By Eileen Robinson Smith
For decades this 5.7 square miles of opulence has been the playground for celebrities, royalty, rock stars, politicos and VIPs at large. Beverly Hills beckons to an international market certainly, with the UK one of the strongest. For instance, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate Middleton) have been here both on business and pleasure, staying in the Presidential Suite of a world-class hotel.
The spas here have gained international recognition, too. Even long-term spa devotees probably have never had a caviar facial. Hot stone massages are quite commonplace yet at the Peninsula Spa in the hotel of the same name, one can incorporate rubies, diamonds and emeralds! The spa possibilities are one reason that Beverly Hills is a classy, Girls Getaway. Of course, the spas have facilities for couples and gentlemen. Even spa-shy guys become hooked.
Within the town’s intimate perimeters are acclaimed hotels including four, Forbes five-star rated hotels and three AAA five diamonds. The culinary offerings, the shopping, will we ever forget “Pretty Woman” which went on celluloid 25 years ago!
Speaking of, men can still be lathered up and shaved with a straight razor at Gornik & Drucker, an historic barber shop (1900s) within the Montage Beverly Hills. Also available for all, are full-day (or longer) retreats that are wellness experiences. The master therapists and menus specifically aim to get one’s body back in balance, both physically and mentally. Detoxifying is an option, too. And is there a better place for anti-ageing treatments? An example is the Red Carpet Ready Facial treatment at Aqua BABOR Spa of the Beverly Hilton, which promises immediate and youthful results.
Shopping
We ladies all know of the drool-worthy shops on Rodeo Drive, but few realize that a personal stylist can be hired to outfit you. And again, the men are not left out. The famous House of Bijan, where George W. Bush, Sr., other former presidents, international royalty, pro-athletes, and Hollywood elite frequent, has one-of-a kind suits and designer men’s apparel. Flip over their ties and it will tell you that only two have been made in that pattern.
Beyond Rodeo Drive, there is Beverly Drive, with fashions from up and coming designers like Sam Edelman, Sandro, Maje and Iro. Department Store Row in the Wilshire Blvd. corridor is populated with top department stores like Barneys, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue. All and all Beverly Hills can make you feel like a billion bucks! Yet this enclave for the rich and famous has become democratic. New, more approachable, boutique properties target the hip, well-heeled, youth-culture. Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive, Maison 140, Sixty Beverly Hills and the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills (Marilyn Monroe once lived here) fall into this category.
And there are walking tours, some geared for families, for film buffs and art/culture lovers. Fond travel memories include lunch at Bouchon’s; buying expensive wedges from the Beverly Hills Cheese Store; getting cupcakes out of the ATM-like machine at Sprinkles, and buying “celebrity-favorites”at Edelweiss Chocolate, the shop that inspired the “I Love Lucy” chocolate factory episode.
Beverly Hills is one of those places that should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. One of the world’s most sought-after locales, it is a Neverland where there is no litter and not a brown frond on the perfect Royal Palms that line the street. Caution, though it has been known to be addictive.
A stunning new Visitors Center assists seven days a week: www.lovebeverlyhills.com Ask about the summer rooftop pool and cabana offerings available.
Diamonds and Stars Galore
Hotel Sidebar
Beverly Hills can brag on the fact that they have the second highest concentration of Forbes five and four-star rated hotels in the US, just after New York City. That is four five-star hotels (Montage Beverly Hills, L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, The Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows and The Peninsula Beverly Hills) and two Four-Stars (Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel) as well as the four and five-star rated spas and restaurants in this petite city.
If that doesn’t warrant bragging rights, it also has three AAA five-diamond rated hotels (The Peninsula…, L’Ermitage…, The Beverly Hills Hotel…) and three four-diamond Rated ones (Montage …, Beverly Wilshire…, Luxe Rodeo Drive …,) also totaling six.
Nowadays, websites and search engines can give prospective guests all of the details and amenities of a hotel property. Instead, I will share some first-hand experiences.
Montage Beverly Hills is one of the most all-encompassing examples of the Good Life, without being stodgy or snippy. The façade is Euro’, the rooms and suites which stay heavily occupied despite their rates, are luxurious – somewhere between classic and contemporary. Many have balconies that overlook the perfectly manicured Beverly Canon Gardens. Its innovative Italian restaurant, Scarpetta has patio seating for cocktails adjacent to the flower-filled gardens. Above Scarpetta is a unique Whiskey bar, called £10, for those who love an aged Scotch. Ask about the commemorative bottle of McCallen, like that gifted to England’s newest royal couple for their wedding. High Tea is served in the Parq Bar. A harpist plays while devotees pop tiny sandwiches, scones, and sip sherry. Kim Wo, famed for inventing Barbie’s blondness and for his expertise in hair color, and makeup, has a shop here. After a perfect blow dry for a Saturday night, I felt as blonde and beautiful as Barbie.
Luxe Hotel Beverly Hills This was our petite pied-de-terre, the only hotel on Rodeo Drive. Like a European boutique property right down to its sidewalk café, it is cozy with a diverse and interesting clientele (many Europeans and fashion moguls), a caring and helpful staff. Beds are commodious, rooms lovely and the second floor secret is a quiet space, tranquil courtyard, ideal for siestas. Breakfast is gourmet at the intimate restaurant with its appealing artwork and mirrors.
Beverly Wilshire – a Four Seasons Hotel was our go-to place, notably the BLVD. This lounge overlooks Wilshire and Rodeo and is thee best for people-watching and luxury-car gawking. Signature cocktails and all of the repast is exceptional. The hotel is a-buzz with high-end groups and guests and there are orchids galore. The “Pretty Woman” installation was such a fab’ flashback of that great chick flick! Pretty Woman packages are being offered in honor of the movie’s 25th anniversary.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills is another glimpse of glamour where High Tea is taken in the lobby and international business conducted in the bar. Asian influences and clients are seen.
The Beverly Hilton One of Conrad Hilton’s originals nicely renovated, a Trader’s Vic overlooks the Hollywood-like pool flanked by cabana rooms. I can now say that I was in the ballroom where the Golden Globes awards are presented. Even the ladies room, with its pink marble, was designed by a Gabor sister. — JP