image credit www.beverlyhilton.com
“Beverly…(Hills, that is). Swimming pools….movie stars….”
So discovered the Beverly Hillbillies when they struck oil in 1962 and soaked up the So Cal sun for nine seasons. And so discovered 2 friends and I when we spent a weekend “away” relaxing at this retro oasis, which towers grandly over the clustered intersection at Wilshire & Santa Monica in the heart of Beverly Hills.
The Beverly Hilton was built in 1953, was famously owned for some time by late game show maven Merv “I’ll Buy An ‘A’ ” Griffin and has hosted the Golden Globes for over 50 years. Needless to say, it has quite a history in Tinseltown. And the Hollywood glamour is understandably much of the appeal. During my visit last weekend the hotel was teeming with out-of-towners, mostly European, who like us probably found it all secretly exciting: the black and white photos of starlets-of-yore on the walls, the exclusivity of the outdoor pool, where we watched numerous people try to sneak in and promptly get turned away… But you might be surprised to know that the majority of the hotel’s customer base are business travelers. And business travelers don’t care if Greta Garbo once walked her dog across the lawn. So what else has this bastion of celebdom other than a cool rep? Well…
A basic room in the Oasis Tower, where we stayed, is a smallish but decent size, all rooms having been recently renovated. Neutral décor colors and extra-comfortable white bedding are fresh and inviting, and a gargantuan flat-screen TV will be enough to seal the deal for picky, techno-savvy travelers who actually turn it on. The mini-bar is sensored, but well-stocked. Likewise, room service is ample but overpriced (even as room service goes). Prime example: a Belgian waffle is $19.
BUT you can’t beat the included amenities, not the least of which is access to the biggest hotel pool in LA, with primo sunbathing space (which we took full advantage of). If you’re a people-watcher, it’s up there with the airport on the Fascinating Scale, and the poolside service is unbeatable. Fred the amiable host will secure you a coveted toweled chaise or cabana to relax, from which you can order food and cocktails (albeit with a hefty price tag).
Other hotel features include 2 business centers (one is 24 hours), a high-tech 24-hour Fitness Center and the full-service Aqua Star Spa. Crowd-gazing, however, is free, and can be taken up at numerous other spots around the hotel. Try the lobby bar, set off the main walkway leading to the elevators and in-between the many Ground Level shops for a martini and some live piano while you watch the guests milling from ballroom to lobby to guestroom and back, dressed in all manner of attire. Comfy retro-modern couches just inside the main entrance are also a great spot to relax, especially if you’re waiting in a perpetually long check-in line.
For foodies, Trader Vic’s, the hotel’s poolside restaurant and cocktail lounge, is good, but hidden from a clear view of The Scene by a ginormous banana tree. Also they are Enablers if you have a weak spot for mai tais. Circa 55 “California Cuisine” (boring) is the hotel’s main restaurant, but since you’re in the area, you should really LEAVE THE BUILDING and head off-site for some of the great dining West Los Angeles has to offer, from standards like Spanish Kitchen, Katana for sushi or STK Steakhouse, or spots the Beverly Hills locals eat, like Il Moro northern Italian or El Coyote’s inexpensive, homecooked Mexican.
The hotel is a quick 5 minute walk from downtown Beverly Hills (and the infamous Rodeo Dr.) which is packed with all the shopping and cupcake bakeries you could imagine (please PLEASE don’t be a sheep and wait in line…they are not amazing enough to warrant the price). Starbucks is across the street. All the action on Sunset Blvd. is just a few minutes’ drive or cab ride away. And if you’re actually doing business, Century City is a just short distance, even in traffic.
In light of the fact that we readily spent a full afternoon and another full day at the pool, slept like logs and were so close to town, the Beverly Hilton is a great choice if you’re looking for chic decor and a very curious people scene. It is a cliched LA experience, perhaps, but just give in to the fun. Besides, you never know who you might see. As for us? Al Pacino. The Voice gave it away!
Rooms: 579
Rates: Expect $300 night avg., depending on occupancy and season; parking is self or valet ($$$ either way) – my recommendation? Take cabs or walk everywhere! Even in LA…it can be done.
Website: http://www.beverlyhilton.com
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