The London West Hollywood is an all-suite, five-star hotel with rooftop pool, breakfast included, and posh design - and it's more affordable than you'd think

There are few cheerier things than a luxury hotel decked out for the festive holiday season and The London did not disappoint. It made quite the charming first impression, all festooned with lights and a tree right out front.

The lobby had a boutique feel and was easy to navigate. I liked the elegant turquoise upholstered seating that added a rich pop of color and poise against the otherwise black-and-white space. The long reception desk had no crowd; there was just one person in front at check-in. Off to the left was the bar and restaurant.

My sense that the hotel would be near empty proved quickly true. We were upgraded at check-in to a top-tier suite, and later, we found ourselves the only couple seated during our entire dinner over Saturday night of Thanksgiving weekend at Boxwood restaurant.

We found our way to the "lift" and headed upstairs to our upgraded Crown suite. All rooms are suites here, but the Crown sets itself apart with a private terrace with south-facing views, which is the most desirable orientation.

That view is the primary difference between these rooms and the entry-level London suites, which otherwise provides the exact same floor plan and amenities. Unless you care deeply about the terrace views, you're just as well off saving the extra hundred dollars or so and booking the London.

Rates for London suites begin in the mid-$300s, and rise to begin in about the mid-$400s for the Crown. The mid-tier Chelsea and Vista suite categories are also largely the same, differentiated by view, with prices that fall down the middle.

All suites span 725 square feet with an open floor plan, all done in neutral colors and luxe finishes like bleached oak, chrome, and embossed white leather. They feature a personal wines-on-tap system that I had never before seen in a hotel room. And here, the thermostat can be fine-tuned to the half-degree mark — another high-end detail I'd never before seen.

In the open-plan orientation, the king bed carves out its space with the help of an elaborate headboard that doubles as shelving on the opposite side, kind of like a pony wall in the otherwise open space. But there must be a design flaw here because both my husband and I each managed to hit our heads on this somewhat unwieldy furnishing.

The bed was quite comfortable, but even on a high floor, I was aware of street noise, given this property's urban location.

The bathroom felt downright spa-like, with plush robes, two shower heads (yes, even in the entry-level suites), and deep soaking tubs. In fact, the tub was actually too big to get comfortable. It was so long that I couldn't brace myself against the ends and felt like I might float away.

The Crown suite worked great for the two of us as it was open enough to watch the sunrise from bed. But it would not have been my preference had we been with our kids. That's when we are willing to sacrifice square footage and spend extra for a suite that comes with a partition, so we can close a door after putting them to bed.

Don't miss the newly renovated rooftop pool surrounded by cabanas and chaises with sweeping views over L.A. You can order poolside dining next to one of the fire pits with cozy sofa seating.

There's also the restaurant Boxwood, which serves British-inspired fare amid lots of natural light and city views. I highly recommend taking afternoon tea in the London Bar and sitting room.

And, of course, all room bookings come with complimentary European breakfast, which is a nice nod to the hotel's British roots.

Sure, there's also a ballroom, penthouse suite for entertaining, and other traditional event spaces. But among the differentiating spaces at The London for (only-in-L.A.) events: a luxurious ground-floor screening room with room for 110 people amid super plush seats, Dolby surround sound, and a private reception area.

The London is situated on the border of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. It's also centrally located with respect to many other areas around L.A. where travelers might want to visit, such as Hollywood. The movie studios can be easily accessed from here, as can downtown and the beaches within about a 30-minute drive, barring traffic. But… always plan for traffic.

Overall, Trip Advisor gives the hotel a walkability score of 95 out of 100. It's located just down the hill from the on the Sunset Strip with its famous venues like the Roxy, Viper Room, and the Whiskey-a-Go-Go, making it well located for live music lovers.

Also easily reached from are the chic dining and shopping scenes on Robertson Boulevard and Melrose Avenue. The London is just up the hill from the Pacific Design Center, which is clearly in view from many vantage points on property.

Trip Advisor ranks the London 3 of 21 West Hollywood hotels. The 2,200 reviews overall give the property an "Excellent" 4.5 out of 5 rating.

Positive reviews note the "spacious and well-appointed" rooms, "exemplary service," and "ideal… location in the heart of West Hollywood."

Those more critical reviewers noted lapses in service, sometimes due to what they considered to be disengaged staff people, or simply too few of them, relative to the number of guests. "Understaffed," one noted. "Waiting time is so long at the pool bar."

Who stays here: The London welcomes a range of business travelers such as Hollywood types and other creatives thanks to the hotel's plush screening room facility. There are also plenty of style-minded sightseers from around the world. The address in West Hollywood also makes it an especially LGBT-friendly hotel, and I saw a smattering of families with young kids, too.

We like: The afternoon tea is a delight, with its little sandwiches and tiered sweets presentation, plus, bubbly to boot. The "magical" tea is just charming if you are traveling with kids.

We love (don't miss this feature): The London's rooftop pool is the hotel's standout feature, with views over West Hollywood, the hills, and far beyond — especially on a clear day.

We think you should know: The room rate includes a continental breakfast buffet for all guests, which feels like significant savings when you consider what the individual line item might be otherwise.

We'd do this differently next time: Overnight parking here is $49, and that's a lot. Arrive by rideshare if possible, especially given the London's sky-high walkability rating.

The London West Hollywood is a well-located, five-star choice situated right where Beverly Hills and West Hollywood meet, for easy access around major Los Angeles.

The property takes its cues from its namesake city, and all that British 'inspo' makes for a playful, cheeky setting best enjoyed at afternoon tea. The rooftop pool, with its incredible urban views, is also a standout.

But the real surprise comes by way of value offered without sacrificing a drop of style. In a neighborhood where hotels can regularly cost thousands a night, the London is a refreshing alternative with huge entry-level suites, a rooftop pool, and breakfast included, all starting around $300.