If you’ve ever found yourself humming "It must have been love" while staring at a pair of expensive boots, you've probably dreamed of the Wilshire Hotel Beverly Hills. It's the place where Julia Roberts’ Vivian Ward discovered that "big mistake, huge" shopping was a sport, and where Richard Gere’s Edward Lewis proved that even corporate raiders have a heart.
But here’s the thing. Most of what you think you know about the filming of Pretty Woman inside this hotel is actually a bit of movie magic.
The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, sits right at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. It’s been there since 1928. It’s iconic. It’s stunning. But if you walk into the lobby expecting to find the exact elevator bank where Vivian had her "slippery little suckers" moment with the escargot, you might be a little confused.
Honestly, the "Pretty Woman hotel" is as much a character as the actors themselves. It’s a Beaux-Arts masterpiece that managed to survive the 1920s, the Great Depression, and the 1990s era of neon and power suits. Today, it remains the ultimate pilgrimage site for anyone who believes in the Hollywood fairy tale.
The Big Secret: What Was Actually Filmed There?
Let's get real for a second.
When you see the exterior of the hotel in the movie—those beautiful awnings and the grand entrance—that is 100% the Wilshire Hotel Beverly Hills. The crew spent plenty of time capturing the limestone facade to set the mood of high-society opulence.
However, Hollywood is famous for "cheating" locations.
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The sprawling, ultra-luxurious penthouse suite where Edward and Vivian spent their week? It didn't exist. Not like that, anyway. The interior of the suite was a set built at the Disney Studios in Burbank. The filmmakers needed a space they could pull apart to fit cameras and lights, and the actual hotel rooms at the time weren't quite "cinematic" enough for Garry Marshall's vision.
Even the lobby scenes are a bit of a mix. While the real Beverly Wilshire lobby was used for some shots, many of the interior hallway and restaurant scenes were actually filmed at the Ambassador Hotel (which was sadly demolished in 2008).
- The Facade: Authentic Beverly Wilshire.
- The Suite: A studio set in Burbank.
- The Elevator: A mix of the real hotel and studio replicas.
- The Grand Piano: Filmed at the Ambassador Hotel.
It’s kinda funny when you think about it. Thousands of people visit every year to see "the room," but the room was made of plywood and paint on a soundstage miles away. Does that stop the magic? Not even a little bit.
Staying in the "Pretty Woman" Suite Today
The hotel knows exactly why you're there. They aren't shy about it. While the movie suite was a set, the Beverly Wilshire has since leaned into its legacy by offering the "Pretty Woman for a Day" experience.
This isn't your average hotel package. It starts at a price point that would make even Edward Lewis blink—we’re talking anywhere from $15,000 to over $100,000 depending on how "extra" you want to be.
If you book the top-tier version, you stay in the Presidential Suite (which is the real-life equivalent of the movie's penthouse). You get a personal shopper on Rodeo Drive, a Rolls-Royce to take you to a "shoeless" picnic at Greystone Mansion, and even a hand-drawn bath with aromatherapy oils. It basically turns the movie into a documentary of your weekend.
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For those of us who don't have a corporate raider's budget, you can still grab a "Feeling Pretty" cocktail at THE Blvd, the hotel’s restaurant that overlooks Rodeo Drive. It’s the most popular drink at the hotel, selling thousands every year. It’s pink, it’s bubbly, and it feels exactly like the early 90s in a glass.
More Than Just a Movie Set
The Wilshire Hotel Beverly Hills has a history that stretches way beyond Julia Roberts.
Long before the movie, this was the home of Elvis Presley. He lived here while filming at the nearby studios. Warren Beatty lived in the Veranda Suite for ten years. Even John Lennon stayed here during his famous "lost weekend" separation from Yoko Ono.
The hotel was built on the site of the former Beverly Hills Speedway. Back in 1928, Beverly Hills was barely a town. It had about 1,000 residents. The hotel was the anchor that turned the area into a luxury destination.
Architecturally, it’s a beast. It’s built in an "E" shape to ensure every single room gets natural sunlight. It’s made of Tuscan stone and Carrara marble. It survived the 1994 Northridge earthquake without a flinch, mostly because it was built like a fortress.
Why it still matters in 2026
You might wonder why a movie from 1990 still drives tourism to a hotel in 2026.
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It’s about the transformation. Pretty Woman is the ultimate "glow-up" story. The Beverly Wilshire represents the gatekeeper of that transformation. When Barney the manager (played by the legendary Hector Elizondo) helps Vivian learn which fork to use, the hotel becomes a teacher, not just a building.
The staff today still carry that vibe. They are used to the fans. They know you want to take a photo in front of the elevators. They know you’re looking for the spot where Richard Gere climbed the fire escape with a bouquet of roses (which, by the way, was also filmed on the hotel’s exterior).
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a pilgrimage to the Wilshire Hotel Beverly Hills, don't just wing it.
- Skip the crowds by visiting THE Blvd for breakfast. You get the best views of Rodeo Drive as the shops open, and it's much quieter than the evening rush.
- Look for the "Pretty Woman" display. The hotel often keeps a small collection of memorabilia or photos in the lobby area for fans.
- Don't ask for "Room 1210." In the movie, that was the room number, but since the interiors were a set, the numbering doesn't quite align with the modern layout of the specialty suites. Just ask for a tour of the Wilshire Wing.
- Walk to Boulmiche. The boutique where Vivian was snubbed is actually located at 9501 Santa Monica Blvd, just a short walk from the hotel. They are very used to fans taking photos out front.
The Beverly Wilshire remains one of the few places in Los Angeles where the "Old Hollywood" feel hasn't been scrubbed away by modern minimalism. It’s still grand. It’s still a little bit intimidating. And it’s still the only place where you can feel, even for a second, like a movie star who just found their happy ending.
To make the most of your trip, book a table at CUT by Wolfgang Puck inside the hotel for dinner. It’s a Michelin-recommended steakhouse that offers a stark, modern contrast to the Beaux-Arts lobby. Order the tasting menu and ask the sommelier for a pairing—it’s the closest you’ll get to Edward Lewis’s lifestyle without having to buy a company and break it into pieces.