Room for Two: Review, The Beverly Hills Hotel

It’s one of the most famous hotels in the entire world. Marilyn Monroe spent countless hours here. John and Yoko staged a bed-in in one of the bungalows, and Sidney Poitier danced barefoot in the lobby after winning an Oscar. The Beverly Hills Hotel even appeared on the cover of the Eagles’ 1976 album as the famous ‘Hotel California’. The legendary Hollywood moments are endless, and even today this iconic hotel remains a favourite playground for some of Tinseltown’s most elite.

Street sign or post with street name for Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is just moments away

Location

Built in 1912 and affectionately dubbed ‘The Pink Palace’ the hotel boasts an unparallelled level of privacy and tranquillity in one of America’s ritziest residential settings, Beverly Hills. Located on famous Sunset Boulevard, the Beverly Hills Hotel sits amongst 12 landscaped acres and is within walking distance of Rodeo Drive (with a car service provided for trips within a three-mile radius). 

Pool Beverley Hills Hotel
The hotel’s beloved swimming pool

Design details

From the signature banana-leaf ‘Martinique’ wallpaper created by decorator Don Loper in 1942 to the classically-curved soda counter in The Fountain Coffee Room, there is a deep sense of nostalgia. But you’ll still find everything a modern traveller could want, with the hotel benefiting from a $100-million renovation in 1992 when it closed for three years. Then, to celebrate a centenary year in 2012, the grand old dame enjoyed another three-year refresh led by interior designer Adam Tihany. Today, the Beverly Hills Hotel feels completely contemporary in its service and facilities, yet remains old Hollywood Glamour at its finest.

empty dining area or coffee room in Beverly Hills Hotel with curved counters and high bar stools with a banana leaf mural in the background
The Fountain Coffee Room

Best room for two

The Bungalows are where the A-listers tend to stay, but for us mere mortals the Deluxe Guest Rooms are ideal and offer a marble bathroom with separate shower and gorgeous products (featuring the quintessential banana-leaf motif, a great keepsake!). The bed is incredibly comfortable — it was one of the best night’s sleep we had throughout our east to west coast holiday.

Related: Explore California’s Legendary Highway 1 ~ The Ultimate Road-Trip Holiday

Deluxe room in Beverly Hills Hotel with an outdoor space or balcony
Deluxe Guest Room with balcony

Dining  

The hotel’s fabled Polo Lounge restaurant and bar has been the location for many of Hollywood’s most important back-of-napkin deals. Open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner, its old-school charm still attracts some of the hottest celebrity names. Visit Sunday for their famous jazz brunch which is said to be sensational.

Al-fresco or outdoor dining area or Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills Hotel with seats and tables
The famous Polo Lounge

Stepping into The Fountain Coffee Room is like stepping back in time. With just 20 seats wrapped around the diner counter, you’ll find it tucked in beneath the grand staircase connecting the lobby to the pool area. Undeniably cute, the menu matches the classic atmosphere — burgers, pies, pancakes, ice cream sundaes and amazing milkshakes. For more casual-but-elegant fare, head to the poolside Cabana Café where breakfast is served all day alongside salads and snacks.

Sandwich which fries and a drink at the Fountain Coffee Room in Beverly Hills Hotel
Expect timeless classics at The Fountain Coffee Room

Why you’ll love it

An authentically iconic hotel, there is certainly a ‘bucket-list’ feeling to the entire experience of a Beverly Hills Hotel stay. And, while it still attracts a star-studded guest list, from the moment you walk down the red carpet entrance and through the front doors, you’ll be given the celebrity treatment too (even if it’s just for one night!). 

exterior shot of Beverly Hills Hotel's building with surrounding palm trees during daytime
The Beverly Hills Hotel is a true icon

Need to know

To make a booking, visit the Dorchester Collection website here. Address: 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

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