Review: Maybourne Beverly Hills

Why book?

Located in the Golden Triangle of Beverly Hills, the former Montage property now has a modern California levity, while still holding true to the luxury touch points of five star service that one of the world’s most exclusive neighborhoods—and hotel brands—is known for.

Set the scene

Opulence commingles with a breezy coastal vibe in the newly refurbished lobby, with further phases of renovations to reveal in the months to come. It’s not unusual to experience celebrity sightings on the Terrace, where agents from the nearby buildings mix with a well-heeled jet set crowd. Sipping on the perfect gin martini from The Connaught—the sister property from Across the Pond—while gazing out at the plaza’s oversize fountain, you’d swear that you were in Europe, but the pooches in Prada are a dead giveaway that you’re most definitely in Beverly Hills.

The backstory

The Maybourne is the first US outpost of the storied Maybourne Hotel Group, known for being the home base to high society’s cocktail-loving creative set known as “The Bright Young Things” at their Claridge property in the 1920s. One hundred years later, The Connaught boasted the award of World's 50 Best Bar in 2020, and now the group has expanded to Beverly Hills, revamping the hotel floor-by-floor, including a new cigar and whiskey bar on the ground floor, and a rooftop dining outpost called Ysabel is to come later in 2021.

The rooms

Contemporary luxury now radiates throughout. The leather and dark wood of before have been replaced with mid-century classic furniture and modern artwork created by LA locals, giving the place a decidedly more youthful feel. Rooms come equipped with Dyson hair dryers, Cowshed amenities, sumptuous 600 thread count linens, and floor-to-ceiling windows. If you're staying in the suites, enjoy your breakfast on the balcony with views of the plaza below.

Food and drink

The Maybourne has brought a slice of the Big Apple to Beverly Hills with the addition of Dante Beverly Hills, located on the 9^th floor of the hotel. At the California outpost of the New York icon, the lunch and dinner menu centers around a wood-fired oven with dishes that pay homage to the Mediterranean and to SoCal’s bounty, all paired to perfection with aperitivo-style cocktails. Standout dishes include the Pizza Rosa with whipped mortadella, Stracciatella, pistachio and rosemary, and Crudo del Pescatore with caper leaves, Calabrian chili and citrus. From the cocktail list, we recommend the Celery Paloma, made with blanco tequila, green chartreuse, St Germaine, celery bitters, verjus and lime.

At the Terrace, the whole grilled fish, vibrant crudos, and octopus are all stellar, but if sweet corn agnolotti with black truffles are on the menu, do not hesitate. Cocktail-wise, the association with The Connaught comes with benefits, including a rendition of their award-winning gin martini.

The spa

The 20,000 square foot spa is top of the line, and includes a stunning riad-style mineral pool, saunas, Turkish steam rooms, and Balinese inspired relaxation rooms. Expect customized massages, facials, and body rituals that use the purest ingredients, as well as a trio of facial therapies from pioneering skincare brand Dr. Barbara Sturm, including The Maybourne Sturmglow facial, created exclusively for the spa. This is also the only spa in the country to carry Ila, a French Japanese brand that focuses on the remedial power of plants, flowers, and herbs to produce hand-blended products with minimal processing.

The neighborhood/area

The Maybourne is centrally located in Beverly Hills within walking distance to luxury shopping, a beautiful public park, and restaurants like Sugarfish, Avra, and Spago.

The service

Service is as white glove as it comes, minus the stuffy attitude, and well worth the price tag.