30 YEARS AT THE TOP
On August 8, 1991, a new era of luxurious hospitality began in Beverly Hills. In the 30 years since its opening, The Peninsula Beverly Hills has welcomed guests from all over the world and garnered an impressive array of international awards. The hotel is honoured to have been able to enjoy the distinction of being the only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel in Southern California for 28 consecutive years.
In May 2019, The Peninsula Beverly Hills announced the completion of a redesign of its 4,600 square foot award-winning Spa, perched on the fifth floor next to the legendary roof top pool and restaurant. Conceptualised by Beverly Hills-based interior design firm Forchielli Glynn, the new design fully reflects the hotel's signature glamour.
“We put great care into embracing the residential charm of The Peninsula Beverly Hills as a haven for our guests,” says Nissenbaum. “The new design of The Spa, much like our refreshed guest rooms, represents quintessential Beverly Hills luxury.”
Key features include shimmering, textured wall coverings; upgraded lighting, which includes a new Swarovski Crystal pendant fixture at the check-in desk, and a feature wall with a dramatically lit assembly of hand-crafted white porcelain flowers.
Even the walls at the entrance glow invitingly through the glass entry doors, which feature illuminated leaf sculptures fabricated by Art et Floritude in France.
This attention to detail can be found throughout. The entrance to the Serenity Lounge features a pale pink wall with an ethereal collage of white porcelain flowers, some finished in gold leaf, while the lounge seating includes curved sectional sofas with integrated data ports. Upholstery fabrics are soft chenille textures in pale tones of pearl grey, accented with touches of pink; a cushioned plank flooring in bleached wood tones remains quiet underfoot; while a unique Lucite table seems to float beneath an organic branch ceiling pendant with Murano glass petals by Portuguese lighting company, Serip.
Each of the seven treatment rooms is illuminated by soft backlit capiz shell wall panels, with guests able to enjoy heated robes and the option to listen to their own music playlists through the audio system.
The manicure and pedicure room has two new platform massage chairs that swivel for ease of entry/exit with integral foot baths. The room also features a dramatic and modern floor-toceiling back-lit nail polish display wall, adding a element of artistry to the space.
The Spa features include:
Pink Himalayan Salt Dry Saunas: The salt, activated by the heat, aids in releasing serotonin in the brain, which is thought to positively impact digestion, memory, and mood.
Hair and Makeup Studio: Guests can get “red carpet ready” in the hair and make-up studio, which features an extensive menu of hairstyles, make-up, manicures and pedicures, luxury hair care products by Oribe – and of course, champagne. Hair and make-up services are also available in guest rooms and suites.
Spa Cabana: The Spa continues outside to the nearby pool, where a Spa Cabana offers a menu of express treatments in a private environment. Hydration treatments, reflexology, manicures and pedicures, and vitamin facials are available to enhance relaxation.
Upgraded Serenity Lounge amenities: Ginger and hibiscus tea, seasonal fruit infused waters, ginger and turmeric shots, glutenfree zucchini muffins, apples, roasted Marcona almonds, and a whimsical selection of adult colouring books help patrons to unwind before their treatment.
2019 also brought a further plethora of recognition including ‘The Best Hotel in the US' by Global Traveler magazine, ‘No. 1 hotel in Los Angeles' by Tripadvisor, ‘No. 1 Best City Hotel in Greater Los Angeles' by Travel + Leisure, and inclusion in the ‘World's Best Hotel Bars' by the Forbes Travel Guide.
Reminiscent of an elegant gentleman's club, with beautiful California birch-panelled walls and gleaming brass details and sconces, The Club Bar offers guests premium drinks and gourmet small bites. Luxury leather chairs surround the inviting fireplace, creating an authentic yet timeless atmosphere. The Club Bar's drink list includes rare single-malt whiskies, tequilas and cognacs, as well as a comprehensive selection of wines by the glass, including the hotel's private-label Keller The Peninsula Sonoma Pinot Noir.
Each hotel bar was meticulously inspected and scored using criteria such as elements of luxury standards, which reflect sumptuous comfort, choices and conveniences, including a special level of attention to detail, and also food and beverage quality standards, which play an important part in the guest experience. Bars must also demonstrate the technical aptitude of their staff, such as their ability to listen to guests' individual preferences and to deliver beverages at the correct temperatures.
At The Club Bar, guests can perch on a stool at the bar or gather around one of the more intimate banquettes and watch Hollywood at work - especially during awards season, when celebrities and VIPs fill the hotel for the Golden Globes, the Grammys and the Oscars.
Despite the challenging operating environment in 2020, The Pennsula Beverly Hills continued to achieve significant accolades during the year, including ‘The Best Hotel in the United States' by Global Traveler magazine.
When asked what his ongoing ambitions are for The Peninsula Beverly Hills, Nissenbaum is assertive, yet humble. “Reaching a certain level is one thing, but maintaining it is the challenge. All we can do is to create a culture that focuses on continuous improvement.”
Not only has The Peninsula Beverly Hills brought unique and memorable experiences to its guests, but also to the people who have worked there tirelessly and proudly presenting the finest of service to the world over the last 30 years. The hotel is not just an iconic establishment, but a place where special moments are captured and invisibly carved into its beloved walls.
Jim Assi - Ambassador
Any guest of The Peninsula Beverly Hills will be familiar with the face of Jim Assi, the hotel's official Ambassador for the past 27 years. Assi's job is not restricted to taking the utmost care of VIPs, he makes it his job to ensure that every guest feels like they are the most important person ever to stay at The Peninsula Beverly Hills.
“I have been here for such a long time, that looking after people to my fullest capacity has become part of my DNA,” states Assi.
Brad Miller - Purchasing Manager
Brad Miller started working at The Peninsula Beverly Hills at 11:00 pm On 17 December, 1991, the year that the hotel opened. This just happened to have been the date of the first employee holiday party. “Employee partyers were romping around the hotel throughout the evening and I started wondering what on earth I was doing working for a property this undisciplined?”, recalls Brad.
Throughout his years with the hotel, Miller has worked in a number of roles, and in 2007, he accepted the position of Purchasing Manager in which he remains until this day.
“For me, it's about leadership starting with our local owners, Mr. Robert Zarnegin and Mr. Bo Zarnegin both of whom I know, and especially “Papa” Zarnegin whose vision it was to partner with HSH and open a hotel in Beverly Hills. Over the years, I have been very proud of our local ownership - they always step up and provide whatever support is necessar," states the 30-year employee. “Well appreciated too, are Sir Michael Kadoorie, Mr. Peter Borer and Mr. Clement Kwok, who have provided an unparalleled vision of service and excellence for us to emulate. Finally, our current leaders Offer Nissenbaum and Rebecca Goldberg have provided a steady hand and have always given team leaders the freedom to continue our tradition of excellence.”
April Avila - Director of Front Office
April Avila and Anne Pascual have a long association with The Peninsula Hotels and between them they have served the group for a combined 45 years. April began her career in hospitality with
The Peninsula Manila in 1999 before being transferred to The Peninsula Beverly Hills from 2005 to 2007. She then went back to The Peninsula Manila, where she occupied a variety of positions, including Front Office Manager. In November 2008, April returned to The Peninsula Beverly Hills in 2008 where she remains to this day as Director of Front Office. “Working at The Peninsula is like being part of a family and it always will be; the very reason why I remain loyal and dedicated to the company,” says April. “Human relations is my passion, serving guests with deep sincerity and going the extra mile - just like The Peninsula way!”
Anne Pascual - Rooms Division Manager
Anne Pascual first joined The Peninsula Manila is 1998 as a Front Office Receptionist, going on to be promoted to Front Office Supervisor. Anne went to join her sister at The Peninsula Beverly Hills in 2006 as Front Desk Manager and earlier this year, she was promoted to the position of Rooms Division Manager. The family tradition continues as one of Anne's two daughters is also currently working at The Peninsula Beverly Hills on a temporary assignment. “Through thick and thin, just like family, that is what The Peninsula means to me,” she proudly states.
Tina Azcueta - Reservations Agent
“Working at The Peninsula Beverly Hills has given me both the courage and confidence to perform the art of Customer Service in its highest level. I work with an amazing team that strives only to be the best and provide a bespoke customer experience.”
Erin McNally - Reservations Agent
“Working for The Peninsula Beverly Hills has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities over the years. I must say that I have really grown and developed to be the person I am today because of all the support and friendships I have made over the years. I could have never imagined in my life working for a company for as long as I have, but I also could not fathom working anywhere else. Thank you to The Peninsula Beverly Hills and The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited for giving me this opportunity and believing in me!”
Lucy Gonzalez - Housekeeping Floor Manager
“I was so shy when I first started working here but I discovered so many wonderful people. I even met my husband here!”