What the Beverly Hills Hotel is and where to find it
The Beverly Hills Hotel is a luxury resort located at 9641 Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills, California, sitting on 12 acres in the foothills above the city. It opened in 1941, decades before Beverly Hills became the celebrity enclave it is today — the hotel's early success actually helped draw wealthy residents and entertainment industry figures to the area. The property is famous for its distinctive banana leaf wallpaper and tropical garden design, which has remained largely unchanged since the 1940s.
The hotel operates as a full resort rather than a straightforward lodging property. It includes 204 rooms and suites, nine restaurants and bars, a spa, a fitness center, and multiple swimming pools. The main pool, known as the "Polo Lounge Pool," is one of the most photographed hotel pools in the world and has been a gathering spot for Hollywood figures since the hotel's opening.
The Beverly Hills Hotel is independently owned and operated, not part of a larger hotel chain. This independence has allowed it to maintain its specific character and design philosophy across decades of ownership changes.
Key Takeaways
- The Beverly Hills Hotel opened in 1941 and predates most of Beverly Hills' development as a luxury residential area.
- The property spans 12 acres and includes 204 rooms, multiple pools, restaurants, and a spa on a single grounds.
- The hotel's iconic banana leaf wallpaper and tropical garden aesthetic has been a signature design element since the 1940s.
- Room rates and availability vary significantly by season, with peak pricing during awards season (January through March) and summer months.
Room types and what each costs
The Beverly Hills Hotel offers several room categories, from standard guest rooms to multi-bedroom bungalows. Standard rooms typically start in the $400 to $600 per night range during off-peak periods, though this varies by season and how far in advance you book. Suites and bungalows cost considerably more, with some private bungalows reaching $2,000 to $4,000 per night or higher during peak season.
Rates spike during specific periods: awards season (late January through March), summer vacation months (June through August), and major entertainment industry events. The same room that costs $500 in November might cost $1,200 in February. Booking directly through the hotel's website or calling their reservations line at (310) 276-2251 often provides more accurate current pricing than third-party booking sites, since the hotel frequently adjusts rates based on demand.
Most rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, high-speed internet, and access to the hotel's pools and grounds. Bungalows typically include private patios or gardens. The hotel does not charge a separate resort fee in the traditional sense, though certain amenities like spa services, some dining venues, and parking are billed separately.
Dining and restaurant options on the property
The Polo Lounge is the hotel's flagship restaurant and has operated continuously since 1941. It serves American cuisine in a formal dining room and is known for hosting power lunches and dinners among entertainment and business figures. The restaurant maintains a dress code (no beachwear, tank tops, or athletic wear) and reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for lunch and dinner service.
The hotel also operates Cabana Café, which serves casual breakfast and lunch poolside, and The Fountain Coffee Shop, a more casual dining venue. The Sunset Bar & Grill offers cocktails and lighter fare. Room service is available throughout the day and night, and the hotel can arrange private dining in bungalows or other spaces for groups.
Dining at the hotel is notably expensive — entrees at the Polo Lounge typically range from $35 to $65, with cocktails at $16 to $20. Many guests choose to dine at nearby restaurants on Sunset Boulevard or in the Beverly Hills commercial district rather than exclusively at the hotel.
Pools, spa, and recreational facilities
The hotel's pool area is divided into multiple sections. The main Polo Lounge Pool is reserved primarily for hotel guests and is the centerpiece of the property's recreational space. A second pool area serves guests staying in certain room categories. Both pools are heated year-round and are staffed with attendants who provide towels and can arrange cabana rentals.
The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa offers massage, facial, body treatment, and wellness services. Spa treatments are available to both hotel guests and outside visitors who book in advance. A fitness center with cardio equipment, weights, and fitness classes is included with your room. The hotel also has tennis courts available for guest use, though availability must be confirmed at check-in.
The 12-acre grounds include walking paths, gardens, and seating areas throughout the property. Many guests spend significant time straightforward exploring and photographing the landscape, particularly the tropical garden sections and the famous banana leaf wallpaper areas inside the main building.
How to book and what to expect at check-in
You can book the Beverly Hills Hotel directly through its website (beverlyhillshotel.com), by phone at (310) 276-2251, or through third-party booking platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, or Kayak. Direct booking often provides the most flexibility for modifications and sometimes includes perks like room upgrades or late checkout, depending on current promotions.
Check-in begins at 3:00 p.m. and checkout is at 11:00 a.m. The hotel will attempt to accommodate early check-in or late checkout requests based on availability, though these are not may provide. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day. Upon arrival, you will receive a room key card and information about hotel amenities, dining reservations, and spa services.
Parking is available on the property for an additional daily fee (rates vary). Valet parking is the primary option, though self-parking is available in certain areas. The hotel does not have a shuttle service to nearby attractions, but can arrange car service or provide recommendations for local transportation options.
Location and nearby attractions
The Beverly Hills Hotel sits on Sunset Boulevard at the edge of Beverly Hills, close to the Hollywood Hills. The location places you within walking distance of some Sunset Boulevard shops and restaurants, though the hotel itself is somewhat removed from the main Beverly Hills shopping district on Rodeo Drive (about 1.5 miles away). The Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood Bowl are roughly 3 to 4 miles north.
The hotel's position on Sunset Boulevard means it is accessible by car from most of Los Angeles, though traffic on Sunset can be heavy during peak hours. Public transportation options are limited; the nearest Metro bus stops serve Sunset Boulevard but do not provide direct access to major attractions. Most guests either drive, use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, or arrange car service through the hotel.
The surrounding area includes other hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, but the Beverly Hills Hotel grounds are largely self-contained. Many guests spend most of their time on the property itself rather than venturing out.
History and cultural significance
The Beverly Hills Hotel opened on May 12, 1941, before Beverly Hills was established as a major residential area. The hotel's early success and glamorous reputation actually contributed to the area's development as a luxury destination. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the hotel became a gathering place for Hollywood actors, directors, and producers, and this association with the entertainment industry continues today.
The hotel's design — particularly the iconic banana leaf wallpaper and tropical garden aesthetic — was created in the 1940s and has been carefully preserved through multiple ownership changes. The Polo Lounge restaurant has operated continuously since the hotel's opening and maintains much of its original design and character. The property has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and photographs over the decades.
In 2021, the hotel underwent a significant renovation that updated guest rooms and facilities while maintaining the property's historical character and design identity. The renovation took several years and the hotel temporarily closed certain sections during the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a hotel guest to eat at the Polo Lounge or use the spa?
The Polo Lounge is open to both hotel guests and outside visitors who make reservations. The spa also accepts outside clients. However, pool access is reserved for hotel guests only. Call (310) 276-2251 to make dining or spa reservations if you are not staying at the hotel.
What is the dress code for the Polo Lounge?
The Polo Lounge requires business casual or formal attire. No beachwear, tank tops, athletic wear, or flip-flops are permitted. Men are not required to wear a jacket or tie, though many guests do wear them, particularly for dinner service.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
The Beverly Hills Hotel does allow pets in certain rooms for an additional daily fee. Contact the hotel directly at (310) 276-2251 to discuss pet policies and any restrictions that may explore to your specific pet.
How far is the hotel from Los Angeles International Airport?
LAX is approximately 20 to 25 miles south of the hotel, depending on traffic. Travel time typically ranges from 45 minutes to over an hour during peak traffic periods. The hotel can arrange car service for airport transfers, or you can use rideshare services.
Can I rent the entire hotel or large sections for an event?
The Beverly Hills Hotel offers event and group booking options for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. Contact the hotel's events department at (310) 276-2251 or through the website to discuss availability and pricing for your specific event.