DESIGN : HOTEL BEL-AIR
THE RENOVATION OF LOS ANGELES ’ HISTORIC HOTEL BEL-AIR RESPECTS THE PROPERTY ’ S ROOTS WHILE ADDING FRESH , MODERN TOUCHES .
By Ann Bagel Storck , managing editor
The recent refurbishment of Hotel Bel-Air was hardly your average renovation project . Originally opened in 1946 in one of Los Angeles ’ most exclusive areas , the hotel quickly became a favorite of celebrities such as Cary Grant , Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly , and its signature design elements — Spanish Colonial architecture splashed in “ Bel-Air Pink ” and the pastoral Swan Lake , to name just a couple — were fiercely beloved by many long-time guests . “ So many people have such an emotional attachment to Hotel Bel-Air ,” says Edward Mady , regional director , West Coast USA , for Dorchester Collection , which operates the hotel . “ We felt a tremendous responsibility to preserve its historic charm and live up to the hotel ’ s beloved history and celebrated past .”
Hotel Bel-Air closed in September 2009 for a two-year renovation led by design firms Champalimaud and Rockwell Group , both based in New
York City . When it reopened in October 2011 , many of its characteristic elements remained but were joined by new highlights , including F & B operations overseen by legendary chef Wolfgang Puck , a new lobby lounge envisioned to be the heart of the hotel and a new 4,134-sq-ft ( 384 sq-m ) Spa by La Prairie .
The goal , explains Jon Kastl , senior associate at Champalimaud , was to create a design aesthetic that reflected the glamor of Hollywood in the 1930s , 40s and 50s in a fresh , modern way . “ We researched the work of John Woolf — a famed architect to the stars during Hollywood ’ s golden age — as well as the exquisite work of Dorothy Draper , Paul Williams and Robert A . M . Stern ,” Kastl says .
“ Everything we did was to improve the experience that was already there ,” confirms Shawn Sullivan , Rockwell Group principal and studio leader . “ Even slight adjustments took a lot of time — as much if not more time than if you started from scratch .”
Twelve new hillside guestrooms and suites offer sweeping canyon views in addition to spacious decks with private pools .
INTERIOR DESIGNERS :
Champalimaud , New York City , and Rockwell Group , New York City
Like all the guestrooms , new Canyon View rooms aim for a confident style that is clean , full of light and elegant .
KEY FEATURES :
Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air , Spa by La Prairie www . hotelsmag . com January / February 2012 HOTELS 47