Historic
Beverly Hills Holiday Escapes
The
Dorchester Collection now manages two iconic properties
in Beverly Hills that are divinely decorated for the holiday season.
Both the Beverly Hills Hotel and the Bel-Air
Hotel are glimmering and glowing as the New Year approaches.
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The
Beverly Hills Hotel
The
renowned Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel
is just a small part of the subtle and smart changes being made
to the historic hotel that celebrated its 100th year in 2013.
The oval shaped room overlooking the dining patio have always
been coordinated beautifully, but recent changes include lovely
color and fabric introductions that soften the ambiance, however,
the green and white striped ceilings and patio umbrella's remain
in tact.
Pepe
De Anda, the Polo Lounge Manager, who has greeted me
at the door for over twenty-five years, is still there smiling
and making people feel welcome. The servers, in immaculate white
uniforms, are totally in control and strive to make your visit
memorable. The dining room is relatively quiet, while the patio
has always bustled with the activity of people wanting to be seen,
and obviously still does.
Polo Lounge Interior
The
menu in the Polo Lounge has changed many times, but today Executive
Chef Kaleo Adams has introduced some amazingly
healthy items like kale and quinoa salad. Sorry to say they no
longer serve things like apple-pan-dowdy, but the McCarthy
salad is still a big favorite, and according to my server
the West Hollywood salad that was introduced recently has become
a number one item on the menu. Personally, I would give their
beet salad with goat cheese a best of 2013 award.
Whether
it's steak, chicken, lobster or fish you will find fabulous entrée
and salad items to pair. Soups and pasta dishes are outstanding,
and the desserts in this 'room to be seen in' have always been
something to brag about. The crème brulee is perfect! The
bar features the best classic cocktails to be found, and as you
would assume the wine list is an endless collection of the best
in the world.
Interior
design changes are seen everywhere in the hotel, and also at the
restaurant pool, where the favored colors of pink and green remain
but in soft subtle hues that are so attractive. The pool cabana's
have also been renovated, but will always be associated with the
pool where major Hollywood stars have hung out through the years.
The Bel-Air Hotel
Entering
this noble hotel is magical. Walking under flowering vines, across
the covered bridge overlooking the swans lake decorated for the
holiday season, and on to the hotel lobby that is the ultimate
combination of 'old world charm' and modern chic is a wonderland
experience. The beautiful white swans floating on the lake before
you is surreal, and the entire hotel is sparkling and elegant
for the holidays.
The
Lobby, showcases a huge Christmas tree, and burning fireplace
that are beyond inviting, as is the hotel dining room. Chef Hugo
Bolanos is in charge of hotel food and beverage and the Wolfgang
Puck Bel-Air Restaurant, featuring walls lined with cabinets containing
their amazing collection of fine wine to pair with lunch or dinner.
The
dimly lit and very intimate Lounge has an amazing photo of Tina
Turner lining an entire wall, and live entertainment is featured
here in the evening. This would be the ideal place to have a special
rendezvous with friends or family during the holiday season.
Visit: www.dorchestercollection.com.
The Crescent Hotel
A
local boutique option for holiday fun is The Crescent
Hotel. This darling boutique hotel at Brighton Way and
Crescent Drive in Beverly Hills was built in 1927, and today is
a chic little jewel of a hotel that offers breakfast, lunch and
dinner, as well as live entertainment on Thursday nights.
Crescent Hotel outside dining
The
newly decorated property is a lovely spot for patio dining and
cocktails by the Christmas tree in the bar. It is located one
block from Beverly Hills City Hall, The Wallace Annenberg Center
for the Arts, and the only family owned market in the city.
Crescent Hotel Chef Diana Fernandez
Their
talented chef Diana Fernandez, who has a curriculum
vitae that includes a stint at CUT in the Beverly Wilshire Hotel
with Chef Lee Hefter and work with the Patina Group offers a menu
that has something for everyone. Their deep fried olives with
blue cheese are an intriguing and delicious appetizer favorite
with cocktails. Visit www.crescentbh.com.
Bonnie
Carroll
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