Los Angeles has long occupied a singular place in popular culture, and no hotels more elegantly embody that legacy than the Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel.

Immortalized in films ranging from La La Land and Chinatown to Pretty Woman and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Los Angeles looms in the consciousness of pop culture spanning generations. With its unique landscape of palm-lined boulevards and hillside estates, the art of a poolside meeting has become visual shorthand for the city itself. And few places embody that mythology quite like Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel, two Dorchester Collection properties that have helped shape Hollywood for decades. 

Hotel Bel-Air occupies a distinct corner of the Hollywood story. Hidden within the canyons of Bel-Air, the property has attracted actors, studio executives, world leaders, and creatives since opening its legendary doors in 1946. Set among twelve acres of gardens, swan-filled ponds, and winding pathways, the property offers a residential atmosphere tucked away from the city’s busiest corridors. “We’ve been around for eighty years, so a lot of classic Hollywood stars have been here. A lot of scripts have been written here; a lot of pre-and post-award events have happened. One of my favorite times during the year is awards season, because you see everybody,” Director of Guest Relations Shayan Vahdati told SmartFlyer during a recent conversation.

Just ten minutes away on Sunset Boulevard, The Beverly Hills Hotel remains one of the most recognizable addresses in the world. Opened in 1912—before the city of Beverly Hills itself was incorporated in 1914—the hotel has served as a gathering place for actors, musicians, studio executives, and cultural figures for more than a century. Known globally as the “Pink Palace,” the Beverly Hills Hotel’s blush-colored façade, candy-cane-striped awnings, and Martinique banana-leaf wallpaper have become iconic symbols in their own right, appearing in countless fashion shoots, films, and music videos. Yet, the property’s enduring appeal extends far beyond its striking visual identity.  

From Marilyn Monroe-era bungalows back in the day to awards-season gatherings, the hotel continues to play a central role in the Los Angeles social scene.

“Our iconic guests and staff who work here are really what set it apart from other properties. It’s worth noting that we have a Quarter Century Club, comprised of almost ninety employees who have worked at the hotel for over twenty-five years. Our team really is the heart and soul of the hotel, and our guests consider many of them as family,” Beverly Hills Director of Guest Relations Chloe Shohed told SmartFlyer during our recent chat. 

That loyalty and continuity is increasingly uncommon in hospitality, and in turn, adds an additional layer of depth to the already storied property. Generations of guests return to the hotel’s familiar faces, each embodying institutional knowledge that enhances every single stay. From Marilyn Monroe-era bungalows back in the day to awards-season gatherings, the hotel continues to play a central role in the Los Angeles social scene. During Hollywood’s busiest season, the two hotels offer distinctly different experiences—one at the center of the scene, the other an oasis from it. The Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and beyond spotlight the personalities of both properties—but you can find elements of old Hollywood glamour year-round.  

Where to Stay: The Addresses That Define Hollywood 

Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection 

Hotel Bel-Air begins with one of the most memorable arrivals in Los Angeles: a walk across a bridge spanning Swan Lake, where the property’s resident swans glide underneath a canopy of tropical greenery. Winding pathways, fountains, and secluded courtyards create an atmosphere closer to a private estate than to a hotel. Its consistent excellence has earned the property a Michelin Three-Key distinction, AAA Five Diamond status, and recognition among The World’s 50 Best Hotels. 

Repeat guests will tell you that the landscape is one of the property’s defining features. More than 1,200 plant species are carefully tended throughout the grounds, creating a setting that changes with the light and seasons. Most accommodations open directly onto gardens rather than interior hallways, giving the impression that you’re checking into the glamorous home of an even more glamorous friend rather than a hotel. Its 103 rooms and suites are designed with understated elegance, thanks to a recent refresh from New York-based design firm Champalimaud.  

Loft-style accommodations feature double-sided fireplaces and expansive windows, while Canyon Suites open onto private terraces through retractable glass walls. When describing a recent SmartFlyer-booked stay, Tori Simikov from Window Seat noted her upgrade to a spacious Canyon Suite with “all limestone floors, wooden ceilings, and—incredibly—a huge outdoor terrace complete with a private spa pool and a fireplace, which I was not emotionally prepared for and which has since recalibrated my expectations for all future hotel stays.” As Tori noted, select accommodations include plunge pools and outdoor living spaces. And for those craving even more space, the Presidential Suite functions as a standalone residence complete with a chef’s kitchen, dining room, grand piano, courtyard, and private pool.  

Dining at Bel-Air centers around The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air, which overlooks Swan Lake and serves modern Californian cuisine with Mediterranean influences. The Bar & Lounge offers a quieter nod to Old Hollywood, while The Pâtisserie provides pastries, cakes, and coffee throughout the day. Afternoon tea is served in The Living Room, a garden-facing salon filled with natural light. The Spa at Hotel Bel-Air continues the property’s emphasis on privacy with highly tailored wellness experiences. 

The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection 

Few hotels are more firmly woven into the story of Los Angeles than The Beverly Hills Hotel. Despite its central location on Sunset Boulevard, the property feels remarkably private thanks to lush tropical gardens layered with palms, flowering plants, and shaded pathways. Fitting the discerning approach of all things Dorchester Collection, it manages to be a haven while still just a stone’s throw from some of LA’s most sought-after locations. Rodeo Drive, Century City, and even West Hollywood sit just minutes away, yet the hotel maintains a sense of separation from the world beyond its gates. Like its sister hotel, the Bel-Air, the Beverly Hills Hotel holds AAA Five Diamond, AAA Five Star, and Michelin Three-Key distinctions. ‘

Fitting the discerning approach of all things Dorchester Collection, it manages to be a haven while still just a stone’s throw from some of LA’s most sought-after locations.

At the heart of the property is the Polo Lounge, one of Los Angeles’ most enduring dining institutions. The pool and Cabana Café extend the social scene outdoors, creating a daytime atmosphere that remains as relevant today as it was decades ago. Make sure to work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to secure a reservation at booths one, two, or three—they’re the coveted vantage points to see and be seen. 

This fall, The Beverly Hills Hotel will unveil its most significant expansion of social and lifestyle offerings in more than eighty years, introducing five new public spaces designed to create a vibrant gathering place just beyond the lobby’s iconic red-carpet entrance. Visionary American designer Ken Fulk served as Creative Director for the project, bringing his richly layered aesthetic to the reimagining of this icon while preserving the unmistakable spirit of the Pink Palace, alongside architect of record Ike Baker Velten Architecture. The new venues will include a glamorous supper club with entertainment curated by the team behind London’s members’ club Annabel’s and The Arts Club, a cocktail bar and outdoor terrace overlooking the Los Angeles skyline, an indoor-outdoor lounge for locally sourced fare, coffee, and afternoon tea along Sunset Boulevard, as well as a private screening room and private dining space.

As General Manager John Scanlon aptly puts it, “The Beverly Hills Hotel has long been the place where people come together, and stories begin.” These additions are designed to complement—not replace—the beloved Polo Lounge, Fountain Coffee Room, and Cabana Café, ensuring the hotel’s legendary social energy continues to evolve for a new generation of travelers while honoring the timeless glamour that has defined it for decades. Beyond the celebrated dining scene, guests can also unwind at The Spa at The Beverly Hills Hotel, where restorative treatments provide a welcome counterpoint to the buzz of Hollywood’s most iconic address. 

…the hotel’s legendary social energy continues to evolve for a new generation of travelers while honoring the timeless glamour that has defined it for decades.

Design has always been central to the hotel’s identity. Even after New York-based designer Adam Tihany led a thoughtful restoration in honor of the hotel’s 100th anniversary in 2012, its signature character remained intact. The iconic pink exterior, green-and-white detailing, and Martinique banana-leaf wallpaper introduced by legendary designer Don Loper in 1949 have become global symbols of Hollywood glamour. Remarkably, the wallpaper stretches roughly five and a half miles throughout the property and now inspires a playful collection of hotel merchandise, allowing guests to bring home a piece of the Pink Palace. Many of the hotel’s legendary private bungalows feature discreet street entrances for guests seeking additional privacy. Standout accommodations include the Paul R. Williams Suite, honoring the architect behind the hotel’s celebrated mid-century transformation, and the Presidential Suite, where expansive entertaining spaces and sweeping Beverly Hills views make it a favorite for milestone stays. 

Having trouble deciding which property is best for you? Your SmartFlyer travel advisor can help match you with Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel for your next trip, ensuring you’ll experience one of Los Angeles’ most iconic addresses. With one hidden behind garden walls and canyon roads and the other sitting at the center of Hollywood’s social landscape, you can’t go wrong. Both properties continue to attract creatives, shaping the city’s cultural narrative and proving that in Los Angeles, the most enduring stories are often still being written. 

Getting Around Los Angeles: A City of Distinct Neighborhoods 

Los Angeles is not defined by a single downtown but by its network of neighborhoods, each showcasing a unique expression of the city. The entertainment industry remains central to the city’s global identity, but Los Angeles is equally shaped by its design culture, culinary innovation, and outdoor-focused lifestyle. From gallery openings in West Hollywood to hiking trails above Runyon Canyon, the city flirts with a constant interplay between nature and urban life. Coastal neighborhoods like Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu introduce a slower pace anchored by the Pacific Ocean, while the residential neighborhoods of Bel-Air and Beverly Hills offer privacy and sophistication just minutes from the city’s most active pockets. And while it’s no secret that LA traffic is a part of the city’s reputation, we’re here to help you navigate getting around like an Angeleno. 

For guests staying at The Beverly Hills Hotel or Hotel Bel-Air, private drivers are the most efficient way to move around the city. Both properties are well-positioned to explore Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Century City, and the Sunset Strip, while farther-flung destinations such as Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, and Downtown Los Angeles will require additional travel time. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor will arrange a private car at your disposal for ultimate convenience. For those looking to experience Los Angeles like a local, consider combining neighborhood-focused days—perhaps by exploring Beverly Hills and West Hollywood one day before hopping in the car to get out to Malibu the next. 

Where to Dine in Los Angeles 

It seems that half of the world’s paparazzi photos have been taken at buzzy LA restaurants. But the dining scene in the City of Angels has so much more to offer than a photo op. With the help of the expert concierge teams at Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Hills Hotel, we’ve curated a list of spots where you can have a fantastic meal—and potentially rub shoulders with the city’s glitterati too. And while Greater Los Angeles is vast, for convenience, we’ve contained the recommendations below to the neighborhoods central to your stay. 

• La Dolce Vita: A classic Italian American dining room rooted in Old Hollywood tradition. Known for red-sauce staples such as veal parmesan, spaghetti pomodoro, and chicken piccata, the menu remains intentionally nostalgic. Low lighting and red leather banquettes reinforce its cinematic, time-capsule feel in Beverly Hills. 
• Irv’s Burgers: A classic roadside burger stand and an LA staple since opening in 1946, this spot remains a SmartFlyer client favorite. The chili cheese dog is iconic, and we’d suggest pairing it with onion rings and a Coke float for the ultimate nostalgic lunch. With three locations in LA, it’s not to be missed. And pro tip: ask for your burger made “Brady’s Way” for cheese sauce and fries, plus it ensures proceeds are donated to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. 
• The Hideaway: A discreet, cocktail-forward restaurant blending Mexican influences with classic American steakhouse fare in Beverly Hills. Known for tableside guacamole, filet mignon, and strong margaritas, the menu is designed for shared, relaxed dining. The atmosphere leans casual while remaining polished. 
• The Little Door: A candlelit French-Mediterranean restaurant focused on seasonal, market-driven cooking in the heart of West Hollywood. We recommend ordering lamb tagine or roasted branzino. The restaurant has been operating since the mid-1990s and has built its identity around a menu that prioritizes seasonal ingredients and a garden courtyard dining room framed by ivy-covered walls.  
• Cecconi’s: A modern Italian restaurant operated by the Soho House group in West Hollywood, located on Melrose Avenue. A garden terrace lined with olive trees and string lights, which has become one of its defining spaces. Standouts on its sprawling menu include black truffle pizza, lobster spaghetti, and burrata with heritage tomatoes.  
• Craig’s: Founded by Chef Craig Susser, this American restaurant in West Hollywood on Melrose is known for comfort-driven dishes and a who’s-who crowd of industry regulars, talent agents, and visiting celebrities. The items to order are the iconic Caesar salad and the freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Don’t skip out on the sundae. 
• Mastro’s: A classic American steakhouse known for sizzling prime steaks that arrive with ample fanfare. Pair their excellent cuts of meat with the beloved warm butter cake. It’s all decadence and celebration here. Get a table in the Penthouse for maximum impact.  
• Funke: Led by Chef Evan Funke, this Beverly Hills Italian restaurant is centered around meticulous handmade pastas crafted in an open kitchen—literally. Funke’s space for creating his handcrafted pasta is the focal point of the dining room. Signature dishes include tajarin, tonnarelli, and precise, regional Roman preparations. The Art Deco-inspired dining room balances refinement with a high-energy, in-demand atmosphere. 
• Matsuhisa Beverly Hills: The first restaurant from famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa, which opened in 1987, is a classic for a reason. Decades later, it still maintains a low-key vibe—but its menu of Japanese-Peruvian fusion is cutting-edge and exemplary of the quality Nobu is known for. 
• Delilah: A modern supper club concept inspired by 1920s design and entertainment culture in West Hollywood. The menu includes truffle chicken tenders, sushi rolls, and wagyu sliders, paired with a strong cocktail program and bottle service. Live music and late-night performances define the experience as much as the food itself—and you can have as much fun as you want to. Delilah has a very strict no-photos policy.  

Where to Shop in Los Angeles 

Los Angeles retail is less about a single shopping district and more about a network of neighborhoods where fashion, design, and culture intersect. From historic luxury corridors to coastal boutiques and creative enclaves, each destination expresses a different side of the city’s aesthetic language. Be prepared to live by one of our favorite mottos: shop ’til you drop!  

• Rodeo Drive: The city’s most iconic shopping street in Beverly Hills—and maybe one of the most iconic shopping streets in the world—is defined by flagship boutiques from global fashion houses and historic maisons. This is where the largest House of Dior and Chanel flagships in the United States are located, and you can also find House of Bijan, the iconic by-appointment-only menswear—known as “the most expensive store in the world.” Beyond retail therapy, Rodeo Drive functions as a cultural symbol in its own right, frequently featured in film and television, cementing its place in LA’s visual identity. 
• Melrose Avenue: A constantly evolving retail corridor that blends vintage stores, the next-hottest designers, and iconic fashion labels. The atmosphere here in West Hollywood is distinctly creative and unpolished, with a mix of streetwear, archival shopping, and boutique discovery that reflects LA’s trend cycle in real time. Stop by the Paul Smith store and take in its iconic pink wall, before heading to the original AGOLDE location and flagship stores Annie Bing and Vivienne Westwood for standout shopping experiences 
• Brentwood Country Mart: A Westside institution designed as a village-style shopping destination, featuring a tightly edited mix of California lifestyle brands, bookstores, and independent boutiques. Its barn-like architecture and communal courtyard give it a residential feel that appeals to those based on the Westside or staying nearby in Bel-Air. Find something unique at The Farm Shop before heading to one of only eight Doên brick-and-mortar locations in the world as a nod to the California brand’s founders, two sisters inspired by the Golden State’s past.  

Where to Experience Los Angeles Arts and Culture 

Los Angeles is often defined by its bustling entertainment industry, but its cultural and outdoor offerings go well beyond the glittering realm of Hollywood. From world-class museums perched in the hills to oceanfront escapes and iconic performance venues, the city rewards those who are willing to roam.  

• Getty Center: Resilient after the devastating 2025 L.A. fires, this collection of priceless art is worth a visit now more than ever. A hilltop museum in Brentwood is recognized for its expansive art collection, striking modern architecture by Richard Meier, and sculpted gardens by Robert Irwin. Beyond the exhibitions, the experience is defined by its panoramic views over Los Angeles, making it one of the city’s most complete intersections of culture and landscape. 
• Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Take a private curator-led tour of Marilyn Monroe’s life at this Miracle Mile cultural institution dedicated to the history and craft of filmmaking. Permanent and rotating exhibitions serve as a love letter and evolving archive for the crafts of costume design, directing, production, and film narrative, giving a behind-the-scenes perspective on Hollywood’s creative ecosystem. 
• LACMA: The lamp posts outside of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art are its own landmark. The “Urban Light” sculpture has been featured in No Strings Attached, Valentine’s Day, and countless other movies, TV shows, and music videos.  And while the landmark is worth a photo-op, you’ll want to head into LACMA to see its endlessly fascinating rotation of exhibits, excellent permanent collection, and in-depth programming. The David Geffen Galleries officially opened to the public in May 2026, serving as the new home for LACMA’s permanent collection.  
• Runyon Canyon: A popular hiking trail in the Hollywood Hills known for its accessible loop routes and expansive views of Los Angeles. Regularly frequented by locals, trainers, and the “wait, I think I recognize them from that one show” crowd, Runyon is one of the city’s most recognizable outdoor fitness destinations, with clear sightlines toward the Hollywood Sign and downtown skyline. 
• Hollywood Bowl: An open-air amphitheater set in the Hollywood Hills and one of the most iconic live music venues in the United States. The summer season draws global performers across genres, with the experience defined as much by the setting under the stars as by the performances themselves. 
• Laugh Factory: A mainstay of Los Angeles’ stand-up comedy scene, known for its nightly programming that spawns up-and-coming talent and hosts the most sought-after comedians. Located on the Sunset Strip, it remains a frequent stop for surprise celebrity sets and industry-adjacent performances. 
• The Comedy Store: An incredibly influential stand-up venue on Sunset Boulevard that helped shape modern American comedy. Many of today’s most recognized comedians performed early sets here, and it continues to function as a key platform for both rising voices and established names in stand-up.  

Tips for Visiting Los Angeles 

Los Angeles is defined by its climate as much as its geography. With year-round sunshine and warm daytime temperatures, dressing in layers is the most practical approach. While afternoons may be warm, evenings—particularly in canyon areas like Bel-Air—can feel noticeably cooler. When it comes to packing, the city’s lifestyle is easygoing yet polished. Lightweight fabrics such as linen and cotton, along with relaxed tailoring, are common during the day, while evenings often call for slightly more structured attire when dining or attending events. 

While you should plan on keeping your footwear upscale for evening plans, make sure to pack sneakers, too, so you can take part in the Runyon Canyon fun. Swimwear is also a key part of your LA wardrobe, as your hotel pools and the possibility of a beach day are essential to the Los Angeles experience. And of course, pack your sunscreen; you’re in The Golden State, after all.  

READY TO BOOK YOUR LOS ANGELES EXPLORATION? CONTACT YOUR SMARTFLYER ADVISOR TODAY.