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 also 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.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills quietly opened its doors at 8:08 am on August 8, 1991, a most auspicious date and time according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The hotel's development cost made it, on a per-room basis, the most expensive new hotel to be opened in Los Angeles at the time. It was also the first hotel to be built in Beverly Hills since the Beverly Pavilion on Wilshire Boulevard in 1963.
The first guest that was welcomed to the hotel at the “soft opening" was Miss Yuko Kubo (then in her early 20s) from Yokohama, the daughter of Mr. Yoshiaki Kubo, then a senior executive and Director of Aiwa Co. Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan, (a consumer electronics company), with whom the hotel's co-owner Robert Zarnegin had worked until 1979. “Our family's good luck tradition has always been to welcome a Japanese person as our first guest/ customer entering any property we build, including The Peninsula Beverly Hills,” noted Zarnegin at the opening.
Following a ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by the then Beverly Hills Mayor, the Hon. Vicki Reynolds, The Peninsula celebrated its Grand Opening over three days and nights of festivities on September 24, 25 and 26, 1991. Hundreds of local residents, neighbours, guests, and dignitaries attended.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills rapidly established itself as a hotspot for both high society and the entertainment industry, as well as a leader in California's hospitality industry. The hotel achieved the Mobil (now Forbes) Five Star Award and the AAA Five Diamond Award in 1993 and it has enjoyed both distinctions for 28 consecutive years. The hotel's acclaimed Belvedere restaurant earned an AAA Five Diamond Award in 1995, the first hotel restaurant in California to do so.
With two fireplaces and soaring windows overlooking the hotel's tropical gardens, guests can lounge on sumptuous sofas in The Living Room while enjoying morning coffee or The Peninsula's legendary Afternoon Tea. The signature Afternoon Tea menu includes a tower of traditional high tea requisites; from savoury finger sandwiches to a selection of sweet, bite-sized pastries and scones, all accompanied by the music of a classical harpist.
Afternoon Tea at The Peninsula Beverly Hills has always been a tradition since the hotel opened 30 years ago. Part of the experience is the unique Peninsula ‘cap cake'. The cakes are modelled after the white pillbox caps worn by the hotel's Pages and dark chocolate cake with rich chocolate mousse topped with a white chocolate shell. Finished with a model chocolate gold braid, each cake bears ‘The Peninsula' name in gold lettering.
In the evening, the lilting sounds of the hotel's resident pianist, Antonio Castillo de la Gala, create a supper club ambience.With more than 2,000 tunes committed to memory, Castillo de la Gala performs selections ranging from classical works and Broadway favourites, to movie themes and other popular songs.
A notable measure of the success of The Peninsula Beverly Hills is its rate of return guests – at more than 70 percent. “We offer guests the option to store their clothes and other items with us, especially if they return to us frequently throughout the year,” notes Managing Director Offer Nissenbaum, who joined the hotel in this position in December 2007. “We launder or dry clean their garments and place them in their accommodations, ready to wear upon their return.”
The expansion of The Peninsula Spa in 1999 yet further widened the hotel's appeal, as did the redesign of The Roof Garden, complete with heated floors, in 2008.
The Roof Garden rapidly became a favourite with Beverly Hills residents and hotel guests alike, serving up fresh Californian cuisine throughout the day, with many dishes marked with the Naturally Peninsula designation – low in fat and cholesterol - as well as a wide selection of beverages and cocktails.
Just a few steps above The Roof Garden, The Peninsula's rooftop swimming pool epitomises Hollywood glamour, surrounded by a dozen spacious guest cabanas equipped with 24-inch flat-screen TVs, private safes, ceiling fans and elegant white draperies for privacy. Wi-Fi, iPhone docks, phones and fax machines are also available for guests who want to turn their cabana into a mini private office. Guests who wish to be pampered poolside can also select from a special menu of spa rituals.
In the Hollywood lexicon, the cabana speaks volumes about status. Stories of celebrities jostling for their own small slice of prime real estate by the pool abound. Katherine Hepburn, Howard Hughes and Elizabeth Taylor were all afforded the luxury of waterside seclusion. Beyond revelling in the shadow of the beautiful people that may have frequented this space, cabanas confer an aura of privilege and sophistication.
In late 2010, Zarnegin and Nissenbaum oversaw the US$20 million major renovation of The Peninsula's guest accommodations, which was completed in December 2011, to coincide with the hotel's 20th Anniversary. All 193 rooms, including 36 suites and 16 garden villas, were elegantly refurbished whilst preserving the hotel's original concept, which is to offer guests the essence of Southern California living in a setting evocative of a luxurious but relaxed Beverly Hills estate.
“The Peninsula Beverly Hills is fortunate to have such loyal guests, and we were mindful of them when we planned this significant enhancement, which reinvigorates the classic elegance, intimate comfort and residential ambience that has helped our hotel retain a devoted clientele. While we have always been the leader, we are determined to hold that standing. Having the right product contributes to that success,” said Nissenbaum upon completion of the renovation project.
2011 saw Nissenbaum named as ‘Hotelier of the Year' by Virtuoso, a leading global travel trade organisation.
"While we have always been the leader, we are determined to hold that standing. Having the right product contributes to that success"
In the fall of 2015, the hotel embarked on another major renovation project (in preparation for its 25th Anniversary): a comprehensive redesign and culinary re-imagination of The Belvedere, The Peninsula's signature fine dining restaurant and the only AAA Five-Diamond award winner in Los Angeles for more than two decades.
The project included the expansion of its much-loved patio to accommodate more outdoor seating, as well as the removal of the former partitions in the main dining room in order to be able to offer all diners a garden view.
The Belvedere's bright and expansive interior walls became the backdrop for a breathtaking collection of original art work by some of the world's most renowned contemporary artists, part of the extensive collection of co-owner Robert Zarnegin, an avid art connoisseur and collector.
Expanded and redefined in the vernacular of a chic French seaside resort, The Belvedere's patio was also transformed into Beverly Hills' cozy new outdoor dining and late night cocktail spot. The patio features richly landscaped treillage, French limestone fountains and a distinguished fireplace.
A prominent feature on the patio is Edition Number AP 1/2 of Robert Indiana's famed and much-recognised ‘LOVE' sculpture in polychrome aluminium. An American artist closely associated with the Pop Art movement, Indiana's ‘LOVE' print was first created for the Museum of Modern Art's Christmas card in 1965, and was the basis for his 1970 sculpture of the same name, as well as the widely distributed 1973 United States Postal Service ‘LOVE' stamp. The edition on display at The Belvedere is one of only two artist proofs.
The interior décor of The Belvedere juxtaposes the restaurant's French-country inspired look with a spectacular collection of original contemporary paintings and accents. Deep tufted booths and banquettes in blue coloured hues set a relaxing tone. The dining tables, skirted in Parisian-inspired blue and white Toile de Jouy fabrics, and crisp white linens, offer a sophisticated backdrop for a contemporary dining experience. The delicate, interlacing geometric pattern of the natural white oak flooring of the restaurant presents another layer to the space.
The art collection is comprised of works by renowned international artists including indiana, Yayoi Kusama, Alex Katz, Donald Sultan, R. B. Kitaj, Nancy Graves, Sean Scully and Josef Albers.
Two particularly notable pieces are the spectacular polyptych commissioned works by French painter Fabienne Verdier. Comprising a total of nine panels, the eye-catching works hang on both sides of the restaurant's entrance. The pieces are inspired by the visuals of endless Norwegian mountain ranges, the foundation for Verdier's ‘Memories of Norway' series of paintings.
Leading American figurative artist Alex Katz's ‘Anniversary' (2003) oil on linen painting, displayed prominently in the dining room, conveys the artist's cinematic influence and ability to capture a split second in a present moment. The painting's blue colours perfectly complement the Mediterranean-inspired theme of the restaurant.
The Belvedere is also home to three ‘Homage to the Square' paintings by German born Josef Albers, which are distinctively hung together on a vertical plane. These are considered to be one of Albers' best series of work.
The Belvedere's collection also includes ‘Dots Obsession' (1998), an acrylic on canvas work by renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, which features her trademark polka dots.
Another dominant painting is ‘Decades Autoportrait 1963' (1976), by American artist, Robert Indiana, one of the pre-eminent figures in American art since the 1960s, who has created a highly original body of work that explores American identity, and personal history through the power of abstractionism and Pop Art.
“We are one of the only restaurants left in Beverly Hills where you can have a comfortable, quiet chat, as our tables are spaced comfortably apart and the background music doesn't drown out important conversations,” notes Nissenbaum.
With silver being the theme of 2016 in recognition of the 25th Anniversary of The Peninsula Beverly Hills, the hotel also unveiled a glamorous new suite. Simply named ‘The Silver Suite', the striking space joined the hotel's coveted collection of speciality suites – each featuring its own distinct colour palette and style – and introduced opulent accommodations inspired by the precious metal. The spacious 1,500 square foot (140 square metre) suite boasts an elegant combination of rich grey hues and subtle silver accents, offset by crisp white furnishings and expansive, mirrored walls.
The Silver Suite comprises a living room area, a dining area replete with a chandelier sitting elegantly above the table, a light airy bedroom, a fully-fitted kitchen, a vanity area, and a powder room, all of which combine to offer the finest in comfort and luxury.
Also in 2016, The Peninsula co-sponsored various events with its local charity partner ‘A Place Called Home', which provides a safe environment for underprivileged children in the L.A. community.
2017 yet further cemented the hotel's connections with the entertainment industry as it announced a creative collaboration with the British Fashion Council's Fashion Arts Foundation, ‘Reflections on Hollywood', filmed on location at The Peninsula Beverly Hills and screened for the first time at BAFTA in June of that year.
At the beginning of 2018, The Peninsula revealed another four-month redesign of its guest rooms. Conceptualised by Beverly Hills-based interior design firm Forchielli Glynn, the project yet further enhanced the hotel's signature glamour with three updated colour palettes and contemporary furnishings that are both luxurious and graciously residential.
“We put great care into embracing the charm of The Peninsula Beverly Hills as a welcome haven where guests can feel that they are coming home to their own pied-à-terre rather than a hotel room,” says Nissenbaum. “The enhanced rooms stay true to the hotel's DNA of quintessential Southern California luxury.”
Guest rooms are punctuated with floral-patterned drapery and bright accent pillows, while rich furnishings, such as sofa beds and ottomans, feature refined contemporary lines. Guest rooms, suites and spacious villas feature three new colour palettes that complement the hotel's lush tropical garden setting.
A soft peach theme in Standard and Grand Deluxe rooms showcases the classic Brunschwig & Fils tree-of-life-patterned window dressings and bed canopies, complemented by Frenchinspired checked bed skirts, coral-coloured accents, pale champagne walls and Axminster wool carpets.
A second Standard and Grand Deluxe guest room colour scheme features a blue and white palette inspired by Manuel Canovas floral window dressings and bed canopies. Checked bed skirts and accented panel moldings complete the French theme.
An aqua, yellow and blue theme welcomes guests staying in the Deluxe Suites, California Suites, Superior Suites and Villas, with the window and canopy bed dressings featuring sumptuous large-scale prints of botanicals and pineapples, an international symbol of hospitality.
The lavish furnishings are complemented by the most intuitive and functional in-room technology. Each room contains interactive digital bedside tablets that can be preset in 11 languages (English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese). Familiar to Peninsula guests from around the world, the bespoke tablet technology controls in-room functions at the touch of a button, including lighting, room temperature, access to restaurant menus, hotel services and more.
To celebrate Earth Day 2018, The Peninsula launched a new programme to thank guests and patrons of the hotel for their commitment to sustainability by offering complimentary valet parking to all drivers of zero-emission electric vehicles.“Our local community visits our spa and restaurants often, and hotel guests have been known to stay weeks at a time. This programme is designed as an exclusive benefit, to support and encourage our clients who choose to drive electric vehicles,” said Nissenbaum.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills also partners with ‘Clean the World', an organisation that collects and recycles used soaps and bottled amenities. The soaps and cleaning products are picked up each month and sanitised, re-packaged and distributed within 60 days to children and families in more than 40 countries, including the United States and Canada. By recycling and sanitising soaps, shampoos and conditioners, thousands of children around the world can be protected from deadly illnesses each day.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills has always been known for its innovative ways of providing luxurious service. The hotel is the only one in Southern California to offer Airport Concierge service, to ease guests' airport transfers, and to provide complimentary luggage storage for guests between visits. Because The Peninsula Beverly Hills understands that each guest's time is precious, the hotel pioneered ‘Peninsula Time', a unique check-in/check-out experience that gives new meaning to the description of a “luxury hotel”, as it literally makes a day at The Peninsula last longer than 24 hours, offering guests the luxury of time.
With ‘Peninsula Time', by prior arrangement, guests may check in and out at any hour of the day or night for no additional fee. When they book a room, suite or villa, it is theirs for one night – even if they check-in at 8:00 am on Day 1 and check-out at 10:00 pm on Day 2.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills' unique Airport Concierge service also adds to the luxurious gift of time. Guests arriving and departing to and from LAX can opt to use the services of this service. Upon arrival, a Peninsula Airport Concierge will collect their luggage and escort them to a waiting hotel car. En route to the hotel, guests may check-in and order dishes from a bespoke menu, which will then be awaiting them when they arrive at The Peninsula. For departures, a Peninsula Airport Concierge will meet the guest's hotel car curb-side, check in their luggage and whisk them through security to an airport lounge, where they can comfortably await their flight.
Five full-time groundskeepers tend the lush tropical gardens of The Peninsula Beverly Hills, including the fragrant jasmine that borders the porte-cochère, the ‘living wall' at The Roof Garden and the hotel's lemon trees. The one garden that guests don't see is the hotel's herb garden, a hidden spot near the pool on the rooftop. Here the hotel chefs grows four types of basil, as well as lavender, mint, rosemary, thyme, chives, marjoram and edible nasturtiums. Literally taking the locavore trend to heart, the chefs use them to season the hotel's market-fresh contemporary cuisine.
Twice a week since The Peninsula Beverly Hills opened, the dramatic floral arrangement in the entrance way has been created by Bobbi D'Itri Floral Design. Florists spend up to two hours arranging between 200 and 250 fresh flowers each time, most often white Casablanca Lilies and whatever blooms are in season. During the holiday season, that means vibrant red Poinsettias.
In addition to the arrangement that welcomes guests when they enter the hotel, Bobbi D'Itri provides 60 smaller floral displays throughout the hotel. If a guest has a special request for their room, the florist will provide it – everything from imported Hawaiian exotics to African roses.