Why Do Travel+Leisure Readers Love the Hotel Bel-Air So Much?

July 10, 2008 at 2:37 PM | by Jenna | 2 Comments

So, listen, Travel + Leisure readers: we have a bone to pick with you. You seem to think quite highly of the Hotel Bel-Air, and frankly, we're not quite getting it.

See, not only did you rank the hotel #1 in Los Angeles in the World's Best Awards, but you also seem to think it is among one of the top three hotels in the United States. Really, though?

Look, we get that the grounds are gorgeous and all, but we don't sleep outside. The hotel's interior is where we spend the most time. We sleep in the rooms and eat in the dining room, you know?

All we're saying is that last time we were there, things looked a wee bit, well, to put it delicately: in need of an update.

We get that the hotel's reputation is great, and that it won lots of awards in the past. When we were there, though, here were our thoughts:

what really had us shocked was the tired decor. Everything's a little bit overdone here. It's still California casual with a Mediterranean twist but accompanied by heavy table linens and proper china settings.
Yet with all that stuff in the room, you really can't afford to let anything look tired or dated. The dining room's rug was worn down considerably and not that we have anything against the mid-1990s but any rug from that era should probably not still be nailed to the floor.

But then again, we didn't stay overnight that time -- so maybe we're missing something.

So you tell us: are we missing something? What is it that makes the Hotel Bel-Air the best hotel in L.A. and worthy of the top-three-in-the-country title? Put your thoughts in the comments below!

[Photo: Al_HikesAZ]

2 Comments

Return to » Why Do Travel+Leisure Readers Love the Hotel Bel-Air So Much?

meredithvkpr
HotelChatter Member

Re: Hotel Bel-Air
who's worthy of #1 hotel in LA in your expert opinion?

July 10, 2008 at 8:08 PM

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juliana
HotelChatter Editor

Re: Why Do Travel+Leisure Readers Love the Hotel B
I've always thought the grounds at the Bel-Air Hotel were amazing. Like as if you were transported out of LA. But I was a little disappointed in the decor. And T+L's list have let me down before. They voted the Hayman Island Resort #1 in Australia for five years in a row. When I went there last year, it was clear no one had been there in about 5 or so years. Thus, I am always wary of these lists.
As for #1 hotel in LA, that's too hard of a question. I have so many I like.

July 11, 2008 at 3:28 PM

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