any closer to the Pacific Ocean than here.  The year was 2003 when the first Montage Resort opened and I was there.  I remember it like yesterday. I entered those doors in a business capacity (selling Grey Goose Vodka) and have never wanted to leave. This is my go-to place to enjoy Christmas Eve with family. The pianist is magical. Add the view and Champagne and you, too, will never want to leave.

Pelican Hill Resort

The Resort at Pelican Hill – Newport Beach – Andrea Bar/Great Room Lounge

Pelican Hill

Pelican Hill Resort

Want to feel like a queen? This is the place. One of the youngest, but the most colossal of the bunch.   When Pelican Hill opened in 2008 I would look for excuses to visit. I would take a client golfing, or review proposals with a co-worker. The resort is only 5 miles from my home, so who wouldn’t go out for a gallon of milk and swing by here for a Bellini?

Fairmont Grand Del Mar – San Diego – Lobby Lounge

This Mediterranean-style resort is tremendous in size, but magnificent in luxury. I had the pleasure of staying before the Fairmont took over 2 years ago, and the hotel chain has done a magnificent job keeping it as sophisticated as ever. The lounge has a sexy, intimate setting. Add some soulful jazz and lobster tacos and you’re in heaven.  Also note the golf and spa are incredible here, but more importantly, if you like wine, make sure to visit Addison restaurant and bar and its award-winning wine list.

This article was difficult to write, as I started with a list of 12 then had to narrow down. Luxury hotels are wonderful, but numerous factors are important, and the Lounge for Libations is a high-priority for me. I hope this gives you some desire to visit Southern California, or maybe visit a Montage or Peninsula closer to you to experience a luxurious lounge and a favorite libation for yourself.