Series | Reiko's Room ♥︎ Vol. 10: To a Hideaway Favored by Hollywood Celebrities

Series | Reiko's Room ❤️

Vol. 10: An Elegant Stay at Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles

To a Hideaway Favored by Hollywood Celebrities

Hello again, it's Reiko. Time flies, and life certainly has its ups and downs. I've been living in New York since last year. Even though New York is my base, I'm still traveling around as much as I did when I was in Tokyo... I'll be sharing hot tips from New York, as well as stories from wonderful trips around the world, so I look forward to your continued readership. Now, New York winters are truly long and harsh... I'm so tired of the cold. So, I decided to take a vacation to Los Angeles on the West Coast. Ah, the West Coast sun is so pleasant! When it's cold, there's nothing better than escaping to a warm place.

Text by Reiko

What is Bel-Air, LA's Luxury Enclave?

When you think of Los Angeles, you might picture the glittering showbiz industry of Hollywood, or perhaps a relaxed vibe by the ocean and beaches. It's the second-largest city in the US after New York, but with its vast sprawl, driving is essential, and the areas are diverse. I always enjoy staying in different areas, like downtown and one other distinct neighborhood.

However, the luxury area I stayed in this time, "Bel-Air," is truly wonderful! It's less flashy than Beverly Hills, feeling more like a tranquil, upscale residential neighborhood. And I stayed at the "Hotel Bel-Air" located there. The "Hotel Bel-Air" is part of the Dorchester Collection, which operates nine luxury hotels in Europe and America, so its quality is beyond question. They say Hollywood celebrities use it regularly, so its luxury is the real deal.

After driving through the upscale residential area, I arrived at the hotel. The contrast between the terracotta-colored exterior and the lush greenery was beautiful. With only 103 rooms, it's not overly large, and there are many suites, so the atmosphere varies greatly depending on the room. This means you won't get bored even if you return, and above all, the intimate scale is very comfortable.

Upon arriving at the hotel, I walked through a garden reminiscent of an English garden to reach the hotel itself. There's an abundance of greenery, and its location, nestled in a canyon, is quintessentially LA. The hotel rooms are all low-rise, enhancing the sense of privacy and giving it the feel of an LA resort hotel.

Another characteristic of the Dorchester Collection is that 45 of the 103 rooms are suites. Depending on the room, some feature large pools, jacuzzis, or balconies, allowing for a relaxed stay. The room I stayed in had an outdoor jacuzzi and was a fanciful space adorned with blooming pink bougainvillea!

Recommended: The Pool by Day and the Bar by Night

During my stay, my personal favorites were the pool and the bar. The pool is surrounded by the canyon landscape and greenery, evoking a "mountain resort" feel. While there are many seaside resorts, a mountain resort offers a unique charm. Since LA is warm year-round, the pool is enjoyable, and it was comfortable without feeling crowded with guests. Even without swimming, simply enjoying the sun by the poolside is an elegant experience! That's how I spent my days, heading to the pool with a favorite book.

As dusk fell, the hotel bar's ambiance became truly captivating. With live piano music, the dimly lit bar created a wonderful mood for a drink. They say Hollywood celebrities use it regularly; my companion, who was staying with me, excitedly returned after asking someone for a light and discovering it was a Hollywood actor!

The bartender had also lived in Japan, so we had a lively conversation over cocktails. This hotel features a restaurant produced by "Wolfgang," so the quality of the food is, needless to say, excellent. You can enjoy an elegant time without even leaving the hotel, making it perfect for adults.

An authentic American grill restaurant produced by Wolfgang Puck. Having delicious dining options within the hotel is incredibly important, as it makes staying in truly enjoyable. LA is a city for driving; spending two hours round trip for a meal out is common, so being able to relax at the hotel is a key factor when choosing accommodation.

Recharge with the sun and sea of Los Angeles! Escaping to the West Coast regularly sounds wonderful ❤️

Hotel Bel-Air
https://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/los-angeles/hotel-bel-air/

Dorchester Collection Reservations
0120-914-084

Reiko
An editor, writer, and coordinator based in New York (also planning new ventures). While deeply loving champagne and travel, I find myself nearing forty, still dreaming of the ideal man. What I seek in a man is chivalry ♥︎