Though you might be in the craziness of Los Angeles, you’d instead think you were tucked away on your own private island. The Hotel Bel-Air is burrowed into the canyons of Los Angeles, just a mile west of Beverly Hills and even closer to Sunset Boulevard. As you approach the hotel, you know you’re in the land of the wealthy and the famous. Multi-million dollar estates line the roads to the Hotel Bel-Air. With your stay, you’ll be living like kings and queens for as long as you’ve chosen.

For over half a century, this magnificent property has been welcoming guests through its doors. The Hotel Bel-Air is more equivalent to a luxurious hideaway than your everyday, average hotel. The upscale hotel officially opened in 1946 after a hotel entrepreneur, Alphonso E. Bell, took the dream of the Bel-Air Estates, its original identity, and developed it into what you see today. Over the years, Hotel Bel-Air garnered respect from the hospitality industry and a mainstay for the rich and the famous. In 2009, the property underwent extensive refurbishing to modernise without sacrificing the reminiscences of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Before even entering the hotel, you’ll notice 12-acres worth of impeccably maintained lush gardens. Foot paths lined with coast redwoods, birds of paradise trees, and a lovely variety of floral touches will guide and wind you through the grounds; you’ll be surprised by what’s hidden here for guest use. For starters, the canyon is a very obvious and notable backdrop. Pictures are certainly encouraged. On the front lawn, Swan Lake completes the essence of the hotel. The resident four swans floating effortlessly and gracefully through the ripples embody the romance and elegance of Hotel Bel-Air. For those who enjoy a good sunbath and water soak, the onsite pool is the perfect relaxation venue. When the Stone Canyon stables were closed in 1946, Mr. Bell paid homage by transforming the riding ring into a legendary oval pool for everyone to appreciate.

Now that the tropical surroundings have totally drawn you in, pass through the entrance doors of the pink-stucco buildings. There are 103 guest rooms and suites available for your stay. Each room features integrated technology to enrich your experience, while the general ambiance of the room invites a pleasant, luxurious atmosphere. The rooms feel more like individual bungalows rather than part of a larger building. Not to mention, the pillows, like clouds, will lull you into the best night’s rest you’ve had in a long while.

To further increase your Zen, book some time at the Hotel Bel-Air Spa. With both men’s, women’s, and couples facilities and options, the spa is able to cater to the treatment you desire. You’ll find a 24-hour fitness studio open to guests as well.

When you’ve completed your workout of the day or are ready to decompress for the night, the Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air is the perfect onsite spot. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, Wolfgang Puck fosters a charming, flirtatious atmosphere complimented by a Californian and Mediterranean inspired menu. Evening tipples can be had at the Bar & Lounge along with casual late day and dinner fare. Live music is a staple and creates the perfect vibe. Hotel Bel-Air has found a way to ensure every nook and cranny has the right feeling for everyone.

Address: Hotel Bel-Air, 701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Phone: +1 310 472 1211

Calling all Los Angeles travellers seeking a Hollywood-worthy spot to stay without feeling like the chaos of the city is hindering your chance at a relaxing vacation. The Beverly Hills Hotel sits within, you guessed it, Beverly Hills in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. However, the hotel has been around since 1912, way before the city even garnered that name. Original developer, Burton Green, purchased the property from the Mexican Government and then enlisted the help of Margaret J. Anderson to design and build the exact hotel you still see standing today. The white stucco, now beige, exterior and terracotta coloured roof tiles meant to lure the wealthy Easterners at the time.

Though over a century sits between its beginnings and now, the Beverly Hills Hotel is still a sight to be seen and a place to experience. It has changed ownership a few times with each new owner adding their own flare to the original structure. A complete 3-year long restoration occurred in 1992. The rooms have housed the likes of the famous and your everyday person. Next, they could house you.

The Beverly Hills Hotel is a working time capsule. The décor features a combination of Art Deco and ‘40s-style Hollywood glamour with the entire modern amenity upgrades. You may not be a movie star by trade but you’ll sure feel and be treated like one when you book your stay here. The lobby area acts as the statement piece; the dramatic room is lit by Venetian glass chandeliers further brightened by the banana palms and banana leaf accents. The artwork you see was all specially commissioned just for the hotel. This unique style takes life inside each individual room as well.

With 210 guest rooms and suites, including 23 unique bungalows, you’ll be living in vintage luxury. Each room is equipped, at the very minimum, with an oversized closet, spacious bathroom, B&O televisions, and illuminated mirrors. Depending on the room, you may also have your own private balcony, fireplace, terrace, patio, or pool.

But, that’s not all. The Beverly Hills Hotel is more than just a place to lay your head and lounge around in style. On site, the hotel features a variety of dining and entertainment options for when you don’t want to venture the 20-30 minutes to Los Angeles or the Pacific coastline. Step foot into the infamous Polo Lounge where Charlie Chaplin had a favourite table and the Rat Pack engaged in late drinking bouts. Live entertainment is aplenty and American fare is served throughout the day. While sitting pool side, splurge on the offerings of the Cabana Café or pop into the Fountain Coffee Room complete with a vintage soda fountain and a variety of meals. Evening beverages can be sipped inside the elegant Bar Nineteen12 or on the adjacent terrace overlooking the pool.

Whether it’s the vibe or the amenities that draw you in for a visit, the Beverly Hills Hotel lets you escape all your worldly troubles. The original motto of the hotel stating that guests were “entitled to the best of everything, regardless of cost” still very much stands true today.

Address: The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: +1 310 276 2251