When the Beverly Hills Hotel opened in 1912, it was surrounded by lima bean fields. The hotel’s namesake city wouldn’t even be founded for another two years. Now the Mission Revival “Pink Palace,” with its fabled bungalows (where Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned with six of her eight husbands, and Marilyn Monroe slipped into bed) has become synonymous with the city and its dazzling image of film-star glamour. Since the ‘60s, it’s also garnered a reputation as being one of L.A.’s go-to spots for rock stars—that’s the Beverly Hills Hotel pictured on the cover of the Eagles’ Hotel California, one of the biggest-selling albums of all time.
The Sunset Boulevard institution’s staff has always been known for its discretion, making the hotel a favorite site for secret rendezvous. The legendary Polo Lounge, once a hangout for Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, remains a watering hole for entertainment industry notables and celebrities, so order a Manhattan and keep your eyes peeled. If you’d like to have a meal poolside in the sunshine, drop by the Cabana Cafe, where breakfast is served all day. Or, if your hankering could be better sated by an old-school club sandwich in a storied L.A. setting, head to the tiny, 19-seat Fountain Coffee Room. Named for its vintage soda fountain, it’s been serving up classic diner fare—including non-stop breakfast—at its curved counter since 1949. While inside the hotel, you’ll surely notice the fine art photography displayed on the walls.
Spend the night and enjoy some decadent extras, especially around the pool, where guests get complimentary “pop up refreshments” and services throughout the day—think frozen peanut-butter cups, mini soft-serve cones, sunglass cleaning, and a cooling spritz of absolutely perfect Evian mist.
