Inside the Polo Lounge's rituals and the elusive pink card

At the Beverly Hills Hotel’s Polo Lounge recently, several agency and studio chiefs dined at separate tables, showing how the room still functions as a weekday office for Hollywood power players. Front and outdoor booths act as visible status markers; a lunch there can substitute for multiple one-on-one meetings and carries a particular social currency.

A coveted perk is the 'pink card,' an account arrangement that once granted holders privileges and annual gifts. Veterans say the card is rare or no longer issued; one agent called it a curse after family members ran up thousands in charges. The card’s origin is traced to longtime resident George Novogroder, who also lent his name to a turkey burger on the hotel’s menu that several industry figures have praised.

The hotel would not comment on the card, citing guest privacy and security.

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