During a marathon meeting on April 11, the Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit to allow The Beverly Hills Hotel to complete its most significant construction project in recent history.
Representatives of The Beverly Hills Hotel said the project would inject new life into a cherished institution that has struggled to regain its pre-COVID occupancy rates.
“We want to do this project because we want to reenergize our relationship with our guests, our community, by elevating our offering and experience,” General Manager John Scanlon said. “Our commitment to our community and guests is demonstrated by adding new and relevant outlets that our guests and visitors can enjoy.”
The aptly named “Turn Left” project activates the underutilized and neglected south side of the hotel past the world-famous red-carpet entry. New spaces include a Veranda Seating Area and Bar looking over arriving patrons at the valet overhang, a private screening room and meeting venue in the style of the historic Jack Warner living room to reengage the entertainment community, as well as a new lobby cafe for hotel residents to enjoy more casual morning coffee and late afternoon tea. The main attraction, however, is a new supper club that will feature live entertainment and fine dining.
“What a true honor it was to present the most iconic landmark in Beverly Hills to the Planning Commission … launching The Beverly Hills Hotel into its next centennial era,” project representative and Crest Real Estate President Jason Somers said in a statement.
During the hearing, several public commenters noted their strong ties to the hotel and agreed the renovations are a welcome update. Others expressed concerns about construction impacts, congestion caused by rideshares and potential noise impacts of the outdoor bar.
Somers responded that employees never park on the street, the hotel has ample parking to accommodate construction workers, and staff will add a condition to the resolution that parking for construction employees would be either on-site or at a different “authorized location.”
Assistant General Manager Marcus Cox said he had been working with an AV consultant who has helped soundproof nearby guest rooms, and his staff will create a hotline for people to speak directly to hotel management about construction-related concerns. He added there will be no “amplified music” in the outdoor veranda, which will be encased in a glass panel to further reduce noise impacts.
“We definitely are very happy to hear from the neighbors and the community today and can take everything they’ve said into account and do more to be good neighbors,” he said.
After deliberating, the commission voted unanimously in favor with two conditions. Namely, that staff close the windows of the veranda bar after 10 p.m. and whenever music is playing, and the applicant submit a plan for compliance with the hotel’s specific plan.
“It’s going to only enhance what is a trophy property [and] among the most iconic assets we have,” Chair Gary Ross said of the project.
