From the outside, it’s easy to imagine Beverly Hills as it’s depicted in movies, but as true locals (Allyson was born and raised in BH), we have a bit of a different perspective.

At under 6 square miles, Beverly Hills truly operates like a small town in the heart of one of the country’s biggest cities.  Despite the cachet of its famous zip code, it maintains a small-town feel.

Beverly Hills is the perfect place to host a weekend of events, as there are so many offerings within the city limits at a multitude of echelons and price points. Here is our insider’s guide to hosting an event in this iconic city.

-Let the city work for you: Beverly Hills ia truly walkable place if you plan the weekend itinerary wisely. Be sure to select hotels located in central areas when coordinating room blocks and selecting locations for auxiliary events. To that end, don’t over-plan the weekend. While it’s wonderful to host key events throughout the weekend, be sure to schedule in some downtime so that your guests can experience all that the city has to offer!

-Beverly Hills is one of the world’s mmost iconic travel destinations for its depiction in media and entertainment, but so much of what the city has to offer is more than what people see in movies. The city really takes what’s so great about LA’s melting pot and saturates it into a small space, where you’re able to find a mix of fine dining and fast-casual restaurants, hotels, shops, theater, parks, museums, and cultural experiences all in one place, so there’s something for everyone. Beverly Hills is also in the heart of some of LA’s most interesting neighborhoods, so it’s the perfect home base from which to explore the greater Los Angeles Area.ater Los Angeles area.

-Stay within the city limits. Beverly Hills has a small, almost village-like community where veryone truly does know your name. Embrace the local businesses, and they’ll embrace you back. If you immerse yourself within the local community, the service you will find is second to none. A local planner can help you traverse the intricacies of the community and lead you through the best location offerings for your events, from the multitude of high-end hotels and restaurants, to exclusive private estates.

Things to eat, see and do!

-It’s easy to plan for a day of window-shopping on Rodeo Drive, but one of our favorite features of the city is the row of high-end department stars all in a row on Wilshire Boulevard:  Saks, and Neiman Marcus can be found between Camden Drive and McCarty Drive in Beverly Hills.   There are also a slew of amazing boutiques like The Lady and the Sailor, Jill Roberts, Gratus on Canon

-Want to see what Larry King has for breakfast? Check out Nate ‘n Al’s Deli for sky-high deli sandwiches and the perfect Bagel-and-Lox breakfast.

-In the mood for a true Italian meal? Both Cañon & Beverly Drive are packed to-the-brim with delicious options, but Il Pastaio is our personal favorite, with homemade Sicilian-inspired cuisine offering lunch and dinner in a beautiful setting, on one of our favorite streets in the city, it’s hard to beat! They also have a gorgeous private dining room that’s perfect for events.

-Looking for a little afternoon pick-me-up? Stop at Euro Caffe or Edo for the true quintessential Italian coffee bar experience.

-Chaumont Bakery has incredible fresh croissants and delicious breakfast and lunch offerings.

-Croft Alley offers fresh fusion fare, including their highly instagrammable chlorophyll yogurt and the world’s best salted chocolate cookies!

-Honor Bar is a great local haunt for the best burger in town and beer on tap and a fantastic boutique wine store.  They don’t take reservations, so it’s wise to go on off-hours to satisfy your craving!

-The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills is a cheese-lover’s paradise, but be warned that you might smell its offerings from down the block! They have a rich history in the city, and treat their regulars like family. Make sure you check out their monthly wine and cheese paring classes!

-Want your cupcakes from an ATM, or even better…a cupcake ice cream sandwich? Do not miss the famed Sprinkles Cupcakes to satisfy those sugar cravings.

-If you have a sweet tooth, Edelweiss Chocolates serves up delicious homemade sweet treats, and they also offer great gift bag options. Or, if you’d like to keep it healthy, you can visit Go Greek for tart frozen Greek yogurt.

-If you’re a scotch lover, the highly-exclusive Ten Pound at the Montage Hotel boasts a Macallan bar and crisp bacon in lieu of a bread basket.

-The Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market takes over a portion of the city every Sunday, and in addition to farmers market fare and produce like the famous Harry’s Berries, it offers live music, a petting zoo and pony rides!

-Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts offers world-class theater and musical performances.

-Verabella is hands down the world’s best facial. Their loyal client-base flocks to her spa from all over the world for her iconic facials and all-natural products. If you can’t make there in-person, she sells her products at her online store.

-Wonder where the feathered brow got its start? Striiike is female and family founded and operated, and is beauty mecca to the stars.  They also partner up with Helen’s Wines for classes and tastings at their store!

-If you’re looking for authentic Chinese Food, Joss and Xian knock it out of the park!

–Wally’s is a great destination for wine, food, and above all, people-watching.

 

-Arturo’s is the end-all, be-all of high-end shoe and handbag repair.

-Beverly Canon Gardens is located adjacent to the Montage Hotel, and offers a summer concert series called Concerts on Canon, that offers live music performances every Thursday night.

-The Beverly Hills Trolley is one of the city’s mainstays, and  offers free service to riders on weekends from 11am-5pm!

-Alfred Coffee Beverly Hills, which famously coined the phrase “But First, Coffee” is a stylish and whimsical shop serving coffee, juice and snacks.

-The Beverly Hills Hotel has some of the most iconic offerings in the city: stop by the Fountain Coffee Room for some seriously delicious silver dollar pancakes and bacon, soak up the sun poolside for lunch at the Cabana Cafe, experience true luxury for any meal of the day at the historic Polo Lounge and end the night with a cocktail and a view of the sunset at Bar Nineteen12.

–Spago, Beverly Hills is truly one of the originators of fine dining in the entire country.

-The iconic Ivy of Beverly Hills is the place to see, be seen and experience incredible farm-to-table cuisine in a stunning garden-inspired setting.