Is There a Jerry Lewis Suite?

The Hotel Sofitel across from the Beverly Center is greeting spring with a new wardrobe of French Provencal prints as part of a $3.5-million top-to-bottom renovation.

“When the hotel opened in 1989 it had a French country look, but it wasn’t entirely authentic,” said Terry Reese, property operations manager.

Under an exclusive arrangement with Pierre Deux, the French interior design company that has a Rodeo Drive shop, the Sofitel has transformed the lobby, guest rooms and even Le Club Fitness, its health club, with the designer’s bright colors and bold prints of imported French fabric. It’s an interesting contrast at a time when muted modernism seems to be au courant.

The Pierre Deux cottons, silks and linens are hand-blocked and screen-printed in small factories in the south of France, Reese said. “We ordered about 80,000 yards of fabric--they’re mainly a residential company, so this was a special order.”

Five patterns in bright blues and yellows were used for the 311 guest rooms, and the main lobby has yellow, green and red small prints and checks.

“We reupholstered the antique furniture--the lobby has a French stone floor with a grand staircase, and the guests love it,” Reese said.

New lighting and carpeting were part of the remodeling. Although it’s part of a worldwide chain, the Pierre Deux look is exclusive for the Los Angeles hotel, Reese said.