On Peninsula Time
Having the time of my life at The Peninsula Beverly Hills.
By Eva Grunburg
Driving in Los Angeles is not what you would call a relaxing experience, but that stress instantly fades away as The Peninsula Beverly Hills comes into view. The building seems to appear out of thin air from Santa Monica Boulevard. Though it’s a formidable structure, it somehow seamlessly blends into the iconic neighborhood with a residential presence.
Angelee, Director of Guest Relations, explains to me that the hotel is coming off a completely sold-out night and a busy past few weeks following the Oscars—I can practically feel the star power emanating through the lobby. As she shows me to my room, she casually mentions Anne Hathaway was among the recent star-studded guest list and I feel as though I’m walking hallowed Hollywood halls.
Once in the room, French-inspired delicate floral patterns and soft blushes, blues, and greens channel a feminine Old Hollywood glamor that still feels current. Ornate antique vases, fresh bouquets, and a complimentary breakfast spread are carefully curated touches, yet don’t take away from the effortless feeling that I’m right at home. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the hotel prides itself on luxury that feels familiar rather than formal.
After getting acquainted with my home for the night, I venture down to The Belvedere, the hotel’s European Brasserie to meet with Rebecca Goldberg, The Peninsula’s Manager. Over Minty Pineapples, one of their signature juices, we discuss a few of the details that make staying at the hotel such a one-of-a-kind experience: from personal touches like Rebecca’s record collection that she sends to welcome guests to their rooms, dazzling views through the property’s floor-to-ceiling windows, and “Peninsula Time” (where guests may check in as early as 6:00 a.m. on arrival and check out as late as 10:00 p.m. on departure day).
With a phenomenal staff that seems to get any and every request just right, I’m reminded of the many moving parts that it takes for a hotel like The Peninsula Beverly Hills to operate so seamlessly. Rebecca describes it as a performance: one with 400 employees, hundreds of guests (some of whom make the hotel their permanent residence), and thousands of moving parts, creating a truly one-of-a-kind stay for each guest, each time.
Apart from the design that makes it feel like home, the ease of conversation with everyone, from fellow guests to staff, make The Peninsula Beverly Hills a true comfort. Our chat somehow flows to the fact that I’ve never watched Dirty Dancing, and Rebecca is appalled. I reassure her I know the references despite never having seen the film, but she remains unconvinced.
Reinvigorated by my Minty Pineapple, I take a brisk stroll to Rodeo Drive, which is only a 15-minute walk from the property, for some window shopping (and actual shopping). My sister, an LA local, joins me for our girls’ getaway. As we pass Erewhon, I restrain myself from going full-LA. Though we’re mere steps from the Peninsula, I find myself in what feels like yet another movie scene, backlit by the iconic signage of Rodeo Drive and glamorous passersby.
When we return to our room, we’re greeted with a record player, a note from Rebecca, and the Dirty Dancing LP. “Please stay in touch and please watch Dirty Dancing!” the note says. We press play, enamored by the glorious spinning vinyl, and listen to the soundtrack for the rest of our stay.
With “Be My Baby” stuck in my head, we head to the Rooftop Pool. A delicious turkey wrap, crispy fries, and a “Tequila Me Softly” top off a perfect afternoon in the sun at the oasis atop the city. Our poolside lounging and snack leave us energized enough to hit the gym, which is equipped with an abundance of cool towels and shining equipment, and we soon earn ourselves room service. Clad in fluffy robes, Peninsula slippers, and Summer Fridays eye masks, we watch Dirty Dancing together for the first time. It feels right seeing this classic at such a paragon of Hollywood charm.
Well rested, we return to The Belvedere for breakfast. I opt for “The Glowing Juice,” with pineapple, green apple, cucumber, lemon, and mint—I’m in LA, after all. Our server, Lyle, recommends the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, with California berries, meyer lemon curd, ricotta, and The “Frenchie” Omelette, a classic french omelette with herbed cheese. But when he returns, he brings a few surprises: a sample of the house-made corned beef hash with soft-poached eggs and whole-grain mustard hollandaise that he insists is a fan-favorite, and a cinnamon roll encrusted with delicate gold flakes. After trying each dish, I decide that he can do no wrong.
After breakfast we visit an ongoing live auction: Bold Luxury: Gwyneth Paltrow - The Lexicon of Style: The Archival Edit, a landmark collection celebrating personal style and cultural influence. The hotel’s first live auction of 2026, the event is in partnership with Julien’s Auctions to bring celebrity fashion and cultural artifacts into its guest experience. The doors swing open and I feel the buzz of energy in the air: paddles raising, auctioneer Erica Trilling, and Gwyneth’s iconic ensembles lining the room. The moment encapsulates the living history at The Peninsula Beverly Hills.
I hop in my car for the dreaded drive home after what feels like a dream, and I press play on the Dirty Dancing soundtrack—because I’ve had the time of my life.
WHAT TO PACK
ALAÏA Bikini 
CHANEL Sandals 
Loro Piana Weekender 
Diamond Bracelet
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