Checking Into History

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Is there any other way for an aging Hollywood icon to celebrate a big birthday but with a facelift and some publicity stunts?

Absolutely not, even if you’re the Beverly Hills Hotel.

To celebrate its centennial, the 120-room pink palace is rolling out some quirky specials this year, including offering packages that treat young guests to a chase by “paparazzi” asking for autographs and photos.

But maybe most unusual is the opening of a time capsule buried not so long ago – in not-so historic 1993.

Spokeswoman Leslie Lefkowitz said some items in the capsule date back to the hotel’s origins – the hotel opened May 12, 1912 – but the contents have deliberately been left secret until this fall’s opening.

Like any aging socialite, the hotel, owned by London luxury hotel operator the Dorchester Collection, will also undergo some refurbishment to its lobby, guestrooms and restaurants that will begin this month. Those will last about 18 months but are not expected to disrupt the hotel or change its style.

“The banana wallpaper, and pink and white stripes aren’t going anywhere,” said Lefkowitz.

Neither are the high room rates, which run up to $1,350 a night.

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