If walls could talk, the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel would regale us with tales of movie sets, A-list parties, and celebs who once called the historic property home. Rumor has it that fan mail for stars including Elvis Presley and Warren Beatty is still sent to the storied address at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Though it opened in 1928, the Beaux Arts–style landmark gained worldwide fame as the setting for 1990’s Pretty Woman starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. But you don’t need to book the penthouse suite to enjoy a luxe stay—here’s how this Los Angeles–area hotel rolls out the red carpet for Hollywood elite and visitors alike.
History of the Beverly Wilshire
Located on the site of the World War I–era Beverly Hills Speedway, the first in the U.S. to be designed with banked turns, the E-shaped building was originally named the Beverly Wilshire Apartment Hotel. The hotel’s opening in the 1920s came during a period of cultural awakening in Beverly Hills, which drew movie stars and industry magnates who built opulent mansions along the tree-lined streets. A major renovation in 1940 introduced a ballroom, Olympic-sized swimming pool, and championship tennis courts, as well as a new name: the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
In 1987, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places—a fitting designation, as the hotel has served as the backdrop for notable moments in history, from Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax’s retirement announcement to the 1998 Princess Ball benefiting the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. The likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Lennon, and Steve McQueen have dined and slept there, and Hollywood continues to call. Check out the HBO series Entourage and Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Clueless, Sex and the City: The Movie, and Valentine’s Day to catch cameos of the hotel throughout the years.
Five-star accommodations
Now part of the Four Seasons brand, the Beverly Wilshire underwent a multimillion dollar renovation in 2022 that revamped guest rooms with a soft pastel color palette accented by Art Deco touches as a nod to the hotel’s history. Accommodations range from balcony rooms overlooking the Hollywood Hills to brightly lit one- and two-bedroom suites featuring separate living and sleeping quarters and marble bathrooms.
Splurge on a specialty suite, each of which features its own unique design elements. The Veranda Suite provides access to a private terrace and luxurious tent complete with a queen-size bed and crystal chandelier, while the three-bedroom penthouse comes with its own media room and wraparound balcony affording 270-degree views of Los Angeles. The penthouse and presidential suite are also the first in the industry to feature hologram technology that live-beams a hotel team member into the room to communicate with guests.
Dining at the Beverly Wilshire
Wolfgang Puck opened his first CUT steakhouse at the Beverly Wilshire in 2006, securing Michelin stars in 2019 and 2021 for impeccable service, a bright, minimalist dining room, an extensive international wine list, and beef sourced from around the world.
Stop by The Blvd to sip on a cocktail inspired by Pretty Woman or the Copa Club Sidecar, a nod to the hotel’s bar that arrived during the 1940s renovations. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the restaurant’s signature dishes range from spiced brioche French toast to black truffle gnocchi. Request a patio table for the best seat in the house overlooking Rodeo Drive. If the mood strikes for more casual fare, dig into Chilean sea bass tacos and peach-habanero chicken wings at the poolside bar and cafe.
Luxury amenities
When the hotel added the Beverly Wing in 1971, it also built a Mediterranean-style pool modeled after the one at actress Sophia Loren’s Italian villa. Take a dip, then head to the Forbes Five-Star spa for a massage, detox body treatment, facial, or red light therapy. An onsite salon provides hair, makeup, and barber services along with manicures and pedicures. Certified personal trainers are available upon request through the fitness center, which also has private yoga sessions and state-of-the-art gym equipment.
Take the complimentary house car to explore the surrounding area. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Tom Ford, and Harry Winston are among the luxury boutiques lining Rodeo Drive. The area is a shoppers’ paradise, with the European-style Two Rodeo district located across the street from the hotel with brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Audemars Piguet, and Tiffany & Co. Beverly Wilshire’s Les Clefs d’Or concierge team can arrange private shopping trips with a personal shopper, as well as create custom itineraries filled with experiences such as tours of the nearby Mr. Brainwash Art Museum and shows at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.
Things to do near the Beverly Wilshire
You won’t have to venture far from the hotel to find things to do. Head to West Hollywood to cruise down the Sunset Strip, go to a show at The Roxy, or just explore and soak up the creative scene. Head toward the water and you’ll be in Santa Monica, which is home to great restaurants, a buzzing farmers’ market, and of course, the beach and its famous pier. If it’s not your first time here, check out So You Think You Know Santa Monica? for some slightly more under-the-radar activities and places to visit.
