The Beverly Hills Hotel opened on May 12, 1912, two years before the city of Beverly Hills was even built. With its signature green and white stripes, banana leaf print and pink facade, the iconic establishment earned the nickname “The Pink Palace” and has been hosting Hollywood royalty ever since.
It became an instant celebrity hangout in the Golden Age of Hollywood with Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Howard Hughes, John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe among its most famous guests.
A playground for the Tinseltown elite for over a century, it has become a bucket list destination for people around the world, and a second home to its loyal staffers who consider it an honor to work there.
Of the hotel’s 545 employees, 50 of them have been working there for over 20 years, and 64 for over a quarter of a century, making them members of The Beverly Hills Hotel Quarter Century Club. It’s only fitting to recognize these individuals who represent the heart and soul of the famous property.
A playground for the Tinseltown elite for over a century, it has become a bucket list destination for people around the world, and a second home to its loyal staffers who consider it an honor to work there
Of the hotel’s 545 employees, 50 of them have been working there for over 20 years, and 64 for over a quarter of a century
As the legendary lodging celebrates its 110th anniversary, Daily Mail shines a spotlight on the people that run the show, and reveals never-before-published info — from the most high-maintenance guests to the most fabulous rooms and the hottest menu items — from the people who know it best: the staff.
With its signature green and white stripes, banana leaf print and pink facade, the iconic establishment earned the nickname “The Pink Palace” and has been hosting Hollywood royalty ever since
The Beverly Hills Hotel is part of luxury hospitality brand, Dorchester Collection, whose management style focuses on supporting and encouraging employees to be the best version of themselves.
‘A happy employee is going to do the best they can do, and that’s what we want for our guests,’ said Leila Medina, the company’s HR Manager.
Steven Boggs, Director of Guest Relations for 20 years adds, ‘What makes a hotel great are the employees. We treat ours well, because they are as essential to this property as the pool or the Polo Lounge.’
The Beverly Hills Hotel opened on May 12, 1912, two years before the city of Beverly Hills was even built
The hotel became an instant celebrity hangout in the Golden Age of Hollywood with Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Howard Hughes, John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe among its most famous guests
Employees are given the VIP treatment from the moment they walk in the door: The staff entrance mimics the guest entry to the grand lobby, with a red carpet and a green-and-white striped ceiling.
Framed photos of the Quarter Century Club (employees who have been with the hotel for 25+ years) line the hallway walls, as does a Hollywood Walk of Fame of staffers.
‘For the last Quarter Century celebration, we had a dinner and employees walked through the hotel as a flute player followed them and they were congratulated by their fellow colleagues,’ said Leila, who has been with the hotel for 27 years. ‘The ladies were given a Tiffany necklace and the men a custom jacket.’
Employees are given the VIP treatment from the moment they walk in the door: The staff entrance mimics the guest entry to the grand lobby, with a red carpet and a green-and-white striped ceiling
One well-known member of the Quarter Century Club is Ruth Cortez, a server at The Fountain Coffee Room since 1995. The celebrated luncheonette has 19 bar stools surrounding a curved soda fountain counter and is known for its classic breakfasts and people-watching
One well-known member of the Quarter Century Club is Ruth Cortez, a server at The Fountain Coffee Room since 1995.
The celebrated luncheonette has 19 bar stools surrounding a curved soda fountain counter and is known for its classic breakfasts and people-watching.
‘It’s like Cheers without the alcohol,’ joked Ruth. ‘The Fountain Coffee Room is famous, but I don’t think it’s because of the food, it’s because of the people. I’m a good listener, and I’m always myself so they open up to me and feel comfortable.’
One of Ruth’s fondest memories is about a couple she had been serving for several years.
‘I didn’t know who they were,’ said Ruth. ‘But I give the same service to everyone, it doesn’t matter who you are. The couple would come every Saturday, and one day they brought a friend they wanted me to meet.’
‘Next thing I know, I saw Secret Service and behind them was Nancy Regan! I was shaking as Nancy said, “I heard so many good things about you.” ‘I don’t even know what I said but this memory will stay with me forever.’
Co-stars Gregory Peck and Lauren Bacall met on the set of “Designing Woman” filmed at the hotel in 1956
‘Everyone in the entertainment industry has had some influential moments at this hotel. Whether it was signing their first deal or getting discovered,’ said Steven Boggs. Pictured: Charlie Chaplin (left) and Rita Hayworth (right)
HOLLYWOOD BABY
‘People who come here tend to be fascinating individuals,’ said Steven Boggs. ‘You get the movers and the shakers and the A-list crowd, but we also entertain and host people who helped create the history of Hollywood.
‘Everyone in the entertainment industry has had some influential moments at this hotel. Whether it was signing their first deal or getting discovered.’
The director of guest relations proceeds to tell a story about seeing a casting director for The Godfather recently who told him about when he was a mailroom guy sent to one of the hotel’s bungalows to drop off a script for Arthur Miller.
‘He said, “When I knocked on the door, Marilyn Monroe answered it!”
Boggs went on to say that the man was about 90-years-old today, but he remembers that moment as if it was yesterday.
Bungalow #1A is where Marilyn Monroe spent most of her time. Today, the aesthetic of the bungalow pays homage to the icon’s life. It includes a living room with dining area, fireplace and half bath, master suite, full master bath and dressing room and private terrace
To honor a remarkable 110-year anniversary, the hotel is devoting all of 2022 to celebrations. Expect special menus, exhibitions, movie nights and more.
The hotel spa has recently introduced a nail package that includes a manicure followed by custom nail art featuring pink and white stripes and a banana leaf print.
In addition, “The Pink Palace” is asking guests to pen their “love letter” to the hotel on specially designed paper. The letters will be on display in May and then will be archived to become part of the hotel’s rich history.
To honor a remarkable 110-year anniversary, the hotel is devoting all of 2022 to celebrations, including a special spa treatment
“The Pink Palace” is asking guests to pen their “love letter” to the hotel on specially designed paper. The letters will be on display in May and then will be archived to become part of the hotel’s rich history
The hotel spa has recently introduced a nail package that includes a manicure followed by custom nail art featuring pink and white stripes and a banana leaf print
Boasting 210 rooms, 23 uniquely appointed bungalows, plus a three-year-long renovation completed in 2015, the hotel situated just off Sunset Boulevard has been an LA hideaway to generations of Hollywood royalty.
Over the years, fun anecdotes and fascinating stories have been written about the hotel’s former guests and their famous scandals.
Elizabeth Taylor spent several of her eight honeymoons in Bungalow 5, and the reclusive and private Howard Hughes would occupy nine bungalows and have his meals left in a tree.
But what many do not know is that it was a series of chance encounters that made the hotel what it is today.
Boasting 210 rooms, 23 uniquely appointed bungalows, plus a three-year-long renovation completed in 2015, the hotel situated just off Sunset Boulevard has been an LA hideaway to generations of Hollywood royalty. Pictured: Lucille Ball posing by the pool in 1938
‘Since the beginning, we’ve epitomized the saying, “I would rather be lucky than good,” said Steven. He revealed that many little things occurred to make the hotel and town what it is today, starting with how it was discovered.
‘People came here looking for oil, but they found water instead. They decided to develop the land, sell it, and get out. But after they did, no one was buying because nothing was there, so the hotel was built to draw people in — and it worked.
‘Within two years the city was developing, and at the exact same time in 1912, a group of producers had gotten tired of trying to film Westerns in New York.’
According to Steven, additionally Thomas Edison had the copyright to film cameras and would sue anyone who didn’t use them.
Wanting to get away from Edison, maverick producers had to find a place they could shoot Westerns because they were huge money makers and the defining genre of American film at the time.
Then: Over the years, fun anecdotes and fascinating stories have been written about the hotel’s former guests and their famous scandals
Now: The Beverly Hills Hotel has 11 private poolside cabanas, each named after a popular area in Los Angeles
‘The producers decided to go to Flagstaff, Arizona, but there was a freak snowstorm on their trip, so they stayed on the train another few hours and ended up in Los Angeles,’ he said.
‘Paramount and Universal Studios opened in 1912, and at that time the other local hotels didn’t allow people of the Jewish faith. The producers were all Jewish, The Beverly Hills Hotel was opened, and they started staying here.
‘So right away, the film producers were here and the actors followed.
‘As time went by, the hotel was established, then The Great Depression hit. They were going to shut the hotel, sell the land and develop it, but there was an outbreak of tuberculosis back east that brought a lot of people to California where they would rent our bungalows to restore their health.
‘The Bank of America couldn’t sell the property because there were leases in place, so they brought a guy in to manage it until the economy changed. He fell in love with the hotel, bought it and turned it into the legend it is today.
‘There are these fated things that make the hotel and the town what it is; it’s what people don’t know and why it’s such a special place.’
The hotel is home to several dining and entertainment outlets: The Cabana Cafe, Polo Lounge and The Fountain Coffee Room
HOTTEST MENU ITEMS
The hotel is home to several dining and entertainment outlets: The Cabana Cafe, Polo Lounge and The Fountain Coffee Room.
The most famous item on the Polo Lounge menu is the McCarthy Salad, named for the polo playing millionaire Neil McCarthy, who had the chef create it for him back in the ‘40s.
The signature recipe is a blend of crisp iceberg and romaine lettuces, diced grilled free-range chicken, roasted red beets, free-range egg yolk and egg white, aged cheddar cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, tomato and avocado.
‘Everyone orders it a different way: Jennifer Aniston orders it differently than Angelina Jolie, who orders it differently than John Hughes — but it’s always the McCarthy Salad,’ said Steven.
And guests dining at the Polo Lounge from June through December will have the opportunity to upgrade the traditional McCarthy Salad for the price of $1,912, to pay homage to the year the hotel opened.
The iconic anniversary version will include lobster and caviar garnished with gold leaf flakes and served in a commemorative bowl made by Bernardaud china for guests to take as a souvenir.
Oh, and it’s paired with a bottle of Dom Pérignon!
The most famous item on the Polo Lounge menu is the McCarthy Salad, named for the polo playing millionaire Neil McCarthy, who had the chef create it for him back in the ‘40s
Marlene Dietrich broke the Polo Lounge’s ban on women wearing trousers in the 1940’s
Badrul, a Polo Lounge server for 20 years, enjoys the McCarthy Salad but favors the restaurant’s eggs Benedict.
‘Working breakfast and lunch, I get the dish twice a day — at 12pm and 3pm,’ said the Bangladesh native.
‘Our kitchen is excellent, and our chef never says, “no,” so guests feel like this is their second home.’
While Leila in HR recommends the tortilla soup, and the grilled cheese at The Fountain Coffee Room was rated by HotelChatter as one of the top grilled cheeses in all the land, Quarter Century Clubber Ruth suggests the pancakes, adding: ‘We’re famous for breakfast, I can say that our pancakes are the best. They’re not too doughy, they have flavor and are light.’
There’s also room service for a private dining experience. Steven disclosed that platters of food were once brought to the presidential suite every hour on the hour for an undisclosed royal.
‘His team didn’t know when he would be hungry or what he would want, and they were too afraid to ask. When he left, the food sent for 6 people fed 300 of our staff.’
Badrul, a Polo Lounge server for 20 years, enjoys the McCarthy Salad but favors the restaurant’s eggs Benedict. ‘Working breakfast and lunch, I get the dish twice a day — at 12pm and 3pm,’ said the Bangladesh native
Pepe De Anda, a former Brazilian soccer star came to the US in 1986 for rehab after an injury. He took a part-time job at the hotel and never left, he is now the Polo Lounge Director
Pepe De Anda, Polo Lounge Director says, ‘I’ve been to many places and people tell me the same thing: “There are beautiful hotels, but nothing like the Beverly Hills Hotel.”
Pepe, a former Brazilian soccer star who came to the US in 1986 for rehab after an injury, took a part-time job at the hotel and never left.
He compares the establishment to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” saying, ‘When you are a kid you dream of going to Disneyland. When you’re an adult, you want to go to the Beverly Hills Hotel.’
As the face of the Polo Lounge, Pepe is one of the hotel’s most well-known employees and a celebrity around LA.
‘Miramax used to rent the Polo Lounge for their Oscars party, and I would be at the door and I saw every single celeb, some with Oscars in their hands, and they were asking ME if they could have a seat!’
Pepe receives texts on his personal phone daily from hopeful patrons requesting a table at the famous spot.
‘Everyone wants a booth but there are a limited number, and they’re kept open for VIPs. If Charlie Chaplin were staying in the hotel, no one could sit in his booth because no one knew when he would show up. The same with Frank Sinatra and John Wayne and we honor that today, too.’
‘Everyone wants a booth but there are a limited number, and they’re kept open for VIPs. If Charlie Chaplin were staying in the hotel, no one could sit in his booth because no one knew when he would show up. The same with Frank Sinatra and John Wayne and we honor that today, too,’ said Pepe
‘When I come to work, I come and do the best that I can for my guests because they are the most important thing in my life and there is nothing that pleases me more than a happy guest,’ said Assistant Housekeeping manager, Raquel Valverde
Raquel’s favorite room is Bungalow 22A, inspired by Frank Sinatra’s Palm Springs home
The light-filled 1,200-square-foot space with a terrace channels the singer’s charismatic spirit and taste for mid-century design with an open floor plan, high ceilings, pillars and a grand piano
ROOM SERVICE
Assistant Housekeeping Manager, Raquel Valverde, says that when she first started working at the hotel in 1996, she was so excited to be there she would work from 10am – 11:30pm and never felt tired because she liked it so much.
‘I loved the environment and the energy,’ she said. It’s what’s kept her there for 26-years.
The cleaning staff keeps track of their repeat guests’ likes and dislikes, so when they visit, their room is already stocked with everything they want without having to ask — from extra towels to their favorite coffee and other amenities.
‘When I come to work, I come and do the best that I can for my guests because they are the most important thing in my life and there is nothing that pleases me more than a happy guest.’
And her hard work pays off, as Raquel reveals there’s a repeat guest that tips everyone $100 and more to the team that cleans his room. ‘We feel blessed to have that kind of guest; it makes us proud to be in the service business.’
Raquel’s favorite room is Bungalow 22A, inspired by Frank Sinatra’s Palm Springs home.
The light-filled 1,200-square-foot space with a terrace channels the singer’s charismatic spirit and taste for mid-century design with an open floor plan, high ceilings, pillars and a grand piano.
With so many unforgettable legends keeping the spirit of the hotel alive, and the extraordinary staff giving their all every day, this remarkable place seems destined to remain a Hollywood landmark and a playground for effortless California living for centuries to come!
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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk