REVIEW: THE BEVERLY WILSHIRE A FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
Posted on by Cameron Tewson
Overview:
The iconic hotel has welcomed LA and the world’s elite since 1928. On the tip of Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Wilshire stands prominently along Wilshire Boulevard and notably played a role once for the temporary home of fictional character Vivian Ward (played by Julia Roberts) in 1990 the hit movie, Pretty Woman. The Beverly Wilshire became the most luxurious lodging on the boulevard west of the Ambassador Hotel with the grounds once spanned an entire block. Showcasing gardens and later tennis courts used for exhibition matches starring champions such as Pancho Gonzales and Bobby Riggs. Throughout the 1950s the space saw endless parties with the Hollywood’s elite and prominent politicians – from glamorous soirees at the Hotel’s famed Copa Club Bar, to charity galas hosted.
The Location:
Phone your mother and tell her you’ve made it. Staying in the epicentre of conspicuous consumption, you’re able to roll down Rodeo Drive, past all of the world-famous boutiques you can imagine then onto the impossibly affluent Wilshire Boulevard, facing this very hotel. What more do you want?
Entry photo by Don Riddle.
Public Spaces:
The lobby really sets out the hotel’s luxurious stall, with its shining marble floors, grand staircases dressed around the centre destination of floral displays that seem to remain timeless and ridiculously tasteful; while somehow encapsulating Old Hollywood and contemporary LA all at once. As for food options The Blvd lobby bar welcomes guests for an overpriced salad while leaving the finest cuts of meat to the best in the business, Chef Wolfgang Puck who opened his new steakhouse, CUT, at the Hotel in 2006.
The Room:
Like Norma Desmond, are you ready for your close up? Greeting you upon entry into the one-bed Studio room is a large mirror which opens up to a spacious and well-appointed Studio layout. The BH Studio Suites are in both the Beverly Wing and Wilshire Wing and come with at least 6 lots of curtains, minimum. These studios offer 600 sq.ft. of living space and come with either a king bed or two double beds perfect for families or spread out sole-travellers like me.
An all-marble bathroom with Frédéric Malle products completes the picture.
Overall:
If only these walls could talk. Ornate and confidently ostentatious, this A-list Four Seasons property boasts a glamorous history and truly feels home from home. Budget conscious or faint-hearted? Not for you.
Address: 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Website: www.fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire/