Highlights: Hotel Bel-Air

•Located in L.A.’s exclusive Bel-Air neighborhood near numerous attractions such as shopping on Rodeo Drive

•Superb private setting on 12 acres of lush gardens

•Beautiful European country house décor in guest rooms and suites

•Shimmering pool is the centerpiece of the hotel

•In-room spa services available upon request

•Mobil Four-Star rated Restaurant At Hotel Bel-Air offers fine dining in a romantic atmosphere

•Afternoon tea served on terrace overlooking Swan Lake

Amenities: Hotel Bel-Air

• 91 rooms. Pets accepted, some restrictions; fee. Check-in 3pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness room. Outdoor pool, whirlpool. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: Hotel Bel-Air

Set on 12 acres of lush gardens, courtyards, and fountains, Hotel Bel-Air enchants guests with its romantic setting. Tucked in the canyons near Beverly Hills, California, the hotel’s tranquility feels light years away from the bustle of Los Angeles. Yet hotel guests are still conveniently located to Beverly Hills, Century City, and other well-known Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Elegant with a European country house ambience, Hotel Bel-Air affords superb privacy for its guests, perhaps one of the reasons that this hotel has long been the favorite choice of celebrities and media moguls. The rooms and suites are sprinkled among the stunning grounds, and private entrances from the gardens and courtyards lend a sense of home. From the immaculate grounds and the elegant rooms to the top-notch service, the hotel wraps its guests in luxury with such amenities as in-room spa treatments. The service is among the best seen, and guests feel truly cosseted in this posh hotel.

Travelers seeking a place to pop the question or celebrate a special anniversary should look no further than Hotel Bel-Air. The hotel’s gardens complete with Swan Lake, the discreet service, and the private rooms are ideally positioned for romantic getaways. This serene setting isn’t just for romantics, though. Business travelers who want to break away from the mold of the typical business hotel enjoy Hotel Bel-Air’s relaxing setting, wonderful service, and convenient location, with complimentary transportation to popular destinations. Families with young children, however, will not find this hotel well-suited to their needs. Its tranquility is cherished, and the lack of child-friendly amenities makes it an unnatural fit for families.

Gracious living is the mantra at Hotel Bel-Air, where fine dining overlooking the gardens is one of the pleasures of life. The sparkling pool, complete with an attentive staff that caters to your every whim, is the centerpiece of the hotel. Hotel Bel-Air prides itself on its blissful quietude, offering a change of pace for busy executives and world-weary travelers. While this hotel doesn’t offer a litany of activities, it’s prized instead as an oasis in one of the world’s busiest cities.

(+) First-class hotel with top-notch service in a tranquil setting
(-) Lack of resort amenities and quiet pace may not appeal to family travelers with children

Guest Services: Hotel Bel-Air

Hotel Bel-Air offers some of the best service available. This property maintains a highly trained, professional staff of ladies and gentlemen who are as polished as they are pleasant. The staff makes this hotel run so efficiently, all the while providing warmth and kindness.

My arrival service was wonderful. My room wasn’t ready when I arrived, but the staff seemed genuinely upset and quickly set me up at the pool with lunch service. When the pool attendant noticed that I was burning in the sun, he was proactive in asking me if I needed sunscreen. Since my sunscreen was in my bag awaiting delivery to my room, he quickly and seamlessly delivered a bottle of sunscreen to my chaise. His efforts were thoughtful and well executed. The pool service was very pampering. I was constantly supplied with fresh water and fruit, and the attendant even offered to replace my towels since they were wet from a dip in the pool.

The staff’s professionalism was perfectly balanced with warmth and graciousness, and all departments were consistently impressive. Housekeeping was clearly well-trained and provided a wonderful turndown service. All of my clothes, including gym clothes that are normally folded, were hung up in the closet. I was also delighted to find that the hotel offered ice service in the afternoon rather than in the evening. Since many guests want to enjoy a cocktail in their rooms prior to dinner, I thought this was a thoughtful gesture.

The departure service was as terrific as the rest of my stay. The staff managed to execute the process without any unnecessary waiting or repeating of needs. It was one of the best I have seen. The bellman even insisted that he help remove the garbage in the back of my rental car -- going above and beyond what he needed to do to complete his task.

(+) Unbelievably attentive and thoughtful service

Guest Rooms: Hotel Bel-Air

Hotel Bel-Air has 91 guest rooms and suites. All of the accommodations have private access from the gardens or courtyards as well as such comforting touches as fireplaces, French doors, and tiled patios. The rooms are elegantly appointed with a European country house décor. Plush, overstuffed couches are arranged in front of the charming fireplaces, while the Oriental rugs, unique decorative objects, and floral-patterned furnishings create a sense of home.

My room was luxurious. The welcome gift was beautifully arranged with fruit, cookies, and water, and was a wonderful sight for a weary traveler. From the 440-thread-count sheets to the larger-than-normal toiletries in the bathrooms, this hotel knows how to pamper. The room’s design and thoughtful amenities make it feel more like a guest room in a friend’s home than in a large hotel. It was a welcome break from the cookie-cutter rooms found in many hotels.

(+) Wonderfully luxurious yet comfortable room with plenty of creature comforts

Facilities & Activities: Hotel Bel-Air

Hotel Bel-Air is not the kind of hotel to book if you’re in need of a resort teeming with golf courses, tennis facilities, and other active pursuits. But, if you need a break from the pace and want to enjoy a spectacular, romantic setting, this is the perfect choice. The hotel does offer a fitness center for athletic guests who need to fit in a workout while taking a break. Located in the Marilyn Monroe Cottage, where she often stayed with husband Joe DiMaggio, the light-filled space has a full range of equipment, and personal training sessions may be arranged through the concierge.

Though small, the oval-shaped pool set within fragrant gardens is a lovely spot. It is well-designed and accommodates all guests, even when the hotel is full. The service from the attendant is unparalleled and makes the experience particularly memorable. The gardens and courtyards at this hotel beg for attention, and strolling through the flower-filled acres is a must while staying at this intimate hideaway. In keeping with the hotel’s commitment to extreme privacy, Bel-Air Hotel offers in-room spa services. Massage therapy, facials, hair styling, manicures, and pedicures are among the many personalized services enjoyed in the comfort of your own room.

For a look at fantasy real estate, take a quick drive around the hotel’s posh Bel-Air neighborhood, home to many of Hollywood’s biggest names. Beverly Hills and its Rodeo Drive shopping is also conveniently accessed while staying at the hotel, and guests who want to check out other areas, including hip West Hollywood, are only a car ride away.

(+) Serene setting is destination unto itself, yet the rest of LA is easily explored from this hotel location

Dining & Lounge: Hotel Bel-Air

The hotel only offers one restaurant and bar, but the food and atmosphere are so memorable that returning to the same place never seems tedious. The Mobil Four-Star Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air features upscale French-California dining in two settings: the formal dining room and the fragrant outdoor terrace.

Set against the gardens with views of Swan Lake, dining on the terrace is a wonderfully romantic experience. The formal dining room is an elegant setting for a celebration or a special memory. Guests who plan ahead for a unique experience book Table One, the hotel’s in-kitchen private dining space. This seating allows intimate groups (eight people or less) to enjoy culinary entertainment as they watch the preparation of the inspired and innovative dishes.

The hotel also entertains guests each afternoon with tea service. Choose from five different types of tea while enjoying finely cut tea sandwiches, pastries, and scones. Tea is available on the terrace or in the restaurant.

In addition to the restaurant, the hotel invites guests to think outside of the box when it comes to room service. While you can enjoy dining in the privacy of your own room, you may also order room service throughout the property, including at the pool. I was delighted to discover a range of healthy California-style cuisine. Many guests ordered off the menu, though the selections were so tempting, I wasn’t sure why. Still, the staff managed to handle all of the off-menu requests with poise.

(+) Delicious food with beautiful settings and fine service

Business Services: Hotel Bel-Air

At first glance, Hotel Bel-Air may seem more like a romantic getaway or a vacation destination, but this exclusive hideaway also appeals to business travelers who want to live in the lap of luxury while conducting business away from home.

It’s conveniently located to Los Angeles’ major businesses, and with high-speed Internet access and a staff that really aims to please, business travelers are right at home. There is no business center, but executives needing assistance will have no trouble. There are also four meeting and function rooms totaling 2,400 square feet onsite for corporate groups.

(+) Accommodates single business travelers or groups
(-) No business center, though staff will assist with any need