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Stay in the star-studded Hotel Bel-Air

Photo credit: Hotel Bel-Air
Photo credit: Hotel Bel-Air

From Town & Country

Walking into the Hotel Bel-Air is like stepping back in time to an era of old-school Hollywood glamour – but done in such a way that it makes you feel like you’re arriving home. From the moment you cross the small footbridge, taking you over their beautiful landscaped gardens (spanning 12 acres), where swans glide across the picturesque ponds, you know this is no ordinary hotel. The charming staff welcome you like you’re returning from a long journey away, and we couldn’t have been happier to get settled in.

Photo credit: Hotel Bel-Air
Photo credit: Hotel Bel-Air

Our suite greeted us with a fresh fruit basket with candied almonds and chocolate truffles and, after exploring the spacious surrounds, it was back to work with a seemingly never-ending schedule of Zoom meetings. Hotel Bel-Air has recently opened their rooms with an office day-use package, so we were well set up in our adjacent office space with high-speed internet, stationery and, most importantly, a closing door.

Photo credit: Hotel Bel-Air
Photo credit: Hotel Bel-Air

If you wanted to stay in your suite for a whole weekend, I don't think you’d ever get bored. Trees and beautiful plants line the outdoor space where we had our own terrace, complete with sun loungers and a hot-tub dip pool. The rooms speak perfectly to the stylishness of the hotel, with a soft and warm colour palette, and the space is well-equipped with all the latest technology. Our Bang and Olufsen TV rotated to perfectly align with us in bed, as we tucked ourselves in and streamed Pretty Woman to fall asleep to.

Photo credit: Hotel Bel-Air
Photo credit: Hotel Bel-Air

One of the standout features of the hotel is their outdoor space, a perfect set-up for the Covid-19 era. Their dining area is all outdoors, with plenty of room between tables so you can people-watch from afar and spot members of the Hollywood elite.

Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant treats guests with classic dishes from juicy burgers to light salads, but has subtle nods to the history of the hotel’s former guests, such as the Nancy Regan Chopped Salad. Although we missed it, brunch seemed like another highlight on the menus and one to come back for.

Photo credit: Niall Clutton
Photo credit: Niall Clutton

Above all, the pool is the absolute show-stealer. Carefully managing guest safety through Covid-19, the staff balanced reservations and poolside service perfectly. Lounging in the LA sunshine, a watermelon cooler in hand, it was easy to see that the Hotel Bel-Air provides the indulgent dose of luxury we’re all looking for in a break from our stay-at-home lives.

Photo credit: Hotel Bel-Air
Photo credit: Hotel Bel-Air

Hotel Bel-Air, from about £530 a night for a Superior Room and from about £775 a night for a Junior Pool Suite.