COST: $$$
From the T+L 500
This 1920's hideaway, set on 12 lush acres (complete with its own swan lake) in a serene residential neighborhood a short drive from Beverly Hills, was recently rebranded as part of the Dorchester Collection; a new spa will debut later this year.
| Score | 92.32 |
|---|---|
| Stats | 91 rooms; 1 restaurant; 1 bar. |
| Rooms to Book | Those in the north end of the property are closest to the pool and offer the most privacy. |
| Insider Tip | Have a yoga lesson on your private patio. |
| Cost | Doubles from $425. |
| Amenities |
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New to the T+L 500 |  |
High-Speed Internet | |
Gym | |
Pool |
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Spa |  |
Tennis |  |
Golf |  |
Outdoor Activities |
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Water Activities |  |
Fishing |  |
Kids' Program | ||
What sets the Bel-Air apart is its sense of sanctuary; despite the property’s relatively large size (12 acres), the warm staff, the cozy Spanish Mission-style architecture, and old-world gestures like complimentary tea service create an intimate ambience here. The 91 uniquely decorated rooms all have luxurious, understated touches like Alicante marble tiles and Pratesi linens; many of its 39 suites include fireplaces. Those with private patios are tucked behind walls covered with cascading bougainvillea, flowering shrubs, and giant California oaks. Lunching on lobster salad and La Grande Dame on the Bel-Air terrace, while gazing over the swan pond and pretending not to notice the Oscar winner at the next table, is a decades-old L.A. pleasure.
Tip: If you’re keen to see the Olsen twins, forget about it; celebs who require the attention of gawkers and paparazzi know to head elsewhere.
Room to Book: The 835-square-foot Grace Kelly Suite, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private garden patio, outdoor Jacuzzi, and burbling fountain.
lastArticle = and lastAward = 01/2008
