A bucket list can really be anything – mountains you want to climb, once-in-a-lifetime adventures you want to take, people you want to meet… and so on and so forth. My own list contains all of those things, but one thing I have always wanted to do was stay at The Beverly Hills Hotel. I’ve been fascinated by old school Hollywood glamour for as long as I can remember and this hotel is as old school Hollywood as it gets. From the iconic sign to my love affair with Slim Aarons‘ photography to my obsession with all things Martinique, it has been one of my dream destinations for quite some time. When I went to LA for the SAG Awards with L’Oreal, I decided to go out one night early and splurge on a one night stay there. Spoiler alert: It was everything I dreamed of and probably more!
First, a little history for you: the hotel (affectionately known as The Pink Palace) was built in 1912 – before there really even was a Beverly Hills. The city of Beverly Hills literally grew up around the hotel after that. I literally get chills thinking about who has stayed there. All of the big names. The Beatles, Howard Hughes, Marilyn Monroe (Bungalow 7 was her favorite), Elizabeth Taylor (she honeymooned there… six times!), and so on and so forth. The hotel boasts 208 guest rooms and 23 private bungalows… along with three restaurants that are iconic in their own ways (The Cabana Cafe, The Polo Club, The Fountain Coffee Room).
PS – For something fun and even more history around the hotel and its famous guests, I loved reading this: The Most Infamous Moments in the Beverly Hills Hotel Bungalows.
When I booked my room I didn’t mention my blog (occasionally I will reach out to hotel properties ahead of time to see if they offer a media rate). I didn’t do this because it was The Beverly Hills Hotel. I mean, come on – they don’t need me. It’s one of the most famous hotels in the world. But then, something amazing happened. At check in, they upgraded me (from their least expensive room, ha ha) to one of the private bungalows. This sounds dramatic but I nearly cried. Having wanted to stay there all my life, it was an absolute dream. As it turns out they google all of their guests and they liked my Instagram page. So I got an upgrade… and a cheese plate! I realize I am (still) being dramatic, but this was probably one of the coolest things that has ever happen to me, blogging-wise.
Speaking of Slim Aarons – I love this shot of Faye Dunaway by the pool.
photos 1, 3, 4, 14 by Felicia Lasala.
You lucky ducky for the media rate! The photos look good!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
Thanks Charmaine! Happy Friday!
Grace I just have to say I find this post completely adorable! I’m so happy for you that you got upgraded (without even asking) – how cool of them!!! Looks like such a dreamy place to stay.
Hahahah thank you so much Audrey. I hope you have a great weekend!
These pictures are gorgeous! What a fun stay you had. I want that cheese, too 😉 Glad you had an awesome trip! xo Julie
Thanks so much Julie. Oh my goodness the cheeses were delicious!!
This is so cool Grace, I be it was so much fun to check into the hotel and explore the grounds!! and your room upgrade— how cool!! What a great experience and I loved reading about it!
xo, Sarah
Thank you Sarah! It was definitely a memorable trip!! xx
That’s so awesome they upgraded you! Looks like a gorgeous property!
Thanks Tracy! It was definitely an amazing experience!!!
Oh. My. Gosh! So amazing that you were able to stay in a bungalow! Loving that VF article too – so fascinating!
Thanks Jenn! It was something out of a dream, that’s for sure!!!
That upgrade for the bungalow is AMAZING. How awesome for you!! I’d be emotional too, haha. I’m heading to LA next month and NEED to make it here for drinks (actually staying, maybe in a few years! hahaha.)
x diana // http://www.dianapearl.com
It was truly the coolest!
You MUST go there for drinks.. it’s amazing. There are three fun spots and they are all great!! Have fun 🙂
That is such an amazing hotel upgrade! It’s happened to the hubby and I a couple of times, creating a few of our most memorable hotel stays… (Hello JK Rowling Suite at The Balmoral!) , but I think it must only be in BH that they google their guests. 🙂 Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos! I have always wanted to stay at this hotel but I live in Los Angeles so I doubt it will ever happen. Hope you enjoy the rest of your Cali stay!
xo,
Lisa
http://www.prettylittleshoppers.com
It was truly the stuff of dreams!!!
Yeah, maybe doesn’t make the most sense if you live in LA… but perhaps for a one night staycation? 😉 xx
So fun! I received my fashion degree from FIDM in LA and rented the cutest studio right on the edge of Beverly Hills. I’ve never stayed at the pink parlance, it’s on the bucket list. I often go incognito to places and as a concierge , I’ve also been pleasantly surprised when they knew who I was. ( I’m only local, not global like you) I’m so glad you had that experience! There is nothing like old school glamour.
Ahhhh that’s so cool! You definitely should go – even just for a night, it’s so magical! Agree with you on old school glamour 🙂
How amazing! The Beverly Hills Hotel looks GORGEOUS!
xoxo,
Katie
chicincarolina.blogspot.com
It’s pure magic!!! Truly the stuff of bucket lists… 🙂 xx