Spend the Night in a Marilyn Monroe-Inspired Bungalow at Beverly Hills Hotel
Steeped in history as the preferred accommodations for generations of Hollywood royalty, the historic bungalows at The Beverly Hills Hotel are undergoing a comprehensive restoration and thoughtful redesign led by internationally renowned Champalimaud Design. In total, 21 bungalows will have been redesigned as part of the restoration program, with many completed over the past two years.
Out of the 21 bungalows being restored there are five distinct legendary bungalows featuring design elements inspired by select notable guests who have frequented the hotel over the past century. Bungalow 5, inspired by Elizabeth Taylor; and Bungalow 22, inspired by Frank Sinatra, were unveiled in the summer of 2016. Bungalow 1, inspired by Marilyn Monroe and Bungalow 3 inspired by Howard Hughes were unveiled in January 2019; and Bungalow 9, inspired by Charlie Chaplin will debut in July 2019.
Bungalow 1’s thoughtful new design incorporates aspects of Marilyn Monroe’s life and includes whimsical elements reflective of her most celebrated movie roles. Glamorous and youthful best describe the aesthetic of this bungalow that was a personal favourite of Marilyn Monroe and reflects the southern California lifestyle that she so enjoyed and loved. With curvy furniture, bright and abstract floor coverings, colourful travertine stones, and gold-leafed ceilings, this feminine space is both playful and sophisticated. Strong Jean Michel Frank influences pay homage to her use of his designs in her own home, including extensive use of parchment to envelop aspects of each room.
Bungalow 3 pays homage to one of the hotel’s most famous residents, Howard Hughes, who lived in the bungalows on-and-off for 30 years. With stormy bold colors, dark stones, and rich exotic woods, this bungalow’s look and feel is as mysterious and moody as the reclusive billionaire himself. Art-deco references include geometrics and rich sheens, conveying a masculine glamour through the use of glossy leathers, tailored shapes, and blue bedroom walls.
First introduced in 1915 to accommodate families that wanted more space and privacy, the iconic bungalows remain an important part of the hotel’s character. They are known the world over for their history with Hollywood royalty and colourful anecdotes, which include Marilyn Monroe living on and off in Bungalow 1 and 7, Howard Hughes spending over 30 years in Bungalow 4 and Elizabeth Taylor and Marlene Dietrich calling them home for several years.
Designed exclusively to enhance the feeling of effortless and modern Californian style while maintaining the property’s existing residential feel, the bungalows include colour palettes inspired by warm Southern California tones, such as rust, pinks, greens and golds. Furniture styles include a mix of tailored 40’s French and Hollywood Regency, enhancing the bungalows welcoming layout and design. Key finishes include decorative wallpapers, custom embroidered panels, hand-stenciled patterns, intricate floor inlays, and silk accent pillows. State-of-the-art technological upgrades, such as light and temperature control panels and premier Bang Olufsen TVs, are also being made.
The entire bungalow restoration will be completed in July 2019.