Travel, USA

The Beverly Hills Hotel, Polo Lounge

Muffled sounds of laughter, chinking crystal, and a baby grand piano set the mood. Crisp white linen, decorative wrought iron chair backs, enclosed by a vibrant floral canopy set the scene. It was in this exclusive country-club setting that I met my new love. And it was love at first sight.

Arriving at the entrance to The Beverly Hills Hotel felt a little serene. If it hadn’t fully sunk in yet that I was finally in Los Angeles, it was certainly about to! The cars parked near the entrance were nothing less than a convoy of super-cars. The valet was taking keys from the owner of a bright red Ferrari as we entered. The pleasant staff at reception pointed us in the direction of the Polo Lounge where we were greeted on arrival by our bright and hospitable host. We were then escorted through a restaurant that I can only describe as “perfectly decorated for a Polo Lounge”, due to it’s luxurious deep green stripes, plush velour and dark wooden furnishings.

From mood-lit to bright and vibrant, we walked out on to the colourful patio and took our seats in a sea of pink, white and green. The restaurant interior had a modern aristocrat feel to it, while the breath-taking patio with floral ivy creeping up the peachy pink external walls gave off a Mediterranean villa vibe. Momentarily feeling like I had just stepped inside a Romanticism painting from the 1800’s, I glanced around at all the beautiful families, couples and celebrity faces lit by the bright Californian sun, and there was no mistaking I was in 20th century La La Land.

Note that I say 20th century, not 21st century. Aside from the super modern cars out front, and a few noticeable lip-filler fans in the vicinity, The Beverly Hills Hotel still maintains it’s 1940’s – 1950’s country-club charm, homage to the 1948 renovation in which the hotel was first painted it’s famous pink colour.

A short stroll from the famous Rodeo Drive, The Beverly Hills Hotel is situated on Sunset Boulevard, supremely placed inland from Malibu and Santa Monica, above downtown LA, and west of Hollywood. Public transport options are plentiful and are a great way to avoid the infamous grid-locked LA freeways, but if you do choose to hire a car – did someone say convertible mustang?! – there is ample parking at the hotel.

For a perfect experience, I recommend a little social etiquette. Men, opt for long pants and dress shoes. Ladies, we don’t need an excuse to dress up a little, do we?! Don’t forget to put your phone on silent or turn it off, and don’t text or take calls at the table.

Browsing the delicious a la carte menu, I adjusted the Tom Ford sunglasses perched on the bridge of my nose, and through the dark tinted lenses something caught my eye. With bated breath, I intently watched the waiter approach and place my vodka cocktail on the white linen in front of me. Playing it cool, I seductively mixed the concoction with my straw as I contemplated the idea that sometimes you don’t know you are missing something in your life until you find it. Taking a thirst-quenching sip, I coyly glanced up at the smiling waiter. This was going to be the start of something beautiful. My holiday romance. This was the day I discovered the Blueberry Lavender Fizz cocktail.