By Bridget Castner
Ah, the Beverly Hills Hotel. Established in 1912, this 5-star establishment is 111 years old and simply oozes with glamor and elegance – making it no surprise why many Hollywood A-listers have called this ‘Pink Palace’ a home away from home.
Interested in joining the glitz? Find out why you should stay at The Beverly Hills Hotel!
The Legendary Celebrity-Inspired Bungalows
Across the 12-acres of the 'Pink Palace' are 23 bungalows, 5 of which are inspired by extraordinary guests who often visited the hotel. For example, Bungalow 1 is inspired by Marilyn Monroe as it's said to have been her favorite. Bungalow 5 is inspired by the elegance of Elizabeth Taylor featuring gold foil details, glittering light fixtures, and stunning portraits of the actress. Bungalows 2, 3, and 9 are inspired by Frank Sinatra, Howard Hughes, and Charlie Chaplin.
The Female Founder
The iconic hotel was opened by Margaret Anderson in 1912, a full two years before Beverly Hills was deemed a city. Margaret owned and operated the hotel until 1928 when she sold it and retired. Her motto was, "Guests are entitled to the best of everything, regardless of cost".
The Historic Swimming Pool
Originally named 'The Sand and Pool Club', this calming oasis first opened in 1938. The poolside cabanas are ready for you to spend the day, complete with a charging station, flat screen TV, personal safe, mini fridge, bathrobes, and more. The Cabana Cafe provides poolside dining during the day and nighttime movie-watching in a private cabana with unlimited champagne and snack bar access.
The pool has seen many famous moments, including scenes shot for Designing Women and a private party hosted by the iconic British rock band, The Beatles. This poolside is where Leonard Bernstein came up with the idea for West Side Story (Cabana 3 to be exact)!
The Wellness and Spa Facilities
The hotel's gym is open for 24-hours, giving guests the opportunity to workout around-the-clock. But the spa's the true star – elegant and peaceful, it was crafted by designer Alexandra Champalimaud and draws inspiration from the flora and fauna of California. Featuring four treatment rooms, a duet suite, and a nail salon, nothing beats spending a day pampering yourself at The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa.
The Signature Palm Print
Everyone knows the iconic banana leaf wallpaper that dons the hotel's halls, stairways, and Fountain Coffee Room. Known as The Martinique, the wallpaper was designed in the Bahamas in 1942 and inspired legendary actor-turned-decorator Don Loper to use it in his 1949 renovation of the Beverly Hills Hotel. It has easily become one of the most recognizable wallpapers in the world. The hotel even offers complimentary bike rentals for guests that are covered in the iconic banana leaf print and come with a neighborhood map so you can explore the city easily.
The Restaurants
Whether it’s a power lunch or a poolside feast, The Beverly Hills hotel has something to offer everyone with its wide variety of restaurants. Try the legendary McCarthy Salad at the Polo Lounge, or drink a magnificent milkshake at The Fountain Coffee Room, right on the very counter where Guns N' Roses signed their first record deal!
With an all-day dining menu, you can eat everything from burgers and sandwiches to homemade ice creams and cakes. Bar Nineteen12, the namesake of the hotel's opening year, is the perfect place to dine with a view and enjoy incredible drinks.
The Unmatchable Service
From the moment you arrive at The Beverly Hills Hotel, you will be treated like absolute royalty and greeted by smiling bellhops before being escorted into the elegant lobby. If you need a meal to be adapted to meet your dietary requirements, the staff will make sure it gets done. Want to get out of the hotel for a bit, but don't feel like spending money on an Uber? The hotel's house car will take you on a complimentary ride anywhere within a 3-mile radius of the hotel. If you opt for turndown service, you will find bottled water, homemade cookies, and a pillow spray to help you doze off after a long day.
A bonus? The hotel is dog -friendly, and your furry friend will be given a personalized bone-shaped dog cookie, a dog bed, and their own food and water bowls.
The Stories and Legends
Since the beginning, The Beverly Hills Hotel has been a popular spot for the elite. While staying at the hotel in 1959, Arthur Miller was able to persuade Clark Gable to appear in The Misfits, and while filming Let's Make Love in 1960, it is said that Marilyn Monroe and Yves Montand had an affair in the hotel's bungalows. After winning the best actor Academy Award in 1964, Sidney Poitir danced barefoot in the lobby, and sometime during the 1970s, John Lennon and Yoko Ono spent a week in bed at the hotel. Oh, if only the hotel walls could talk...
