Nestled in a beautiful tree-lined and estate-filled canyon of posh Bel-Air, the glorious Bar at Hotel Bel-Air is superbly appointed with a roaring fireplace, soothing piano, and attentive staff in a most serene setting. So majestic are the surroundings, if there is a watering hole in heaven, it must closely resemble the Bar at Hotel Bel-Air.
On your way to the Bar, walking across the arching, flower covered stone bridge over a small lake filled with graceful white swans, you pass the Hotel’s lobby, housed in a beautiful mission-style building, formerly the real estate planning and sales office for Alphonso Bell, who created Bel-Air Estates in 1922. Mr. Bell later sold the 12 acres that make up the Hotel’s lush property to Joseph Drown, a hotel entrepreneur from Texas in 1946.
Only a mile or two from The Beverly Hills Hotel, another location worthy of the great acclaim and prestige, the Bar at Hotel Bel-Air may not possess the iconic grandeur of the “Pink Palace’s” Polo Lounge, but certainly maintains a sophisticated, if understated elegance. More aptly suited for power canoodling than power lunching, the Bar is a place the “seen” go not to be seen. Even on its most crowded weekend nights, one gets the sensation that you are alone, due in part to the professionalism and discretion of the staff.
While the Bar is definitely not a boys night out destination in the raucous suds commercial sense, if you’re looking for delicious burgers and beers those can be obtained in the Bar, as can menu selections of the highly regarded restaurant situated across the hallway from the oak-paneled room. The Bar’s dark tones, plush couches and high backed leather chairs may be reminiscent of a private club, and while there are no membership dues, like any club, rules apply; gentlemen are expected to wear jackets, and loud, blustery behavior is not tolerated.
It should also be noted that all the refinement and otherworldliness awaiting to transport the Bar’s patrons requires one additional element perhaps not needed when sipping cocktails with St. Peter; the ethereal glow from the champagne comes with a very real world bill that is expected to be paid during this lifetime. – C.M.