An elite oasis, Hotel Bel-Air is tucked away on a 12-acre property, in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods of Los Angeles. If you’re a luxury traveler who values seclusion, you cant’ go wrong with this rose-colored, Mission-style retreat.
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In this review, we’ll cover why we think this five-star property is one of the best luxury offerings in the City of Angels.
Please Note: Hotel Bel-Air is part of the Dorchester Collection of Hotels, owned by the Brunei Investment Agency. As such, the hotel is currently the subject of ongoing controversy because of its ownership by the Sultan of Brunei.
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Style
A historic property built by Bel-Air founder and tennis champion Alphonzo Bell in 1922, the hotel has since undergone multiple renovations, most recently by interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud. Nowadays, the pink Spanish Mission-style resort reflects the Hollywood golden era of the 1930s and 40s.
Hotel Bel-Air also capitalizes on its vast 12-acre grounds by incorporating the outdoors in all public spaces, as well as winding pathways filled with local and exotic flowers, ferns, palms, and trees.
Rooms
Hotel Bel-Air has 103 guestrooms, 45 of which are suites. Our Deluxe Room with Patio had a classic Californian design with signature limestone floors, natural wood ceilings and contemporary palette of brown, white, beige, and gold. In the bathroom, there’s a heated floor, deep tub, separate shower and Anne Semonin bath amenities. Plus, the bathrobes are sumptuous.
Facilities
The Hotel Bel-Air Spa covers 4,000 square feet and includes seven treatment rooms, a Joseph Martin Hair Salon and a 24-hour Technogym fitness center. The spa itself features Valmont treatments which blend nature and science to achieve powerful, effective results.
You’ll find yourself spending most of your time at the oval pool – heated to 82 degrees year round – where you’ll be treated to hourly “pop up” treats like ice-cream sundaes, push pops, and slushies. Other amenities include a boutique and courtesy transport within a three-mile radius.
Food & Drink
Hotel Bel-Air only has one option for food, but at least it’s Wolfgang Puck. The restaurant offers a creative and fresh menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients, beautifully cooked and presented in a relaxed and elegant setting.
Start the morning right with the Egg-White Frittata. For lunch, get the Mediterranean Mezze for a variety of tasty bites. And for dinner, go all out with the Steak Tartare, Keluga Caviar, and Chocolate Souffle.
End your evening at the popular Bar + Lounge featuring live music every night, as well as small-batch rye, scotch, bourbon, and whiskey.
Service
The service at Hotel Bel-Air is impeccable, as you would expect from a renowned establishment that serves the ultra-famous and the uber-rich on the regular. There is no request too great (or too strange) that they can’t arrange at a moment’s notice.
Location
This five-star property is the only hotel permitted in the uber-exclusive neighborhood of Bel-Air. It’s nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica mountains where winding roads, lack of pavement and high hedges promote extreme privacy. It will feel like you’re worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, but the Getty Museum is only ten minutes away and West Hollywood is a mere 15-minute drive.
Address: 701 Stone Canyon Road, Bel-Air.
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Conclusion
Hotel Bel-Air’s 12 acres of landscaped gardens give the property a feeling of privacy and seclusion, although it’s only a few minutes drive from Beverly Hills’ designer shopping. That, along with the historic charm, gourmet Californian cuisine by Wolfgang Puck, luxury spa, chic outdoor pool, and impeccable service, is why Hotel Bel-Air takes a spot on our list of the best five-star hotels in Los Angeles.
