Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles, US

The Beverly Hills Hotel is located on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. One of the world’s best-known hotels, it is closely associated with Hollywood film stars, rock stars and celebrities. The hotel has 208 guest rooms and suites, and 23 bungalows, each designed in the peachy pink and green colours which are a trademark of the hotel.

The iconic hotel was built in 1912, designed by Pasadena architect Elmer Grey, in the Mediterranean Revival style. In the late 1940s it was painted in its well-recognised flamingo colour and has been known ever since as The Pink Palace.  Built over a century ago, surrounded at the time by lima bean fields, the neighbourhood of Beverly Hills has formed and built up around the property.

The building has had a number of updates over the years, including more recently the renovation by Adam Tihany who refreshed the lobby, palm tree lined pool cabanas and the Polo Lounge.  The sympathetic renovation of a legendary establishment that was once a hangout for Frank Sinatra and the infamous Rat Pack, retains the original curved quilted booths, dark green wall and round tables. The Polo Lounge remains a watering hole for entertainment industry notables and celebrities.

The hotel’s secluded bungalows, that were originally introduced to accommodate guests wishing for more space and privacy, have become synonymous with the city’s image of film star glamour. Famous past visitors include Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marlene Dietrich. The bungalows have very recently been refit by New York based designed Alexandra Champalimaud in his  French and Hollywood Regency style.

The hotel itself is set on twelve acres of tropical gardens and palm trees. In addition to the polo Lounge, The Cabana Club Café serves drinks and food poolside. There is also a casual eatery, the Fountain Coffee Room, where guests can order light meals, a latte, or a specialty martini. Bar Nineteen 12, which is divided into an indoor bar and a large outdoor terrace bar that overlooks the pool and gardens, is a favourite destination of locals.

Since 1996 the hotel has been run as part of the Dorchester Collection. In 2012 the hotel was named the first historic landmark in Beverly Hills, and two new Presidential Bungalows were added.