It's Flava Day Weekend -- that's what we call Labor Day -- and if being chained to a Weber grill does not seem flavorful whatsoever, we offer you three ways to get to a hotel pool and a beautiful burger without ever reaching for the coal. Translation? Staycation, of course.
Mr. C Beverly Hills and Apple Pan: Just months ago, West Pico Boulevard between Beverwil Drive and South Beverly Drive was a sleeper block, but with the addition of Mr. C Beverly Hills, it's now a must-see hotel pool. You might assume that the pool is located atop the looming white structure, but instead, the pool is on the lobby level. Let's discuss the plusses now: No elevator-riding in your bikini (always awkward), and closer access to the man making your bellinis (you know that Mr. C, nee Cipriani, invented the bellini). A damn plush robe is waiting for you. Afterwards, you reward yourself (the accomplishment, of course, is a job-well- done at maximizing your holiday weekend) with a hickory burger at Apple Pan, still one of the sauciest cheeseburgers in all of LA.Mr. C Beverly Hills, 1224 Beverwil Drive, at West Pico Boulevard (310-277-2800 or mrchotels.com)Apple Pan, 10801 West Pico Boulevard, at Glendon Avenue (310-475-3585 or applepan.com)
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and 25 Degrees: It's possible you've fallen in the pool at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel before (clad in jeans); now, with a proper room key, and the forethought to change into your bikini, falling into the pool won't be Us Weekly fodder this go-round. It's one of the liveliest pool scenes in the city -- Hilton and Kardashian sisters run amok -- so, you'll make friends easily, get everybody together in a big booth at 25 Degrees for even bigger burgers. We say, build your own; top it off with as many artisan cheeses as possible.Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, at North Orange Avenue (323-466-7000 or thompsonhotels.com)25 Degrees, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, at North Orange Avenue (323-785-7244 or 25degreesrestaurant.com)
Montage Beverly Hills and Bouchon: If you've not yet dove into the Montage pool, then you don't know that there's a classical orchestra playing underwater for you. This is such a spectacular pool grounds -- with spitting fountains, electronically-hooked up cabanas and all. Laying poolside might provide you with all sorts of beck-and-call amenities (like complimentary iced slushie shots.!) And the Montage folks erected the building across the adjacent public gardens (that they also green-thumbed), to which Bouchon is leasing -- and serving beautiful Michelin-starred off-menu burgers if you ask for 'em in a s'il vous plait way.Montage Beverly Hills, 225 North Canon Drive, at Clifton Way (310-860-7800 or montagebeverlyhills.com)Bouchon, 235 North Canon Drive, at Clifton Way (310-271-9910 or bouchonbistro.com)
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