I have stayed at the Claremont a number of times, ...

I have stayed at the Claremont a number of times, but the renovation, which is still in progress outdoors, made this a fantastic homage to the old days while creating a more timelessly elegant common area. The only downside, if it can be called that, revolves around the transition of the hotel's amenities to a country club for local residents. Hotel guests have complete access, but during the day in the summer there is a swim club and swim meets in the pool, and a lot of people at the club, while the hotel feels a little empty. I imagine that when both are in full swing, it's a little tight. BUT the amenities are worth sharing. And the service is spectacular - highly professional without ever being unctuous, and anticipatory, without being invasive. For instance, my wife left her sneakers at home, so we couldn't do the Spin Class, but they have adopted the "fit" program which lends you apparel and other gear during your stay! We didn't know about it, but it was offered to us.

The lobby bar, with its panoramic views, had a limited but solid variety of unique foods, such as fried chicken bao bun sliders.