In addition to the A-listers you’ll encounter while staying here, this 5-star haunt actually lets you pretend to be one. The lush, secluded Beverly Hills property is designed like a glamorous French chateau and attracts a roster of celebs, jetsetters and bon vivants with its destination spa, 60-foot rooftop pool and signature Afternoon Tea program.
When you’re inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills, with its landscaped gardens and white-capped bellmen rushing to and fro, it’s hard to believe the hotel actually has a capacity of nearly 200 rooms and suites. The ambiance is so intimate, so exclusive, it feels like it might just be you and a few other guests. That’s kind of the idea. Guests can arrive and depart at their leisure. There are monogrammed pillowcases and a whole fleet of house cars, so if you fancy being driven out to Malibu in a Rolls Royce, it’s no problem. In addition to its dazzling amenities (which also include a 60-foot rooftop pool and a high-end spa), the main attraction here is the grounds. Many of the suites offer private patios dripping with ivy and bougainvillea, and there’s a lush rooftop garden that makes a jaw-dropping setting for a romantic lunch or dinner. To really complete the fairytale it’s recommended to book one of the hotel’s signature afternoon teas, which are held in the lobby and accompanied by a classical harpist.
Location: At the intersection of Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards, this 5-star hotel puts you right at the edge of the Beverly Hills Country Club (to which the concierge would gladly arrange a visit), and half a mile from Rodeo Drive. The popular shopping district of Century City is just over a mile away.
Nearby:
Beverly Gardens Park: Walk 15 minutes from the hotel to reach this 1.9-mile haven of glimmering green lawns and an illuminated Electric Fountain. Go ahead and take a selfie at the famous Beverly Hills Sign, you know you want to.
Rodeo Drive: You won’t find much in the way of budget souvenirs along this mythical stretch of retail nirvana: Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Dior… they’re all here. There’s even a shopping mall designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Spago: Everyone, at some point, when they’re in Beverly Hills, ends up at Spago, the internationally-inspired bistro by Chef Lee Hefter. Just off Wilshire Boulevard, the patio is a charming spot for dishes like pan-seared cod and handmade agnolotti.
Beverly Center: If you’re looking for a bit of normalcy to balance out all the high-end, this shopping mall is targeted toward the masses, with outlets like Marshall’s, Saks Off Fifth Ave, and Uniqlo, and sits just 2 miles from the hotel.
Good for: Designed by Forchielli Glynn, the regal, floral-accented rooms make a good temporary home for families, high-powered business travelers and couples. An extensive list of special curated experiences (treasure hunts for the kids, red carpet photo shoots, pastry chef classes) makes it easy for under-age guests to pass the time.
Amenities: pool, hot tub, sauna, room service, free Wi-Fi, minibar, restaurant, bar, gym, laundry service, concierge, spa
Time Out tip: If you’re flying into Los Angeles for the first time, or you happen to need extra assistance at the airport, your stay at the Peninsula Beverly Hills actually begins when you walk out of customs. It’s the only hotel in L.A. that has a concierge stationed at LAX, who is able to help with luggage and ensure you get to where you’re going.