Hotel Bel-Air Restaurant

11/18/09

Romantic getaway

by SuzyCattheBeach at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: Romantic

02/24/08

Disappointment

by EtticutMaestro at Citysearch

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

• Pros: Beautiful property
• Cons: Prejudice

10/04/07

The worst afternoon ladies tea in the city.

by lalevy91423 at Citysearch

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.

02/12/07

Get the Trio of Sorbets

by kidhendrix at Citysearch

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!

• Pros: Trio of sorbets is amazing
• Cons: Very expensive

11/17/06

One of the best for breakfast!

by deelong at Citysearch

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.

• Pros: Valet parking; attentive service; complimentary morning newspaper or trade magazine

11/10/06

Nice and relaxing...

by jimmyray at Citysearch

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.

11/05/06

Beautiful, Romantic, and Serene

by Elischa at Citysearch

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!

• Pros: Scenery, Ambience, Food
• Cons: Maybe hard to find if you have never been there

10/27/06

A verdant oasis just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Westwood.

by Tara Lis at Citysearch

The Scene
As elegant as its lush surroundings, the Hotel Bel-Air bar brims with sophistication. Outside, a serene patio is situated alongside the grounds' signature swan lake. Adorned with massive but tasteful flower arrangements, the entryway leading inside the bar itself opens into a refined gentleman's study. Plush couches are nestled against well-polished, dark-wood walls, and comfortable leather chairs and tables surround them.

The Draw
The majority of patrons are diners waiting to be seated in the adjoining restaurant, wedding guests, couples wrapping up romantic dates or hotel guests. Despite its proximity to the UCLA campus, one would be hard-pressed to find any co-eds in the mix.

08/11/06

Plush ambiance with a price

by tjffarms at Citysearch

We ate on the terrace and there is no question that this is a beautiful place to dine. Just be ready to pay the price. Our family of four had four salads and drinks and the bill came to $122 before the tip! Wow! I would recommend skipping the luch and walking around the garden. It is defintely worth the drive from surrounding areas. This is a beautiful hotel.

• Pros: ambiance

06/23/06

Most Exquisite Service Ever

by jules622 at Citysearch

My family and I decided to go to the Bel Air Hotel to celebrate my graduation from a doctoral program. We made the reservation the night before and were told we would be unable to sit outside. I told them I was graduating and if there was anything they could do, I would appreciate it. When we got there, not only was there a table outside, but they toasted us with 2 complimentary bottles of champagne. We were waited on hand and foot and made to feel like VIPs. At the end of the dinner, they brought out a complimentary dessert with a candle in it for me. I would go back there for absolutely any special occasion and highly recommend them!

• Pros: unparalleled service and hospitality
• Cons: none