The landmark Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, is one of the preferred addresses for Hollywood’s A list and discerning international travellers. High-profile celebrities such as Elvis Presley, Warren Beatty and Steve McQueen have all lived here and the hotel became well-known throughout the world when, in 1990, it was the central location for the movie ‘Pretty Woman’ starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. A good friend told me that the former president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, and his wife Carla Bruni had been spotted as guests just one week before my arrival.

The iconic Beverly Wilshire opened its doors in Beverly Hills in January 1928 on the site of the Beverly Auto Speedway, which provided residents with an opportunity for picnics and Model T Ford races on Sunday afternoons. At that time, Beverly Hills had a population of less than 1,000 and it had not yet been discovered by Hollywood’s in-crowd. Beginning with only one building, which has withstood major earthquakes and was designated an air raid shelter during World War II, this historically rich hotel added the Beverly Wing in 1971, along with the Mediterranean-style pool modelled on the one at Sophia Loren’s private Italian villa. Revisiting this landmark after 22 years turned out to be a wonderful experience for me. Throughout my stay I enjoyed impeccable service and for dinner you can choose between Wolfgang Puck’s all-white, Richard Meier-designed contemporary steakhouse, CUT and The Blvd for fine seasonal California cuisine. The Beverly Wilshire melds European charm and 21st century technology and style that will make any stay memorable.

 Copyright 2014 Mart Engelen