So, you’re looking for the Montage Beverly Hills hotel Los Angeles. I hate to be the one to tell you this, but if you roll up to 225 North Canon Drive expecting to see the "Montage" logo on the awning, you’re going to be pretty confused.
It’s gone. Sorta.
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In late 2019, the hotel was sold for a staggering amount of money—we’re talking roughly $415 million—to Maybourne Hotel Group. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because they own the legendary London spots like Claridge’s and The Connaught. They officially rebranded it as The Maybourne Beverly Hills in the summer of 2020.
But here’s the thing: everyone still calls it the Montage. It’s etched into the DNA of the Golden Triangle. When people search for the Montage Beverly Hills hotel Los Angeles, they aren't just looking for a room; they’re looking for that specific flavor of Mediterranean-inspired opulence that defined the city’s social scene for over a decade.
The Identity Crisis of 225 North Canon
It’s weird when a landmark changes names. It feels like a glitch in the matrix. The Montage opened its doors in 2008, right when the world economy was face-planting, yet it somehow became the "it" spot almost instantly. It was the first ultra-luxury hotel to be built in Beverly Hills in something like 16 years.
Alan Fuerstman, the founder of Montage International, really nailed the vibe. He wanted something that felt like it had been there since the 1920s. Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Terracotta roofs. Lush gardens. It worked. For years, it was the unofficial headquarters for Oscar season. If you were a celebrity who wanted to be seen—but also wanted a back entrance to avoid the paparazzi—this was your bunker.
When Maybourne took over, they didn't just swap the stationery and call it a day. They started a massive interior facelift. They brought in designers like Bryan O’Sullivan and André Fu to modernize the aesthetic. The heavy, dark wood "old world" feel of the original Montage started giving way to vibrant pops of color, contemporary art, and a sleeker, British-influenced sophistication.
What Actually Stayed the Same?
The location. Honestly, you cannot beat it. You are literally steps away from Rodeo Drive. You can walk out the front door and be at Gagosian or Burberry in three minutes.
The rooftop pool is still the crown jewel. It offers that classic, sweeping view of the Hollywood Hills that makes you feel like you’ve "arrived." Under the Montage brand, the pool was a bit more traditional. Now, as the Maybourne, it has a slightly more "South of France meets California" energy. The service is still terrifyingly efficient. You put a sunglasses smudge on your lens, and someone is there with a microfiber cloth before you even notice it.
The spa is another holdover in terms of quality. It was a massive 20,000-square-foot sanctuary under the Montage, and it remains one of the few places in LA where you can get a legitimate Turkish Hammam experience.
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Why the Sale Happened
Money talks. At the time of the sale, the price worked out to about $2 million per room. That is an insane valuation. Oh, and keep in mind that the deal didn't include the Montage brand name—just the real estate and the operations.
Business-wise, it was a masterstroke for the Sultan of Qatar-backed Maybourne Group. They wanted a footprint in the US, and there is no better trophy property than this one. For Montage International, it allowed them to focus on their resort properties like Laguna Beach and Healdsburg.
But for the guest? It created a bit of a split. If you loved the "Old Hollywood" stuffiness of the Montage, the new Maybourne might feel a bit too trendy for you. If you found the Montage a bit dated, the new look is a godsend.
The Celebrity Factor
Let’s talk about the paparazzi. Under the Montage Beverly Hills hotel Los Angeles banner, the "hidden" driveway was legendary. It’s an underground portal that allows high-profile guests to slip in and out without being photographed.
Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber famously spent a huge chunk of their early marriage living in the hotel. Why? Because the security is tighter than a drum. Whether it’s called Montage or Maybourne, that infrastructure hasn't changed. You’ll still see the blacked-out SUVs idling in the motor court, waiting for a tech billionaire or a Marvel actor to emerge.
The Food Scene Pivot
One of the biggest shifts post-Montage was the dining. Remember Georgie? Or The Garden Bar? They’re relics now.
The Maybourne brought in Dante Beverly Hills. If you know the NYC bar scene, you know Dante. It was named the best bar in the world a few years back. Putting a Dante outpost on the rooftop of the former Montage was a brilliant move. It changed the demographic. Suddenly, you had a younger, fashion-forward crowd hanging out for martinis at 3:00 PM, rather than just the business-lunch crowd that dominated the Montage era.
There’s also The Terrace. It sits right against the Beverly Canon Gardens. It’s one of the best places for people-watching in the entire zip code. You sit there with a Cobb salad, watching tourists take selfies in the park while local power brokers whisper over espresso. It’s peak Beverly Hills.
Is It Still Worth the Price Tag?
Prices here haven't dropped just because the name changed. In fact, they’ve gone up. You are looking at $1,000 a night for a "basic" room, and that’s on a quiet Tuesday. If you want one of the suites—the ones where the Montage used to house royalty—you’re looking at five figures.
Is it worth it?
If you value being in the center of the universe, yes. If you want a hotel that feels like a private club where the staff knows your name before you’ve even checked in, then the spirit of the Montage is still alive in the Maybourne.
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But if you’re looking for a quiet, secluded retreat away from the noise? Go to the Hotel Bel-Air instead. This hotel is about the energy of the city. It’s about being half a block from the loudest luxury stores on earth.
Real Talk on the Rooms
The original Montage rooms were very... beige. Very safe. Lots of crown molding and plush carpets.
The Maybourne renovation has injected some much-needed personality. We're talking bespoke furniture and a more curated art collection. They’ve kept the massive marble tubs, though. Thank god for that. There is nothing worse than a $1,200-a-night hotel room with a tiny shower.
One thing to watch out for: the rooms facing the gardens are significantly quieter than the ones facing the street. Canon Drive gets loud. Exotic car owners love to rev their engines at the stoplight right outside. It’s part of the charm, I guess, but not at 2:00 AM.
Navigating the Transition
If you have an old gift card or a loyalty point situation from the Montage days, you’re likely out of luck. The systems are completely separate now. Montage has their "I-Prefer" style rewards and their own brand loyalty, while Maybourne operates on its own prestige.
Also, don't try to book through the old Montage website. It’ll just redirect you to their other properties like Deer Valley or Los Cabos.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Don't ask for the "Montage" bar. You’ll look like a tourist from 2015. Ask for Dante or The Maybourne Bar.
- Use the public gardens. The Beverly Canon Gardens located right outside are technically public, but the hotel treats them like their front yard. It’s a great spot to sit if you don’t want to pay $30 for a cocktail at The Terrace.
- Check the event calendar. This hotel hosts massive gala events. If you’re staying during a major awards show, expect the lobby to be a chaotic sea of tuxedos and security guards.
- The Secret Entrance. If you’re arriving via Uber and want to avoid the crowd, ask them to drop you at the residential entrance side. It’s much more discreet.
- Validate your parking. Valet is eye-watering. If you’re just visiting for lunch, make sure you get that ticket stamped, or you’ll be paying upwards of $60 just to park your car for an hour.
The Montage Beverly Hills hotel Los Angeles might have technically "died" in 2020, but the building is more vibrant than ever. It’s just wearing a more expensive, British-tailored suit now.