Located in the exclusive Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, just 15 minutes from the shopping and restaurants of Rodeo Drive, Hotel Bel-Air is a beautiful, bucolic retreat from city life. Just as couples in London will go to FS Hampshire or Coworth Park for a romantic weekend getaway - or simply to get away from it all, LA couples can find the same sense of escape in the green canyons of Bel-Air.

Located on a secluded 12 acre estate, guests enter over a bridge that overlooks Bel-Air’s iconic swan lake. The grounds feature babbling fountains, colorful bougainvillea vines, and paths lined with flowering impatiens, all set among traditional Spanish Colonial buildings in which just 103 guest rooms and suites are located. Hotel Bel-Air has a large, oval outdoor pool and an extensive spa.

Room

The resort is 66 years old and has recently reopened after an extensive renovation. I was a guest at this hotel 20 years ago and can report that the external appearance of the buildings remain virtually exchanged — with the exception of six Canyon Rooms and six Canyon Suites that have been added on the hillside overlooking the canyon. Guestrooms have been updated with an elegant style that is both casual and understated. I spent one evening in a Bel Air Suite with patio — lots of whites and off-whites, white marble floors covered with tasteful area rugs, and hardwood ceilings. The front door leads into a large living room with flat screen B&O TV and seating area (including a sofa bed). A door closes between the living room and the large bedroom, beyond which is an office set within a greenhouse. The outdoor patio has a small dining area where you can enjoy in-room dining al fresco. The fully featured bathroom has a Toto toilet that raises its lid when you enter and automatically flushes when you leave.

We were shown one of a new Canyon Suites set on the fourth floor. Its outdoor patio (with jacuzzi pool and gas fireplace) has a commanding view of the canyon. The interiors of these new rooms are a bit more contemporary than the resort's original renovated rooms. We were also able to see the Grace Kelly Suite (WOW) as well as the impressive Presidential Suite (super WOW).

Tips

It should be noted that guests at the Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air have reciprocal charge privileges.