Beverly Hills Hotel turns 100

Turning 100 has never looked better when you’re a pink palace with a reputation for hosting Hollywood legends.

We certainly don’t qualify in the legend category, but were lucky enough to make this our home away from home for a few nights during our Las-Vegas-to-Death-Valley-to-Los-Angeles road trip in March.

[widgetkit id=70]

 

The Beverly Hills Hotel opened two years before the city was officially incorporated in 1912. In addition to the main hotel, its bungalows have registered such famous names as Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor and John Lennon. 

Considering the degree of pampering required of its guests, it’s no surprise the concierge desk is on its game. The team did a great job of booking our restaurant reservations, providing driving directions and helping us figure out the best way to use blocks of our time taking into account our interests and, of course, traffic - one thing you can count on in LA.

Adding to its cool factor, you never know who you might run into at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Imagine our surprise when ended up working out in the same small gym as Shaquille O’Neal, who despite his intimidating size is a very friendly guy.

Food and star sighting aside, topping our list of highlights was watching a taping of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Registering for tickets and standing in line for about an hour is all that’s required for this free, quality entertainment.

In celebration of 100 years, we bellied up to the iconic Polo Lounge for some star-studded cocktails. My favorite was Violet Eyes, named after Liz Taylor whose father had an art gallery in the lower level of the Beverly Hills Hotel that she visited as a young girl. The lovely concoction combined Belvedere Black Raspberry Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Crème de Violette Liqueur, lime juice and agave nectar. 

In a city filled with beautiful people and the weather to flaunt it, Los Angeles and the Beverly Hills Hotel are worthy travel stops. Here’s toasting the next 100 years.