Checking In: Hotel Bel Air

Natural Beauty

By Amy Elisa Keith

Capitalizing on the Santa Monica mountains in its backyard, the hotel will boast 12 new hillside suites that will offer sweeping canyon views, expansive sliding glass walls, outdoor fireplaces and spacious decks with private spa pools. Two internationally renowned design teams, Alexandra Champalimaud and Rockwell Group, have designed the well-hidden retreat.

White House

The famed Presidential Suite where Cary Grant and Grace Kelly once lodged will draw from the hotel's past with Reminiscent California style and hints of old stories. Inspired by 1930s, 1940s and 1950s Hollywood, the design team's all-American style evokes glamour and graceful living with international flair.

What's Old Is New

The familiar Spanish colonial architecture splashed in "Bel-Air Pink" is still present, while a new generation of Bel-Air aesthetic is reflected through different design themes in the guest rooms. Premier suite options also feature retractable walls that will open the entire space to an outdoor patio.

Posh Pampering

In the new 4,134-square-foot Spa by La Prairie, guests will be offered signature treatments and specially formulated products. The sole couples treatment room—with bespoke pink and silver embroidered silk wallpaper and subtle ceiling murals of gentle blossoms—adds a touch of artful luxury.

High Life

To top off the 103 guestrooms and suites, the design team created three unique "loft guestrooms" with open floor plans, double-sided fireplaces and dramatically high ceilings for more modern living. The lofts are situated within a new 12,000-square-foot Spanish mission-style structure featuring a new bell tower, fitness studio and spa.

Lap Of Luxury

A-list regulars of the hotel, like Nicole Kidman and Hilary Swank, will take pleasure in the newly remodeled guestrooms, which will include custom limestone floors and natural wood ceilings with rich finishes melded to create a confident style that is clean, full of light and elegant.

No Paparazzi Allowed

Designers were mindful not to lose the legendary character known for giving guests the sense of being in a luxurious private residence surrounded by gardens. The indoor and outdoor environments of the hotel are intertwined, as evidenced by the airy hotel lobby lounge.

Dark 'N' Stormy

The time-honored bar is a cherished space, so designers kept its cozy lounge feeling inside with a grand piano and familiar wood paneling, revived with a fresh new look. The bar area will also be expanded with three "garden niches" extending outdoors.

Timeless Treasures

The signature Bel-Air swans have remained at Swan Lake during the entirety of the restoration process, and will now have neighbors, thanks to a newly remodeled Swan Lake suite. While couples can still pose in front of the lake for the wedding portraits, only suite guests will have a private patio overlooking the majestic birds.

Price Is Right

To enjoy the beauty of this nestled escape, it'll cost you a pretty penny. Rates at Hotel Bel-Air will start at $565 and climb north of $22,000 for the specialty suites, which feature private garden patios with seating areas, gas fireplaces and large Jacuzzis. But for a slice of high-design heaven, isn't it worth it?