This LA Hotel Is Ranked One of the Best by Our Readers — and It Just Received 3 Michelin Keys

Just a few miles from L.A.’s invariably traffic-clogged freeway, Sunset Boulevard winds its way to Stone Canyon Road and, ultimately, the Hotel Bel-Air, taking my husband and me to a world seemingly far away from the city’s hectic pace.

Here, we gladly handed our car over to a waiting valet and were escorted along the foliage-canopied stone bridge over Swan Lake. As always, the hotel’s resident swans — Hercules, Athena, Odette, and Chloe — floated peacefully, their graceful silhouettes reflected in the ripples below.

After a quick and efficient check-in, we were guided to our suite. We passed through The Living Room, an aptly named area with a massive fireplace in its center and comfortable furniture groupings tucked here and there throughout. We followed our bellman along landscaped pathways, past the swimming pool, spa, tropical gardens, and secluded bungalows that are a hallmark of the hotel.

Double doors opened to our suite — more of an apartment where we could happily live out our days, as many of Hotel Bel-Air’s famous residents have chosen to do — with a living room, wood-burning fireplace (where a fire can be arranged with just a phone call), office, bedroom, and bathroom with a spacious shower that could accommodate at least four people, should the occasion call for it. (It didn’t while we were there.)

We were most thrilled with our expansive outdoor terrace, hidden from view by a greenery-covered canyon wall and giant trees all around. A fireplace surrounded by cushioned seating, lounge chairs, a bistro table and chairs, and a heated spa pool completed the perfect “backyard.” Our first order of business was to devour the generous charcuterie board and Champagne that we carried outside on that sunny afternoon while we planned the rest of our day.

Those plans included a stroll around the hotel’s grounds, a dip in our 102-degree private pool, cocktails at The Bar, dinner at The Restaurant, and a nightcap in the lounge listening to piano music. In the meantime, we relaxed, snacked, and thought about who might have stayed in our suite for nearly 80 years since the hotel opened in 1946. Perhaps Elizabeth Taylor or Marilyn Monroe. Or, in more recent times, maybe Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Beyonce, Jennifer Aniston, or Oprah Winfrey. (The hotel is highly discreet and protective of its guests, so these details most likely come from the guests or their publicists after their visits.)

Indeed, our spacious, secluded suite would be suitable for celebrities or even royalty. Princess Diana is said to have stayed at the hotel during her visits to Los Angeles. King Charles reportedly commented on his excellent night’s sleep in the Presidential Suite when he visited in the 1970s. Vintage photographs line the walkways, including one of the wedding of Ronald Reagan’s daughter, Patti Davis. Photographer Bert Stern’s iconic photos of Marilyn Monroe were taken at the hotel in 1962, shortly before her death.

Texas hotel entrepreneur Joseph Drown purchased the property in 1946 with plans to create an elegant hideaway. Nearly eight decades and several renovations later, the original ambiance remains. Modern conveniences and updated furnishings retain the hotel’s classic residential style, seamlessly combining opulence with understated luxury. Now managed by Dorchester Collection, the hotel’s most recent major refurbishment was completed by design firms Alexandra Champalimaud and Rockwell Group. In 2024, the Hotel Bel-Air was one of only 11 U.S. properties to be awarded the coveted three Michelin Key designation in the inaugural year of the awards.

Our stay went quickly, and we loved every minute. We spent our final morning in the courtyard with coffee and croissants from The Patisserie. After our conversation with the enthusiastic Chef Christophe Rull, we knew our last stop would be his French-inspired bakery. Oh, yes, we also took his advice and ordered three desserts at The Restaurant.

Here are more details and my review of the Hotel Bel-Air.

The Rooms

The hotel’s 58 rooms and 45 suites, each distinctive in size and decor, with interior design by Alexandra Champalimaud, combine comfort and vintage Hollywood style with modern technology. The rooms range from around 450 square feet to more than 2,200 square feet in the Presidential Suite. Located among meticulously landscaped paths, most rooms open onto garden views. Twelve canyon rooms and suites take full advantage of the hotel’s location in Bel-Air’s verdant canyons, with retractable glass walls and spacious furnished patios with private spa pools and fireplaces.

The Swan Lake Suite, once a favorite of Hollywood stars Gene Kelly, Cary Grant, and others, offers a serene setting, a secluded patio, a plunge pool, and a garden view. The Grace Kelly Suite is decorated in creamy shades with custom limestone floors, natural woods, and an expansive outdoor sitting area with a spa pool. The two-bedroom Chalon Suite, one of the hotel’s largest at 1,335 square feet, features hand-painted murals and a large secluded patio. The Presidential Suite offers a full-sized pool, dining room for ten guests, grand piano, fireplace, and furnished outdoor area.

Food and Drink

The Restaurant serves all-day fare indoors or al fresco in a garden-like atmosphere with ancient trees integrated into the decor. Service is impeccable and attentive, and the staff clearly takes pride in their guests’ enjoyment. We chatted with Chef Joe Garcia about his updated menu of classic favorites that highlight local seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation.

The menu includes a selection of house-made breads — not to be missed — and starters like bluefin tuna crudo and jamón Ibérico. The main courses include Colorado lamb chops (rave reviews from my husband), organic Jidori chicken (which I loved), and tarbais bean cassoulet. Desserts, as tasty as they are beautiful, come from The Patisserie.

The charming French-inspired bakery, helmed by pastry chef and “U.S. Chocolate Master” Christophe Rull, offers fresh pastries, bread, cakes, gelato, coffee beverages, and tea. Guests can start their mornings enjoying their selections in an outdoor courtyard or The Living Room’s homey atmosphere. It’s also tempting to take home a few treats for later, as we did. The strawberry-yuzu jam is delicious, and the sourdough loaves are superb.

Inspired by traditional lobby lounges, The Living Room takes it a step above, true to its name, with comfortable, elegant furnishings by Champalimaud Design. A massive central fireplace, curved windows that let in the beauty of the outdoor gardens, and intimate seating welcome guests all day. From 3–10 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday, there’s a martini and Champagne cart, caviar service, and delectable small plates. The “coldest martini in town” is not merely a slogan, as I can attest, and I enjoyed one with Chef Garcia’s Vidalia onion dip and caviar-topped deviled eggs. Afternoon tea is served on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with seatings at 3 and 3:30 p.m.

At the Bel-Air’s bar and lounge area, guests can choose from cushioned loveseats, high-top tables, seats along the bar, or intimate tables in the lounge area for excellent cocktails, wines, beers, and beverages in a stylish setting. The casual dining menu includes caviar, Baja Gulf prawns, truffle fries, Margherita pizza, prime beef burgers, and desserts. Nightly entertainment, a grand piano, celebrity photos, soft lighting, and a stunning fireplace set the mood that makes the space a favorite spot for both hotel guests and locals.

Activities and Experiences

The Spa

The Spa features seven treatment rooms, a private enclave, male and female steam rooms, and luxurious spa products. Restorative treatments, massage, aromatherapy experiences, facials, and body rituals are offered. Facial enhancements and therapies include Valmont’s cellular collagen masks as well as hydrating hand and foot treatments. There’s a hair salon and nail care suite.

Guests enjoy 24-hour access to the fitness studio where there’s cardiovascular equipment, weight machines, free weights and yoga mats.

Activities and Amenities

Many guests simply stroll the winding paths of the hotel’s 12-acre grounds to see the fruit trees, flowers, gardens, and hummingbirds, relaxing at one of the many seating areas tucked away amid foliage and blossoms. Others explore the hotel’s extensive art collection of photographs, sculptures, and paintings.

The hotel’s concierge can arrange tickets to events, transportation, and special services for guests. Pet care and babysitting are also available.

The oval pool, surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas, is perfect for swimming or relaxing. Guests may order snacks or meals from The Restaurant to enjoy at the pool.

Family-friendly Offerings

Young guests enjoy the pool, especially the swan floats. During holidays, decorations and special dinners are memorable family experiences.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The hotel offers fully ADA-compliant features, facilities, and services. Accessible guestrooms include lowered signage and entry door viewers, closed-captioned televisions, braille door numbers, and emergency codes/buttons for immediate assistance. Bathrooms are spacious enough for wheelchair access, and they feature grab handles near the bathtub and shower, as well as roll-in shower stalls.

Wheelchairs and crutches are available upon request, as are anti-allergy pillows and bedding. All public areas are wheelchair-accessible and feature wide corridors and ramps. Elevators are located near accessible rooms. Public areas also offer accessible bathrooms and parking spaces.

A recirculation and filtration system was added to Swan Lake, saving over 250,000 gallons of water a month. Gardens use a gray-water system that recycles water from the new villas. Weather-sensing timers and low-flow sprinkler heads save more than 50 percent of irrigation water compared to the previous system, and rainwater captured at the spa building is infiltrated back into the soil to help maintain the water table.

Trees and plants were removed for renovation, and new infrastructure projects were repurposed, replanted, or donated to charitable organizations. Mature oak trees were replanted, and others were added to preserve the native Stone Canyon species.

Location

The Hotel Bel-Air is in an exclusive residential community surrounded by hills, canyons, wildlife, and mature landscaping. The UCLA campus is nearby, offering athletic events, concerts, museums, and lectures. Just four miles away, the Getty Center is known for its permanent collection, special exhibits, garden, and stunning architecture. Shopping is also available nearby at casual Westwood Village, the Century City Westfield Mall, and Rodeo Drive’s designer stores and boutiques.

Tourist attractions, beaches, the Santa Monica Pier, sports venues, the downtown Music Center, theaters, and several outstanding museums are available in the Los Angeles area.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

As one of American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Bel-Air provides benefits for Platinum Card members, including 12 p.m. check-in and room upgrades when available, daily breakfast for two, $100 property credit to be used during the stay, complimentary Wi-Fi, and guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout.

When booking through AmexTravel, members get 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotel bookings. They can use the points for all or part of a prepaid stay.

Seasonal or special rate packages may be available. Check the hotel’s website when booking.