Just a block from the Beverly Center and a mile from Farmers Market and The Grove, the Élan is ideal for visitors who want to save their money for shopping—but its location at the convergence of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood also makes it one of the city’s best values for any traveler minding the wallet. The hotel retained some details from the original facade of a 1969 retirement home while turning it into a sophisticated, contemporary boutique hotel. It doesn’t compete with the big luxury hotels on features—there’s no pool, fitness center or restaurant—but guests will hardly notice the difference while they’re in the sleek lobby and stylish, impeccable rooms decorated in warm earth tones, and using the hotel's smartphone app to open their doors instead of using keys. Standard rooms are on the small side, but high ceilings and well-placed custom furniture compensate admirably. The beds, made up with goose-down comforters and soft cotton linens, are firm; guests preferring softer beds can request a pillow-top cover. Cotton robes, plush towels, mini-fridges, and Wolfgang Puck Coffee also add a touch of luxury. Best of all, nothing is too much to ask of the kind and helpful staff.