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Hotel Bel-Air To Close Next Month for Much-Needed Renovations

Go To The Hotel's Web Site Where: 701 Stone Canyon Road [map], Bel-Air, CA, United States, 90077
August 3, 2009 at 4:13 PM | by juliana | 1 Comment

We've always been a little perplexed as to how the Hotel Bel-Air was consistently ranked amongst the best hotels in Los Angeles, winning Best Decor from the Zagat Guide and the #1 Reader's Choice from Travel + Leisure. There's no question that the grounds are beautiful and the service top-rate--it is a Dorchester Collection hotel after all. But a hotel can only coast on that for so long.

In this day and age when in-room amenity trends are changing at lightning speed (flat screen TVs are standard; hotels now use Keurigs instead of Mr. Coffee makers), a luxury hotel cannot afford to be bested by a cheap boutique hotel that stays up to date while they've still got armoires and chunky box TVs in rooms.

And despite the attentive staff and serene canyon views, the inside of the Hotel Bel-Air was starting to show its age. In fact, over a year ago we hinted that the hotel was in need of a makeover. But guess what? The hotel will finally get it.

The Hotel Bel-Air is closing down on September 30 to begin extensive renovations. From the press release we received late last Friday:

This extensive project will include the renovation of all 91 rooms and suites, the famous Champagne Bar and the hotel’s restaurant and private dining rooms. A significant part of the investment will be in technology to modernize bedrooms and the public spaces.

Additionally, a further 12 villas will be developed within the hotel’s 12 acre grounds that are home to some of LA’s most beautiful and exotic gardens. The hotel which will close during the refurbishment project will also re-open with a new Spa that is already in the process of being built. The Spa will have 7 treatment rooms and 3 Junior Spa Suites.

This is great news and we bet those 12 villas are going to be some stiff competition for the Beverly Hills Hotel's bungalows. But the bad news is that the renos are expected to take 18 months. Still, we think it's going to be well worth the wait. And probably a smart idea too. What better way to wait out the recession than by undergoing a little surgery?

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Return to » Hotel Bel-Air To Close Next Month for Much-Needed Renovations

  1. TheRefinishingTouch

    HotelChatter Member

    Renovations at the Hotel Bel-Air

    It's always great to hear about landmark properties like the Hotel Bel-Air taking strides toward the improvement of its facilities.  As one of California's most recognizable names, we are anxious to see what the 18 month renovation will bring.  

    Being in one of our nation's 'greenest' states, it will be interesting to see whether any of its planned improvements reflect a more sustainable future for the hotel and its amenities.

    August 11, 2009 at 10:37 AM
    #Permalink

Return to » Hotel Bel-Air To Close Next Month for Much-Needed Renovations

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