The Hollywood Secret: Inside Beverly Hills' Exclusive Diner
The Secret Hideaway of Hollywood's Elite: The Beverly Hills Hotel's Fountain Coffee Room
Tucked away beneath the luxurious Beverly Hills Hotel lies a private and upscale haven that has been a staple of Tinseltown's A-list for generations. This is The Fountain Coffee Room, where celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Justin Bieber, Hailey Baldwin, Kim Kardashian, and Tom Cruise have all been spotted enjoying casual meals in the midst of their busy lives.
As you step into this charming 1950s-style diner, you'll feel like you're in a time warp. The counter service is reminiscent of old-school Hollywood, where stars would gather to socialize and indulge in delicious eats without being bothered by paparazzi or pesky scriptwriters. "It's the perfect place for stars to let their hair down," says a frequent diner who wishes to remain anonymous. "I've seen Kim Kardashian here in a sweat suit, sipping coffee and laughing with her friends. It's like nothing matters – no one cares about your status or your fame."
The Fountain Coffee Room has been serving Hollywood's elite since 1949, making it an institution in the industry. With its iconic pink exterior and "pink place" nickname, this hotel has become synonymous with luxury and sophistication. The menu offers a range of indulgent options, from $32 healthy eggs benedict to $34 Scottish salmon bagel with cream cheese. And for those on a budget, there's cereal for a mere $9!
But what really sets The Fountain Coffee Room apart is its rich history. From the 1940s to the 1960s, this hotel was the go-to destination for Hollywood royalty, including Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. They would often gather in the Polo Lounge, where they'd toast their latest successes (or failures) with champagne and camaraderie.
One of the most fascinating stories surrounding The Beverly Hills Hotel is that of Howard Hughes, the reclusive billionaire who lived in one of the hotel's lavish bungalows on and off for 30 years. He would often park his Cadillac outside, allowing plants to grow out of it as he enjoyed the tranquility of the surroundings. And rumor has it that he even had hotel staff leave meals for him in a nearby tree!
Today, The Beverly Hills Hotel remains one of the most iconic properties on Sunset Boulevard. With its stunning pink exterior and lush gardens, this hotel is a haven for celebrities seeking refuge from the chaos of Hollywood. But be warned: once you step inside, you might just find yourself surrounded by A-listers sipping coffee and enjoying pancakes in the same quiet corner booth.
A Brief History of The Beverly Hills Hotel
The story of The Beverly Hills Hotel begins with its construction in 1912, when it was built on a field of beans (yes, you read that right – a field of beans!) by architect Elmer Grey for a staggering $500,000 ($13 million in today's money). At the time, Beverly Hills was still a fledgling city, and this hotel was designed to be a luxurious retreat for travelers between Los Angeles and the sea.
In the 1940s, The Beverly Hills Hotel underwent significant changes. Hernando Courtright, the vice president of Bank of America, purchased the property and renamed El Jardin Restaurant the Polo Lounge in honor of a celebrity polo team that would often gather there to celebrate their victories. Later that decade, the hotel's first major facelift took place, adding the Crystal Room and Lanai Restaurant (later renamed The Coterie).
In 1948, the hotel's iconic pink exterior made its debut, complementing LA's famous sunsets and country club style of the time. That same year, the Crescent Wing was added, named after the hotel's location on Crescent Drive.
Over the years, The Beverly Hills Hotel has had several notable owners. Ben Silberstein, a Detroit real-estate magnate, purchased the property in 1950 for $5.5 million, further solidifying its reputation as a haven for royalty and celebrities. Regulars during this era included the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon, King Albert of Belgium, the Crown Prince of Monaco, John Wayne, and Henry Fonda.
In the 1960s and 1970s, The Beverly Hills Hotel continued to attract A-listers like Marilyn Monroe, who reportedly had an affair with her Let's Make Love co-star Yves Montand in one of the hotel's bungalows. John Lennon and Yoko Ono also stayed at the hotel during this time, famously staying in bed for a week.
In 1992, The Beverly Hills Hotel closed for a two-and-a-half-year restoration project. When it reopened in 1995, it boasted new upgrades and custom-designed furniture. And just last year, the hotel completed a major restoration of its historic bungalows, with work conducted on all 23 units throughout 2018.
Today, The Beverly Hills Hotel remains one of the most coveted destinations for celebrities seeking seclusion and luxury. And if you're lucky enough to score a table at The Fountain Coffee Room, you might just spot a Hollywood A-lister sipping coffee or enjoying pancakes in the same quiet corner booth as you.
The Sultan's Controversy
In recent years, The Beverly Hills Hotel has been embroiled in controversy due to its connection with the Sultan of Brunei. In 2014, the Sultan implemented Islamic laws (sharia) that punished sodomy, adultery, and rape with death – including by stoning. As a result, actor George Clooney led a global backlash against the hotel's ownership.
In response, the Sultan extended a moratorium on the death penalty to the legislation, but many still question the hotel's ties to this oppressive regime. This debate raises questions about the ethics of luxury tourism and whether it is ever acceptable to support regimes that promote human rights abuses.
Despite these controversies, The Beverly Hills Hotel remains one of the most iconic properties in Los Angeles, attracting A-listers from around the world with its luxurious amenities, tranquil surroundings, and rich history. Whether you're a celebrity or just a fan of old-school Hollywood glamour, this hotel is an experience not to be missed.
Sources: thescholarlynote.com
