Hotel Bel-Air

Doesn't Recommend

Howard W.

Joined 1 year ago

Bel Air Hotel a fallen angel. My best friend and I wanted to celebrate Valentines with her 95 year old dad and his partner who is 94. The hotel has so many memories for this family: wedddings, confirmations and so much more. For me it has been the bastion of beauty and incredible memories spanning 30 years. It had even been the site of a wedding proposal.

So we arrived on Valentines and the hotel looks splendid. The valets were perky and mindful.

Then although we had a reservation we had to wait to be seated. We had asked to be near the swans who have been at the hotel for more than 40 years.

We were not seated near the swans and had to move when we complained to our server.

The food (I adore Wolfgang Pick and had a birthday party rentiing out Chinois on main many years ago) but the food was simply uninspired, tepid and had no penache.

The service was abysmal and finally I asked the manager over and recited the list of indignities. He was efficacious and immediately indicated that the meal would be compliments of him.He handed me his card and asked us back to try the hotle again under his supervision.

How sad though for my friend's 95 year old dad. How many good memories were to contaminated by this Valentines Day 2012.

The adage of making a first impression is paradoxical here since how many times is a 95 year old man going back to the Bel Air. After a lifetime of the Bel Air Hotel we all left a bit sad that this memory would stand out.

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1Trish1

Joined 2 years ago

A wonderful oasis in the hills of Bel Air. What I love is the serenity and the calmness that welcomes you when you arrive. The swans and all the greenery remind you of a place far away. The doormen were so kind to park my not-so fancy car, even though I spent at least 3 hours for a lunch date. The restaurant is fabulous, again, so many nooks and corners and interesting how the food is served. So perfect and attentive, extremely friendly as well, not at all pretentious like you see in movies. The food was well prepared, fresh and flavorful.

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SuzyCattheBeach

Joined 4 years ago

Romantic getaway. This is my favorite spot for drinks. Men, remember to wear a jacket when going to the bar. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic. Especially on foggy weekends in the winter.

Dining at the hotel is very good, although sometimes the dining area can be empty, especially during the week. But sometimes that can be nice.

Doesn't Recommend

EtticutMaestro

Joined 5 years ago

Disappointment. I arrived and found the valet service were very polite and assistive with my lady at exiting her side of our transport, then made our way through a lush and beautiful atmosphere to there restaurant and a delicious fool course dinner that arrived in about the same time it takes the United States to set up there next walk on the moon" forever". The rate was high yet expected because the dishes are great. We then went to the Champagne bar and indulged in there excellent champagne selection to which the bartender seemed reluctant but very appreciative towards our impressive tip, moments later an employee of believed the security staff stated that there over capacity and we must depart in an extremely rude manner to my lady, rather than I the gentlmen next to her, then 5 napoleonic security officers approached us as if we were high risk and told us we must depart, so we then finished our flutes imediatly to which there was nowhere to place the finished glass and there Sec.Team wouldnt even accept the glasses for return so she and i could expedite our exit. As we made our way back through there grounds to our driver we were followed by anobviously tense security officer to the point our vehicle departed the premises. The Hotel Bel Air is visually beautiful, service is terribly slow, food and beverages are tasty yet exspensive and your over all treatment is sadly considered prejudicial. They Dont Like People of Color, they should be reported to AAA for this obtrusive conduct and repremended by Hispanic community. A major disappointment to see a regal establishment behave unorganized, offensive and flat out rude personell

Doesn't Recommend

lalevy91423

Joined 6 years ago

The worst afternoon ladies tea in the city.. I go to "Afternoon Tea" with a group every month and we were all looking forward to the Hotel Bel Air. I have eaten brunch, lunch, and dinner there. I even spent my honeymoon there. It's a gorgeous place. As we pulled up in the parking lot, the attendent was delightful. It went down from there. Afternoon tea was a major disappointment. Aside from the really lousy seating, the head waiter offered us a selection of Three (3) teas! Was he kidding? Most hotels and tea houses have 10 to 20 off a written menu. He was going on this memory. As more ladies arrived he came up with more selections. Whoopee. Individuals coffee presses filled with tea leaves oversteeped at each place setting so the waitstaff would not have trouble to come back and pour for us.

The tea sandwiches arrived not on a caddy, but on individual plates looking very pathetic and lonely. A mini egg salad in a miniature cream puff (is egg salad expensive?), smoked salmon you could read through, and two others equally as exciting. The scones were cold, the sweets were premade. Could have been SaraLee.

We've been to the Ritz Carleton and the Peninsula, for $50 I expect more from the Bel Air. We will not go back. I'm sure they don't care. Robin Hood in Van Nuys is better. There's a crappy tea place in Burbank that was better.

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sueinthepark

Joined 8 years ago

Best night I've ever spent in a hotel...period.. I've stayed in business and luxury hotels all over the country, and this was by far the best all-around service I've ever received...period.

From the moment I pulled up to the valet to the moment I reluctantly left, I felt like royalty. The staff was attentive and, dare I say, delightful. Some of them have been there for decades. They seem to love what they do, and it shows.

Excellent food, awesome rooms, perfect service. The location makes you forget you're in L.A.

I'd rather spend one night there than three somewhere else. I agree with the reviewer above, the only con that I found was that I can't stay forever!

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kidhendrix

Joined 7 years ago

Get the Trio of Sorbets. The Hotel Bel-Air provided a meal that was every bit as good as you would expect based on its reputation and its price. First class service, beautiful setting, and outstanding food. I MUST recommend the trio of sorbets. It is the most creative, innovative dessert I have had at any Los Angeles restaurant. I know it sounds basic, but it's visual presentation is stunning. It also tastes wonderful, and the selection of flavors is unique (not just the usual raspberry, strawberry, coconut offered at most places). Get this dessert!

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deelong

Joined 7 years ago

One of the best for breakfast!. A sumptuous way to begin your day -- huevos rancheros and the pancakes with fresh rasperberries are just two of the delicious morning offerings. Attentive service, although prices are in the premium range. The indoor dining room features a serene atmosphere with classical music, the outside patio the fresh chirping of the birds. Especially delightful at the end of the year when the dining room is magically decorated for the Christmas holidays. Be sure to leave time to walk around the grounds, once a private estate. And be sure to take a look at the hotel's legendary swans as they laze in the pool beneath the entry bridge walkway.

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jimmyray

Joined 7 years ago

Nice and relaxing.... Nestled in the heart of one of arguably the classiest and most elegant hotels in Southern California is a rather small but tastefully appointed bar that is simply perfect for a round or two of quiet cocktails, romance, or agreeable conversation. The pianist was talented until Paul McCartney's presence intimidated him. You never know who might pop in for a minute. The service, as you would expect, is flawless, and the appetizers are well prepared, but notthing extraordinary. Whether you're well-to-do or pretending you do well, this is a nice place to unwind...a posh living room with a fireplace.

Recommends

Elischa

Joined 7 years ago

Beautiful, Romantic, and Serene. Those are the words that come to mind when I think of this piece of paradise. The location and property itself alreadys sets a spell on you as soon as you step into this beautifully landscaped retreat. The restaurant is set so beautifully, and the servers have these magnificent accents that sets the mood for a luxurious evening. One may feel that they stepped into Europe, even if its only for a couple of hours. The food has such great presence, and taste that you feel that you never want to leave this wonderful Restaurant. If you are some what of a wine person, you will definitely respect this extensive wine list. If you want to wow someone, then this is the place to go. Bravo Bel-Air!