The Beverly Hilton
A landmark luxury hotel in Beverly Hills known for major awards ceremonies, entertainment-industry events, and its long association with Hilton.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
The Beverly Hilton is a landmark luxury hotel at the intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards in Beverly Hills, California. The property occupies an approximately 8.9-acre site and is particularly identified with the Golden Globe Awards, which used the hotel's International Ballroom as its principal venue for decades. It has also hosted charity benefits, film and television industry gatherings, political events, music-industry celebrations, aviation awards, and other high-profile functions. The property's origins date to 1949, when Hilton Hotels Corporation agreed to lease a hotel planned by Crummer Development Corporation on a large Beverly Hills parcel. After the development arrangement failed, Hilton acquired the development company and the land in 1950 for approximately $3.07 million. Construction began in August 1953. Designed by architect Welton Becket, the planned 416-room hotel required a larger investment than originally anticipated, and its opening was delayed while Hilton arranged additional financing. The formal opening took place on August 11, 1955, with Conrad Hilton in attendance and Vice President Richard Nixon participating in the flag-raising ceremony. The Beverly Hilton quickly became an important hospitality and events property. Its original Bali Room was expanded and reopened in 1958 as the 1,700-seat International Ballroom, then one of the largest hotel ballrooms on the West Coast. A Lanai wing added pool-facing rooms in 1960. In 1961, the hotel gained a major parking facility and began a period of ownership and leaseback transactions. Hilton sold the property to private investors while retaining a long-term lease and a repurchase option, which it exercised in 1966. A subsequent expansion completed in 1967 brought the hotel to approximately 630 rooms and included additional guest accommodation, a new pool, lobby work, and ballroom renovations. Ownership changed several more times. Hilton and Prudential Insurance Company co-owned the hotel through the Beverly Hilton Joint Venture after Prudential acquired a 50 percent interest in a group of Hilton properties in 1975. Entertainer and businessman Merv Griffin bought the property in 1987. During Griffin's ownership, the hotel's condition and competitive position weakened as maintenance was deferred and rival luxury properties expanded. In 2003, Griffin sold the hotel to Beny Alagem through Oasis West Realty. The property then underwent an approximately $80 million renovation in conjunction with Hilton Hotels, following an earlier renovation reported at approximately $35 million. The work reduced the room count to about 570, modernized guestrooms and meeting facilities, and strengthened the hotel's appeal to business travelers as well as leisure guests. The Beverly Hilton has also been connected to several major development and civic controversies. In the 2000s, Oasis West Realty proposed a large redevelopment involving new hotel, condominium, retail, and open-space elements. Beverly Hills voters approved Measure H in 2008 after a closely contested referendum. The adjacent Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills was subsequently developed and opened in 2017 as a separate property operated within the Hilton system. A proposed 37-story condominium tower was rejected by voters through Measure HH in 2016. In 2021, Alagem Capital announced the One Beverly Hills redevelopment, a large mixed-use project incorporating the Beverly Hilton site and neighboring land. The approved plan includes Aman-branded residences, an Aman hotel, retail and restaurant space, public gardens, and substantial parking and open space. Construction began in 2024, and the redevelopment is planned to incorporate the Beverly Hilton while altering parts of the existing site. The hotel remains active as a hospitality and events venue, with its identity anchored by its Beverly Hills location, Hilton affiliation, luxury positioning, and entertainment-industry heritage.
History
The Beverly Hilton was developed as a major Hilton property in Beverly Hills during the postwar expansion of Southern California hospitality. Hilton entered an agreement in 1949 to lease a hotel that Crummer Development Corporation planned to build on a large parcel near Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards. When the arrangement collapsed, Hilton purchased the development company and the property in 1950. The company was renamed Beverly Hilton Development Corporation before being absorbed into Hilton's wider organization. Architect Welton Becket designed the hotel. Construction started in August 1953, with the project initially planned as a 416-room property. Rising costs delayed the expected 1954 opening and required Hilton to arrange additional financing. The formal opening occurred on August 11, 1955. Conrad Hilton attended, and Vice President Richard Nixon took part in the ceremony. The hotel soon became one of the region's most visible luxury properties, benefiting from its location near Hollywood, the film studios, and Beverly Hills' commercial and residential districts. The events business became central to the hotel's identity. In 1957, the original Bali Room was expanded and reopened the following year as the International Ballroom, a large West Coast venue capable of accommodating approximately 1,700 people. The ballroom became associated with the Golden Globe Awards, which have been held at the hotel since 1961 for most of the ceremony's history. A two-story Lanai wing was added in 1960, with rooms opening toward the pool and patio. A large parking garage completed in 1961 provided capacity for approximately 1,500 vehicles, at the time an unusually significant facility for a hotel. Hilton sold the hotel to private investors in 1961 while leasing it back under a long-term arrangement. The company retained an option to repurchase the property and exercised it in 1966. A substantial expansion completed in 1967 added a connecting building, approximately 180 rooms, a new swimming pool, lobby improvements, renovations to the International Ballroom, and another ballroom. The property reached approximately 630 rooms during this phase. In 1975, Hilton sold a 50 percent interest in six hotels, including the Beverly Hilton, to Prudential Insurance Company. The Beverly Hilton Joint Venture subsequently owned the property until selling it to Merv Griffin in December 1987. Griffin had originally expressed interest in acquiring the nearby Beverly Hills Hotel, but that property was sold to another buyer. Before Griffin's acquisition, the Beverly Hilton had undergone a renovation reported at approximately $35 million. During Griffin's ownership, deferred maintenance and increased competition weakened the hotel's position. Beny Alagem acquired the hotel in 2003 through Oasis West Realty. The new ownership initiated an approximately $80 million renovation in cooperation with Hilton Hotels, which had managed the hotel since its opening. The work modernized guestrooms, meeting areas, the International Ballroom, and other public spaces. It reduced the number of rooms to approximately 570 and added features such as high-definition televisions, Bose radios, and larger work areas. The redesign reflected a strategic effort to attract more business travelers while preserving the property's leisure and entertainment appeal. The hotel later became the focus of a major redevelopment debate. Oasis West Realty proposed a project involving new hotel and residential construction, retail uses, and open space. Beverly Hills voters approved Measure H in 2008, following a close campaign over the project's scale and its effect on the city's general plan. The adjacent Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills opened in 2017 as a separate property operated and managed within the Hilton system. A further proposal, Measure HH, would have authorized a 37-story condominium tower, but voters rejected it in 2016. In 2021, Alagem Capital announced One Beverly Hills, a large mixed-use project designed to integrate the Beverly Hilton site with surrounding development. The plan includes Aman-branded residences, an Aman hotel, retail and restaurant areas, gardens, public open space, and underground parking. City approval was followed by construction beginning in February 2024. The project is expected to reshape parts of the surrounding site while retaining the Beverly Hilton as a component of the broader development. The hotel's continuing significance rests on its luxury positioning, Hilton affiliation, Beverly Hills location, and role as a recurring venue for awards, charity, political, music, and entertainment events.
- 2024
One Beverly Hills construction begins
[1]Construction began, including work affecting the hotel's surrounding parking and development areas.
- 2021
One Beverly Hills announced
[1]Alagem Capital announced a large mixed-use redevelopment incorporating the hotel site.
- 2017
Adjacent Waldorf Astoria opens
[1]The separate Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills opened beside The Beverly Hilton.
- 2016
Measure HH is rejected
[1]Voters rejected the proposed 37-story condominium tower initiative.
- 2012
Whitney Houston dies at the hotel
[1]Whitney Houston died in Suite 434; the room was later retired and repurposed.
- 2008
Measure H passes
[1]Voters approved a general-plan amendment allowing redevelopment of the Beverly Hilton site.
- 2003
Oasis West Realty acquisition
[1]Beny Alagem acquired the hotel through Oasis West Realty and began a major modernization program.
- 1987
Merv Griffin acquisition
[1]Merv Griffin purchased the property from the Beverly Hilton Joint Venture.
- 1975
Prudential becomes co-owner
[1]Prudential Insurance Company acquired a 50 percent interest in the hotel through the Beverly Hilton Joint Venture.
- 1967
Major expansion completed
[1]A new building, additional rooms, a pool, and renovated event facilities expanded the hotel to approximately 630 rooms.
Products and positioning
Luxury Beverly Hills hotel and high-profile entertainment and events venue
Hotel accommodation · 1955
Guest rooms and suites
The hotel's principal offering is luxury accommodation in Beverly Hills. A major renovation reduced the property to approximately 570 rooms and updated rooms with high-definition televisions, Bose radios, and larger workspaces designed to serve both leisure and business travelers.
Events and hospitality · 1958
International Ballroom
Originally developed from the hotel's Bali Room, the International Ballroom reopened in 1958 after expansion. Its large capacity made it a significant West Coast venue for awards ceremonies, entertainment events, charity benefits, and industry gatherings, including the Golden Globe Awards.
Event services · 1955
Meetings, banquets, and private events
The Beverly Hilton provides ballroom, meeting, banquet, and private-event facilities. Its event business has supported awards shows, political functions, music-industry parties, nonprofit benefits, corporate gatherings, and other large-scale occasions.
Food and beverage · 1955
Restaurants and beverage service
Food-and-beverage service forms part of the hotel's luxury hospitality proposition, supporting resident guests, visitors, meetings, celebrations, and entertainment-industry events.
Controversies
Marketing campaigns
- 2016Measure HH condominium tower initiative
Beverly Hills · United States
Oasis West Realty supported a ballot initiative intended to permit a 37-story condominium tower on the Beverly Hilton site.
Outcome. Voters rejected the initiative, with nearly 56 percent voting against it.
- 2008Measure H redevelopment campaign
Beverly Hills · United States
The hotel owner sought voter approval for a general-plan amendment enabling a large redevelopment with luxury hotel, condominium, retail, and open-space components. Supporters presented the project as a revitalization of the property, while opponents objected to its scale and potential effects on the city.
Outcome. Measure H passed after a close count.
Brand decisions
2021
One Beverly Hills redevelopmentStrategyBackground
Alagem Capital planned a broader mixed-use redevelopment covering the Beverly Hilton and adjacent property.
Action taken
The approved project includes Aman-branded residences, an Aman hotel, retail and restaurants, gardens, public open space, and underground parking. Construction began in 2024.
Aftermath
The project is intended to reshape the surrounding site and incorporate The Beverly Hilton into a larger luxury hospitality and residential complex.
2017
Opening of adjacent Waldorf Astoria Beverly HillsProduct launchBackground
The approved redevelopment plan included a separate high-end hotel next to The Beverly Hilton.
Action taken
The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills opened as a separate Hilton-operated property with guest rooms, restaurants, spa, retail, meeting facilities, and a ballroom.
Aftermath
The opening expanded Hilton's luxury presence at the site while maintaining The Beverly Hilton and the Waldorf Astoria as separate premises.
2008
Pursuit of integrated site redevelopmentStrategyBackground
The owner proposed adding hotel, condominium, retail, and open-space components to reposition and expand the overall Beverly Hilton site.
Action taken
The project was submitted to Beverly Hills voters through Measure H after requiring changes to the city's general plan.
Aftermath
Measure H passed, enabling subsequent development plans, including the adjacent Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills.
2003
Major repositioning and renovationStrategyBackground
After acquisition by Beny Alagem's Oasis West Realty, the hotel faced the need to modernize its facilities and respond to stronger competition in the Beverly Hills luxury market.
Action taken
Ownership undertook a major renovation with Hilton Hotels, updating guestrooms, meeting spaces, the International Ballroom, and other public areas.
Aftermath
The renovation reduced the room count to approximately 570 and placed greater emphasis on business travelers while preserving the hotel's events and leisure identity.
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