Celebrity Getaway at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA

Have you ever wanted to go back in time, to the golden days of old Hollywood, but you didn’t want to sacrifice the luxury of today? This is The Beverly Hilton, an icon that first opened in 1955 and has probably had every celebrity walk through its doors. Today, The Beverly Hilton holds more than 175 Red Carpet events each year, including that famous awards show, The Golden Globes.

I was hosted by The Beverly Hilton so that I could get a chance to have my own taste of stardom, if only for a moment or two. This hotel is the perfect base to feel like a celebrity while one is in town for a girlfriend getaway of shopping on Rodeo Drive or meeting with agents and producers.

One of the first things I did when I arrived was to check out the bathroom – the one with the pink marble in the International Ballroom. I had an amazing moment, all alone in that large lavatory, looking at myself in the full length mirror, thinking of all the glamorous ladies who have stood in that same exact spot to check their lipstick before accepting their Golden Globe. What an experience!

The Rooms – I stayed in a King Room at The Wilshire Tower. It may not have been the suite of rooms that most foreign kings stay in, but I sure did feel like royalty. One of the coolest amenities? The matini shaker with Starburst logo and all the ingredients for their signature cocktail. The bed was comfy, the room was clean, and the walls were soundproof. Of course, I had to check out the soundproof walls by blaring the music from the radio and dancing around, ending with throwing myself on the bed in glee. Shhh! Don’t tell the manager.

The Food – Circa 55 Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I enjoyed the crab cake as a meal, even though it was listed as an appetizer. Trader Vic’s was a fun place for a meal, which isn’t complete without their famous Mai Tai. Of course, room service is always an option for superstars who just can’t leave their rooms. I even found out that a number of screenwriters and authors hole themselves up at The Beverly Hilton so that they can complete their projects. Of course, this hotel caters to the craziest of food requests in an effort to please visitors. My favorite place in the entire property? Le Chateau, a fine wine and chocolate boutique. It is conveniently located near an ATM, where one can watch the celebrities make a withdrawal!

The Spa – The Aqua Star Spa is located right around the corner from Circa 55 Restaurant and near the Aqua Star Pool (the largest pool in Beverly Hills). The spa wasn’t always there, but the pool has played hostess to some of the most amazing events. Remember those old movies with water ballet and ladies in flowered swim caps? The most famous water artist of them all, Esther Williams, declared the Aqua Star Pool as her favorite and even took an inaugural swim during the hotel’s opening. Oh my, to have seen her dive through all those floating gardenias and entertain onlookers.

The Location – Besides having the most famous zip code ever (90210) The Beverly Hilton is conveniently located to Rodeo Drive Shopping and popular nightclubs. I enjoyed an early morning stroll around the corner for a morning coffee and people watching. The hotel offers a car service that will drop visitors off within a certain area and pick them up, if available. I have to admit, it was really cool to be chauffered around in a black town car and dropped off behind Chanel. Crazy cool!

The Price – The rack rate of The Beverly Hilton may be a bit steep, but when taking into account the location and the experience, it can’t compare. I’m saving up so that I can return with my daughter, who will hyperventilate should we ever get the chance to visit the Los Angeles area together. For those that don’t hang around celebrities, but want to pretend they do, just for a day or two (without the crazy stalker aspect), then The Beverly Hilton is just the place.

Yes, having me at The Beverly Hilton was country come to town, but I will smile a secret little smile the next time The Golden Globe Awards air, knowing that I’ve been there and checked my own lipstick.