The Paul R. Williams Suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel

If you want to experience Hollywood glamor to its fullest, book a stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Boulevard. During its golden age in the 1930s-1960s, this hotel in Beverly Hills was frequented by so many stars it could have formed its own private galaxy.

To truly find out what it was like to stay in the Beverly Hills Hotel during the mid century period, reserve a night at the Paul R. Williams Suite, named after the famous architect who designed it.

Paul R. Williams’ Work on the Beverly Hills Hotel

Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Lounge — Along with the suite bearing his name, Paul R. Williams also designed the Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge. Photo used with permission from Beverly Hills Hotel.

The history of the Beverly Hills Hotel dates back to the early 20^th century. The main building was designed by Elmer Grey in the Mission style in 1912. At that time, it was not squarely in Los Angeles, but was situated “halfway between Los Angeles and the sea.”

Over the years, many changes and additions were made to the hotel. The hotel’s prominence peaked during the mid-20^th century, during which time architect Paul Revere Williams had made a name for himself among Hollywood’s elite. It is no surprise that the hotel commissioned him for multiple projects. These included the Crescent Wing addition, the Polo Lounge (pictured above and dubbed by the hotel as its “most interesting room”), the trolley stop pavilion, sign and logo, and of course, the Paul R. Williams Suite.

Frozen in Time: A Little Slice of MCM Heaven in Modern Times

Paul R. Williams suite living room — The living room of the Paul R. Williams Suite is open and airy, characterized by elegant curving lines and a classic Mid Century Modern color palette. Photo used with permission by Beverly Hills Hotel.

When you step inside the Paul R. Williams Suite, you’ll instantly feel like you have stepped back in time. According to the Dorchester Collection, the suite as it exists today still looks largely how it did back in 1948, the year it was constructed.

A spacious living room dominates the floor plan, complete with stylish seating, a private bar, a grand piano, fireplace, even a roomy porch. Every inch of the suite was built for entertaining.