The Beverly Hills Hotel has to be the most iconic hotel in Los Angeles. For YEARS it was on my bucket list and was a dream of mine to stay there, ever since I first visited LA in 2012, and then finally, in December 2022, that dream became a reality.
Also known as the “Pink Palace” due to it’s pink exterior, it was built in 1912 and has been a luxury destination for celebrities, politicians, and other high-profile guests for over a century. And for one night only, I experienced the glitz and glamour of the legendary Pink Palace and came away so spoilt I’m unsure I can stay at another hotel ever again!
Ready for my bumper review of the Beverly Hills Hotel? Let’s go!
Arriving at the Beverly Hills Hotel
Pulling up to the famous red carpet in the town car of The Beverly Hills Hotel’s sister hotel from the Dorchester Collection, Hotel Bel-Air (where I had spent a glorious night the night before), butterflies flitted around my belly with excitement and anticipation.
The doors were flung open by smiling bellhops, and I was escorted up the iconic red carpet that was flanked with Christmas decorations – giant toy soldiers sporting the hotel’s famous pink and green standing to attention, large pink baubles hanging from the green-and-white striped ceiling on string, fairy lights and garlands surrounding the edges, and a sea of bright red ponsiettas blending into the famous carpet.
The lobby was cosy and warm, but with a much grander air about it than its sister hotel, which has more of a homely feel. A large pink Christmas tree stood by the check-in desks, and it was incredible to think of the hundreds of celebrity guests who had passed through here over the past century – the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor (who spent six of her eight honeymoons in bungalow 5), Charlie Chaplin, John Lennon, and even British Royalty in the form of Princess Margaret. Legend has it that actor Sidney Poitier danced barefoot in the lobby following his best actor Academy Award for Lilies of the Field.
The Beverly Hills Hotel features stylish guest rooms and suites, and it’s even dog-friendly, with doggy guests being given their very own bed, bowl, and snacks! The Beverly Hills Hotel also features a full-service spa, fitness center, and their famous outdoor pool, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day exploring Los Angeles.
I was so excited for my stay that I had arrived in the morning before my room was ready for me, but the staff kindly allowed me to check-in early as soon as final checks had been carried out.
The short half-hour or so that I had to wait for the checks to be completed, was spent in a comfortably plush chair next to the roaring fireplace in the lobby, and when I finally got into my room on that cold December day, it was absolutely worth the wait…
The Deluxe Room Felt More Like a Suite
I left the famous, handprinted banana-leaf Martinique wallpaper of the hotel’s hallway behind, and entered my Deluxe Room to be instantly amazed at the sheer size of it. One-step up from the most basic Superior room, the Deluxe felt much more like a junior suite.
I entered into the entry-way, with the large, marble bathroom on my left (complete with double sinks, and a large bath and separate shower), and a walk-in wardrobe (or, ‘closet’) on my right.
Straight ahead of me was a comfortable lounge chair with a table in the corner, a chaise-lounge at the end of the humungous bed with a coffee table, and a desk by the window.
There was plenty of space for my belongings – with a large chest-of-drawers as well as the walk-in closet, and further storage in the cabinet underneath the television. There was even more than enough floor space for cartwheels – if I was physically able to do them! Large picture windows gave a view of the gardens, with the hotel’s iconic banana leaves and palm trees in full view.
And then, just as I was getting settled in, a knock on the door. I opened it to be greeted by a huge trolley covered in treats!! There was a large tray of sweets, chocolate-covered strawberries, and chocolate squares that had photographs of the hotel on them; a cocktail making kit to make my own in-room margaritas; and a large plate of tortilla chips with various types of homemade guacamole.
The only slight niggle was later in the day when the air-conditioning/heating unit in my room broke down, meaning it was blasting out 13 degrees celcius air (not what you want when it’s December and the same temperature outside), but this was quickly fixed by two very friendly engineers as soon as I phoned down to reception. And the cookies that turned up shortly after, as part of the evening turndown service, more than made-up for the chilly experience.
Dining at The Iconic Polo Lounge
When it comes to dining at the hotel you’re really spoilt for choice. Choose from the legendary Polo Lounge (where The Rat Pack used to drink late at night), the Fountain Coffee Room (a small 1950s diner-style space popular with regular guests), The Cabana Cafe (casual al fresco poolside dining), or Bar Nineteen12. Of course, you are also able to take the complimentary town car over to Hotel Bel-Air, the sister property, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Wolfgang Puck.
With just one night at The Beverly Hills Hotel and wanting to explore some of the dining options in central Beverly Hills, I only experienced The Polo Lounge during my stay (although I did experience it twice).
The site of many a power deal and celebrity-sighting, The Polo Lounge is as iconic as the hotel itself, and while I was disappointed with its London outpost at The Dorchester in 2021, the original Polo Lounge was well worth the pricey menu.
The atmosphere and awe of sitting in such a famous restaurant with so much historical significance late at night was unmatched, and made my visit even more enjoyable.
After dining at my favourite local hotspot, South Beverly Grill, I decided to swing by The Polo Lounge enroute back to my room for a nightcap and dessert. I was a little worried it would be full, but I was thrilled to find that the staff keep certain booths and tables reserved for hotel guests!
I sat in my booth and people-watched while sipping on a glass of festive mulled wine, and when my hot fudge sundae arrived, I was in heaven. It was incredible!!
I then headed up to my room and had a lovely bubble bath and watched TV in bed – although the TV was so far away from the bed I couldn’t really see it haha.
The following morning I enjoyed breakfast outside on the terrace, although I made the error of arriving for breakfast at 9am (on a Saturday) to find the entire restaurant completely empty, haha!
It started getting busier by the time I left around 10ish, but I would definitely recommend having a late weekend breakfast (arrive around 11am) if you’re a people-watcher like I am, and in need of some atmosphere.
Lack of fellow diners aside, the blueberry-ricotta pancakes were delicious, as was the Pink Palace Lemonade (strawberries, watermelon, lemon). It would have been a very dreamy breakfast if there had been some people-watching ops available!
The Swimming Pool
Of course, I couldn’t go to The Beverly Hills Hotel without seeing the famous swimming pool! Although I didn’t go in as it was far too cold (the pool is heated to 27.8˚C year-round, but the air was super chilly while I was there and so I stayed firmly wrapped up) I walked down after breakfast to get some snaps.
If you do visit in warmer months, you can choose from a very photogenic pink or green candy-striped sunlounger, or alternatively, book one of the 11 luxury Cabanas (Leonard Bernstein came up with the idea for West Side Story in cabana three!) each equipped with a universal phone charging station, Apple TV, personal safe, mini fridge, plush bath robes, 46 inch HD flat screen TV and three dedicated lounge chairs.
Sun shades and towels are provided, as well as complimentary sunglass cleaning and Naturally Serious Skin Care products, including sunscreen. Available on request are headphones, goggles, pool floats, board games and phone chargers. For added entertainment, duck your head underwater to hear music from classic Hollywood movies!
Location of The Beverly Hills Hotel
Located just a 20-minute walk, or 5-minute drive away from the very centre of Beverly Hills, the hotel is handily positioned on Sunset Boulevard, making it easy to explore Beverly Hills and the surrounding areas. It’s also just a short drive away from Santa Monica, Hollywood, the Getty Museum, and Griffith Observatory!
Although I loved the walk into central Beverly Hills, I also adored the complimentary town car (although please do make sure to tip the driver!), a substantially sized Cadillac Escalade, which takes you anywhere within a 3-5mile radius and provides in-car chargers and complimentary bottles of water.
It was frequently available whenever I needed it, which surprised me given how busy the hotel was. There are also complimentary bikes on offer if that’s your thing – sadly I’m not much of a cyclist though, unless the bike is stationary.
One of My Favourite Ever Hotel Stays
My stay at The Beverly Hills Hotel was an experience like no other, and was without a doubt one of my favourite ever hotel stays. I don’t think I could ever write a review that properly does it justice.
Of course, I shouldn’t have been surprised, for this is no ordinary hotel. It feels cosy and loved, and, hidden amongst 80-year-old palm trees and banana leaves within 12 acres of tropical gardens and exotic flowers, The Beverly Hills Hotel had her name long before the city even existed. Beverly Hills was literally built around the blush facade of this iconic hotel two years after it opened.
The hotel is dripping in Hollywood history from the Golden Age up to the modern day, and coupled with the beauty of the Pink Palace and the faultless service, it caters well to the luxury traveler searching for that special, one-of-a-kind experience that you simply cannot find anywhere else. And please, can we just take a moment to appreciate this Doggie room-service menu?!
Just be warned, that once you’ve stayed at The Beverly Hills Hotel, you will struggle to stay in any other hotel ever again without comparing the two. But trust me, it’s worth it.
Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of SEO at Havas Media Group by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.
