Dorchester Collection’s Hotel Bel-Air in LA has reopened following two years of extensive refurbishment and redesign. Alexandra Champalimaud and Rockwell Group are responsible for the project, which maintains the iconic hotel’s originality while introducing next-generation concepts. The familiar Spanish Colonial architecture splashed in “Bel-Air Pink” is still present, while a revamped aesthetic is reflected through different design themes representing the glamorous eras of the 1930s, ’40s, and ’50s, conveyed in a youthful and elegant manner.
The hotel features 103 guestrooms and suites, featuring 12 new accommodations built into the hillside and offering sweeping canyon views, expansive sliding glass walls, outdoor fireplaces, and spacious decks with private spa pools. Most of the guestrooms and suites have larger bathrooms with separate shower and bath, along with heated floors. In addition, there are individually designed specialty suites including the famed Grace Kelly Suite and a new Presidential Suite compound with 6,775 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space. This suite offers private dining for 10, a chef’s kitchen, study, great room with grand piano, and private pool located within a private Spanish courtyard.
New to the hotel is a 12,000-square-foot Spanish mission-style structure housing a new bell tower, fitness studio, three unique Loft guestrooms with open floor plans, double sided-fireplaces, and high ceilings, as well as the brand-new 4,134-square-foot Spa by La Prairie. The spa showcases a spacious guest relaxation lounge; elegantly designed women’s and men’s facilities, each equipped with steam; and seven treatment rooms, including a private couples’ room with an outdoor patio.
The familiar dining venues have been given new life, and new additions offer expanded dining and drinking opportunities. The restaurant reopens under the management of Wolfgang Puck and his restaurant group, the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, to oversee all of the property’s F&B operations.
What’s more, the Garden Ballroom and pre-function rooms have been completely reconfigured to host a total of 250 people and will flow seamlessly between the inside and new outdoor elements. The interiors are designed with soft tones, allowing for each specific event to create its own color scheme. The executive boardroom comfortably seats 14 for business meetings and has video conferencing.
