On our first stop of our trip to America, I was so excited to stay at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel.  I hadn’t been here for years so was thrilled to bring the girls along with Ian as we originally had to travel here for his work.

TRAVEL | I had forgotten how long this trip is! 12+ hours later we had arrived at LAX. While LA traffic is always a bit unpredictable, we were able to get to the hotel in about 45 minutes. Seeing as most of Los Angeles is quite spread out, we ended up renting a car through the hotel  to be able to do a few day trips and see more of LA.

PROPERTY | The hotel in itself is historic. It was really cool walking down the entry red carpet and seeing photos of all the big names who have visited. For a major hotel, it still feels quite small. Bungalows are separate from the main building, The main restaurant is tucked off the lobby, there’s an adorable diner downstairs, the most gorgeous palm tree lined pool just off the spa, and the pool restaurant shaded outside with the classic pink booths I’m sure you’ve seen on Instagram. It definitely had that hideaway element that makes you forget you’re right in the heart of Beverly Hills.

FOOD | I still crave the McCarthey Salad! If you’ve had it you know what I’m talking about. Lunches at the pool were quickly our routine. Although expensive, we’d have most breakfasts and Dinners on property at the Polo Lounge. The portions are very “American-sized” but they have an assortment of everything and healthy options in addition to your traditional American cuisine.

NEARBY RESTAURANTS | During our trip we also booked dinners at Nobu Malibu for sunset sushi and Spago in Beverly Hills (Twice!) for Italian we loved it that much.

RECOMMEND | I will say, it’s pretty cool getting to stay in the same Bungalow that Marilyn Monroe stayed in. If you want the “Hollywood” experience, this really is the place to stay. From the famous pink palace exterior, to the iconic Polo Lounge Restaurant where we spent most meals, there’s just something about the Beverly Hills Hotel that you’ll never find anywhere else. While there wasn’t the same kids club element that we’ve had from other properties, The BHH is extremely child friendly. The girls felt super “VIP” with their Beverly Hills pink vip cards that they’d use to order ice creams and drinks by the pool. I can’t tell you how much I appreciated just laying by the pool…even if I was completely in the shade! It’s expensive, but an experience. I’m not sure the next time we’ll be in LA. Hopefully sooner than later, but coming all the way from London this was a very special trip for us.

MORE ABOUT THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL

MORE IN LOS ANGELES…

LOS ANGELES ACTIVITIES 

Pumpkin Patch |  Because we visited in October, we had to take the girls to the pumpkin patch! Mr. Bones was the clear winner. Winter and Soleil had the best time choosing little pumpkins and playing all the activities.

Hollywood Sign | When in Hollywood, of course we had to see the Hollywood sign, although it required some serious effort! (We were told to follow the map to “Ledgewood Drive” — It’s a bit windy but there’s the perfect vantage point at the top of the dead end. Come Monday-Friday to be able to park. And then once you’re at the top you’ll have to walk 200m or so to this little ledge. 

Rodeo Drive | I’m surprisingly not much of a shopper on Holidays but It was super cool seeing Rodeo Drive and taking the girls here

Coffee Shops | I had found the most adorable cafe via Instagram ‘The Butcher, the Baker, the Cappuccino Maker’. This is where we went during our LA trip for a nice lunch and the most beautiful rainbow latte I’ve ever seen! Alfred is another popular spot when visit Los Angeles and if you’re looking for a local spot with delicious coffee, Cafe Luxxe is another to add to the list. 

Restaurants | There are so many wonderful restaurants in LA it’s impossible to hit them all. I’ve listed several recommendations if you’re heading this way. Most dinner restaurants will require a booking, something the Beverly Hills Hotel can help with given advance notice.

• Breakfast — The Butcher’s Daughter, The Ivy (Brunch or Lunch), Malibu Farm, Farm Shop in the Brentwood Country Mart, The Cabana Cafe or Fountain Room both at the Beverly Hills Hotel
• Lunch — The Ivy, La Scala in Beverly Hills, The Grove, The Gucci Osteria Beverly Hills
• Dinner — Nobu Malibu, Catch, Giorgio Baldi or E. Baldi, Spago, Sugarfish, Craig’s
• Dessert — Sprinkles Beverly Hills, Salt & Straw Ice Cream, Ladurée