You know the hotel. Even if you’ve never stepped foot on Wilshire Boulevard, you know that ornate, Italian Renaissance-style facade. It’s the place where Richard Gere’s character famously told a shop girl she made a "big mistake, huge." It's the place where Julia Roberts sang Prince in a massive bathtub.
Honestly, the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel—now officially known as the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel—is basically the soul of Beverly Hills. It’s been standing at the intersection of Wilshire and Rodeo Drive since 1928, back when the city's population was barely 1,000 people.
But things are changing. Big time.
If you haven’t heard the news, the Four Seasons era is technically winding down. In early 2025, it was announced that Four Seasons would end its management of the property by the end of the year. As we move into 2026, the hotel is entering a transitional phase. It’s staying open, and it’s keeping the iconic name, but the "Four Seasons" suffix is being dropped as it returns to its independent roots under the ownership of BW Hotel LLC.
The Regent Era and the Pretty Woman Magic
People still call it the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel because that was its name during its absolute peak of pop-culture relevance.
Regent International Hotels bought the place in 1985. They spent about $100 million fixing it up, which was a staggering amount of money back then. That renovation is what gave the hotel the polish it needed to become the co-star of Pretty Woman in 1990.
Here’s a fun bit of trivia: most of the interior scenes in the movie weren't actually shot inside the hotel. They built a set at the Disney Studios in Burbank. But the lobby and the exterior? That was all the Regent.
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The hotel leaned into it, too. For years, they offered a "Pretty Woman for a Day" package. It cost a small fortune, but you got the personal shopper, the Rolls Royce, and the bathtub. People loved it. It turned a hotel into a pilgrimage site.
Beyond the Movies: A House of Legends
The hotel has always been more than just a film set. It’s been a literal home for some of the biggest names in history.
- Warren Beatty lived in the penthouse for 15 years. Legend has it he was so worried about women sneaking up to his floor that a specific staircase was closed off for decades.
- Elvis Presley moved in while filming at Paramount. He supposedly stayed because he liked the privacy.
- John Lennon stayed there during his "Lost Weekend" separation from Yoko Ono. Why? Because he knew Elvis had stayed there.
- Steve McQueen used to drive his motorcycles right into the elevators. He even took over a whole floor of the parking garage for his car collection.
It’s that kind of place. It’s where Sandy Koufax announced his retirement. It’s where Barbara Hutton, the Woolworth heiress, spent her final days.
What It’s Like Inside Right Now
Walking into the Beverly Wilshire today feels like stepping into a very expensive time capsule that has been meticulously updated.
The hotel is split into two very different buildings. You have the original Wilshire Wing, which is all about that 1920s Tuscan stone and Carrara marble. It’s heavy, grand, and feels like "Old Money." Then there’s the Beverly Wing, added in 1971. It’s more contemporary, with a private driveway (El Camino Real) separating the two.
The Food Scene
If you’re going there to eat, you’re likely headed to CUT. It’s Wolfgang Puck’s Michelin-starred steakhouse, and it is loud. Not "bad" loud, but "successful people closing deals" loud. The room was designed by Richard Meier—the guy who did the Getty Center—so it’s all sleek white walls and high ceilings.
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If you want the classic experience, you go to THE Blvd. It has these massive windows that look right out onto Rodeo Drive. It is the ultimate spot for people-watching. You can sit there with a "Feeling Pretty" cocktail (the hotel’s signature drink inspired by the movie) and watch the tourists take selfies in front of the Louis Vuitton store.
The Architecture of a Landmark
The hotel was designed by Walker & Eisen. They were the architects behind some of LA’s most beautiful buildings, but the Beverly Wilshire was their masterpiece.
They used the Second Renaissance Revival style. Think ornate carvings, rounded awnings, and an "E" shaped layout that allows almost every room to have a view.
In the late 1940s, the owners brought in Paul Revere Williams, the legendary African American architect. He added the grand ballroom and the Olympic-sized pool. He was the one who really understood how to blend the hotel's formal roots with the "resort" vibe that Hollywood stars wanted.
The pool itself is a trip. It’s modeled after Sophia Loren’s private villa in Italy. It’s surrounded by private cabanas and feels completely hidden from the chaos of Wilshire Boulevard just a few yards away.
Why the Management Change Matters
So, Four Seasons is out. What does that mean for you?
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For the average guest, probably not much in the short term. The owners, BW Hotel LLC, have made it clear they want to preserve the legacy. They’ve been working with French interior designer Joseph Dirand and the firm Squircle Capital on major renovations that have been rolling out through 2025 and into 2026.
The goal is to move away from the "corporate luxury" feel of a big chain and back toward a more bespoke, independent identity.
Interestingly, while the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel name is part of the past, the Regent brand itself has actually returned to Southern California recently with a new flagship in Santa Monica. But this property—the one on the corner of Rodeo—is staying independent for now.
Addressing the Common Misconceptions
There’s a lot of "fake news" about this hotel. Let’s clear a few things up.
- The "Pretty Woman" Suite: People often ask to stay in the exact room from the movie. As mentioned, the room in the movie was a set. However, the Presidential Suite in the Wilshire Wing was the inspiration for that set. If you want the vibe, that's the one you book.
- The Ghost Stories: No, it’s not haunted. Despite the long history and famous deaths (like Barbara Hutton), there are no credible reports of ghosts. It's too bright and busy for spirits, honestly.
- The Price Tag: Yes, it’s expensive. But you don’t have to stay there to experience it. You can grab a coffee at THE Blvd or visit the spa (which is one of the few Forbes Five-Star spas in the city) without being a hotel guest.
Expert Tips for Visiting the Beverly Wilshire
If you’re planning a trip or just a visit, keep these things in mind to get the most out of the experience.
- Request the Wilshire Wing: If you want the history and the thick walls, stay in the original building. If you want a balcony and more modern tech, go for the Beverly Wing.
- The House Car: They have a complimentary Rolls Royce house car. It only takes you within a three-mile radius, but arriving at a restaurant in a Rolls is a very "Beverly Hills" thing to do. Use it.
- The Hidden History: Ask the concierge about the "secret" staircase. It was rediscovered during a 2007 fire inspection after being walled off since the Warren Beatty days.
- Timing Your Visit: The hotel goes all out for the holidays. The light display on the exterior is one of the best in the city.
The transition away from Four Seasons management is a big deal in the hotel world, but the building itself is untouchable. It’s a National Register of Historic Places landmark. It’s survived three major earthquakes (1933, 1971, and 1994) and hasn't lost its luster.
Whether you call it the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel out of habit or just "The Wilshire," it remains the undisputed center of gravity for 90210.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Stay
- Book the Specialty Suites: If you are celebrating, the specialty suites (like the Penthouse or the Beverly Presidential) have been recently reimagined by KES Studio to feel more like a luxury residence than a hotel room.
- Visit the Spa Early: The spa is famous for its "Diamond Rose" treatments. It books up weeks in advance, especially on weekends.
- Dress the Part: This isn't a "flip-flops and board shorts" kind of lobby. Even for a casual lunch, people tend to dress up. It’s part of the fun.
- Monitor the Transition: As the hotel moves into its post-Four Seasons era in 2026, keep an eye on their new loyalty offerings or independent booking platforms, as the "Four Seasons" app will no longer be the primary way to manage your stay.
The hotel's story is still being written. From its start on the site of an old auto speedway to its status as a global icon, it has always known how to reinvent itself. The move to an independent "Beverly Wilshire" is just the latest chapter in a century of Hollywood glamour.