IT’S A sort of pinch-me moment pulling up at The Peninsula Beverly Hills . How can one not imagine themselves a staple of Old Hollywood when standing outside the imposing Renaissance grandeur that is the residence?
The Peninsula, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary (and 30th year awarded a Forbes five-star nod), encompasses an untimely Los Angeles allure, a charming fusion of the old and the new in a way which does not dwell on its grand situation, but instead strives to give guests an incredible, somewhat homely, vacation.
Immediately upon entering the lobby, I’m met with an abundance of smiles and genuine kindness. The service at The Peninsula Beverly Hills is almost incomparable, after all this was the hotel that famously located, trained, and gifted a puppy for a guest’s birthday.
I’m directed to my room – the deluxe – an idyllic oasis of soft tones and luxury comforts. Besides the dedicated working space and small lounging area, a sure highlight of the room is the French doors, opening to reveal a skycape across the neighbourhood. It’s here where my movie star fantasy reaches its pinnacle.
In a place such as Los Angeles, a city famed for its experimental cuisine, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to selecting your dining destination. However, while staying at the Peninsula, this feeling is removed entirely, as you have some of the Hills’ best options quite literally at your fingertips. From the seafood-centric Belvedere, which offers an extensive array of Mediterranean- inspired dishes, to the more relaxed Roof Garden – a personal favourite – which evokes an essence of poolside leisure with its menu, all while offering stunning views of the City of Angels.
Garden Suite
The Peninsula Suite Living Room
If not lounging by the pool, illuminated by its La La Land-esque technicolour loungers and parasols, I found immense enjoyment (unsurprisingly) in exploring the amenities of the in-house wellness programme. As part of the company-wide “Life Lived Best” initiative, the hotel champions guest wellbeing through a series of perks, all of which promote an admirable sustainable ethos.
One thing I appreciated above all is the accessibility of the treatments and activities, be it in the communal spa and fitness areas, or in the comfort of your room. As someone who sometimes struggles with sleep, the spa-style baths combined with the “Sleep Well, Wake Up Well” aromatherapy experience was entirely welcomed. Relaxation materialised.
In a city as bustling as Los Angeles, I admit I was expecting to leave with a buzz of adrenaline, exhausted from excitement. However, after staying at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, I left with an unmatched feeling of serenity, like the sensation of euphoria you feel after a massage. Above all, this is a residence committed entirely to the happiness of its guests, from its impressive wellness programme to the food, to the wonderful staff, it is not hard to imagine why it has represented the pinnacle of California luxury for the past three decades.
by Ben Sanderson
Room rates start from $795 per night peninsula.com