Arrival/Check-In: Upon arriving at the Hotel Bel-Air, I was directed over a bridge to reception. It was like walking through a tropical paradise with gardens all around. The bridge provided a view of a pond and three beautiful swans (Hercules, Athena and Chloe).
I arrived at 10:45 a.m., well before the 3 p.m. check-in, so I wasn’t surprised my room wasn’t ready. I hadn’t eaten all day, so I decided to grab a bite to eat at the hotel’s restaurant, Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air. While waiting for my room to be prepared, I sat on the terrace and enjoyed a gourmet grilled cheese with French Comté, Gruyere and smoked caramelized onions on rustic bread. By the time I was done with lunch, my room was ready.
Guest Quarters: I was happy to be escorted to my room, as the hotel property is on 12 acres and the rooms are more like bungalows, tucked into little nooks along winding walkways through lush greenery. The bellman showed me how the touch screen on the phones control various features in the room, including the lights and temperature. It also allows you to easily contact hotel staff with the touch of a button.
My room had a king-sized bed. A sitting area included a couch, a chair, a small table and a nice-sized desk equipped with an iPad for guests to use throughout their stay. It was programmed with information about the hotel, spa, restaurant and local activities, and also offered Web access.
The bathroom was large, with a double-sink vanity, rainfall shower and — my favorite part — heated floors. There was even a TV over the tub to entertain guests while relaxing.
Speaking of TVs, the Bang & Olufsen flat-screen HD TV in the bedroom was amazing. The picture was so sharp, it almost looked as though the people on screen were in my room.
Services/Amenities: The hotel has a business center equipped with one PC and one Mac adjacent to the lobby lounge. La Prairie Spa is located in one of the new buildings, just added last year. It has seven treatment rooms, including a suite with an outdoor space to accommodate groups. The fitness studio is in the same building and has state-of-the-art equipment with USB ports, Internet access and TVs on all cardio machines.
The Experience: The Hotel Bel-Air is a little slice of paradise right in the heart of L.A. The grounds, which are home to more than 200 species of plants and flowers, are perfectly manicured, and the hotel takes full advantage of the outdoor spaces, allowing guests access to the beautiful scenery as much as possible while maintaining privacy. Many of the suites have large balconies with Jacuzzis, along with fireplaces for a cozy night inside. The staff were all friendly and always greeted me by name and with a smile. I can’t wait to go back.
GT Checklist
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- State-of-the-art fitness center
Hotel Bel-Air
701 Stone Canyon Road
Los Angeles, CA 90077
tel 310 472 1211
hotelbelair.com
Read This Next
2013 Airline Of The Year And Hotel Of The Year
2013 / December 2013
Dec 5, 2013All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedSponsored Content
Treasure Every Moment in The Islands of Tahiti
Welcome to The Islands of Tahiti, where every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted with warm hospitality, time-honored traditions and an awe-inspiring landscape that will take your breath away.
Daily
Jun 1, 2023Park Hyatt Tokyo Prepares for Its New Look
As Park Hyatt Tokyo prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary, it recently embarked on a complete renovation on May 7, with plans to reopen in 2025. The makeover will include all guestrooms and facilities, with the transformation led by design agency Jouin Manku, planning to create a fresh, modern feel.
Daily
Jun 1, 20234 Reasons to Visit Montecucco, Italy, This Summer
Summer is so close we can almost taste it, and as many destinations worldwide vie for your attention, this Italian region awaits your visit. Montecucco, located in southern Tuscany, is a wine lover’s dream, with more than 350 grape varieties and 20 winegrowing regions. Winemaking in this region goes as far back as the Romans, who most likely saw their predecessors, the Etruscans, grow grapes with great success.
Sponsored Content
Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win
Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!
Daily
Jun 1, 2023London Concours Displays Golden Age Coupes
If you’re a fan of ageless luxury, make your way to England’s capital city for The London Concours, June 6–8 on the grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company. Presented by Montres Breguet, the event provides an opportunity to bask in the polished glow of nearly 100 of the most coveted, privately owned vehicles on the planet.
eFlyer News
May 31, 2023Nobu Palo Alto Reveals New Japanese-Inspired Restaurant and Garden
Headed by renowned designer Shigeru Namba, Nobu Palo Alto’s Japanese-inspired restaurant and garden officially opened to the public this month, in which a sophisticated and refined extension greets patrons upon arrival. The new space and garden offer guests and diners an unparalleled venue in downtown Palo Alto, California, playing upon the seasons to showcase flora during its proper blooming periods.
Sponsored Content
Plan Your Escape to Arizona
Indulgent escapes are made even more enjoyable by fast, easy access — and that’s what Arizona offers. Quick, non-stop and direct flights to one of two international airports put all the luxury of The Grand Canyon State within easy reach.
eFlyer Deals
May 31, 2023Father’s Day Luxuries at InterContinental New York Barclay
This Father’s Day, the InterContinental New York Barclay takes celebrations to the next level with its new offer, allowing fathers to enjoy a relaxing stay through a specially curated gift certificate.
ShareThis