thanks twa884. L'ermitage looks beautiful. the rooms are huge! it actually sounds more our speed than sls but it's more expensive and the fact that i don't have to drive after dinner if we stay at sls is a big plus. i'll keep checking rates though.

thanks sk3 for the greystone mansion link. i'll put it on the list of potential things to do. the one place we did want to check out was heath ceramics:
7525 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036

any lunch suggestions around that area?