Beverly Hills, Calif.

The Beverly Hilton hotel (www.beverlyhilton.com), in Beverly Hills, Calif., has nearly completed an $80 million renovation. Hilton likes to refer to it as a “transformation,” and indeed, this former Merv Griffin hotel, under new ownership since 2003, has been reborn. That is evident from the moment one steps into the spacious lobby. All 570 guest rooms (including 101 suites) have sophisticated furnishings, European linens, high