The Beverly Hilton Review

Last Updated: February 24, 2026

Red Carpet Legacy at the Gateway to Beverly Hills
For travelers seeking classic Beverly Hills glamour with major Hollywood event pedigree, The Beverly Hilton remains one of the most recognizable luxury addresses in Los Angeles. I stayed for two nights in early July in a Deluxe Pool View Room overlooking the Aqua Star Pool. This was a self-funded stay.

Location

Situated at the intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, the hotel marks the eastern gateway to Beverly Hills. The setting is more prominent and high-visibility than the tucked-away estates of Bel-Air, appealing to travelers who prefer central positioning near Rodeo Drive and Century City.

Upper floors offer skyline views toward West Hollywood, while pool-facing rooms capture the hotel’s most iconic visual element.

Rooms & Suites

My Deluxe Pool View Room featured sliding glass doors opening to a private balcony overlooking the Aqua Star Pool. Afternoon sun reflects vividly across the water, creating bright interior lighting until early evening.

The marble bathroom included a glass-enclosed shower, illuminated vanity mirror, and plush white textiles. Sound insulation was strong despite the hotel’s event-driven atmosphere.

Higher-category suites, including the Presidential Suite, are frequently utilized for red carpet preparation and VIP hosting.

Dining

Circa 55

The signature restaurant, Circa 55, overlooks the pool deck and emphasizes California-inspired cuisine. Breakfast service was efficient and polished, with immediate coffee service and consistent table attention.

Lobby Lounge

The lobby lounge functions as both business meeting space and pre-event gathering area. During major award weekends, the energy shifts noticeably as stylists, media teams, and talent circulate through the property.

The Aqua Star Pool

The Aqua Star Pool is one of Beverly Hills’ most historically recognized hotel pools. Its expansive deck allows for both private lounging and large-scale event transformations.

Actress Esther Williams famously inaugurated the pool by swimming through white gardenias at the hotel’s opening in 1955.

Golden Globes

Since 1961, the Golden Globe Awards have been televised annually from the hotel’s International Ballroom. Today, the property hosts more than 175 star-studded events each year across three ballrooms and over 60,000 square feet of meeting space.

During awards season, celebrity guests utilize private suites to prepare before walking the red carpet, reinforcing the hotel’s status as one of Hollywood’s primary event headquarters.

Hollywood History

From 1987 to 2003, the hotel was owned by entertainer Merv Griffin, further cementing its entertainment industry ties. Elizabeth Taylor reportedly honeymooned here with six of her seven husbands. Faye Dunaway learned to swim in the Aqua Star Pool.

Yoko Ono and John Lennon staged their “bed-in” in one of the hotel’s bungalows. Every U.S. president from John F. Kennedy through Bill Clinton stayed in the Presidential Suite, underscoring the property’s political and cultural significance.

Celebrity Sightings

Rumored celebrity sightings include Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, Denzel Washington, Mandy Moore, and Brad Pitt. Award season significantly increases the likelihood of high-profile encounters.

Service Experience

Check-in was efficient despite moderate lobby traffic. Valet retrieval averaged under seven minutes. Housekeeping provided prompt service requests and consistent evening turndown.

Staff interactions skew professional and event-oriented, particularly during peak red carpet periods.

Pet-Friendly Policy

The Beverly Hilton has welcomed pets since opening in 1955. Pets under 75 pounds are permitted with a required non-refundable deposit. Service animals are accommodated in accordance with federal regulations.

Who Should Stay Here

Ideal for awards-season visitors, business travelers attending conferences, and guests seeking classic Hollywood prestige in a central Beverly Hills location.

Pros & Considerations

Pros: Golden Globes venue, iconic pool, strong event infrastructure, central location.
Considerations: Larger, event-focused atmosphere may feel less intimate than estate-style properties.

Final Verdict

The Beverly Hilton remains one of the most culturally significant luxury hotels in Beverly Hills. Its red carpet legacy, presidential history, and award-season prominence distinguish it from quieter competitors. For travelers seeking proximity to Hollywood’s event calendar and a hotel woven into entertainment history, it continues to deliver prestige with scale.