How to Do Beverly Hills, The Cool-Girl Way
Insta-worthy spots you’ll wanna visit ASAP.
Published Sep 28, 2018 5:08 PM
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We all know and love Los Angeles, it seems to get all the attention, but let’s talk about Beverly Hills, its sister city (yeah, it’s actually a completely different city), which can sometimes be misconceived as a bougie, unapproachable neighborhood meant only for the rich and famous. Not so though! In fact, we’ve narrowed down some of our very favorite picks below to prove that the 90210 is one of the most charming places to hop around—from the places to stay, to the best spots to snack. But the real secret of Beverly Hills is that it’s a self-care hotspot, filled with beauty boutiques, chic spas, and more.
Where to Stay
Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows
If you’re going to stay in Beverly Hills, stay here. Beverly Hills Hotel has it all—from the famous palm print wallpaper to that iconic cursive logo to an Old Hollywood history unmatched by any other place in BH. It’s what Instagram dreams are made of.
The rooms and suites are lovely, and have recently been updated to toe the line between luxe Old Hollywood and modern dreamy amenities.
Resting right beside the hotel is a handful of bungalows, giving more privacy for patrons, each with their own distinct personality and ‘Made for Hollywood’ backstory, from the Elizabeth Taylor-inspired space (she did spend six of her eight honeymoons here at the hotel after all), to the bungalow where Marilyn Monroe always stayed. The Frank Sinatra bungalow is especially classic, with a ‘70s Palm Springs design, impeccably redesigned by one of our favorites, Alexandra Champalimaud.
And don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, so you can go lounge under the striped umbrellas and live out your Faye Dunaway/Terry O’Neill dreams.
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
9850 Wilshire Boulevard, 90210
Luxe, vast glamour, and brand new, having just opened just last year. Whether you’re staying (the rooms are bright and fresh) or just stopping by to sun at the pool or grabbing a drink at the very chill Rooftop by JG or spa’ing at the La Prairie spa, this is New Hollywood at it’s best (and fanciest).
Where to Snack
Gratitude Beverly Hills
You’ve probably heard of Cafe Gratitude, the plant-based restaurant in LA where you order dishes labeled with words like ‘Liberated’ (raw pesto kelp noodles) and ‘Elated’ (tempeh mole enchiladas). Gratitude is their more formal restaurant, but you’ve still got the classic favorites like the Young Coconut Ceviche (order 18 of these, they’re incredible). You might be tempted to roll your eyes at the experience, but they are so earnest in their sincerity, that you walk out very well-fed, satisfied and dare I say grateful?
The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel
A little something for everyone at the BHH’s lunch and dinner spot, from low-key celeb sightings to their famous McCarthy chopped salad to the outdoor dreamy patio. Endlessly iconic and the perfect place to live up your Beverly Hills Housewives dreams for a few hours.
If you’re feeling like you want a bit more of a casual dining experience, head downstairs in the hotel to the Fountain Coffee Room for an authentic ‘50s style diner that walks the walk. Guns N’ Roses were signed at that very counter, and patrons have been coming here in generations since its inception. And it just so happens to also deliver some of the best diner breakfast and brunch food you’ll find anywhere.
What to See
Virginia Robinson Gardens
If there’s one thing we love, it’s a good garden. And this mansion just so happens to be a vital part of the history of Beverly Hills, being the first luxury estate built in Beverly Hills (in 1911). Now it acts as sprawling, well-kept garden for a charming afternoon tour.
Bikes & Hikes LA
It’s like taking a walk or bike ride with a friend that just so happens to know the history of everything you’re walking or biking past. While it may sound a bit hokey, the tour guides are charming and eager to teach you all about the past and current history of every darn thing you might encounter on your quick tour. But the Beverly Hills tour is especially ripe in both Old Hollywood gossip and fascinating architecture.
BOLD
Beverly Hills has always been known as a shopper’s paradise. But now you can take that love into overdrive, thanks to the City of Beverly Hills, which has partnered with all the BH businesses to stay open late and celebrate select weeks throughout the year. The next round begins in August with a ton of fun like dance parties, art walks, and free vintage Rolls-Royces rides. The whole city seems to come out for these events and everyone is abuzz.
Where to Beautify
Olive and June
Very popular and for very good reason. Even at the fast-paced nail salon, it still feels perfectly calm and special.
Montage Beverly Hills
One of the most respected spas, due in part to their incredible L. Raphael facials. They base all their treatments and products in Swiss botanicals and technology. The whole spa is luxurious though and worthy of really taking your time (no, really, stretch out your time here, girlfriend).
Tomoko Spa
The minimalist, Japanese-inspired space is the modern version of a spa. And the treatments just solidify that point too, with inventive massages that blend techniques from all over the world to give you the most effective and balancing experience.
STRIIIKE
9278 Civic Center Drive, 90210
The beauty mecca that is STRIIIKE is worthy of a thousand stories. But let us summarize: The celeb-favorite spot created by the three Streicher sisters is one-stop shopping for brows, hair, and makeup—and they are literally the best in the biz at each of those specialities. Don’t forget to send us a postcard!
Keep on tripping:
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