Hotel Bel-Air

Had booked through the fine hotels with American express with a bunch of privileges including early check in, room upgrade etc. We checked in past 4 pm in spite of an early check in. The room electricity was not working with the switches not operatable. The hotel engineer was there for a full half hour in the room hampering any chance of relaxing or even using the washroom. After insisting on speaking for a change of room the manager John Pierce offered to change the room and a spa service to make up for the pathetic experience not expected at a property of this stature. The spa called with three time options and services which suited them, which I declined. In short checking in from their sister property The BeverlyHills Hotel this was poor handling of a returning custom. Can't wait to leave tomorrow and don't think want to return. The changed room had one chair as opposed to the couch in the earlier room and a smaller patio. Will not be considering this property in the future where working electric switches was not a ginen!!

I've experienced luxury before, but never quite like this. Here, luxury isn't just about high-end amenities (though those were plentiful). It's about the feeling of being completely at ease, of every need being met with grace and efficiency. The ambiance was soothing, the service impeccable, and the overall experience simply unforgettable.

The best hotel I have been able to visit, the facilities are wonderful and the attention is first class, as such from a 5 star hotel, the view, the place, the rooms and everything else is beautiful, do not hesitate to stay, you will not regret it

This is maybe my third updated review on one of my favourite hotels in the world? It is indeed a total paradise and we have stayed maybe a dozen times in the last 15 years or so, and hate having to leave. On arrival we were upgraded to a fabulous room right at he back of the estate, and as ever - the room was exceptional. In fact almost everything was exceptional - the valet, the breakfast, dinner, the wonderful bar, housekeeping (reception staff still not the very best, all a bit too uninterested and casual in my opinion). So why a star down this time? Well we had a pretty bad experience at the pool over the weekend. We knew things were very busy, but by 10am, every sun lounger had been taken, expect for four beds at the far end of the pool that we were told were 'reserved'. There was a wedding going on that day so there was also nowhere to sit and relax in the gardens. So after waiting for a few hours in the room we headed back and managed to get two chairs as two guests departed. The four 'reserved' chairs were still empty. Another guest, a young woman, who then arrived was told the same and decided to sit on a towel next to the empty beds, to then be aggressively shouted out by another guest who emerged from the villa that sits at the far end of the pool to 'move'. It was all rather distressing and the young woman was in floods of tears. Other than one bed that the aggressive guest then sat on, the other three remained empty all day. I'd love to know how this happened, as it left a very bitter taste to an otherwise exceptional stay.

This may be the best place in all of LA. We’ve stayed in the rooms, both suite and regular and they are stunning. Fireplaces, views, plunge pools. Everything to help you escape. The restaurant, while new, maintains its excellence. I want to now talk about the bar. This is, by far, the real highlight of the property. I’ve been dozens of times and every time it’s perfection. The last few times I’ve had the same server - Bri. She remembers my orders and always has a smile. The new bar manager - Fred - is a great addition. He’s always moving around, keeping everyone happy - and greets everyone with a smile. I love watching the action from my seat and it’s a joy to watch this operation work. When you drink at this bar you’re amongst friends and that feeling comes from the staff. So yes, 5 stars? No. A perfect 10!