The California Diaries will share my experiences traveling to LA in March 2012. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ramblings of a first-time California Girl. First up, our hotel – The Beverly Wilshire! The iconic hotel is best known for its starring role in Pretty Woman.
I’ve done a lot of traveling, but until last week I’d never been to California. Crazy, right? That’s why I jumped at the opportunity to join my parents on a business trip (more on that later) and why they offered to extend it and bring me to – wait for it – Beverly Hills. I’ve been enamoured with the idea of 90210 since I sneakily watched the original TV show back in the 90s (Yes, I was far too young to be watching). After a long flight (special thanks to Lindsey Kelk and Midnight in Paris for getting me through), I was finally in LA!
Walking into the Wilshire is an experience in itself. The hotel is unassumingly glam; gleaming yet comfortable. It was love at first sight. Imagine my surprise when this was waiting in my hotel room! I’d been tweeting with Lauren @BeverlyWilshire since I found out where we’d be staying, but this was a complete surprise. Hotel PRs, take note. Beverly Wilshire is already a social media star, but this adorable little Twitter bird + personalized note really took the cake. They were delicious, by the way.
Staying at the Wilshire really was like a fairytale. Every single moment was luxe – exactly what you want to experience during your first time in LA. Our rooms were upgraded when we arrived and I was ridiculously excited to find out that mine had the perfect view of Rodeo Dr.
The room itself was stunning and I made frequent comments about how it felt like I was sleeping on a cloud. Seriously – my under-eye bags completely disappeared and I got a solid 10 hours every night at the Wilshire. I may or may not have also taken a ton of notes for my future wedding – their weekly flower arrangements are quite possibly the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen.
Luxe bedroom, awesome welcome and beautiful flowers aside, staying at the Wilshire is also a near guarantee that you’ll be successful in your star-spotting. Proof: The night before we arrived, Justin Bieber threw his 18th birthday party at the hotel, Ginnifer Goodwin was eating lunch at the next table while we sipped Oscars-inspired bevvies at the Wilshire pool (see below) and my dad sidled up to the very tall men across the hall only to find out they were Miami Heat players.
I absolutely loved my time in Beverly Hills and my stay at the Wilshire. I’d go back in a heartbeat, given the option. Hey Lauren – if you guys ever have an opening on your PR team…you know who to call! 😉 Special thanks to my parents and the Wilshire for making my first time in LA so awesome.
Next up in the California Diaries – touristy things and tasty eats in LA!
