Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection, Los Angeles

Tucked away in the exclusive Bel-Air district of Los Angeles, this luxury boutique hotel offers privacy and a welcome respite from the hectic pace of the city. The rooms are very comfortable and the food and service are reasonable. Stay more than a few days and you are likely to run into at least one celebrity in between homes.

The Hotel Bel Air is a hidden gem, tucked into the residential section of Bel Air. With lush, landscaped gardens, swans, a low-lit piano bar, and a Hollywood pedigree (Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace, and more recently, Robert DeNiro, Julia Roberts, and Jim Carrey have all stayed here), the Bel Air is the ultimate in laid-back luxe. The rooms are tastefully decorated bungalows, dotted around the beautiful grounds, and guests here have the feeling of total privacy. This is definitely one of the most romantic spots in L.A. (one of my best friends proposed here!), and their wonderful Sunday brunch wins frequent "Best of" awards.

If you have a special occasion to celebrate, or just feel like experiencing the ultimate in luxe-living for a night, the Hotel Bel Air is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can't be missed.