Beverly Hills Glamour: Exploring Luxury in Los Angeles

Visiting Beverly Hills is a must-do when visiting Los Angeles; there’s so much to see and do. The film-set backdrops are hidden around every corner, such as the famous Beverly Wilshire Hotel from the 1990 classic Pretty Woman or the Electric Fountain featured in the 1995 film, Clueless. You can browse the seemingly endless high-end shops, and art galleries, eat at Michelin-starred restaurants, and see old hilltop mansions and famous destinations. Beverly Hills has it all if you’re looking for glamour.

Where to stay

If luxury stays are what you’re looking for, here are some of the best you can find:

L’Ermitage Beverly Hills

The luxury five-star L’Ermitage Beverly Hills is a firm favourite for those who love to fly in by private jet charter but don’t want to attract much attention. Found on a discrete tree-lined street just a five-minute walk from the city centre, the suites resemble an ordinary-looking apartment block to keep the secrecy levels high. You will be greeted by a friendly and professional doorman who will be ready to grab your bags. Once inside, the staff are always as calm as can be, making your check-in experience as streamlined as possible.

There are 116 spacious suites designed to make you feel as comfortable as living at home, featuring huge king-sized beds, big corner sofas, double sinks, and deep tubs to soak yourself in. Each guest receives a monogrammed pillowcase, silk eye mask, and chocolates at every turndown. Make sure you save time in your schedule to relax at the rooftop pool loungers.

The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel

Found at the point where Rodeo Drive meets Wilshire Boulevard, The Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel is a 1928 landmark made famous by actors such as Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. You can find a mixture of old Hollywood glamour and luxury, all meticulously preserved right down to the original room doorbells.

The entry-level double rooms are filled with massive amounts of space, but there are 12 enormous suites that will drop your jaw firmly to the floor. These suites feature multiple bedrooms, movie and entertaining rooms, wraparound balconies, Hollywood views, and so much more.

Top activities & experiences in Beverly Hills

There are a lot of things to do when it comes to Beverly Hills, and among them is a stop on Rodeo Drive.

Rodeo Drive

Wandering along one of the most famous shopping-lined streets the USA offers is a treat for anyone looking to splash some cash. Filled with high-end fashion houses and boutique shops, this is a must-do when visiting LA. A cliché tourist spot, it may be, but not visiting Rodeo Drive while in Beverly Hills would be like visiting Rome without checking out the Colosseum. On Rodeo Drive, you can expect to see screen-famous locations, sizzling supercars, and gleaming shops. Keep your eyes peeled for celebs, take in the moneyed air, and pretend you’re on a Hollywood film set.

Gallery hopping

This may not be your first thought when it comes to Beverly Hills, but there are quite a few art galleries and public artworks spread across the city centre. You can find cool and contemporary photography at the glass-fronted Mouche Gallery, celebrating Hollywood legends such as Angelica Houston and Jack Nicholson. Modern pieces by some of the leading international artists can be found at the Gagosian, or classic paintings, drawings, and prints by European masters dating back to the 17th century at Galerie Michael. Dotted around the city, you can also find over 70 public art sculptures and installations, all of which can be discovered on self-guided walking tours.

Eat your heart out

There’s no shortage of incredible food when you visit Beverly Hills, with places such as THEBlvd, The Terrace, and Mirame being reserved for the most glamorous. 

THEBlvd

One of the more fun ways to fully appreciate Beverly Wilshire is to spend an extended amount of time sitting on THEBlvd Restaurant’s sunny terrace. This must-do location should be added to your itinerary as soon as possible. As you overlook Rodeo Drive, order a cool glass of white wine and a few crudités and relax. Fancy something a little more substantial? Try their signature dish of hand-cut French toast made with berries, brioche, and a caramel pecan crumb — the perfect way to start the day.

The Terrace

The great thing about the fancy five-star Maybourne Hotel is that you don’t have to stay in one of the many luxurious suites to enjoy lunch at its onsite restaurant, The Terrace. The European-styled garden area has white-clothed tables on the gravel underneath shady white parasols, complemented by a Mediterranean menu adding further to the European styling. There is so much to enjoy here, no matter your mood. Try something light like the smoked trout salad, ruby grapefruit segments, and Carpinteria avocado, followed by something a little heartier like the rigatoni Bolognese.

Wrap up

When it comes to Beverly Hills, no expense should be spared. Fly privately, book into one of the many five-star hotels, go celebrity hunting across Rodeo Drive, get a little culture in the art galleries, and finish things off by eating and drinking on a five-star hotel terrace. A glamorous plan for a glamorous destination and one we’re sure you won’t regret.

Feature Photo by Devin Berko on Unsplash