Hotel Bel-Air’s story begins in the 1920s with the very creation of Bel Air itself; LA’s ultimate community of exclusivity. The hotel grew from Alphonzo Bell’s original vision to turn the best-situated land in Los Angeles into estates for ‘the kind of people you would like to know and have as your neighbours’.
Bel Air officially opened in October 1922 with uniformed guards at the gate, a first for any local community. These powerful iron gates still mark an impressive entry just north of the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Bel Air Road and celebrate a moment where you leave the rest of the world behind and enter the exclusivity of Bel Air.
In 1946, a Texan hotel entrepreneur named Joseph Drown bought 18 acres from Alphonzo Bell, including the estate’s mission-style buildings, and immediately began transforming the site into the elegant and secluded hotel we now enjoy. He restored the property and added a series of new guest rooms before the hotel officially opened on August 24, 1946.
To this day, the iconic property remains at the heart of the Bel Air community and continues to welcome world travellers and Hollywood elite. In celebration of its 75th anniversary, the hotel will be featuring special activities and offerings throughout the month of August for guests and locals alike.
We’re delighted to tell the hotel’s incredible story through 14 archival photographs, which capture the moments that have shaped our legacy. Join us on our iconic bridge to see the story unfold over 75 extraordinary years.
Hotel Bel-Air’s Classic Afternoon Tea
Adults and young guests alike can enjoy the time-honoured tradition of afternoon tea at Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air. The traditional afternoon tea menu will include savoury bites, fresh baked scones with homemade preserves and a selection of sweets, accompanying a choice of more than 15 loose leaf teas.
The glamour and beauty of our spa create the perfect setting to relax and unwind. In celebration of the hotel’s special milestone, we will be introducing a 75 Years of Hotel Bel-Air Bliss package that includes:
• 30-Minute Bath Experience with beautiful fragrances of rose, orange or lavender
• 60-Minute Massage
• 60-Minute Pedicure with Citrus or Jasmine products
Bel-Air Under the Stars Anniversary Edition
Settle in beside your own private fire pit on our front lawn for a delightful evening of stargazing. Savour the moment as you sip one of our special anniversary cocktails, enjoy a light dinner and toast marshmallows under the Los Angeles sky. The special edition of Bel-Air Under the Stars is priced at $225 per person and includes an anniversary cocktail and branded Hotel Bel-Air blanket to take home. Reservations are available August 4th, 5th, and 6th at 5:30pm and 8pm. To reserve, please visit
“For the last 75 years, Hotel Bel-Air has attracted Hollywood A-listers and notables from around the world. Marilyn Monroe did her last photo shoot at the hotel, Grace Kelly celebrated her Oscar win in one of our suites, Elizabeth Taylor lived at the hotel while she was married to Nicky Hilton…these stories go on and on. The hotel debuted as an instant classic, and it has only become greater over time. What makes the hotel magical is in part its heritage-driven allure, but also in large part the caring service of our employees. Our employees’ ability to give each and every one of our guests a truly unforgettable experience has allowed Hotel Bel-Air to bridge generations for many decades and remain as relevant as ever” says Denise Flanders, General Manager.
Hotel Bel-Air’s Grace Kelly Suite
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