Here’s How the Beverly Wilshire is Preparing for Awards Season

Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel is a history-rich property built in 1928, when Beverly Hills was still undiscovered by Hollywood’s in-crowd.

Los Angeles County has had a heartbreaking time recently with a wildfire season like no other. Currently, the Academy Awards are planning to go ahead on March 2 with special accommodations to honor those affected by the wildfires.

While several beloved LA landmarks have been lost to fires and the city rebuilds, we want to take a moment to celebrate one of the iconic hospitality locations with a rich Hollywood history.

Take a step back in time with us as we share some fun facts on the evolution of the iconic Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel:

• Beverly Wilshire was built on the site of the Beverly Auto Speedway, the 2nd largest at the time to the Indianapolis speedway, and provided residents with an opportunity for picnics and Model T Ford races on Sunday afternoons.
• Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel has made guest appearances in movies such as Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Clueless, Sex and the City: The Movie and Valentine’s Day, but gained worldwide recognition as the setting of the movie Pretty Woman.
• The Mediterranean-style pool is modeled after Sophia Loren’s private villa pool in Italy.

• Famous stars such as Elvis Presley, Warren Beatty and Steve McQueen have all lived in the Hotel, which continues to receive fan mail for the actors, even decades after they have moved out.
• The Feeling Pretty cocktail in THE Blvd is inspired by the movie Pretty Woman and is by far the Hotel’s most popular libation, selling more than 4,000 every year.
• Opened in June 2006, CUT is Wolfgang Puck’s first steak restaurant designed by the famed architect Richard Meier (of the Getty Museum), and features art by John Baldessari as well as celebrity portraits by Martin Schoeller.

• On June 12, 1987, the Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
• The Spa spans more than 8,000 square feet, with nine treatment rooms (seven with in-room showers) and has received the coveted Forbes Five-Star award every year since 2016.
• There are more than 800 employees working at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel.
• Located on the 14th floor of the Beverly Wing, the Penthouse Suite is one of the largest guest room spaces in the city at 5,000 square feet (465 square metres) and complete with 270 degree views of the city including Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Hills, Century City & Downtown Los Angeles.

Artwork features in all the suites.

From the Golden Globes to the Oscars and more, Beverly Hills is synonymous with celebrities, red carpets and award shows, and Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel more than gets its fair share of the action! Chef Concierge Jeanne Mills shares how the Hotel’s talented Concierge team prepares, and rolls out the red carpet (literally), for guests during this exciting time.

Tell us about your Concierge team.

We currently have 12 talented concierges, the largest team in the state of California, dedicated to ensuring that every guest’s needs and special requests are met.

Do you stock up on any items during awards season?

Absolutely! Everything from safety pins and sewing kits to double sided garment tape (to ensure there aren’t any wardrobe malfunctions), clothing racks, steamers, curling irons, and makeup removers. We even stock up on black men’s dress socks, bow ties, cuff links, collar stays and lest we forget, static cling spray.

What are some tasks your team is ready to assist with at a moment’s notice?

It runs the gamut! Many celebrities are on strict diets and fitness regimens during this time so we order specialty protein powders in advance of their stay, as well as clear out furniture in their suites to bring in the latest fitness equipment for them to use at their convenience. We also book the most luxurious facials, scrubs, and massages at our Forbes Five-Star Spa that will leave our guests glowing and ready to hit the red carpet. Our team will confirm hair, makeup, tanning, and waxing appointments, as well as arrange chauffeured transportation to/from the award show and after parties (which are hot commodities during this time). But my favorite part has to be the ticket deliveries! We receive hundreds of award show and after-party tickets for our guests that must be heavily guarded and controlled, as they are coveted entry to these very special, invitation-only events.

For guests looking for that perfect awards show outfit, what private shopping services are available through the Concierge?

Although most of our nominees have their own personal stylists in tow, the Concierge works closely with personal shoppers who are hired upon request to assist in finding that perfect accessory to complement any awards season look. They assist in sourcing a unique, one-of-a-kind jeweled necklace or designer handbag or can also help with an entire head-to-toe wardrobe ensemble. The Concierge also maintains close relationships with various luxury designers who are often called upon to bring a selection of items to our guests for fittings and tailoring in the comfort and privacy of their room.  

It’s the day of the Oscars—tell us what a day in the life of a Concierge at Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel looks like?

We never know! Which is the fun part. Day-of assistance includes (but is not limited to) assisting with dressing such as zipping gowns, and having someone on standby who can tie bow ties. But no matter what, we always roll out the red carpet the morning of on the main driveway so our guests can head off to the awards show in style.

How does the Hotel celebrate awards season?

Our culinary teams in THE Blvd and CUT by Wolfgang Puck create special themed menu items and cocktails to commemorate these glamorous nights, while our pastry team crafts customised amenities to recognise the nominees staying in house. Our Spa creates special Red Carpet-Ready treatments that are results-driven, from the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel Signature Facial to the Signature Body Treatment and more. There is something for everyone.

Do you have any fun award show stories you can share?

One of our team members had to re-write an acceptance speech for a nominated actor who had spilled a smoothie on the print out. As she frantically re-typed it, she noticed that he had failed to list his wife! Unfortunately, the nominee did not win that year; however, he IS still happily married.