Marilyn Monroe called it home in the 1950s. Elizabeth Taylor spent six of her eight honeymoons there. And Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were spotted having dinner in its restaurant only earlier this year. The iconic Beverly Hills Hotel is steeped in Hollywood history and its reputation as a celebrity hangout has never waned. Located in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, a stone's throw away from Rodeo Drive, its now-famous pink exterior (which resulted in it being dubbed the 'Pink Palace') has featured in countless films and magazine shoots, and has been spotted in the background of celebrity's Instagrams since it's opening in 1912. Separate to the glistening lights of Hollywood, the hotel has become a must-see destination in itself, whether you're an A-lister in need of a staycation or tourist in the city. Here, we explore why the hotel remains the epicentre of Hollywood.
For the last 14 years, Charles Finch and Chanel have thrown their pre-Oscars party at the hotel's restaurant, the Polo Lounge. The event has become synonymous with the Academy Awards and some argue more fun and more star-studded than the awards themselves. Last year, Nicole Kidman, Kristen Stewart, Tessa Mae Thompson (to name just a few) were spotted arriving dressed head-to-toe in Chanel. But this isn't a restaurant that saves itself for a big occasion. On any given weekday evening diners shouldn't be surprised to spot a number of the Kardashian-Jenner family or the Beckhams. It's rumoured that Keanu Reeves once even performed an impromptu set in the bar with Jimmy Fallon after appearing on the presenter's show.
The hotel's interiors have become as recognisable and famous as the guests who slumber beneath the hotel's bedsheets. Its banana leaf print has remained on the halls of the hotel since it arrived in 1949 - eschewing updating the interiors like most hotels, knowing it's one of the reasons guests keep returning. Moreover, the hotel's red carpet entrance is a reminder of its connection to the silver screen. Meanwhile, away from the main hotel, 23 bungalows surround the property, each decorated in their own individual designs, usually connected to a A-lister who used to stay there (Bungalow number one is Marilyn Monroe's).
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One of the most memorable images in Hollywood's history of the hotel is arguably Faye Dunaway sat poolside. The picture, taken in 1977, sees Dunaway surrounded by newspapers with an Academy Award at her side, the night before she had won an Oscar for her role in Network. Jamie Lee Curtis recreated the image in 2023 after winning the Best Actress Oscar for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Of course, the overhanging palm trees and poolside cabanas were the perfect backdrop for Dunaway and Curtis to celebrate their wins. But it's not just the celebrities who can't get enough of the poolside action. For summer 2023, to mark the arrival of Dioriviera, Dior's creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri's latest capsule collection, the fashion brand transformed the hotel space with a pink and grey colour scheme. The takeover included a pop-up Dior boutique and of course, a Dior spa.
Above anything, The Beverly Hills Hotel is where A-listers head to when they want to be seen. But what about those who don't? They stay at its sister property, Hotel Bel-Air. Located in the famous canyon hills and styled as a private residence, it is a home away from home for many locals. Yes, that's right, the hotel welcomes international guests as well as Bel Air residents who holiday mere metres from their own home. It's rumoured Beyoncé and Jay-Z moved into one of the suites while their own home was being renovated, and Oprah is such a regular to the restaurant she uses its kitchen as her own.
The grounds of the hotel, meanwhile, are something else to be admired. Over 450 specimen of trees fill its 12-acres, which surround the winding pathways that take guests from their suites to the spa, to the restaurant, and back again. Perfect for those wanting to remain unseen.
The Beverly Hills Hotel – an unchanging pillar of glamour that transcends the Golden Age of cinema and has cemented its importance in the 21st Century. In the words of the late great Betty White said: 'My mother always used to say, "The older you get, the better you get. Unless you're a banana".' Well, by the looks of the hotel's banana leaf printed-walls, it's ripening just fine.
Rooms at The Beverly Hills Hotel start from $995 (approx. £640) per night and rooms at Hotel Bel-Air start from $995 (approx. £575) per night, both based on two sharing a Superior Room.
Amy Brewster is ELLE UK's Social Media Manager, handling everything from fashion week Insta-polls through to celebrity Q&As.
