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Los Angeles boasts many luxury hotels across its hills and valleys, but none compare to the cozy and beautiful Hotel Bel Air. A gem in the renowned Dorchester Collection’s crown, this pink bungalow-style hotel sits tucked into the exclusive residential area of Bel Air – minutes from downtown Beverly Hills or L.A.’s West side. Driving-in off the curved roads, past palatial homes with lawns manicured to within an inch of their existence, it’s obvious you have arrived somewhere quite special.
The hotel is another option from the Dorchester’s other Los Angeles offering, the beloved Beverly Hills Hotel. But, Hotel Bel Air is oh so different. A place to hide, relax and sink into the peace of the nature that surrounds you. This is the objective here. As you cross a small bridge over bubbling creeks and ponds with the hotel’s signature swans swimming by, you enter a modern, soft and polished lobby loaded with staff there to serve your every need. But, they are all down-to-Earth despite the discerning clientele they work with day in and day out.
I was at the hotel recently and stayed in a bungalow suite close to the pool. Rooms and bungalows here have recently been renovated and offer only the best features for those who know better. 58 guest rooms and 45 suites sit on nearly 12 acres of gardens ladened with stone carved cherubs, rippling fountains and roses draped, seemingly, over every surface. I entered my suite, which had views of the nearby canyons, and was instantly impressed. A large king-sized bed, sitting area, wood burning fireplace and massive bathroom with dressing area made up the space. The fireplace spoke to my heart immediately, and I fell asleep each night to the sound of crackling wood in the fire. I also loved the attentive turn-down service and radiant heated floors in my bathroom, for when the mornings dipped down to a cooler temperature.
My favorite part of Hotel Bel Air, aside from the gardens and rooms, is the incredible breakfast. The beautiful restaurant, run by Wolfgang Puck, allows alfresco dining where you can enjoy a delicious green juice and the hotel’s iconic Greek yogurt parfait. Each morning I sat with the sun gently rising and the sounds of birds chirping around me – all while being minutes from the second largest city in America. Guests can also enjoy a beautiful outdoor pool, fitness center and spa by La Prairie.
Hotel Bel Air is special and a place that you will instantly love. For me, it is, quite simply put, the best hotel in Los Angeles.
