I am relatively new to this travel site and find it wonderful for information on locations around the world. I am trying to catch up on relaying my experiences on our travels this past year. We have had some wonderful experiences and have been very fortunate to find boutique hotels that offer so much more than the "chain hotels" of the past. Although this hotel has been around for some time, this was our first experience and we we were very pleased.

My daughter and her husband live in Los Angeles and had an event at this hotel last summer. We along with other family members stayed here and we all just loved it! There is an "old hollywood" star quality to this place. It is hidden in Bel Aire but it is close to so much. Just minutes away from sightseeing and not far from the beach either. Not a beach hotel but I didn't realize how close we were. I believe it was approximately a 40 minute drive to the beach. The grounds were beautiful and we loved the piano bar and restaurant. Strolling around the grounds in the mornings, it was so peaceful. Just a lovely hotel with great service and a boutique ambiance. We loved it!

This place continues to amaze.

We spent a week in January and it rained every day but we still had a great time. Upon check-in I asked for another room due to a lack of a dresser in the room. We were upgraded to a grand deluxe room, the only one on the property without a patio or fireplace. It was extremely comfortable and we spent a lot of time in the room.

We were treated like royalty the whole time we were there. Granted we spent a considerable amount of money (we ate at least 10 meals at the hotel) and the concierge secured great tables for us at prime time at three restaurants that are typically difficult to get into.

The staff could not have been more gracious or friendly. They repeatedly stopped to speak with us and allowed themselves to be drawn into lengthy conversations if we were so inclined.

My family and I stayed here for two nights in January 2007. I had grown up in nearby Pacific Palisades and had come here dozens of times over the years for special occasions, Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, etc. The Bel Air Hotel has always been, and continues to be, a fabulous place. It's just a few miles off busy Sunset Boulevard but feels far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life in Los Angeles. The grounds are lush and immaculate and the swans in the pond are as beautiful and feisty as ever. The restaurant has undergone some major renovations over the years and the menu has been completely overhauled. The wine list is stunning. It is, to be sure, an incredibly expensive place to stay but it is an experience not to be missed. Our connecting rooms were spacious and delightful. The pool has always been a great place to relax but it was unseasonably cold during our stay and could have been heated to a much warmer temperature. The front desk staff has always been remarkably efficient and, for this stay, I showed them some of the old, black and white photographs my parents had taken of me on the grounds when I was a kid. (The dining room receptionist and maitre 'd also enjoyed seeing the evolution of the restaurant over the years in other of my old, family pictures.) The bar scene is "old school", lots of wood and plush carpets, a very cozy clubby environment. The true star of this hotel has always been the grounds and walking paths. They can take you to a different world. It is a real treat to be able to stay at this legendary Los Angeles hotel and enjoy its peace and serenity.

My and husband and I were guests at the Bel Air in January. Every detail was as close to perfect as you can get.

Our room was absolutely lovely with a view of the swans from a bay window and a terrace. High ceilings and lots of windows. The most comfortable bed and beautiful high quality linens...changed daily. Large flat screen HDTV. Bose clock radio/CD. Fruit, a little cake and a cute tea basket with this devine passion fruit/vanilla hot tea waiting for us.

The staff was one of the nicest we've experienced in a while....my husband is a bit picky about service within the higher level hotels we enjoy. From the bellmen, front desk, concierge...even the friendly waitress in the bar....everyone went above and beyond.

The grounds were beautiful. Meals were delicious.

The ONLY downside was the tiny bath with a single sink/toilet/tub. A bit difficult for us both to dress at the same time. But I did see some rooms with a separate dressing area from the bath.

Overall, we truly enjoyed the Hotel Bel Air and would definitely return on our next L.A. trip.