Luxury Hotels - Hotel Bel-Air vs Beverly Hills Hotel

I am planning a weekend in LA and debating between the Hotel Bel-Air and the Beverly Hills Hotel and looking for some post renovation reviews of the Bel-Air. I have previously stayed at the Beverly Hills Hotel and loved the charm of it, although the brunch crowd at Polo Lounge seemed to be trying too hard. Also which is more conveniently located to fun areas? Location from airport does not matter as I am driving up from Orange County.

I would stay either at a Bungalow at the BHH or a Deluxe Guestroom with Patio at the Hotel Bel-Air, prices I have been quoted are in the mid-$500's for each property. One additional note, the FHR benefits available at the BHH are slightly better than the Virtuoso benefits at Hotel Bel-Air ($100 spa credit vs $85)

Also, I'm not opposed to other luxury properties in the area it is just these two seem to have the most character.

I'm at Hotel Bel Air now. Give me 1-2 days to post my impressions.

OK just got back from Hotel Bel Air, post renovation.

- The 3 swans have returned, but the male was having some hormone issues and was locked up. Apparently he was beating up the two females. These are the same three swans from before the renovation.

-The bathrooms are fixed, meaning that they have been updated and now have a tub.

-The bar was redesigned.

-A lobby lounge was added. Never saw anybody in it.

- Service, in general, was very weak but they have only been open since Nov'11. Turn down was missed twice in a 4-night stay. The newspapers I requested at check-in were not delivered correctly once.

- They got rid of the self parking across the street. This is simply dumb. I HATE VALET PARKING! It was in this self-parking lot that I had to duck after getting out of my car to avoid the 3 dozen or so hummingbirds that were fighting. I still remember that first stay.

Food, I'm sorry to say, was poor. Our worst nightmares about Wolfgang Puck taking over the food here are, unfortunately true. Note that it appears that the A-team in the kitchen works from Wed-Sun, and the D-team works Mon/Tues. On Monday night, the kitchen couldn't be bothered to turn the tuna tartare into a full meal. What they did cook took 60 minutes or so. Breakfast was average at best. The Huevos Rancheros, a WP specialty, was bland and served cold. Yuk. They were out of English muffins on Monday. Huh?

- ALL, and I mean ALL of the personality that made this place so special was killed in the remodel. As best I could determine, not a single employee was rehired. This means that Gus (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122851909486284015.html), the old wizened bartender known the world around, is gone. Steve, the other bartender that had worked there 30 years or so is gone -- went to Vegas apparently. Sad. Very sad. If you were friendly enough to Gus or Steve, you could always get a story. My favorite story was the odd drink that Nancy Reagan's psychic demanded during her visits. Gus couldn't tell that story without cracking a smile.

The grounds are breathtaking.

So sad to hear about the Bel Air. It was my favorite. I loved the location, just far enough away to feel really relaxed and private, but close enough to get around albeit by car. My other favorite is the Peninsula. I have had wonderful service there always. They always upgrade my room, and I love the 24 hour check-in/check-out policy, and it is nice to be welcomed back woth ypur monogrammed pillow cases. When the long time GM left for the Montage I was worried, but the service is still top notch in my experiences. Negative is the pool is quite small compared to BHH and the area around it can get crowded (it is on the rooftop). But many times when I am there I am not looking to use the pool except for an early morning swim.
I have never been wild about the BHH, but do like the large pool, and some of the bungalows are great. Depends on what you are looking for!

I agree. Sad to hear this about the Bel-Air. I feared the food would suffer when I heard WP as taking over. I'm sure he has as much personally to do with the cooking as I do. What bothers me most though is the loss of personality of the hotel as it used to be one of the most unique properties in the world.

I agree. Sad to hear this about the Bel-Air. I feared the food would suffer when I heard WP as taking over. I'm sure he has as much personally to do with the cooking as I do. What bothers me most though is the loss of personality of the hotel as it used to be one of the most unique properties in the world.

Looking at the pics of the remodel, it just seems to lost its unique, Hollywood elegance. While it looks nice, it looks rather generic in the luxury hotel market.

The Bel Air was my favorite, too. I stayed at the BHH last time I was in LA. It was very comfortable, but somehow I just couldn't get excited about the place. Now I will need to find a new favorite...

Gallivanters tweets from Bel Air Hotel a couple of weeks ago are so different than the feedback here. They loved everything about this hotel. So maybe difference in taste?

Gallivanters tweets from Bel Air Hotel a couple of weeks ago are so different than the feedback here. They loved everything about this hotel. So maybe difference in taste?
I'm investigating. From the tweets, I can't convince myself they stayed there or ate the food. I don't normally disagree with Lyn and Dave.

"Brillant mix of Original & new & now Relevant to 21th century needs' is just wrong. Maybe they were at the Pen or HBB? I suspect they just walked through and got a peek at the presidential suite.

I'm investigating. From the tweets, I can't convince myself they stayed there or ate the food. I don't normally disagree with Lyn and Dave.

"Brillant mix of Original & new & now Relevant to 21th century needs' is just wrong. Maybe they were at the Pen or HBB? I suspect they just walked through and got a peek at the presidential suite.

I think difference of opinion exists in all levels. Great example is your hate for FS Maui. Conversely, I actually really like the place. So your taste maybe very different than some others. Nothing wrong with that. It really sounded that Lynn and Dave stayed there at least for a night or two. Again, they loved everything. Oh by the way, Wolfgang Puck has become such a figure in Los Angeles. Arguably, the best restaurant in Los Angeles at this time is WP24 (Wolfgang Puck) at the new Ritz. Most high end events are catered by WP catering.

I was scared witless by the idea that Wolfgang was doing the catering at the Bel-Air, but when I stayed recently for a couple of nights, the menus were refreshingly different from the usual repetitive rubbish that is served in LA hotels. Do we really have such a limited palate as to want rib-eye, ahi-tuna, pizza et al for EVERY meal? Me? No, I want something different, please, and the Bel-Air delivered. OK, it's not Eric Briffard at George V, but it beats the hell out of Scarpetta at Montage, IMHO, which appears to have won a 'famous' badge just for being 'famous'. To me, it was suburbia-meets-condominium. What was I meant to say? Nice concrete?
LA is a dining desert, so we are grateful for small mercies. I like the fact that they can actually cook at the Bel-Air.

Turn down was missed twice in a 4-night stay. The newspapers I requested at check-in were not delivered correctly once.

D-team works Mon/Tues. On Monday night, the kitchen couldn't be bothered to turn the tuna tartare into a full meal. What they did cook took 60 minutes...They were out of English muffins on Monday.

Breakfast was average at best. The Huevos Rancheros, a WP specialty, was bland and served cold.

your hate for FS Maui...Arguably, the best restaurant in Los Angeles at this time is WP24 (Wolfgang Puck) at the new Ritz. Most high end events are catered by WP catering.
seriously re WP24? there are a lot of factors re catering.

"hate" is a word choice. mike_la_jolla always includes service examples including FS maui allowing people to claim chairs, and it was FS maui that had the TV filming, as well as 'renting' the serenity pool.

speaking of FS maui, vs smaller MKB on big island?
I was scared witless by the idea that Wolfgang was doing the catering at the Bel-Air, but when I stayed recently for a couple of nights, the menus were refreshingly different from the usual repetitive rubbish that is served in LA hotels. Do we really have such a limited palate as to want rib-eye, ahi-tuna, pizza et al for EVERY meal? Me? No, I want something different, please, and the Bel-Air delivered. OK, it's not Eric Briffard at George V, but it beats the hell out of Scarpetta at Montage, IMHO, which appears to have won a 'famous' badge just for being 'famous'. To me, it was suburbia-meets-condominium. What was I meant to say? Nice concrete?
LA is a dining desert, so we are grateful for small mercies. I like the fact that they can actually cook at the Bel-Air.

seems like comparing design/menu to other LA properties.

oct 2008 michelin two star >
- Mélisse
- Providence
- Spago
- Urasawa

and of course the very informative http://www.kevineats.com/

I was scared witless by the idea that Wolfgang was doing the catering at the Bel-Air, but when I stayed recently for a couple of nights, the menus were refreshingly different from the usual repetitive rubbish that is served in LA hotels. Do we really have such a limited palate as to want rib-eye, ahi-tuna, pizza et al for EVERY meal? Me? No, I want something different, please, and the Bel-Air delivered. OK, it's not Eric Briffard at George V, but it beats the hell out of Scarpetta at Montage, IMHO, which appears to have won a 'famous' badge just for being 'famous'. To me, it was suburbia-meets-condominium. What was I meant to say? Nice concrete?
LA is a dining desert, so we are grateful for small mercies. I like the fact that they can actually cook at the Bel-Air.

"LA is a dining desert?" Perhaps you need to spend more time in Los Angeles.

"LA is a dining desert?" Perhaps you need to spend more time in Los Angeles.

I was talking about hotel restaurants, not restaurants per se. I don't think I need to spend more time in LA.:D

"LA is a dining desert?" Perhaps you need to spend more time in Los Angeles.

I am an LA native and I agree with Vuittons. Compared to other "world class" cities, we do definitely lag behind. NYC, Paris, Hong Kong, Singapore and even Chicago have better options in terms of both quality and depth of selection.

Also, Vuittons, you mentioned you stayed recently, what was your overall impression of the hotel, not just the food?

They EAT in LA....??!!

I am an LA native and I agree with Vuittons. Compared to other "world class" cities, we do definitely lag behind. NYC, Paris, Hong Kong, Singapore and even Chicago have better options in terms of both quality and depth of selection.

Also, Vuittons, you mentioned you stayed recently, what was your overall impression of the hotel, not just the food?

I too am a native Angeleno, and I have a love/hate relationship with the city. I think Tony Bourdain did the best justice possible with his new "layover" show episode about LA. We are the country's premier "low end food" destination...but in a good way. IE, best Mexican, best burgers, best food trucks, etc...

We have reasonable high-end food, but not like Chicago or New York (or dare I say...Vegas).

Haven't been to Bel Air post-renovation, but I have been pre-renovation. I've also been to BHH (about 6 years ago).

My very first high end hotel visit was at the BHH, and to this day it remains among my most memorable (positively). The staff at the time were simply incredible. As an example, even the gardeners would stop pruning the trees as I walked by and would make a point to greet me. The only other hotel in the entire world that had such gracious service was Four Seasons Tented Camp.

The bungalows as I remember them were simply incredible. Not over the top in a Singita or FS Tented Camp kind of way, but simply perfect for an urban environment.

Bel Air pre-renovation was just 'OK' by luxury standards. Yes it was private. Yes it was iconic...but it was lacking that 'je ne sais quoi' feeling that BHH had.

I am an LA native and I agree with Vuittons. Compared to other "world class" cities, we do definitely lag behind. NYC, Paris, Hong Kong, Singapore and even Chicago have better options in terms of both quality and depth of selection.

Also, Vuittons, you mentioned you stayed recently, what was your overall impression of the hotel, not just the food?

Loved the Bel-Air. it is so much nicer than it used to be in its days of arrogance and mediocrity. Great spread of rooms and suites - all very different. There is a real scene here in the evening and I bumped into a couple of friends who love the place so much they go a couple of times a week for drinks and dinner. The private courtyards are as lovely as ever and the new suites and upper level wing are beautiful. I would definitely go back.

Every city has its own "Flair" and "Style". I try not to compare L.A. to Chicago or New York. It's not apples to apples in my opinion. I like L.A. for what it is, and nothing more or less.
I did love the Bel-Air in years past. This has been an interesting thread. I have not stayed at the Bel-Air in a while, but was at the Beverly Hills about three months ago.

Now curiosity has the best of me, and I'll book the Bel-Air for my own experiences.

Thanks for the great posts.

The Dowager’s Makeover
By BROOKS BARNES
Published: October 12, 2012

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/14/fashion/redesigning-the-polo-lounge.html?pagewanted=all

Excerpt:

"The newly redesigned Hotel Bel-Air also came as a shock when it was unveiled last October. Trying to woo younger guests, it overcorrected in the eyes of many entertainment-industry regulars, who complain about its newly blah color scheme, modern lobby and indoor-outdoor Wolfgang Puck restaurant. The concern: the London-based Dorchester Collection, which operates the Bel-Air, also manages the Beverly Hills Hotel. What if the tweaks planned for the Polo Lounge (work has yet to start) are equally startling?"

Does the FS Beverly Hills now trump the Hotel Bel Air and the Beverly Hills Hotel?

Hotel Bel-Air - two night stay over the weekend.

David Ourisman got me upgraded from a higher end room to a Bel Air suite with patio. Thank you David!!

Positives -
Beautiful suite with high-end fixtures, decorum ie. wood ceilings, wood burning fire place, stone floors..Great bed and linens.

Excellent use of technology. Temperature regulation, housekeeping, turn-down, requests, etc all interfaced with iPads. High-end lighting systems. Bang & Olfusen TVs.

Bathroom with heated floors (divine), Bathtub with TV, 4 pad rain shower plus
conventional shower head. The temperatures for the rain shower and conventional shower could be set differently for a nice contrast. Toto Neorest toilet, won't go into details but very memorable.

Very secluded and private resort location. Lush landscaping. The Swans & pond were very romantic.

Food, ambiance and service at Wolfgang Puck was good at breakfast, unable to have dinner due to schedule. Lunch & cocktails in the Bar were well done.
Classy old Hollywood feel.

Negatives-
Not much. Poor sound insulation. Could be too secluded for some, you're deep in Bel Air. Pool was heated, but still cool. No Jacuzzi. My particular patio was walled off, with no view of anything, but had a mature tree and plants/flowers.

+The hard product was a step above the FS, or anything I have experienced in the US.

-To experience LA you have to leave this property by vehicle.

I love the Peninsula. Outstanding service in my many experiences. However will try the newly renovated Bel Air in Feb. as it sounds great! BHH not my favorite for staying although I do like going for lunch or a drink in the Polo lounge!

To bump my own thread, I just completed a stay in a Grand Deluxe Guestroom at the Hotel Bel Air and overall really enjoyed the property. Below are some quick notes on my stay.

Pluses: Beautiful room and private courtyard. Friendly service, echoing what Trojanman said about staff stopping what they're doing to greet you when you walk by. Complimentary car service within the local area. The grounds are stunning. Prearrival questions and requests were handled quickly and warmly by the concierge team. Spa staff and treatment were also wonderful. Live music and great service at the hotel bar. Slow but complimentary internet, you would need to upgrade the connection to watch youtube but it was suitable for email and basic web browsing. Ipod and phone system in room controls everything. La Praire products in guestrooms

Minuses: Men's locker room at the spa is small, no dry sauna just a steamroom and 1 of the 2 showers was broken. A few small services lapses, like taking 30+ minutes and two phone calls to get someone to light my fireplace or requesting something to be delivered at a certain time that comes 20 minutes after that time has passed.

I am currently at the hotel and it won't become a favorite. I am in a grand deluxe room, third category from the bottom. These first three categories only differ in that second level has a terrace and third level adds a fireplace (which you have to call to get started, it is both wood and gas).

My room backs up on the street and unlike the silence everyone else experienced, I can hear every car going by.

There is no coffee or tea maker in the room. The TV set is mounted firmly on the side wall so it is very hard to watch from the bed.

We had dinner off the bar menu last night and the food was fine but the service terrible. Long delays, forgetful staff, etc etc etc. A menu item listed as a "whole Jidori chicken" was, as we were warned, a "half Jidori chicken."

Only being able to valet park is very annoying. There is a limited amount of free street parking but it has a 2 hour limit (which doesn't look to be enforced much) 8am-6pm M-F.

Unlike a reviewer above, I found the digital devices and light switches in the room confusing and uninformative. It took me several minutes to figure out how to manage the lights and ditto for the TV remote (even though I've used this type before). For room service, there is no way to see what the extra charges are and the hotel operator didn't know. They seem to be 20% service charge plus tax but I guess we won't know for sure until we check out.

I just ordered room service breakfast. I was put on hold because I was first connected erroneously to room service at the Beverly Hills hotel; apparently there is one switchboard for both hotels. I asked for them to substitute another form of Danish for the raisin Danish but they said that was impossible although they would try to accommodate me tomorrow if they knew a day in advance!

Basic internet is free but seems intentionally degraded as a way to get guests to pay $15 for faster service.

Virtuoso supposedly allows a late check-out which I requested but they are so far refusing to allow it.

On the plus side, requests to deliver things to the room are handled very quickly so far.

Last night, the entire restaurant was unavailable to hotel guests as there was a private function in it. The same was true for the bar for part of the evening; fortunately, we got there late enough that we were allowed in. I find this sort of thing reprehensible, especially since there is nothing else nearby.

Some may think this a special place, but not me. Maybe you get treated better if you are famous or a known hotel reviewer.

Edited to add: Second day in a row that room service breakfast didn't show up on time. No explanation given.

It's got to the be little money-saving touches that I like the most. Two people = two bath towels. No little sewing kit, you have to ask for it (and wait 20 minutes for it to be delivered). Staffers that are "professionally cheerful" young folks who really don't care and certainly don't listen. OK, 'nuff said, I'm checking out!

I am currently at the hotel and it won't become a favorite. I am in a grand deluxe room, third category from the bottom. These first three categories only differ in that second level has a terrace and third level adds a fireplace (which you have to call to get started, it is both wood and gas).

My room backs up on the street and unlike the silence everyone else experienced, I can hear every car going by.

There is no coffee or tea maker in the room. The TV set is mounted firmly on the side wall so it is very hard to watch from the bed.

We had dinner off the bar menu last night and the food was fine but the service terrible. Long delays, forgetful staff, etc etc etc. A menu item listed as a "whole Jidori chicken" was, as we were warned, a "half Jidori chicken."

Only being able to valet park is very annoying. There is a limited amount of free street parking but it has a 2 hour limit (which doesn't look to be enforced much) 8am-6pm M-F.

Unlike a reviewer above, I found the digital devices and light switches in the room confusing and uninformative. It took me several minutes to figure out how to manage the lights and ditto for the TV remote (even though I've used this type before). For room service, there is no way to see what the extra charges are and the hotel operator didn't know. They seem to be 20% service charge plus tax but I guess we won't know for sure until we check out.

I just ordered room service breakfast. I was put on hold because I was first connected erroneously to room service at the Beverly Hills hotel; apparently there is one switchboard for both hotels. I asked for them to substitute another form of Danish for the raisin Danish but they said that was impossible although they would try to accommodate me tomorrow if they knew a day in advance.

Basic internet is free but seems intentionally degraded as a way to get guests to pay $15 for faster service.

Virtuoso supposedly allows a late check-out which I requested but they are so far refusing to allow it.

On the plus side, requests to deliver things to the room are handled very quickly so far.

Last night, the entire restaurant was unavailable to hotel guests as there was a private function in it. The same was true for the bar for part of the evening; fortunately, we got there late enough that we were allowed in. I find this sort of thing reprehensible, especially since there is nothing else nearby.

Some may think this a special place, but not me.

I am sad to hear they have started closing the restaurant for groups. This is what used to infuriate me about Bel-Air under its previous incarnation. I had hoped that Dorchester would remedy this.

Turns out the hotel staffer who checked on room service charges for me was wrong. In addition to sales tax and a 20% service charge, there is a $5 delivery fee. I learned this when I saw the bill on breakfast, which arrived late.

There is a line on the bill for "gratuity," in case 20% is not enough.

In room amenities changed from those described above, they are now "Anne Semonin." I'm not into this so can't judge if that is better or worse, but I know there are many on the forum who can.

This morning as I was crossing the driveway to hike to the front desk, a Sysco truck was backing in to make a delivery. That must be part of the Wolfgang Puck influence!

I was hopeful I'd want to pick this hotel over the mediocre FS Westlake Village when visiting family in the San Fernando Valley, but I guess I'll probably leave the place to the many who adore it.

I find it inexcusable for a hotel restaurant to be closed to hotel guests. Private functions belong in function rooms.

So I filled out the Bel-Air hotel survey and got a prompt reply from the director of F&B which did not address any of my specific points. Instead, I was offered a one-class upgrade and a complimentary glass of wine on my next visit.

I wonder if they will still be serving wine after hell freezes over.

Nothing has changed my view that the only way to get treated well here is to be famous or a hotel reviewer. Since I am neither, I won't be back.

So I filled out the Bel-Air hotel survey and got a prompt reply from the director of F&B which did not address any of my specific points. Instead, I was offered a one-class upgrade and a complimentary glass of wine on my next visit.

I wonder if they will still be serving wine after hell freezes over.

Nothing has changed my view that the only way to get treated well here is to be famous or a hotel reviewer. Since I am neither, I won't be back.

Well, I'd add that I was there not 10 days after that 'famous reviewer' was there. She was treated like a queen. We got treated as bad or worse than you did.

Incidentally, that 'famous reviewer' doesn't take criticism well, if at all. We exchanged several emails about her shockingly incorrect, and perhaps unethical, review of new Hotel Bel Air, and she dismissed my arguments completely.

.... And I don't like club sandwiches....

ALL, and I mean ALL of the personality that made this place so special was killed in the remodel. As best I could determine, not a single employee was rehired. This means that Gus (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122851909486284015.html), the old wizened bartender known the world around, is gone. Steve, the other bartender that had worked there 30 years or so is gone -- went to Vegas apparently. Sad. Very sad. If you were friendly enough to Gus or Steve, you could always get a story. My favorite story was the odd drink that Nancy Reagan's psychic demanded during her visits. Gus couldn't tell that story without cracking a smile.

The grounds are breathtaking.

This is my impression as well, and unfortunately the Beverly Hills Hotel has also lost much of its uniqueness of character. I'm afraid that the "internationalizing" of both properties has removed much of the uniqueness of feel that made them both so special. The physical settings are still wonderful, but the "vibe" is entirely different, and not much fun. The Pen is probably the best hotel in terms of how well it does most everything, but the location, while extremely convenient to BH, has none of the beauty or charm that have defined the Bel Air or the BHH over so many years. To simply throw in a curve ball, I'd say that Casa del Mar in Santa Monica is now a little more of an authentic LA experience than either, and more fun.

ALL, and I mean ALL of the personality that made this place so special was killed in the remodel. As best I could determine, not a single employee was rehired. This means that Gus (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122851909486284015.html), the old wizened bartender known the world around, is gone. Steve, the other bartender that had worked there 30 years or so is gone -- went to Vegas apparently. Sad. Very sad. If you were friendly enough to Gus or Steve, you could always get a story. My favorite story was the odd drink that Nancy Reagan's psychic demanded during her visits. Gus couldn't tell that story without cracking a smile.

The grounds are breathtaking.

This is my impression as well, and unfortunately the Beverly Hills Hotel has also lost much of its uniqueness of character. I'm afraid that the "internationalizing" of both properties has removed much of the uniqueness of feel that made them both so special. The physical settings are still wonderful, but the "vibe" is entirely different, and not much fun. The Pen is probably the best hotel in terms of how well it does most everything, but the location, while extremely convenient to BH, has none of the beauty or charm that have defined the Bel Air or the BHH over so many years. To simply throw in a curve ball, I'd say that Casa del Mar in Santa Monica is now a little more of an authentic LA experience than either, and more fun.

Oh please - Casa del Mar? Does this mean that an authentic LA experience now resembles a low-yield Marriott? You jest, surely.