5 Old Hollywood Escapes for a New Year’s Reset

When it comes to glamorous, indulgent hotels and spas, Hollywood’s golden era did it best. Whether to recharge between roles, evade the adoring throngs, or recover sleep lost to late-night escapades, the stars of yesteryear didn’t have to go far for a chic escape: They turned to the great purveyors of pampering in their own backyard. Luckily for us, a few of those classic haunts still provide the same level of service excellence (that is, perfection) that made them the A-listers’ home away from home. While you may not have luck requesting a custom-built bed like Marlene Dietrich did at the Beverly Hills Hotel, modern renovations and innovative comforts—along with old-fashioned hospitality—ensure you’ll feel equally grand at these five retreats. You’re starting a new year—hit refresh, and do it like Marilyn.

 

The Beverly Hills Hotel

 

The Muse: Marilyn Monroe

Opened in 1912, the “Pink Palace” has served as a haven for Hollywood since the first soundstages lit their klieg lights. Its private bungalows, which can be accessed via discreet, shaded paths, have made it the perfect in-town hideout. Elizabeth Taylor chose the bungalows for six of her honeymoons, Clark Gable was rumored to have carried on an affair in his quarters, and Lauren Bacall took up residence while filming with Gregory Peck. But it’s Marilyn Monroe whose legacy burns brightest here. Bungalow 7, where the hotel’s Deco accents shine, can be requested by its nickname, the Norma Jean. These days, the banana-leaf wallpaper still inspires delight in hotel guests, who can unwind in the La Prairie spa cabanas with treatments like the Platinum Rare Facial, which includes head-to-toe ministrations performed by two aestheticians.

 

Chateau Marmont

 

The Muse: Elizabeth Taylor

Born in the ’30s, when studios had tight control over their contracted talent, Chateau Marmont is the ultimate hideaway for guests looking to get out from under the glare. Modeled after the Loire Valley’s Chateau d’Amboise, the building was originally opened as a posh apartment complex before its conversion to a hotel. Its suites retained their thick walls and spacious accommodations, ensuring plenty of privacy for young actors hemmed in by the Motion Picture Production Code. Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Greta Garbo all took refuge in its rooms, where staff would grant complete seclusion or offer hands-on service. These days, discretion is still paramount at the Chateau. Sample the scene at the always-lively Bar Marmont, then enjoy a private personal training session on the premises or a massage in your paparazzi-proof room.

 

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

 

The Muse: Audrey Hepburn

Since appearing as a mythical Shangri-La in Frank Capra’s 1937 classic Lost Horizon, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa has played paradise for generations of Angelenos. To transform the Spanish-style resort beloved by Jayne Mansfield and Judy Garland into a modern getaway worthy of Ojai denizens like Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, the Inn underwent a $90 million renovation in the aughts. Newer features include Casa Elar, a palatial private estate; the Artist Cottage and Apothecary, where guests can blend custom fragrances; and a Moroccan-themed day spa. With suites newly built inside the on-site Spa Village, guests can stay within footsteps of their next treatment. Forgot your sunglasses at the pool? There’s an Oliver Peoples concierge on hand to assist. And if golfing helps you de-stress, Bentley-inspired golf carts and caddies are on hand to ensure a good game.

 

San Ysidro Ranch

 

The Muse: Jackie Kennedy

Two hours north of Los Angeles on the grounds of a former citrus grove sits the sprawling San Ysidro Ranch, an escape for the stars since the 1930s, when actor Ronald Colman transformed the lush, rolling hillside into a tranquil destination for the likes of Lucille Ball. Sumptuous cottages with stone masonry fireplaces, four-poster beds, and open-air hot tubs made the ocean-side ranch the perfect setting for romance. Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier exchanged their vows in the property’s fragrant garden, and John F. and Jacqueline Kennedy honeymooned in a lavishly appointed chalet. And love is still alive in Montecito: Lily Aldridge and Caleb Followill chose the retreat for their wedding—and, before consciously uncoupling, so did Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin.

 

Golden Door

 

The Muse: Natalie Wood

For inside-and-out replenishment, Hollywood royalty past and present know that nothing (not even a time machine) beats a week at the opulent Golden Door. One hundred miles south of L.A., this Japanese honjin–inspired oasis sets the bar for rejuvenation, uniting the healing properties of exercise, nutrition, and serious pampering. The go-to spa for Natalie Wood, Elizabeth Taylor, and Zsa Zsa Gabor after opening in the ’50s, “The Door,” as it’s known to regulars, now hosts Olivia Wilde, Nicole Kidman, and others in search of an immersive, therapeutic experience. Organic, calorie-specific meals, a host of daily spa treatments, focused personal training, and even a full wardrobe of spawear are all included in the week’s stay. Don’t be surprised if the resulting glow gets you mistaken for a star.

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