NationalGeographicPersonalExplorer

Twelve acres of lush, exotic gardens surround the five-star Beverly Hills Hotel. Movie star glamour meets luxury accommodation at this recently remodeled resort, which first opened in 1912 as the center of culture for the newly formed city of Beverly Hills. A member of The Leading Hotels in the World, the Beverly Hills Hotel is managed by the Dorchester Collection. Over the years it has been associated with the activities of legendary personalities, such as the Beatles’ after-hours dips in the palm-lined pool, Howard Hughes’ social appointments, and Greta Garbo’s escapes when she wanted to “be alone.” In 1976, The Eagles featured the hotel on their album cover of “Hotel California.” Moviemakers—like Cecil B. DeMille—cut deals in The Polo Lounge over morning coffee, discreet lunches, or late night whispers. Today, the in-spot with local hipsters is the newly renovated bar, Nineteen 12. Some of the best cocktails in L.A. are whipped up here, and can be sipped on library-style leather sofas indoors, or overlooking the hotel entrance—the best place to sit so you can catch who’s coming and going! Happy Hour is a popular time to mix and mingle, but the truly famous tend to sneak in during off-peak hours, like late afternoon or late, late at night.