Hollywood’s Living Room: Inside The Four Seasons Los Angeles, Beverly Hills

My favorite part of the blockbuster movie “Pretty Woman” is when the ‘happy man’ comes strolling down the street shouting, “Welcome to Hollywood! What’s your dream? Everybody comes here; this is Hollywood, land of dreams. Some dreams come true, some don’t; but keep on dreamin’ – this is Hollywood. Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin’.” He couldn’t be more right.

Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, Beverly Hills

The cab pulled into the horseshoe driveway at the Four Seasons Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and stopped right in front of the statue of Marilyn Monroe. “How Hollywood,” I thought. I’ve returned to LA having embarked on one of my travel dreams — Los Angeles was my first stop on the way to Australia.

I walked into the hotel and was immediately taken by the smells of fresh flowers and new decor, thanks to a $33 million makeover the hotel just unveiled after two and a half years. The walls whispered softly of Hollywood legends while welcoming new stars to its check-in desk. Unlike its sister property, the Four Seasons Los Angeles on Wilshire (known to many as the former Regent Beverly Wilshire), the Four Seasons Los Angeles, Beverly Hills is a private getaway located in the backyard of its famous neighbors. General Manager Mehdi Eftekari describes the hotel as “Hollywood’s living room.”

I walked into room 1024 and was transcended back to 1960′s Hollywood. The simple flower decor played into the ambiance of French doors that opened up to a small balcony overlooking Century City. I imagined Rita Hayworth welcoming the morning with a shake of her hair as Orson Welles emerged from the bedroom.

Piano in the penthouse suite

As I walked down the hall of the 10th floor, I wondered what stories might have transpired on the other side of the doors. If you listen carefully, you can hear Sinatra tickling the ivory keys on the piano in the penthouse suite, or Audrey Hepburn humming along with her favorite songs. The soft sobs of Warren Beatty’s late-night mistress echo through the hallway while the rest of Hollywood gets dressed for the new day. Today’s Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, Beverly Hills might not have been around in the 1960s, but it’s current location on South Doheny Drive captures the essence and glamour that made Hollywood a shining star on the world’s map.

I made my way downstairs and stood in the library looking out on the gardens, which are pruned perfectly by the hotel’s owner. The grand displays of green trees and white blossoms provide the perfect shade for today’s haut monde, while still adding a touch of home to this luxury hotel.

I stepped back to admire the view and was slowly transported back to 2010. This hotel that makes all its guests feel like a member of Hollywood’s elite, and made me feel like a modern day pretty woman.