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.
The view from my room at the Beverly Wilshire
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.
Drinking a "Bridesmaid", Ginnifer Goodwin and friend at the next table
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!
