In Their Own Words!
For over a century, The Beverly Hills Hotel has been the spot for Hollywood’s brightest lights, the ultimate beacon of glamour. She greets you like a movie star from the moment you pass the iconic signage, step onto the signature red carpet and enter the grand lobby. Welcome to the legacy.
By: Jessica Berthold-Zuk, The Beverly Hills Hotel
Editor's Note:
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** All black & white photos in this article are courtesy of “The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows – The First 100 Years” by Robert S. Anderson, available at www.thebeverlyhillscollection.com**
Back to the Start
The Beverly Hills Hotel was originally owned by Margaret Anderson and opened on May 12, 1912. This was two years before there was even a city called Beverly Hills. There are not many hotels able to claim that the city they are in was literally built around them.
The Grand Vision
The idea was to create a hotel for people to stay at while looking at property to buy in the local area, somewhere that would entice them to relocate. When Margaret Anderson opened the hotel her motto was, “Guests are entitled to the best of everything regardless of cost!” Today, we still pride ourselves on offering our guests the very best.
Realizing a Dream
The hotel was built for a total of $500,000 with the help of architect Elmer Grey, and promoted as “halfway between Los Angeles and the sea.” Up until this time only six homes had been constructed in Beverly Hills. It wasn’t until 1914, once the hotel had been firmly established, that Beverly Hills officially became an incorporated city.
Celebrity Success
In 1920, Douglas Fairbanks and his wife Mary Pickford moved to “Pickfair,” their house built on 18 acres of land above the hotel. This was the turning point for Beverly Hills becoming recognized as one of the most sought-after addresses, as many stars followed their lead. From screens big and small, to multi-platinum album covers, celebrities and musicians alike have all enjoyed scene-stealing moments and musical milestones at The Beverly Hills Hotel.
Martinique Print
Our much loved Martinique® banana leaf print was created by CW Stockwell, and introduced to the hotel in 1949 by decorator Don Loper. This bold and vibrant design has been touted as one of the most recognizable wallpapers in the world. It has an iconic status amongst designers and guests alike.
Over the years, the hotel’s popularity continues to escalate and today The Beverly Hills Hotel is better than real life; it’s a fantasy fit for a movie.
Editor's Note:
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