When travels take you to Southern California and you want to experience a taste of local elegance, indulge in a local custom. Here's a guide to five luxury hotel Sunday brunches:

Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel: The famed hotel has been enchanting diners and guests for over a century. The Sunday jazz brunch features live music, and is served on the terrace.

The price, including a glass of champagne or a signature cocktail, is $80 per person, $30 for children 10 and under. The menu includes many breakfast specialties, as well as steak, chicken and salads. Keep alert, because a famous movie star may be at the next table.

Guest Senior Writer PJJ, Chicago IL: This is a spectacular example of Gothic architecture, similar to the famed church in Paris. Constructed in the 12th century, the cathedral was heavily damaged during WW2, but now fully restored to most of its original features. Admission to the cathedral in Rouen is free and donations are accepted.

Rouen is 90 minutes from Paris by train or drive, and makes an excellent day trip. The surrounding Normandy region feature beautiful, rustic areas of France to explore, providing a pleasant contrast to the touristic flash of Paris.

Scenario: Your tropical tour includes Arizona’s Grand Canyon or the beaches of Malibu or Manhattan’s Central Park. How to chill out depends on being a real cool senior. Let's discuss several ideas.

The simplest, no-cost way to beat the heat is to get up at dawn and out of the hotel just as the summer sun is beginning to peek over the horizon. Do your hiking, biking and jogging at that glorious cool hour. Street traffic will be light, low night temperatures still hanging in the air and birds just starting their morning songs. And all for free!

In an area filled with high profile luxury hotels, one of the best is almost hidden away. The Hotel Bel-Air offers serene luxury just off Sunset Boulevard, near Beverly Hills and the UCLA campus.

The five-star hotel debuted in 1946, replacing offices and stables of Alphonzo Bell, developer of Bel-Air. It’s now operated by the international hotel organization, the Dorchester Collection.