Two separate two-week stays, once in the summer, once in the winter.
Loved it in the summer, hated it in the winter. Floors 6 and 7 are best: more updated, newer carpet and mattresses, more elegant furnishings. Smoking allowed, supposedly, on floor 2 only, but many still smoke on balconies and bathrooms, infiltrating other floors through antiquated ventilation system. Our room on the 5th floor reeked of smoke for the entire stay. On floor 7, we were quite satisfied, and odors were less offensive.

Generally, this hotel is unique, a worthwhile experience... Location is amazing, history fascinating, service outstanding; Merv Griffin should be commended for his creation of a lovely respite in the epicenter of Beverly Hills. However, recently, certain odors are so horrendous you must wonder if, perhaps, sections of the hotel are used as animal shelters!! Thankfully, Mr. Griffin has created a high service standard, the best in L.A., I believe, as he seems to hand-pick his always smiling, consistently polite, staff. (All of whom, conveniently, cannot seem to smell any odors and seem perplexed by the number of complaints...Hmmm...). Apparently, since Mr. Griffin is getting ready to sell, he is not investing money in updating the rooms. Our concrete-like mattress tag read "1995"... a little old for a $229.00/night room in 2003! Alas, in the summer, the gorgeous pool, poolside service and huge balconies make it all worthwhile. Balconies so large and private that you could, probably, sun bathe nude.
Unfortunately, in winter, I suggest finding another expensive hotel.
Also, around awards season, or holiday time, you must fight with non-guest, party-goers for a parking space... Took almost ONE hour to get out of the parking ramp at 6:00 p.m. on a Friday. The food is usually good, but, between service charges of $3.00, or 15%, and 18% gratuity, one sandwich and beverage can run $25.00! They allow carry-out from the restaurant, but still charge the service fees! (Is this legal?) The parking, evidently, is designed to keep out non-guests and maintain control... $21.00 self-parking, $24.00 valet! So, even if you get a great internet rate, add $21.00 minimum, plus mandatory 18% gratuities and extra fees. Also, the tax rate in Beverly Hills is 14.25%... A shock to out-of-towners.

If you are interested in Hollywood history, designer shopping, or an occasional "B" star-sighting... than make a point of staying here before the new owners modernize and reduce the building to, yet another, predictable, cash-cow, corporate entity. Just make sure you request an upper floor, if you have allergies, or need a good night's sleep.