Built in 1912, The Beverly Hills Hotel is just as luxurious, glamorous, and desired as it was 107 years ago. It was known as “the hotel between the city and the sea,” because it was almost perfectly centered between Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica. Plus, it gave those looking for real estate in the old lima bean fields, a place to spend the night as they looked for the perfect property to build a home. A few years later, the hotel would have famous neighbors like Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd.
The legendary Polo Lounge is a must for anyone staying at, or visiting the property. A few of us just made our annual pilgrimage to enjoy dining in their bar over the holidays. The entire place is completely decked out for Christmas. You’ll see the red carpet entrance with lights and giant nutcrackers, the lobby Christmas tree, and the massive (and nearly 100% edible) gingerbread house.
When dining at The Polo Lounge, order their famous McCarthy Salad. They’ll present it at the table, and then offer to toss it for you with their special dressing. A must is also their tableside steak tartare. They prepare it to your liking with over a dozen different ingredients. From spicy to mild. You can’t go wrong with some delicious fries and mayonnaise on the side, along with some great wine or a stiff old-school martini.
Want something a little more chill? Enjoy the Fountain Coffee Shop. It’s hidden down a flight of stairs just around the corner from The Polo Lounge. At either location, you never know what famous Hollywood celebrity or power player you’ll be sitting next to as you drink and dine.
Whether or not your staying here, make sure to walk the sidewalk along the east side of the property. It’s here where you’ll catch a glimpse of the famous bungalows. Everyone from Liz Taylor to Marilyn Monroe has spent time in these special individual suites behind the hotel. We don’t recommend leaving the public sidewalk to enter this labyrinth of privacy. Security is extremely tight as you can probably imagine.
If you’re looking for a wonderful private tour of the celebrity and movie stars homes around The Beverly Hills Hotel, as well as the neighboring communities of Hollywood, Bel Air and Holmby Hills, make sure to contact the amazing team of guides here at Glitterati Tours.