Hotel Review: The Beverly Hilton
We review one of Beverly Hill’s most iconic hotels as it celebrates 70 years, while being under a major renovation
Amenities
Shoe Shine
Laundry and Dry Cleaning
Secret Garden
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The Review
Background
In 1955, hotelier Conrad Hilton opened The Beverly Hilton. Now owned by Cain International, a real estate and investment firm, with $13.6 billion in equity assets. When Mr. Hilton opened the hotel, it was his vision to change up hospitality. From its inception, Hollywood’s elite, politicians, international figures, and tastemakers graced the hallways, room, and dining establishments like Trader Vic’s of the hotel.
Where Is it?
Caught in between Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, the hotel is ideally located in the heart of Beverly Hills. It’s a stone’s throw from the iconic Rodeo Drive (a 16-minute walk in fact), and close to Melrose Avenue.
70 Years
“The Beverly Hilton has long been the stage for Hollywood’s most unforgettable moments, from red carpet triumphs to legendary celebrations,” explains David Ecija, the hotel’s general manager in anniversary notes. “As we celebrate this remarkable anniversary, we’re proud to invite guests into a year of exceptional experiences that pay tribute to our iconic past while ushering in a bold new chapter of luxury and innovation.”
To celebrate 70 years, the hotel is hosting immersive experiences:
Limited Edition Beverly Hilton Reserve- In a partnership with Beverly Spirits, this American whiskey is a blend of 60% bourbon and 40% rye. Available for a limited time, it pays homage to the iconic hotel.
Illustrated Postcards- working with Henry Kaye, the hotel has commissioned the local artist to create a curated collection of printed illustrations that bring the hotel to life. They are ideal keepsakes.
Golden Globes Red Carpet Selfie Station- through a historic fragment of the Golden Globes red carpet in the lobby, visitors and guests can get an idea of what the Golden Globes night is really like, with a unique photo opportunity.
Mid-Century Film Photo Booth with Photomatica: Located in Circa 55 Rooftop, the restored 1950 era photobooth, that’s in partnership with Photomatica takes black and white photostrips on real film. It creates an ideal memento.
Decades Dinners- This invite-only dinner features a chef-curated menu inspired by famed eras that documents the hotel’s history. Era’d cocktails and vintage tablescapes will transport you back in time.
70th Anniversary Package- staying in a Penthouse Suite, you also have access to a vintage car rental from Hollywood Classic Cars, as well as a 7-course Decades Dinner from the hotel’s archival menu. In-room keepsakes and amenities are also provided.
What’s It Like?
Designed in mid-century modern hotel design makes The Beverly Hilton stand out, in a city of modernity. Right now, the hotel is surrounded by construction but the property is managing the changes seamlessly, and any inconveniences are only found in trying to find the lobby for drop off. But still, the valet keeps traffic moving and things aren’t a total headache when arriving and leaving the hotel.
Because of the construction, public leisure spaces like the iconic Aqua Star pool that actress Angelina Jolie jumped into (gown and all), in 1999, after winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress for her role in Gia, are not accessible. And my, it’s a little sad because the pool and breakfast area were amazing spaces to relax. But, what’s to come will be breathtaking.
Rooms
The Junior Suite with Hollywood Hills View | Photo provided by The Beverly Hilton
Photo provided by The Beverly Hilton
The Junior Suite with Hollywood Hills View is spacious, and provides the best views of the Hollywood Hills. At 500 square feet, it’s more like a studio. As you walk in, there is an entry way with a wide closet on one side and a marble cream colored bathroom with walk-in shower and deep soaking tub, complete with Byredo shower products, on the other. Walking into the room, a Tiffany blue L-shaped sofa is on one side of the room, while the king-sized bed (with 300 thread count sheets) with matching color headboard is directly across. It’s the taupe-cream striped walls that make the room feel spacious and adds personality, where you feel you’re not just any hotel. Touches like these made us feel like we were staying in someone’s home, not a hotel.
The room sleeps 4 and comes with a 65-inch HDTV complete with a movie channel, black out curtains, signature bedding and pillows, and high-speed internet. A coffee and tea maker is provided upon request.
Food & Drink
Room service is available 24 hours, while breakfast is served at Circa 44 Rooftop from 6:30-11am daily. Lunch, brunch, and dinner are also served at Circa 55 Rooftop- and the bar and lounge, as well as happy hour is served daily.
Circa 55 Rooftop | Photo provided by The Beverly Hilton
When at Circa 55 dining for dinner, start with the Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna Tartare Poppers ($15). Made with kewpie mayonnaise, tobiko fish roe and avocado, it hits the taste buds in all the right ways. Our waiter suggested sharing a salad menu item as a starter, which was a brilliant idea. The Spinach & Sweet Potato Salad ($23) hit just right with baby spinach, roasted sweet potato, candied pecans, pepitas, pomegranate, and balsamic reduction. Pizza and pasta are on the menu, but we opted for entrées. The Steak Frites ($49) of grilled hanger steak, chimichurri, sea salt fries, and peppercorn aioli is perfect when you’re in a steak mood. The steak melts in your mouth too. The Baja Striped Bass ($49) is the perfect option when you don’t want something heavy like steak. It comes in a sizeable portion and is cooked just right with piperade, salt roasted pee wee potato, marinated asparagus, and laffa bread crumbs. There’s also a vegetarian option of Roasted Mushrooms and Cheesy Grits ($32).
Leisure
There is a fitness center on the ground level open 24 hours, and a business center open 7am-6pm Monday through Friday.
Major Renovation
With development being done by One Beverly Hills, all the major construction will give way to what the hotel is calling “a new era of luxury.” Guestrooms and suites will be reimaged, the property will be considered a new destination for all things culinary, luxury retail spaces will be added, and a refreshed lobby is coming. Quite frankly, this is the most major renovation that the hotel will experience.
“The reimagined Beverly Hilton will emerge as a next-generation icon where timeless Hollywood glamour meets the future of hospitality. The comprehensive redesign, set for completion in 2027, will redefine the guest experience across every touchpoint. From elevated new accommodations and fully transformed event spaces to all-new world- class dining and retail destinations, each new element has been envisioned with modern luxury and legacy in mind.”
The 17.5-acre site will include not just a revamped Beverly Hilton Hotel that will maintain its iconic state, but also ultra-luxury residences, two next-generation hotels, a private member’s club with its own dining and retail, and 10-acres of botanical gardens and open space.
Verdict
Best For its 70-year anniversary offerings
Don’t Miss dinner at Circa 55 Rooftop
Price the Junior Suite with Hollywood Hills View starts at $715
Contact 9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
