There’s luxury, and then there’s the Hotel Bel-Air. Tucked away in one of Beverly Hills’ most exclusive hillside neighborhoods, this is the kind of hotel you’ll never want to leave, with sprawling verdant grounds, and airy, ultra private-feeling rooms. The main part of the estate was built back in the 1920s as the planning office for the newly-minted Bel-Air locale, and converted into a hotel in the 1940s. It remains a paragon of old Hollywood glamour, and you’ll feel like you’re in your own little world in this secluded retreat halfway up one of L.A.’s many hidden canyons. Grace Kelly loved it so much there’s a suite named after her, and it’s also where Marilyn Monore staged her last ever photoshoot. Warning: don’t book the Hotel Bel-Air if this is your first trip to L.A., as you’ll struggle to see anything else the city has to offer.
Why stay at Hotel Bel-Air?
If you ‘want to be alone’ you can do your best Greta Garbo here. A proper hideaway, the Bel-Air Hotel was made as a private sanctuary. The dusty pink-painted mission-style property features 60 acres of gorgeously landscaped gardens, with over 1,200 different types of plants, from jasmine to fruit trees as well as the stunning purple lonchocarpus tree that drapes itself wantonly over the hotel restaurant’s al fresco terrace. There’s also a hidden grotto with ducks, a lake with swans and a redwood grove, plus modern art—sculptures by Michael Wilding Jr (aka Elizabeth Taylor’s son) pepper the lobby and on the exterior pathways that link together the hotel’s various outbuildings.
What are the rooms like at Hotel Bel-Air?
A mid-size hotel with cozy, boutique energy, there are 103 rooms here, including 45 suites. No two rooms are alike, but are all modern, with midcentury-styled furniture that harks back to classic Hollywood. Some suites come with poolside patios, others with private plunges, firepits, canyon views and fireplaces. All feel very, very luxe. There are Japanese toilets, fluffy robes, a turndown service complete with chocolate on the pillow, and they’re extremely proud of their in-room dining, with the pathways often buzzing with staff proudly delivering yummy platters to guests in their suites. The hotel itself is a bit of a maze, with various wings to get your head around, but that only adds to the charm.
What is the food like at Hotel Bel-Air?
The largely al fresco restaurant features comfy leather booths, a canopy of purple flowering trees and fairy lights against the pink mission style walls. Food is a strong point—come for the healthy-feeling California breakfasts, such as fluffy egg white frittata with fresh asparagus, courgette and sun-dried tomatoes, alongside fresh juices. In the evening they offer the likes of organic Jidori chicken, or farmers market cauliflower with grilled savoy cabbage and brussels sprouts. The bar is moodier and perfect for a low-lit, potent cocktail.
What is the service like at Hotel Bel-Air?
The staff is legendary for accommodating the unusual demands of celebrities (they swiftly arranged a wedding between Ronald Reagan’s daughter Patti and her yoga instructor in 1984). Of course, they’re also adept at more day-to-day demands and there’s a very handy complimentary house car to take you around the local area; perfect for when you’d rather not rely on Uber, are getting dinner and drinks in Beverly Hills, or want to hit up Rodeo Drive and come back loaded with shopping.
What is the pool and spa like at Hotel Bel-Air?
Do your own Marilyn-inspired photoshoot by the hotel’s vintage pool, which started out as a horse-riding ring (hence the oval shape) and takes pride of place on the extremely suave cover of Bryan Ferry’s 1974 album Another Time, Another Place. Want more Hollywood lore? Actor Robert Wagner was a pool boy here before he was a star, and it features in the opening sequence of 1965’s The Silencers with Rat Pack don Dean Martin. There’s a bar service here and due to the fact that only hotel guests can use the pool, it never feels overly-crammed or busy. The spa is a much more recent addition, added when the Hotel Bel-Air was relaunched by the Dorchester group in 2011. It offers Valmont facials from the famous Swiss company, a hair salon, 24-hour gym, nail suite, steam rooms, and massage treatments. It isn’t cheap; the signature facial is 90 minutes long and will set you back $1,050. More affordable is the 30 minute manicure at $90.
What’s the area like around Hotel Bel-Air?
Once you’re here, you’re here—Bel-Air is an exclusive residential neighborhood with no sidewalks, so you’re pretty much stuck at the hotel unless you drive out to Beverly Hills. But frankly, why would anyone want to leave this perfect place? It’s not cheap by any means, but if you’re in a position to stay here, we recommend soaking up the glamour and the dreamy peaceful atmosphere. Flop by the pool with a book, stroll to the idyllic Swan Lake, which is so lovely that it hosts around 50 weddings a year.
Why should you book a stay at Hotel Bel-Air?
To live a life of cosseted, secluded luxury. As one of L.A.’s most exclusive hotels, it certainly feels special. With gorgeous gardens, a perfect pool and extremely amenable staff, come to the Hotel Bel-Air for some serious celebrity treatment.
DETAILS
Address: 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Price: Rooms from $995 a night
Closest transport: LAX, which is a 20-minute drive
Book now: via Booking.com
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