Note: I don't work for the Crescent. I don't get paid to write reviews for them or anyone else for that matter. I am stating that because after reading this, you might think otherwise.

If you didn't know it was there, you wouldn't know it was there. At the corner of Beverly and Brighton in the heart of Beverly Hills, is The Crescent. You could walk right past it a hundred times, and if you happened to have been texting or even sneezing, you may not have ever noticed. And that would be a shame. Even more so if you were looking for a place to stay (or eat, drink or just relax).

The Crescent was always happy to quiet and cool, leaving the notoriety to nearby Beverly Hilton (think, Emmy Awards), Beverly Hills Hotel, the Bel Air, and of course the Beverly Wilshire (remember, "Reg - Bev - Wil" from Pretty Woman?) which is right down the block. But some years ago (not that long ago really) the entrance to The Crescent was actually a bit larger, more traditional and facing Beverly Drive. Recently, in order to expand the restaurant and bar area, they have changed the main entrance to a smaller doorway around the corner on Brighton. For you history and trivia buffs, at the time of the writing of this review, both the picture on TripAdvisor AND the ones on the website (http://crescentbh.com) are of the hotel back when the entrance was on Beverly. So now the side facing Beverly is hidden behind a landscaped wall enveloping the outdoor patio of the restaurant.

Ok, so here's the deal. I've spent over 60 nights at The Crescent. I stayed there a lot for business several years back. It was absolutely stellar then ... and they have managed to make it even better.

The staff - ALL THE STAFF - is simply exceptional. It is the service of the highest order, and more importantly service more genuine than you can imagine. The staff somehow manages to make you believe you have known them for years. It feels great. It makes you want to say hello to people in the hallway. And if you are lucky enough to run into Justice (I hope I did justice to the spelling of his name), even better. He'll take care of you like he's your best man, your brother, your prom date, or your person attache.

The restaurant is perfection. Don't miss the truffle fries - best anywhere. The flatbread pizza will blow you away with the garlicky aroma which is evident long before it hits the table. The restaurant is split between an interior and exterior seating area, with plenty of choices of seating type and arrangements, to suit all desires. In fact, you may be so inclined to want to move around to experience a traditional table on the patio then a fireside drink on the sofas. And the bar - where you will likely end up - is a perfect size, and of course staffed by uncannily warm and friendly people who will make you a perfect drink. Mine was a Makers Mark Manhattan on the Rocks. And yes, it was perfect. Each time.

The rooms are not large, but they accomplish something astounding. They manage to do everything right. There is not a single annoying thing about the rooms. The large flat screen TV's are perfectly placed. The bathrooms are understated yet slick. The complimentary iPod docked net to the bed, playing soft tunes upon arrival - also just right. The lighting - exactly what you want it to be. Oh, and the bed may simply be the most comfortable bed I have ever been in ... including all those fancy joints I mentioned earlier.

Something worth mentioning which doesn't really fit in any category ... the hotel smells so great. Too great. You want to take a few extra breaths before you head out to Rodeo Drive (seconds away). And every time you return, you think to yourself, "how did I forget the place smells this good?"

Oh, and I guess I should mention that it's also one of the most affordable places in the area - an area which is not known for anything inexpensive.

So all in all, here is my opinion. Staying at The Crescent will make you feel slightly hipper and smarter than you may actually be. But that's ok. That close to Hollywood - you should "act as if" anyway. Oh, and you'll also come out of there smelling better than you did when you went in.

Wish there were 6 circles ... five didn't do it justice (there's that Justice again).

Was looking for a non-chain, not ridiculously expensive, interesting hotel near west LA. The Crescent is all of those. The staff was very cordial. The food (I only had one meal) was quite good. The interior decor was quirky. Clearly done by someone with a sense of humor.

Only complaint was that the heat in my room did not work so well (night temps were in the '40's). They said that they're about to do some renovations to address things like that.

We stayed at the hotel for three nights, the room was comfortable, the service was were kind and the hotel's location with several nice cafes, restaurants and shops within walking distance was great. The only downside is the parking fee.
Definitely recommended.

Pros: Super comfortable beds, very clean, great location for Beverly Hills and staff very kind. I went for a jog and come back a couple of hours later. The receptionist at the desk told me he was worried about me I was gone so long! The restaurant is excellent and the prices are good. There is a Whole Foods a block away which is convenient.
Cons: Tiny bathroom, no desk in my room, no robes, no views and a bit noisy.
Every other hotel in Beverly Hills will be twice the price, so...I guess you get what you pay for.