Both Michael Douglas and Gordon Gekko know: the Polo Lounge is where the hottest celebrities go

The Beverly Hills Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel
Photo credit: 
Photo: Flickr / Alan Light


The Polo Lounge, located inside the Beverly Hills Hotel, is a night spot both Michael Douglas, and his fictional counterpart Gordon Gekko, could call their regular spot.  The Polo Lounge is a landmark, known throughout the world.  In fact, Michael's father, Kirk Douglas' famous movie The Bad and the Beautiful, was filmed at the Polo Lounge.  There is a reason why the Polo Lounge has withstood the test of time, and is as famous now, as it was when Clark Gable was courting Carole Lombard in the high back booths of this very VIP lounge: the Polo Lounge is ultra luxurious and ultra VIP.


Those of you in the know realize, the Beverly Hills Hotel is a five star luxury retreat.  Accordingly, its Polo Lounge offers nothing but the best.  Named in response to the celebrities who would meet there after polo matches, the Polo Lounge is a top power dining spot in Los Angeles.  Which is why numerous celebrities can be found there at all hours, day and night.  In fact, some of Hollywood's most famous movies were filmed at the Polo Lounge, and also, some famous incidents, including Watergate, have links to the hotel.


The Polo Lounge is located in the famous Beverly Hills Hotel at 9641 Sunset Boulevard, in Beverly Hills, California. 


The music almost never stops, with live music played every day, from about 5:30 p.m., until close. The live music varies from a live piano, to a jazz singer, and is always enjoyable. The focal point of the Polo Lounge is the atmosphere, and there is not dancing, (except for the unexpected public display of jubilance after multiple cocktails.)  This is a great place to drink scrumptious cocktails, meet friends, and meet "up and comers."  Did I forget to mention again, it is a great place to see some of the richest and most powerful people in the world, and if you are lucky, perhaps meet one?


Not long ago, www.celebrifi.com made a major story out of Janet Jackson being spotted having a cozy dinner with Colin Farrell at the Polo Lounge.  Bloggers on www.43things.com describe the Polo Lounge as one of the top spots to make their New Year's resolution to meet a celebrity, come true.  With certain bloggers elaborating on spotting Aniston, Vaughn, Devito, Aykroyd, P. Diddy, Britney Spears, and Yoko Ono at the Polo Lounge.  While www.CelebrityToys.com refers to the Beverly Hills Hotel as the "king of celebrity hotels" and reports, the following celebrities have been spotted there: Sharon Stone, Richard Gere, Jon Bon Jovi, Dennis Hopper, Bill Clinton, Tyra Banks, Whitney Houston, Usher, Angelina Jolie, Charlize Theron, Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Vince Vaughn, Roberto Benigni, Quentin Tarantino, Michael Caine, and Mike Myers.


The Polo Lounge has a menu of gourmet delicacies, featuring steak and seafood staples.  The desserts, such as vanilla crème fraîche chantilly and raspberry sorbet, are some of the best in Los Angeles, so save room.


The Polo Lounge runs its door by intimidation.  There are no velvet ropes, or VIP lists, just employees who will look at you unwelcoming and be at a loss for words, if you do not seem like their usual clientele.  Therefore, dress up and, of course, be ready to spend some money, because loiterers will be shown the door.  Do not let employee snootiness discourage you; the Polo Lounge is a place you must visit at least once in a lifetime.  Also, the Polo Lounge is a rare find, in that everyone seems to be having fun and every booth seems to be having the most engaging and entertaining conversations.


Do not forget to try the, fixed price, afternoon tea, between 2:30 and 5:00 p.m., daily.  Starting at $33, it is a bargain treat of incredible tea selections paired with delicious scones, pastries and tea sandwiches.  Afternoon tea at the Polo Lounge is not to be missed; peruse the menu before you go.


If you still have energy after leaving the Polo Lounge, a short taxi drive away, (about $6.00,) will bring you in contact with some of the best sushi in Los Angeles, at Bond Street in the Thompson Hotel.  Or, if you are ready to dance the night away, the same taxi driver can drop you off at Nic's Martini Lounge or Aqua Lounge.

Know before you go:


Although there is no VIP list, per se, the intimidation factor rises as the crowd builds and evening turns to night; thus arrive early.  For less expensive, and yet super indulgent, menu options: try breakfast.  In addition to being less expensive ($20-$30,) the breakfast is delicious, a fine dining experience in itself, and a great time to see celebrities at there power breakfasts.  Plus, the intimidation factor upon entry, is much less, first thing in the morning.


For more information: 
        


The Polo Lounge, (in The Beverly Hills Hotel,) 9641 Sunset Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA (310) 887-2777.
www.beverlyhillshotel.com/the-polo-lounge

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, Beverly Hills VIP Club Scene Examiner

Dr. Leigh-Davis is a law professor; retired attorney; anthropologist; and television & media personality, who is currently editor-in-chief of Confidence Magazine. She is a native of Beverly Hills. Previously, Dr. Leigh-Davis was editor-in-chief of Malibu Magazine; an actress; a model; and a...

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