The Pink Palace is expanding.
In a significant milestone — its first major extensive expansion since the 1940s — the Beverly Hills Hotel is preparing five new public spaces to pump its dining, entertainment and lounging offerings inside one of Hollywood’s favored hideaways. The new spaces add to a stable that already includes the popular Polo Lounge, Fountain Coffee Room and Cabana Cafe, all of which will remain unchanged.
The Dorchester Collection property partnered with designer Ken Fulk, who is serving as creative director for the project. Through his titular firm, Fulk maintains studios in San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles and a client list that spans hotels, individuals and brands. He previously teamed with Pharrell Williams to launch Miami’s Goodtime Hotel, and is credited with serving as creative director at Major Food Group and co-founder of Felix Roasting Co.
As for the expansion, set to be unveiled later this year, the Beverly Hills Hotel will introduce a supper club and luxury dining destination with entertainment curated by staffers who have programmed for London’s Annabel’s and the Arts Club; a cocktail bar and outdoor terrace with views of the L.A. skyline; an indoor-outdoor lounge for locally-sourced fare, coffee and high tea overlooking Sunset Boulevard; a screening room; and a private dining room.
Beverly Hills Hotel general manager John Scanlon said the new spaces will “set a new benchmark” of excellence for the property’s notable history.
“We are excited to be creating a collection of fresh, new, stunningly designed culinary and cocktail venues which will blend the iconic charm of the past with a modern flair while honoring the character and traditions that have defined this hotel for over a century,” offered John Scanlon, Beverly Hills Hotel general manager. “What we are creating is a thoughtful balance between the hotel’s heritage-driven allure and forward, fresh momentum to maintain its enduring relevancy. Our guests have asked for more reasons to enjoy the singular experience that only the Beverly Hills Hotel can provide them with, and we have listened to them.”
Fulk added that he’s “incredibly honored” to be drafted to help write a new chapter for the Beverly Hills Hotel, and he notes that plans have been in the works for six years.
“Few places have shaped my sense of L.A. as an enchanted Shangri-La more than this place. Six years ago, we were tasked with creating a series of new spaces that will surprise and delight yet somehow feel as though they’ve always been there. Highlights include a restored terrace that will stretch across the facade for guests to see and be seen, an elegant all-day cafe opening onto the lobby, a screening room fit for Jack Warner, and a show-stopping supper club that instantly transports guests back to the Golden Age of the silver screen. My goal is for these sparkling new drinking and dining experiences to set the stage for the next generation of glamour and Hollywood lore.”
Opened in 1912, the Beverly Hills Hotel hosts 12 acres of tropical gardens off Sunset Boulevard. It features 210 rooms and suites including 23 bungalows. It regularly hosts a wide variety of elite events from A-list industry parties and galas to weddings and special occasions.
Fulk employs a team of 100 at his Magic Factory in San Francisco, in addition to offices in New York and L.A. His projects include family compounds, high-concept hospitality, boats, planes, private clubs and parties. His trophies include Design LA’s Living Legend Award and Hospitality Design’s Platinum Circle Hall of Fame. He also maintains lifestyle shops in San Francisco and West Hollywood.
