Hotel Bel-Air

TL;DR

• Historic glam: Since 1946, with past guests from Marilyn Monroe to Ronald Reagan.
• Iconic design: Mediterranean-inspired architecture, lush gardens, pink walls.
• Exclusive setting: Secluded in the Hollywood Hills, yet minutes from central LA.
• Check prices here

Though it’s on the larger side of the LA boutique hotel spectrum, Hotel Bel-Air nonetheless embodies all the novelty, beauty and elegance that defines a good hotel experience.

Though they’ve welcomed guests from Marilyn Monroe to Ronald Reagan, the appeal goes far beyond a history of star clientele.

Established in 1946, the architecture is remarkable and the landscaping genuinely breathtaking.

Tucked away in the Hollywood Hills, this pink-walled hotel offers dreamy Mediterranean accommodation for those wanting to explore LA from private comfort and luxury.

What are the rooms like?

• 103 Spacious rooms: Even the smallest are 430 sq ft.
• Range: Superior to Grand Deluxe rooms, plus unique suites.
• Features: Patios, plunge pools, fireplaces, lofted studios.
• Style: Neutral tones with gold and leather accents, tiled floors, wooden ceilings.
• Amenities: Minibars, coffee makers, plush linens and towels.
• See all the rooms in detail here on the booking page

Almost half room, half suite, the hotel is built for indulgence. Decor is simple and sophisticated: warm gray, cream and beige offset by well-placed gold and dark leather flourishes.

The rooms have four levels, from Superior to Grand Deluxe. Even the smallest rooms are a generous 430 square feet, though you may want to spring for a room with a private patio where you can enjoy the fragrance of their tropical garden.

A common feature of historic hotels, all the suites are just a little different, though they all boast the same levels of luxury and class.

Whatever your definition of upscale hospitality, you’ll find it here. They have poolside options, including units with plunge pools; lofted studios; suites featuring fireplaces; and many with large patios to relax on.

All rooms include coffee makers, minibars, gorgeous tiled floors and tasteful wooden ceilings.

The linens and towels are plush and inviting, the rooms designed for long, relaxed mornings and cozy evening hang-outs.

What are prices like?

> Check prices here

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

• Dining: Mediterranean-inspired California menu with vegan/vegetarian options.
• Venues: Lakeside terraces, chic outdoor bar, and intimate booths.
• Bar: Renovated Oak Bar with celebrity photos and live entertainment.
• Spa: Full Valmont spa, nail salon, hair services, steam rooms.
• Fitness: 24-hour gym available.
• Pet policy: Pet-friendly hotel, but restaurant/bar limited to service dogs.

The hotel restaurant open to the public, and is a huge draw for elegant diners throughout the city.

With intimate booths, lake-side terraces, and a chic outdoor bar, you’ll find the perfect place for a memorable culinary experience.

The menu is classic Mediterranean-inspired California fare, many with a decided Southern-California character.

Vegan and vegetarian options abound, many have strong Thai and Vietnamese influences, and the tortilla soup is a fan favorite.

The Bar and Lounge, a 2012 remodel of the famous Oak Bar, is where the hotel’s long history is most evident.

The walls are decked-out in black-and-white photographs of almost a century of celebrities, and they offer daily live entertainment options.

There’s a tasty meze-style bar menu and a beautifully planned cocktail list.

Their take on the French 75, a bubbly elderflower concoction, goes perfectly with both the glamorous decor and the floral scents wafting in from the garden.

Once you’re fed and watered, you won’t want to miss a visit to the spa. Also updated in 2012, the famous pink walls remain, enclosing a space dedicated to your wellness and relaxation.

It’s full-on, featuring Valmont products, a wide range of treatments, a nail salon, Joseph Hair & Beauty services, and steam rooms. You’ll also have a 24-hour fitness center at your disposal.

While the hotel is pet-friendly, please note that the restaurant and bar are service-dog-only.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

• Location: Secluded in Bel-Air’s hills, private yet central.
• Nearby: Minutes to Rodeo Drive, Getty Museum, Westwood Village.
• Access: Easy drives to Sunset Strip, Santa Monica, and beaches.

The height of exclusivity, Hotel Bel-Air is one of only a few truly special hotels tucked away in the hills of Greater LA.

The location alone would be enough to warrant a visit, even if the hotel wasn’t so charming.

You’ll feel outside of the city, but a short drive will get you to any number of LA must-sees.

You’re less than 10 minutes from Rodeo Drive, the Getty Museum, and the charming Westwood Village.

Five more minutes will get you to the Sunset Strip, Santa Monica, and the rest of the beaches.

The entirety of the city really will be at your fingertips, with the opportunity to retreat into your Californian paradise whenever you choose.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

”Excellent location, superb services, helpful staff, what else do you need? Will definitely come again….”

”The hotel was beautiful and the decor was very stylish. We had a great stay and would definitely stay here again, thank you…”

Some things guests didn’t like:

”Crazy expensive…not just because product was uniquely better but just because location, reputation, etc. i understand all the things that go into the cost – real estate, top staff, etc., but it was crazy expensive relative to similar places…”

”The lighting system was a pain… too complicated and individual lights couldn’t be turned on and off….”

> Read all the reviews right here