Resort Review - Hotel Bel-Air

The hotel interiors, designed by Alexandra Champalimaud, lean into the classic Hollywood of it all, with elegant and comfortable furniture in the lobby and rooms. The rooms are generously sized: Deluxe guestrooms and suites are located throughout the property, ranging from 335 to 1481 interior square feet. The ample space gives guests the feeling of a home away from home. My suite had all the furnishings and amenities to make my stay productive; working from the beautiful leather desk every morning, taking meetings in the living room space, stepping out on the private patio every now and then for sun and fresh air.

The storied hotel had been a residence to classic stars like Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Dining at Wolfgang Puck on the hotel grounds is pricey and can be a hit or miss, but when it hit, it hit well. The salmon pizza was outstanding, as well as the club sandwich, which - no exaggeration - was the best club of my life, and a once- or twice-a-day meal in the week I was there. The restaurant hosts are exceptionally friendly and flexible to your needs.

From a design perspective, my favorite area at the hotel was the Bar & Lounge, decorated in what I can describe as a gentlemanly-regency fashion, with dark fabrics, glossy black walls, brass accents, and large-scale photography of rockstars and icons by Norman Seeff. From Sunday to Thursday there is a piano player from 6 pm on, and then Friday to Saturday, guests can enjoy a jazz trio. As a non-drinker, I was happy to see they had non-alcoholic cocktails, my go-to being a rose-water and cranberry juice concoction with muddled raspberries. I had at least four.

Hotel Bel-Air Spa spa experience was even better than I anticipated. Again, hosted by the kindest staff within an environment that perfectly marries warmth, extravagance, and intimacy. My aesthetician Lena had a loving touch as she massaged Valmont products into my skin, and ended the facial with a massage and light breathwork. I left completely relaxed, rejuvenated and glowing. There is also a private nail suite with three manicure/pedicure stations, a Relaxation Lounge, and a steam room.

As mentioned, the products used for the facial were exclusively by the Swiss skincare expert Valmont. Over 10 products were used during the facial, and my favorites were:

Fluid Falls Cleanser

Purifying Pack Clay Mask Layered with Moisturizing with a Mask

DETO2X Cream and Prime Contour Eye Cream.

Bottom Line:

For the friendliest and warmest staff, and for a feeling of luxurious privacy, TDR highly recommends Hotel Bel-Air as a perfect getaway in Los Angeles.

Hotel Bel-Air
701 Stone Canyon Road
Los Angeles, California 90077
(310) 472-1211

Guestrooms from $595 (low season) to $995 (high season)