Welcome to the ‘Hotel California’. Looking just as dreamy half a century later, the legendary pink spires of the Beverly Hills Hotel were immortalised on the cover of the Eagles’ best-selling 1976 album of the same name, peeking out from behind hazy palm tree fronds in a twinkling, twilight-lit photo. Still the first port of call for the biggest names in film and music, The Beverly Hills Hotel is a celebrity in its own right.
As well as its starring role on the ‘Hotel California’ album cover, photographer Slim Aarons’ took a number of glamorous shots of the picture-perfect property and its pool in the 1950s, helping to seal the mythology of one of L.A.’s most historic hotels. It remains impressively chic; the old school, country club-styled salmon-pink exterior largely untouched. As such, it remains a go-to for the Hollywood set (we end up having to change our booking date due to an Emmys party taking over the entire hotel). But parties or not, at the Beverly Hills Hotel a celebrity encounter in the lobby is pretty much guaranteed.
Why stay at The Beverly Hills Hotel?
To walk in the footsteps of icons. To stay at the storied Beverly Hills Hotel is to do as Hollywood royalty has done since the hotel opened in 1912, the first major property to be built in the dusty, largely untouched area of Beverly Hills. At first, it attracted silent movie era stars, from Buster Keaton to Charlie Chaplin, as well as Gloria Swanson, who took up residence in one of the hotel’s stand-alone bungalows while getting her divorce. By the 1950s it was known as a luxury destination, with the Rat Pack and Marilyn Monroe regulars in the bungalows, much like Elizabeth Taylor who spent six of her eight honeymoons in them. If that sounds like good company, then the Beverly Hills Hotel is for you.
What are the rooms like at The Beverly Hills Hotel?
The main hotel has 210 rooms and suites, while out back are the bungalows, 23 exclusive homes linked by winding pathways lined with sub-tropical plants and with direct, private access from the road. Find your room in the main building down corridors clad in the hotel’s semi-psychedelic green palm on pink print. Rooms themselves are traditional and cosy, with a homely kind of luxury; deep pile carpets, super soft furnishings, bouncy beds with super high thread count sheets, velvet sofas, leather headboards and a friendly, mumsy vibe. There’s no coffee machine, but a very-well stocked mini bar. Some rooms have private patios, some have balconies. Turndown service includes a bedside cookie.
What is the food like at The Beverly Hills Hotel?
Famously, notoriously good. The in-house restaurant, the Polo Lounge, is one of L.A.’s most in-demand eateries, known not just for its food, but the serious star power that this room holds. Sit at Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor’s favorite table, or where Frank Sinatra celebrated Dean Martin’s 49th birthday, which ended in a bar brawl. The McCarthy chopped salad is famous, and portions are large; we struggled to make a dent in our fried chicken and lobster mac and cheese main after a heroically sized tuna tartare starter.
Staff however are more than happy to pack up any leftovers in cute pink take-out boxes. My dining companion had severe allergies and was catered for without fuss and to a high standard. Every evening, a sleek sound bed is provided by a lounge singer on guitar and keyboard working his way through hits you’ll actually want to hear. See the Polo Lounge in 1952’s The Bad the Beautiful, 1975’s Shampoo, and 1998’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. If you’re after a daytime drink or snack (or to sign a new deal with your movie agent), then head to The Fountain Coffee Shop.
What is the service like at The Beverly Hills Hotel?
Immaculate. After arriving at my room and finding there wasn’t a remote control for the TV, a quick call was made to the front desk. Within four minutes a member of staff delivered a replacement, complete with a raft of apologies. The concierge is also able to help with a vast number of services, from babysitting, translation services, medical assistance, personal fitness, mail and posting, and lots more. Your wish is their command.
What is the pool and gym like at The Beverly Hills Hotel?
You’ve probably seen the pool already. That iconic photo of Faye Dunaway, the morning after the Academy Awards slumped in a chair with a cigarette in hand and her Oscar on the table? The pool behind her is the one at The Beverly Hills Hotel. It’s very good-looking, flanked by pink and candy-striped green loungers, with sunshades adorned with their palm print and real life palm trees all around. There’s a hot tub too, as well as high-end private cabanas with televisions—one of them is where composer Leonard Bernstein came up with the idea for West Side Story. How Hollywood is the pool? On our visit, a glam couple were accompanied by their pet cat on a leash, and staff didn’t bat an eyelid. There’s also a windowless fitness center if you fancy a proper workout, and a world-famous spa.
What’s the area like around The Beverly Hills Hotel?
Don’t listen to the bores who tell you nobody walks in L.A. Beverly Hills is pretty pedestrian friendly, and there’s plenty of places to potter around not far from the hotel. Take yourself on a self-guided tour of the homes of golden Hollywood greats or pop into Will Rogers Memorial Park, which was once part of the hotel grounds. Just south of the hotel, it’s probably best known for being the site of George Michael’s 1998 arrest.
Why should you book a stay at The Beverly Hills Hotel?
The Chateau Marmont, Roosevelt and Bel-Air Hotel aside, The Beverly Hills Hotel is one of the last great original hotels in Los Angeles. Sure, it’s pricey, but from the majestic Polo Lounge restaurant, to the impeccable pool, and the exclusive bungalows, it’s a piece of living history.
DETAILS
Address: 9641 W Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Price: Rooms start at $1,045 per night
Closest transport: LAX, which is approximately a 25-minute drive from the hotel
Book now: via Booking.com
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