With its gas lamps, cobblestone driveway and 1920s exterior, the Beverly Wilshire is easily one of Beverly Hills’ most recognizable—and certainly most historic—luxury addresses. For those attracted to culinary thrills, this is the spot to be: a Michelin-starred restaurant occupies the ground floor, with views out to Rodeo Drive across the street.
Housed in a grand Italian Renaissance building from 1928, with rich decorative scenes carved on the building’s stone facade, this hotel has a history and grandeur that’s palpable. Nowhere is that more evident than at its Michelin-starred restaurant, CUT, a steakhouse designed to impress: there’s roasted Kurobuta pork chop and charcoal-grilled Porterhouse, all served in a beautiful skylit, all-white dining room that wouldn’t feel out of place in Soho. Another restaurant, BLVD, is more relaxed, with big cushioned booths and a warm brasserie vibe. (Both restaurants have sexy lounge areas for a pre- or post-dinner martini.) Another highlight is the exotic scallop-shaped pool, a bucolic setting for a business lunch, or just a great place to fritter away an afternoon with some earphones and a good book. The bi-level gym is one of the largest at any L.A. hotel, and there’s a full artillery of cardio and weight training equipment, plus yoga classes and private fitness trainers. The full-service spa, personal shoppers and private helicopter tours (not included in the rate) attract all sorts of A-listers and heads of state—Elvis himself lived here for several years.
Location: Built in the center of Beverly Hills, the Beverly Wilshire has the distinction of being the only luxury hotel that actually faces Rodeo Drive. Hence shopping, eating and gallery-hopping involve a minimal amount of travel—simply walk out the door and you’re in the thick of one of L.A.’s most exclusive zip codes.
Nearby:
Westfield Century City: Two miles from the hotel, this immense mall has a nice mix of high-end (Brooks Brothers, Swarovski), main-street (Gap, Sunglasses Hut) and boutiques like Aritzia and Compartes chocolatier. There’s also a 15-screen movie theater, a 3-story Nordstrom and an Eataly.
Whole Foods: A 7-minute walk from the hotel, this emporium of farm-fresh produce and delicious prepared food makes a convenient stopover for any long-term guests whose suite larder needs stuffing.
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.
Good for: Architecture and history fans will swoon over the majestic interiors as well as the building itself. Since this is Four Seasons, extreme attention is paid to modernity and 24-hour service, making this a solid pick for business travelers and couples. If you travel to eat, then this is also the place for you, with a Michelin-starred restaurant and several enticing cocktail bars.
Amenities: pool, hot tub, sauna, room service, free Wi-Fi, minibar, restaurant, bar, gym, laundry service, concierge, spa
Time Out tip: To drum up buzz for the hotel’s 90th anniversary, the Beverly Wilshire is devising a series of unique, seasonal experiences, one of which involves camping out on a 2,000 square foot terrace, 10 stories over Los Angeles. From inside a massive canvas tent, equipped with a queen-size bed and a crystal chandelier, you can snuggle up next to the fire while sampling a plate of gold leaf s’mores.