Hilton HHonors - Huntington Waterfront Beach Resort or Beverly Hills ???

I'm currently looking for a hotel to use my GLON certificate that's due to expire on May 4.
I have pretty much narrowed it down to either the Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington or the Beverly Hills Hilton.

I'm looking for a hotel that's as luxurious as possible (especially the rooms), upgrades as GOLD VIP, not too far away from places to see, just the overall best hotel.

Has anyone stayed at either one ? I will also be renting a car and have noticed that parking fees are quite high at the Beverly Hilton...

I'm not able to tell you about the rooms or upgrades but being a "local" I can tell you about the areas. The Beverly Hilton is much closer to shopping, Hollywood, and many tourist attractions. Huntington Beach is further away to most tourist spots and you'll have to deal with dreaded Los Angeles traffic more. It really depends on what your priorities are, hanging out at a hotel or exploring the area. Have fun on your trip!

I agree with hhonorsjunkie. You are closer to the things you probably want to see if you stay in Beverly Hills. Granted the $21/night parking charge is a bit much, but consider what your time is worth and gasoline prices driving back and forth from Huntington Beach.

I haven't been there, but is the Doubletree Guest Suites in Santa Monica available during the time you want to stay? I'm assuming you could use your award there. Then you'll be both near the beach and close to the action. And their parking charge is only $15 per day.

I haven't stayed at the Beverly Hills location, but have stayed in Huntington Beach twice. As a Gold I got a room on the executive floor with access to the exec lounge. As a Diamond a couple of weeks ago I was upgraded to a suite with, again, access to the lounge. The rooms were not large, but were nicely decorated. This hotel is right across from the beach if that appeals to you. There is not much to do in the immediate area, however. We had to drive for at least half an hour to get to various attractions. We stayed there because we love morning and evening walks on the beach.

I don't know that I would call it luxurious. If anyone has stayed in Beverly Hllls maybe they can tell you if that hotel qualifies.

(edited to add that self parking was $8.00 per day. I believe valet parking was $14.00.)

[This message has been edited by Westcoaster (edited 10-01-2003).]

Both are good properties,but different experiences. The Huntington Beach area is much nicer than it use to be,but you are somewhat "isolated".

I vote for Bev Hills Hilton. Even though I'm local I stayed there once when I had just flown back from Europe & was attending an awards event. My room was quite nice & my bed was fab, and they had their limo take me to/pick me up from the hairdresser.

As mentioned, Bev Hills is much closer to everything (and not that far a drive to Santa Monica if you want to do the beach thing): restaurants, Hollywood, shopping, etc, etc. And there are a # of award events that are held there, so you might luck out & see celebs.

I've attended mtgs at Huntington Beach - it's got the ocean but that's about it. Farth to everything.

I'd choose Bev Hills Hilton over Doubletree Santa Monica, especially if there's only a $6 dif/day on the parking.

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Sharon

When I'm in the area, my choice is the Doubletree over the Hilton hands down! I've stayed at both and the service and upgrades I've gotten at the Doubletree outdo the Hilton every time.

Look into the Doubletree and you will not be upset.