These days, of course, Beverly Hills is considered centrally located, but when the Beverly Hills Hotel opened in 1912, it was pretty much out in the middle of nowhere—as we can see from this photo taken during that first year: open land, lima bean fields, and a bridle track. It was built as a country retreat where guests could get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, by which was meant downtown Los Angeles. It must have been so peaceful and refreshing to walk out the front door and see…nothing!

Those palm trees certainly grew to an impressive height! (February 2017)