The Beverly Hills Hotel

Welcome to the Beverly Hills Hotel, or the "pink palace" as the 12-acre, Mission-revival property is known. First built in 1912, the iconic hotel is as old as Beverly Hills itself. Actually, it's older. The area didn't become a full-fledged city (with celebrity residents like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton) until a few years later. Over the years, the hotel has housed numerous celebrities from John Lennon and Yoko Ono to Elizabeth Taylor and six of her eight husbands. From 1992 to 1995, the hotel closed for extensive renovations that cost the Sultan of Brunei, the hotel's current owner and one of the world's richest men, more than $100 million. The hotel underwent major renovations yet again in 2014. The result is a place that feels perfectly preserved and restored to its original elegance, from the signature banana leaf wallpaper that lines the halls to the stunning pool area. For the most part, the Beverly Hills Hotel is discreet, complete with heavy security. But you'll definitely see a mix of tourists, Beverly Hills residents having weekly lunches with their families, and of course A-listers pretending no one is looking their way. 

The hotel is situated in Beverly Hills, an enclave of wealthy living and luxury shopping in the middle of L.A.'s westside. While it has a Sunset Boulevard address, this section of Sunset feels a long way from the notorious Sunset Strip -- the mile-and-a-half stretch of Sunset Boulevard known for its cutting-edge rock clubs and night spots. This end of Sunset is quieter, more scenic and residential, and the hotel is actually tucked back from the street giving it a secluded, mini-resort feel. 

• Five-minute drive to Rodeo Drive's shopping and restaurants 
• 10-minute drive to the Sunset Strip's bars and clubs
• 15-minute drive to Hollywood Boulevard and Grauman's Chinese Theatre
• 20- to 30-minute drive to Venice Beach and Santa Monica Beach 
• 25-minute drive to Universal Studios Hollywood
• 30-minute drive to Los Angeles International Airport 

Thanks to the hotel's historic nature and spacious grounds, there's a large variety of room types and configurations. Each is decorated with a distinct classic Hollywood glamour style that includes a soft color palette, luxe finishes, and nature-inspired artwork. All rooms feature orchids, free Wi-Fi, free bottled water, a gourmet minibar, and at least one Bang & Olufsen flat-screen TV. The most affordable room is the Deluxe, at 400 square feet and with views of Beverly Hills or the garden grounds. The most lavish (and exclusive) rooms are the Bungalows. These are individual cottages peppered around the grounds, and were originally built for guests who wanted to bring their own staff. Each bungalow is individually decorated and can include extras like private outdoor space or fireplaces and kitchens. All rooms come with marble bathrooms equipped with soaking tubs and separate showers. Upscale toiletries (including bath salts) are provided, along with hairdryers, robes, and slippers. Evening turndown service is a luxurious touch. 

If you're searching for one of the buzziest pools in Los Angeles, look no further than The Beverly Hills Hotel. The pool is accessed through a garden and down a short flight of steps, so it's completely hidden away. Staff is on hand to escort guests to striped sun loungers, and bring food and drinks from the adjacent Cabana Club Cafe. The restaurant is open to the public and has covered outdoor seating on classic pink or green chairs. 

The Polo Lounge is the all-day dining restaurant and it's often packed for all three meals -- both with guests and hungry locals. The kitchen serves classic and healthy fare, such as table-made beef tartare and seasonal fruit from the local Hollywood Farmers Market. Seating is available indoors and outdoors, and there's a small bar and lounge area in front of the restaurant. Downstairs, the Fountain Coffee Room resembles an old-fashioned soda fountain with counter service and classic dishes for breakfast and lunch. The stylish Bar Nineteen12 (named after the hotel's opening year) specializes in distinct cocktails. Room service is available 24 hours. 

The hotel's spa is on the small side, but it feels private. Luxe services include massage, facials, body wraps, and nail services. The fitness center is loaded with modern cardio equipment, plus offers fresh fruit and bottled water. Weekly yoga classes are available for an additional fee. Valet parking is the only option, and it's pricey -- but that's typical for Beverly Hills. There's also a house car guests can utilize on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pets are welcome for a fee. For shopping, a cute boutique store on the basement level sells hotel-related items, including a pink bicycle.