Secrets from The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills with GM, Terry Buchholz
- June 10, 2025
Welcome to How To Be A Host podcast, hosted by Charles Ewudo. The show features experts, veterans, movers, and shakers in the nightlife and hospitality worlds here to show you everything you need to know about hosting a party.
When it comes to luxury hospitality in Los Angeles, The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills stands apart as a beacon of old-school charm and modern innovation. In this episode of How to Be a Host, Charles Ewudo, CEO of PCN Entertainment and the voice behind the podcast, sat down with Terry Buchholz, General Manager of this iconic hotel, for a lively conversation. What followed was a fascinating look inside the art of hosting in 2025 — from wellness trends to technology upgrades, legendary guest moments, and the fine balance of Hollywood glamour and grounded service.
Wellness Meets Luxury: Tequila by Night, Meditation by Morning
Terry shared how the hotel embraces a holistic approach to guest experience, blending wellness with the usual high-energy Hollywood nightlife. “For us, it’s about providing a complete, holistic experience,” Terry explains. “We partnered with DEN Meditation to offer guests not only access to meditation, but also acupuncture, therapy, massage, and neurofeedback — all through a seamless online platform connecting them to expert clinicians.”
But Terry is quick to note the balance: “Wellness can sometimes feel overwhelming or far-fetched, so we make it available for those who are curious, without disrupting the core experience. We recently had a sound healing class, and every Monday we host a wellness mix-and-mingler in the morning where guests start their day with guided meditation in the theater — sitting on meditation pillows, setting the tone and purpose for the day.”
It’s a perfect blend of Hollywood’s indulgence and LA’s wellness culture.
“Honestly, you can have your tequila at night, then wake up and detox with meditation in the morning. You gotta have both — rest and recovery."
Future-Proofing Luxury Hospitality
When asked how The London stays relevant in the fast-evolving world of luxury hospitality, Terry highlights the importance of listening. “Our job is to stay relevant while staying true to ourselves and our guests. That means we listen closely to guests, but also to our team — they’re on the front lines and know what it takes to deliver.”
Technology plays a huge role in this evolution. “For example, we invested in hardwiring the entire second floor to make press junkets plug-and-play, so studios don’t have to haul miles of cable anymore. It’s a small detail, but it keeps us competitive and relevant.”
A Behind-the-Scenes Look: Dad Jokes with Oscar Winners
Hospitality isn’t always glamorous, and Terry shared one of his favorite “off-duty” memories. “Discretion and privacy are key here, so I won’t name names, but I once told a dad joke to an Oscar-winning actress in the service elevator while escorting her to a junket. She asked for it, but let’s just say it didn’t land well! The joke was, ‘How did the butcher introduce his new girlfriend? Meet Patty.’ It was a dumb joke, but I owned it.”
This glimpse into the lighter side of luxury hospitality shows how authenticity and humor can humanize even the most star-studded environments.
Hidden Gems & Hollywood Glamour
Terry loves to share some of The London’s best-kept secrets. “One is our screening room — people know we have it but don’t realize it’s available for corporate events, stand-up nights, and indie film screenings. Another is our pool: one of the deepest in West Hollywood, thanks to grandfathered ordinances. It goes six feet deep, and guests are always surprised.”
But perhaps the most charming spot is the Boxwood Sitting Room, tucked away behind the restaurant where they serve iconic afternoon tea on weekends. “It’s a private space with panoramic views of LA — not rooftop views, but the neighborhood and trees. It’s the perfect old-school Hollywood vibe with vintage lamps (now touch-sensitive, of course!) and retro glassware that makes you imagine Marilyn Monroe sipping a martini.”
Chef Anthony Keene, at the helm of the restaurant for 14 years, brings classic training from major luxury hotels, adding to that timeless Hollywood feeling.
Highlight: Terry shared his biggest lesson on hosting events: “Keep your team and your client involved. Understand the client’s vision and expectations, but be honest and transparent if something might set the hotel up for failure. Suggest alternatives and collaborate on solutions — it’s all about problem-solving together.”
