Hotel Bel-Air

A hidden garden retreat in the Bel-Air canyon

★★★★★📍 Bel-Air$$$$

The setting defines the stay. Winding paths lead through gardens, past fountains and under mature trees, and the bungalow-style rooms and suites open onto patios and courtyards. Many have fireplaces and private terraces, and the interiors are residential in feel, with a restrained palette that keeps the focus on the gardens. The swans are the hotel's mascots, and the lake is a favorite photo spot. The pool is a quiet, tiled space with a classic California feel.

Dining and drinking are low-key and elegant. The restaurant serves California cooking in a dining room that opens to a terrace, and the bar is a cozy spot for a cocktail in the evening. The spa is part of the experience, and the service is warm and discreet. As a Dorchester Collection property, the hotel follows an international standard of luxury, but the character is distinctly Southern Californian. Check the hotel's current restaurant offerings and any event schedules before you travel.

Hotel Bel-Air suits couples, honeymooners and travelers who want peace after a day in the city. It is less convenient for sightseeing than a Hollywood or Santa Monica base, since you will drive to most attractions, but it is only a short ride from the Getty Center and Beverly Hills. Rates are at the top of the market. Book the garden-view rooms and enjoy the grounds, and expect a stay that feels more like visiting a private estate than a hotel.