Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Beverly Hills

Over the years I’ve found that Beverly Hills is home to high-end boutiques and multi-million dollar real estate, but I’ve learned that doesn’t mean everything here has to come with a high price tag. However, I have learned that Beverly Hills has some great offers for Valentine’s Day that may not yet break the bank

The Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive, the only hotel on Beverly Hills’ most famous shopping street, and in the heart of Beverly Hills, is offering a “Love Me, Lavish Me” package at rates starting at $310 per night for deluxe accommodations, continental breakfast for two, served in Café Rodeo or in the comfort of your room, two glasses of sparkling Rose with strawberries, $40 food and beverage credit, 15 percent of spa purchases, one complimentary in-room movie and last but not least a bathtub turndown.

The Luxe is rated as an upscale small luxury hotel that combines the style, glitter, and prestige of the locale, beautiful views with unique access to all the glamour of Los Angeles and located in the center of Beverly Hills, just 10 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. It is also just a short drive to the Beverly Hills Hotel Lounge where you can find Robin Williams holding court. The Patio at the Bel Aire Hotel is another favorite lunching spot where I spotted John Travolta and Anthony Hopkins.

Or if you choose to be a little more secluded from the main drag, there’s also the ultra posh Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, Bel Air. They are offering an executive suite package with rates starti.ng at $279 per night. This includes the luxury of the executive suite and two glasses of sparkling rose. The property is located on seven acres of lush property at the intersection of Brentwood and Bel Air and has a gorgeous outdoor heated pool, tennis courts and a Zen-inspired spa. You can also choose to spend the special day with your beloved furry friend, as the hotel is pet friendly.

Beverly Hills, measuring less than six square miles, is also a truly walking city within greater Los Angeles. I found that it offers a vast collection of public art, extraordinary architecture, beautiful parks and gardens, and many community events. Whether it’s a self-guided tour along Rodeo Drive, a museum visit, or a movie screening, you can explore and window-shop without spending a dime. That way you have more to pamper yourself with back at the hotel. Not to mention, sneaking in some star watching and sighting just before the Oscars.

The Following are some of my favorite and either free or inexpensive things to do in Beverly Hills:

1. The Paley Center for Media (formerly the Museum of Television & Radio) or peruse the library of more than 140,000 radio and television programs. This cultural institution is dedicated to the discussion of the cultural, creative and social significance of television, radio and emerging platforms.

2. The Beverly Hills Farmers Market, open Sunday morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It hosts more than 60 farmers and vendors who provide the finest California-grown, fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, juices, breads, specialty items and much more, in a festive outdoor setting,

3. A self-guided walking tour of the various public art sculptures at the spectacular art galleries around town. Maps are available @ Beverlyhills.org

4. The Getty Center is a must see. It is the stunning Richard Meier-designed facility that presents the Getty Family’s collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present, against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens and breathtaking views and coastlines. The Center also offers many FREE family events and programs.

5. The Greystone Mansion and Park — Originally the largest family estate in Beverly Hills, the grounds once covered 425 acres with a large brook and a cascading waterfall. Today, it is a filming location backdrop for numerous films, such as Spiderman, Airforce One, and Indecent Proposal. The views are not to be missed. Then th ere is The Cactus Garden- One of the world’s largest collection of cacti filling an entire city block.

6. Last but not least, The Hollywood Walk of Fame – Stroll the iconic walk with its more than 2,000 stars or plan a visit during an induction ceremony which is open to the public. Visit hollywoodchamber.net for ceremony schedules.

Enjoy your Valentine’s Day. For more information on these packages, call 1-800-468-3541, the booking code is LOVE or contact your local travel professional.

Copyright by Marcia Abramson