The Beverly Hills Hotel Is More Iconic Than Ever

Heading to Los Angeles? There’s no place like the Beverly Hills Hotel. The gorgeous property, often affectionately called “the Pink Palace,” boasts iconic design elements, an incredible Hollywood history, and a celebrated restaurant. For more than a century, the hotel has been a favorite for stars like Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, Charlie Chaplin, and Faye Dunaway. Its unforgettable design scheme features an easily identifiable pink-and-green color palette and iconic banana leaf wallpaper from design legend Dorothy Draper. With 185 rooms and 23 bungalows, 12 acres of gardens, and one of the most famous hotel restaurants in the country, it’s the best L.A. has to offer.

But the property isn’t resting on its Old Hollywood laurels—staying there is an entirely modern experience. This coming fall, a major renovation of the hotel led by celebrated interior designer Ken Fulk will debut. The much-talked-about project will make the property even more of a destination by adding five new public spaces that will complement the Polo Lounge, Fountain Coffee Room, and Cabana Café as well as expand opportunities for entertainment and dining at the hotel. Read on for three compelling reasons to visit the Beverly Hills Hotel.

The Beverly Hills Civic Center, a stop on the tour.

The Building Dreams tour, which is inspired by Paul R. Williams, the architect who shaped the hotel’s look, gives guests a whole new look at Los Angeles via a three-hour architecture adventure in a chauffeured car. The expert-led tour stops at iconic Los Angeles properties like the space-age-looking Union 76 gas station, a Frank Lloyd Wright gem, and some of the city’s most stunning homes. (You can also check out the upcoming book I Am an Architect: Paul R. Williams and His Archive and a coordinated exhibition series on Williams’s work that will be seen at the Getty, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and USC Fisher Museum of Art beginning in August.)

One of the famous bungalows.

The hotel’s bungalows, many of which have deep connections to Hollywood history, are spread across the extensive gardens. Bungalow 1, which is 1,720 square feet with a private patio, was a favorite of Marilyn Monroe, while the 2,033-square-foot Bungalow 9 is inspired by Chaplin, who often stayed there. Bungalow 5, which frequently hosted Taylor, has its own pool.

The Polo Lounge terrace.

Famous for its reputation as the site of countless entertainment deals, the restaurant is a Los Angeles institution. With sprawling booths and terrace tables surrounded by palm trees and bougainvillea, it has a perfectly California feel. The restaurant is also home to the famous McCarthy salad, which includes avocado, bacon, eggs, and chicken. Other favorites are the Fountain Coffee Room, a ’50s-style diner, and the Cabana Café, located poolside.