Who's Going
Whitney Houston, Victoria Beckham, Eva Mendes
Reason to Stay
Be-Seen Restaurant, Champagne Lounge, Spa
Hotel Type
City Hotel
Made famous in 1990 for a certain 'Pretty Woman,' the Beverly Wilshire has long been the center of Beverly Hills society since 1928. Originally constructed as a luxury apartment building, the structure changed hands several times before acquiring its Beverly Wilshire name in the mid-30s. The hotel offers a convenient address at the foot of Rodeo Drive at Wilshire Boulevard, walking distance to shops and area restaurants. The interior lobby area, constructed of Carrara marble, features vintage brass elevators and ornate carved ceiling.
Since a management change in 1992 to Four Seasons Hotels, the in-house restaurants (and hotel) have changed for the better. The lounge area now features a crystal-encrusted champagne bar adjacent to Boulevard Restaurant. Near the rear motor court of the hotel, CUT by Wolfgang Puck debuted in 2006 to a series of awards and local acclaim, which is currently one of the hardest reservations to snag in town. Having demolished the hotel's original Olympic-size pool and tennis courts for the rear tower, a modest pool and cabana area is now located on a lower-roof deck with timid lounge and adjacent spa.
The Room
Guest rooms include both the original 1920’s hotel and a high-rise tower located in the rear of the property beyond the motor court. The original structure offers period-details like crown-molding and ornate windows overlooking a residential Beverly Hills setting as well as Rodeo Drive - although beware of morning traffic noise. Bathrooms are large and well equipped with double sinks, plasma TVs and L’Occitane bath products. The rear hotel tower was recently refurbished to a modern décor scheme including oversize living areas, mini-bars and spa-style bathrooms. Large windows offer stunning vistas of downtown Los Angeles as well as the Pacific Ocean on higher floors. While rooms are luxuriously comfortable, most border on stuffy with dizzying floral patterns and boring bed linens that feel far to conservative for a sophisticated LA hotel.
Preferred Room
Premier Room
Special Features
Mikimoto, Escada Boutique, Acclaimed Jeweler
Amenities
Hot Restaurant, City-Center, Lounge, Bar, Spa, Pool, Concierge
