Last week I had the privilege of staying at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Keep an eye out for full review in an upcoming issue of Global Traveler.

Though the hotel offers its guests impeccable service and accommodations in an unbeatable location, I found the rich history the most noteworthy thing about the Beverly Hilton. Opened in 1955 by Conrad Hilton, the hotel was later sold to Merv Griffin, who ran it from 1987 to 2003. Beny Alagem and Oasis West Realty LLC took the reins in 2003 and commenced an $80M renovation to create the property we see today.

You may have read that on Feb. 15 President Obama stayed at the Beverly Hilton when in town for a Democratic fundraiser. The attraction to this hotel by leaders of both parties is long standing, in fact, every president from Kennedy to Clinton stayed in the presidential suite at the Beverly Hilton.

As you walk through the halls, it is hard not to stop and admire the walls lined with candid shots of celebrities throughout history. The hotel has been molded through time by Hollywood royalty. When Zsa Zsa Gabor married Conrad Hilton, he made the Beverly Hilton one of the first dog-friendly properties in the United States in order to accommodate her constant companion (her pet poodle). The pool was a personal favorite of Esther Williams, who was the first to swim in it at the opening. With 174 red carpet events per year, it is speculated that more money has been raised for worthy causes in its ballroom than any other in the world.

For over 50 years, politicians and celebrities have made it a point to experience a stay at the Beverly Hilton. It is well worth your time to find out why.

— Danielle Hudena, director of sales and marketing