This LA Lodge Is Ranked One of many Greatest by Our Readers — and It Simply Acquired 3 Michelin Keys

Just some miles from L.A.’s invariably traffic-clogged freeway, Sundown Boulevard winds its method to Stone Canyon Street and, in the end, the Lodge Bel-Air, taking my husband and me to a world seemingly distant from the town’s hectic tempo.

Right here, we gladly handed our automobile over to a ready valet and have been escorted alongside the foliage-canopied stone bridge over Swan Lake. As all the time, the lodge’s resident swans — Hercules, Athena, Odette, and Chloe — floated peacefully, their sleek silhouettes mirrored within the ripples beneath.

After a fast and environment friendly check-in, we have been guided to our suite. We handed by way of The Residing Room, an aptly named space with an enormous hearth in its middle and cozy furnishings groupings tucked right here and there all through. We adopted our bellman alongside landscaped pathways, previous the swimming pool, spa, tropical gardens, and secluded bungalows which might be an indicator of the lodge.

Double doorways opened to our suite — extra of an house the place we may fortunately reside out our days, as a lot of Lodge Bel-Air’s well-known residents have chosen to do — with a lounge, wood-burning hearth (the place a hearth will be organized with only a cellphone name), workplace, bed room, and toilet with a spacious bathe that might accommodate at the very least 4 folks, ought to the event name for it. (It didn’t whereas we have been there.)

We have been most thrilled with our expansive out of doors terrace, hidden from view by a greenery-covered canyon wall and large timber throughout. A hearth surrounded by cushioned seating, lounge chairs, a bistro desk and chairs, and a heated spa pool accomplished the right “yard.” Our first order of enterprise was to devour the beneficiant charcuterie board and Champagne that we carried exterior on that sunny afternoon whereas we deliberate the remainder of our day.

These plans included a stroll across the lodge’s grounds, a dip in our 102-degree non-public pool, cocktails at The Bar, dinner at The Restaurant, and a nightcap within the lounge listening to piano music. Within the meantime, we relaxed, snacked, and thought of who might need stayed in our suite for practically 80 years for the reason that lodge opened in 1946. Maybe Elizabeth Taylor or Marilyn Monroe. Or, in more moderen instances, perhaps Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Beyonce, Jennifer Aniston, or Oprah Winfrey. (The lodge is extremely discreet and protecting of its friends, so these particulars more than likely come from the friends or their publicists after their visits.)

Certainly, our spacious, secluded suite can be appropriate for celebrities and even royalty. Princess Diana is claimed to have stayed on the lodge throughout her visits to Los Angeles. King Charles reportedly commented on his glorious night time’s sleep within the Presidential Suite when he visited within the Seventies. Classic images line the walkways, together with one of many marriage ceremony of Ronald Reagan’s daughter, Patti Davis. Photographer Bert Stern’s iconic photographs of Marilyn Monroe have been taken on the lodge in 1962, shortly earlier than her demise.

Texas lodge entrepreneur Joseph Drown bought the property in 1946 with plans to create a chic hideaway. Almost eight a long time and several other renovations later, the unique ambiance stays. Trendy conveniences and up to date furnishings retain the lodge’s traditional residential fashion, seamlessly combining opulence with understated luxurious. Now managed by Dorchester Assortment, the lodge’s most up-to-date main refurbishment was accomplished by design corporations Alexandra Champalimaud and Rockwell Group. In 2024, the Lodge Bel-Air was one among solely 11 U.S. properties to be awarded the coveted three Michelin Key designation within the inaugural yr of the awards.

Our keep went rapidly, and we liked each minute. We spent our closing morning within the courtyard with espresso and croissants from The Patisserie. After our dialog with the enthusiastic Chef Christophe Rull, we knew our final cease can be his French-inspired bakery. Oh, sure, we additionally took his recommendation and ordered three desserts at The Restaurant.

Listed here are extra particulars and my evaluation of the Lodge Bel-Air.

The Rooms

The lodge’s 58 rooms and 45 suites, every distinctive in measurement and decor, with inside design by Alexandra Champalimaud, mix consolation and classic Hollywood fashion with fashionable expertise. The rooms vary from round 450 sq. ft to greater than 2,200 sq. ft within the Presidential Suite. Positioned amongst meticulously landscaped paths, most rooms open onto backyard views. Twelve canyon rooms and suites take full benefit of the lodge’s location in Bel-Air’s verdant canyons, with retractable glass partitions and spacious furnished patios with non-public spa swimming pools and fireplaces.

The Swan Lake Suite, as soon as a favourite of Hollywood stars Gene Kelly, Cary Grant, and others, gives a serene setting, a secluded patio, a plunge pool, and a backyard view. The Grace Kelly Suite is embellished in creamy shades with customized limestone flooring, pure woods, and an expansive out of doors sitting space with a spa pool. The 2-bedroom Chalon Suite, one of many lodge’s largest at 1,335 sq. ft, options hand-painted murals and a big secluded patio. The Presidential Suite gives a full-sized pool, eating room for ten friends, grand piano, hearth, and furnished out of doors space.

Meals and Drink

The Restaurant serves all-day fare indoors or al fresco in a garden-like ambiance with historical timber built-in into the decor. Service is impeccable and attentive, and the workers clearly takes satisfaction of their friends’ enjoyment. We chatted with Chef Joe Garcia about his up to date menu of traditional favorites that spotlight native seasonal substances and meticulous preparation.

The menu features a choice of house-made breads — to not be missed — and starters like bluefin tuna crudo and jamón Ibérico. The primary programs embrace Colorado lamb chops (rave evaluations from my husband), natural Jidori hen (which I liked), and tarbais bean cassoulet. Desserts, as tasty as they’re lovely, come from The Patisserie.

The charming French-inspired bakery, helmed by pastry chef and “U.S. Chocolate Grasp” Christophe Rull, gives recent pastries, bread, desserts, gelato, espresso drinks, and tea. Company can begin their mornings having fun with their picks in an out of doors courtyard or The Residing Room’s homey ambiance. It’s additionally tempting to take house a couple of treats for later, as we did. The strawberry-yuzu jam is scrumptious, and the sourdough loaves are very good.

Impressed by conventional foyer lounges, The Residing Room takes it a step above, true to its title, with comfy, elegant furnishings by Champalimaud Design. A large central hearth, curved home windows that permit in the great thing about the out of doors gardens, and intimate seating welcome friends all day. From 3–10 p.m. on Wednesday by way of Sunday, there’s a martini and Champagne cart, caviar service, and delectable small plates. The “coldest martini on the town” just isn’t merely a slogan, as I can attest, and I loved one with Chef Garcia’s Vidalia onion dip and caviar-topped deviled eggs. Afternoon tea is served on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with seatings at 3 and three:30 p.m.

On the Bel-Air’s bar and lounge space, friends can select from cushioned loveseats, high-top tables, seats alongside the bar, or intimate tables within the lounge space for glorious cocktails, wines, beers, and drinks in a classy setting. The informal eating menu contains caviar, Baja Gulf prawns, truffle fries, Margherita pizza, prime beef burgers, and desserts. Nightly leisure, a grand piano, celeb photographs, mushy lighting, and a shocking hearth set the temper that makes the area a favourite spot for each lodge friends and locals.

Actions and Experiences

The Spa

The Spa options seven therapy rooms, a non-public enclave, female and male steam rooms, and splendid spa merchandise. Restorative remedies, therapeutic massage, aromatherapy experiences, facials, and physique rituals are provided. Facial enhancements and therapies embrace Valmont’s mobile collagen masks in addition to hydrating hand and foot remedies. There’s a hair salon and nail care suite.

Company take pleasure in 24-hour entry to the health studio the place there’s cardiovascular tools, weight machines, free weights and yoga mats.

Actions and Facilities

Many friends merely stroll the winding paths of the lodge’s 12-acre grounds to see the fruit timber, flowers, gardens, and hummingbirds, stress-free at one of many many seating areas tucked away amid foliage and blossoms. Others discover the lodge’s intensive artwork assortment of images, sculptures, and work.

The lodge’s concierge can organize tickets to occasions, transportation, and particular providers for friends. Pet care and babysitting are additionally accessible.

The oval pool, surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas, is ideal for swimming or stress-free. Company could order snacks or meals from The Restaurant to take pleasure in on the pool.

Household-friendly Choices

Younger friends benefit from the pool, particularly the swan floats. Throughout holidays, decorations and particular dinners are memorable household experiences.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The lodge gives totally ADA-compliant options, amenities, and providers. Accessible guestrooms embrace lowered signage and entry door viewers, closed-captioned televisions, braille door numbers, and emergency codes/buttons for quick help. Bogs are spacious sufficient for wheelchair entry, and so they characteristic seize handles close to the bath and bathe, in addition to roll-in bathe stalls.

Wheelchairs and crutches can be found upon request, as are anti-allergy pillows and bedding. All public areas are wheelchair-accessible and have huge corridors and ramps. Elevators are positioned close to accessible rooms. Public areas additionally supply accessible bogs and parking areas.

A recirculation and filtration system was added to Swan Lake, saving over 250,000 gallons of water a month. Gardens use a gray-water system that recycles water from the brand new villas. Climate-sensing timers and low-flow sprinkler heads save greater than 50 p.c of irrigation water in comparison with the earlier system, and rainwater captured on the spa constructing is infiltrated again into the soil to assist keep the water desk.

Timber and crops have been eliminated for renovation, and new infrastructure tasks have been repurposed, replanted, or donated to charitable organizations. Mature oak timber have been replanted, and others have been added to protect the native Stone Canyon species.

Location

The Lodge Bel-Air is in an unique residential neighborhood surrounded by hills, canyons, wildlife, and mature landscaping. The UCLA campus is close by, providing athletic occasions, concert events, museums, and lectures. Simply 4 miles away, the Getty Middle is thought for its everlasting assortment, particular reveals, backyard, and gorgeous structure. Purchasing can be accessible close by at informal Westwood Village, the Century Metropolis Westfield Mall, and Rodeo Drive’s designer shops and boutiques.

Vacationer points of interest, seashores, the Santa Monica Pier, sports activities venues, the downtown Music Middle, theaters, and several other excellent museums can be found within the Los Angeles space.

The right way to Get the Most Worth Out of Your Keep

As one among American Categorical High-quality Accommodations & Resorts, Lodge Bel-Air supplies advantages for Platinum Card members, together with 12 p.m. check-in and room upgrades when accessible, every day breakfast for 2, $100 property credit score for use in the course of the keep, complimentary Wi-Fi, and assured 4 p.m. checkout.

When reserving by way of AmexTravel, members get 5x Membership Rewards factors on pay as you go lodge bookings. They will use the factors for all or a part of a pay as you go keep.

Seasonal or particular fee packages could also be accessible. Test the lodge’s web site when reserving.