Arrival/Check-In: I arrived in Los Angeles early in the afternoon and was relieved to leave snowy Connecticut behind for warm sunshine. The Beverly Hilton, famous for its Old Hollywood glamour and star-studded events, makes arriving feel special. A friendly doorman welcomed me at the taxi and directed me to the front desk. The lobby was tastefully decorated with Christmas lights, which added to the cheerful atmosphere. My room was ready when I checked in, and the attentive staff made the process quick and pleasant. As I left the desk, the doorman offered complimentary bottles of water and wished me a happy holiday.
Guest Quarters: Hallways lined with black-and-white celebrity photographs set a nostalgic tone; a portrait of Marilyn Monroe greeted me across from my door. My Wilshire Tower deluxe room on the fifth floor opened into a small foyer with a closet to the left and a sliding bathroom door to the right. The full-length mirror on that door had the feel of a dressing-room touch.
Natural light filled the space through floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that led to a balcony overlooking the pool and city beyond. The balcony’s table and chairs provided a pleasant spot to relax or watch the sunrise. With high ceilings, neutral décor, and a wall of glass, the 344-square-foot room felt open and airy.
The king-sized bed—with a pillow-top mattress and soft linens—made for comfortable nights. Opposite the bed, a desk equipped with convenient outlets and an iPad provided easy access to guest services. An LCD TV was mounted above a dresser and minibar. Additional seating included a cozy chair by the windows and a bench at the foot of the bed, creating practical spots to work or unwind.
The marble bathroom was spacious and well appointed, with a single sink, ample built-in storage, a glamorous round mirror, and a small TV set into the wall. While the overall lighting could have been a bit brighter, a lighted make-up mirror on the counter helped when needed. The toilet and shower were separated behind frosted glass doors. L’Occitane lemon verbena toiletries were a refreshing touch—washcloths even carried a light lemon scent. The silky robe lined with soft terrycloth completed a pampered, celebrity-like experience.
Services/Amenities: Since opening in 1955, The Beverly Hilton has played host to countless celebrities and historic moments. It has also welcomed presidents and served as a West Coast gathering place for dignitaries. For decades the hotel was closely associated with the Golden Globe Awards and today offers roughly 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. The Gardens, a recent addition, combines The Wilshire Garden and The Secret Garden into an attractive outdoor venue for weddings, fashion events, corporate gatherings, and shoots. The Aqua Star Pool, the largest heated pool in Beverly Hills and famously christened in 1955, remains a highlight; I took a refreshing dip there on my final afternoon.
CIRCA 55, with both indoor and outdoor seating, serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a Sunday Champagne brunch. I enjoyed a leisurely poolside breakfast my first morning. The Lobby Lounge & Barista Bar is convenient for a quick coffee and pastry if you don’t have time for a sit-down meal. In-room dining is available 24 hours, and the fitness center is well equipped for a solid workout.
Top Takeaways:
◆ A complimentary house car is available for local trips; on busy days you may wait a short while.
◆ The showerhead is powerful—close the glass door before turning it on to avoid water splashing onto the bathroom floor.
◆ The Secret Garden, when not reserved for events, is a peaceful spot with greenery and waterfalls—worth seeking out for quiet time.
◆ Evening turndown service was a highlight: bedding arranged, chocolates on the pillows, robe laid out, drapes drawn, soft lighting and classical music from the Bose system. It made returning to the room particularly tempting.
THE BEVERLY HILTON
9876 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
tel 310 274 7777