THE FOUR SEASONS
by R. COURI HAY
Image Source: Avenue.com
For those headed to Hollywood for the Awards Season your second big choice after what to wear is where to stay. In Tinsel Town, your address is your calling card and your selection sets the tone for your entire visit. During the Golden Globes a lot of New Yorkers stayed at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Want to make a splash at the Oscars? Why not reserve The Presidential Suite of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, which is perched above Rodeo Drive, one of the world’s most exclusive shopping destinations where you’ll find the perfect red carpet dress. Everyone from President Barack Obama, Elvis Presley and Michael Douglas to the Emperor of Japan Hirohito, the Dalai Lama and “Twilight” heartthrob Robert Pattinson has stayed at the Wilshire. Warren Beatty, Paul Newman and Woolworth department store heiress Barbara Hutton all lived here for years at a time and John Lennon checked in for several months when he was living apart from Yoko Ono.
The Four Seasons
The Beverly Wilshire, now a Four Seasons Hotel, has just completed a 40 million dollar renovation and has been synonymous with the excellence, excitement and glamour associated with Hollywood since it opened in 1928. The imposing structure was inspired by the Italian Renaissance and built with Carrara marble and stone imported from Tuscany. In the 40’s, Elizabeth Taylor learned to swim in the hotel’s pool when she was a child. Famed hotelier Hernando Courtright purchased the property in 1961 and after his death, it was acquired by Regent International Hotels. This grand hotel served as a backdrop for Julia Roberts and Richard Gere’s romance in the movie “Pretty Woman” and was used continuously as a location for the series “Entourage” starring Kevin Connolly and Adrian Grenier.
A Cut Above
Richard Meier, the architect who designed the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, was engaged to redo the Wilshire’s former 21 Club space by famed restaurateur and chef Wolfgang Puck, who cooks up the official post-Oscar dinner for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Puck, who created California pizza, has reimagined the American steakhouse with “CUT”. What was once a dull and dark space has been turned into white, modern, minimal masterpiece with clean lines, walls of windows and an open kitchen. The knowledgeable and polite servers bring samplings of raw beef to the table for you to choose from. Consider the Japanese Wagyu rib-eye, Australian Filet Mignon or the buttery Kobi Beef. Not tempted yet? The menu features over 15 other cuts of meat. Want something more exotic? Order the bone marrow flan or the thinly sliced veal tongue or head in the opposite direction and select the Maine lobster with black truffle sabayon. Have a side of baby artichokes and truffled fries and don’t forget the delectable desserts. No wonder Tom Cruise, Mariah Carey, Victoria and David Beckham and the Osbourne clan can all be found at this haute cuisine power spot that was recently named “The Number One Steakhouse in America” by the Daily Meal.
Who’s Who
The Wilshire’s register remains a virtual Who’s Who of international VIPs that includes Elton John, Anjelica Huston, Al Pacino, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, Dustin Hoffman, and Michael Caine to name but a few. Their magical ballroom plays host to events throughout the year including the annual An Evening with the Stars gala, which benefits pancreatic cancer research, and Lupus LA’s Annual Orange Ball. Hillary Clinton received the Public Service Award at the Pacific Council on International Policy’s gala. Will Hillary be the first woman to use the Presidential Suite in 2016? This magnificent 4,000 square foot, 2-bedroom suite can be yours for $20K a night. For more information and reservations go to fourseasons.com/beverlywilshire or call (310) 275-5200.