I stayed at the Hotel Bel-Air, which was named one of the best hotels in the world. My $3,500-a-night suite wasn't even the best part.

• I recently stayed at Hotel Bel-Air, one of the most legendary hotels in Los Angeles.

• The iconic pink hotel is full of Hollywood history and luxurious suites.

• I was most impressed by its new culinary vision, including a brand-new on-site bakery.

If Hotel Bel-Air's signature pink stucco walls could talk, they'd be full of Old Hollywood's secrets.

The luxury resort, located in one of Los Angeles' most exclusive neighborhoods, was beloved by the likes of Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marilyn Monroe. Ronald Reagan's daughter said "I do" in the garden, and King Charles once said he slept better in a bed there than in any other hotel in the world.

Hotel Bel-Air's star-studded guest list is now private, but its reputation remains esteemed. It's ranked No. 35 on the World's 50 Best Hotels list — one of just four resorts from the US to make the cut.

I've always wanted to see if Hotel Bel-Air was worth the hype. And with a brand-new culinary program led by a Michelin-starred chef, I knew it'd be the perfect time to visit.

Hotel Bel-Air feels like an escape from the moment you walk in.

As I walked across the bridge connecting the valet to the lobby, I admired the hotel's massive garden. The air smelled of jasmine, and swans were gliding across the lake. A waterfall was softly burbling in the distance. It was all incredibly lush and idyllic.

After checking in, I wandered past gorgeous pink buildings on the way to my room.

Hotel Bel-Air's signature pink stucco walls have remained unchanged since the 1940s, even through the hotel's major renovations.

The playful and cheerful hue transported me to the Mediterranean, as did the Spanish archways. Palm trees swayed in every direction, their fronds framing the nearby canyons. Dozens of pink and fuchsia flowers added bright pops of color, while a koi pond filled with orange and white fish shimmered under the sunlight.

I was spending the night in Hotel Bel-Air's canyon suite.

Rooms at the Hotel Bel-Air start at $900 a night, while my suite was priced at $3,500. (Business Insider received a media rate for the one-night stay.)

As I walked into my 600-square-foot suite, I was immediately struck by the change in vibe. The bright pink and green hues that filled the hotel's exterior had been swapped for deep earthy tones like olive green and burnt sienna.

The shift in design initially took me by surprise and was more subtle than I expected. But it's clear that the canyon suite is meant to be a peaceful sanctuary.

Plus, when you're confident in your natural glamour, you can be low-key about it. Isn't that the true meaning of quiet luxury?

Christoph Moje, the hotel's general manager, told BI that the "refined interiors of the Canyon Suite are aligned with the hotel's overarching design aesthetic, which is to provide guests with a welcoming yet luxurious environment that is the perfect retreat from LA's busy scene."

"Its look and feel is contemporary and fresh while also reflective of old-world glamour and understated elegance, much like Hotel Bel-Air itself," Moje added.

The spacious suite features a bedroom, two bathrooms, and a private patio.

The bedroom's color palette was the same as the living room's, and a wood-paneled ceiling added warmth to the space.

The leather bed frame had built-in book lights, which I thought were a cute touch. The king bed was topped with one of the plushest comforters I've ever slept with.

The real stars of the suite were the stunning views and heated plunge pool on the patio.

A retractable glass wall in the living room offers a full view of the huge patio, which features sun beds, lounge chairs, and a fireplace. It was easily my favorite part of the suite.

I had lunch at Hotel Bel-Air's restaurant, which is simply called The Restaurant.

Hotel Bel-Air's culinary director, Joe Garcia, told me there were two dishes that would never be removed from The Restaurant's menu: the chopped salad inspired by Nancy Reagan and the tortilla soup.

I opted for the soup, which debuted at The Restaurant in 1980. The delicious broth is light on the tongue but rich in flavor, with just a hint of creaminess thanks to the sour cream and knobs of avocado. The roasted chicken is tender and plentiful, while the wisps of saffron add a luxurious touch.

Then, I wandered through the pink halls to check out the hotel's pool.

Hotel Bel-Air's pool was once a horse-riding ring, hence its distinct oval shape.

The water is always heated to 82 degrees, and tall palm trees provide ample shade and a postcard-perfect backdrop.

I also stopped by the hotel's brand-new lounge for a cocktail.

The Living Room is hands down my favorite part of the Hotel Bel-Air.

It's a beautifully decorated space with stylish but comfortable velvet couches and chairs. A fire is always roaring in the center of the room, while big windows offer views of the fairy lights that twinkle from the trees at night.

Chef Garcia told me The Living Room was conceptualized following requests from locals and guests who wanted a place at the hotel where they could get glammed up and enjoy cocktails. So, Garcia set out to create a playful menu that still fit the atmosphere.

"I wouldn't put chicken wings on the menu," he said. "You're sitting on a $70,000 sofa."

I returned to The Restaurant for dinner, which began with one of the best bread baskets I've ever tasted.

The Restaurant's bread and desserts are clearly in good hands with executive pastry chef Christophe Rull, a world-renowned chocolatier who helped open the hotel's patisserie, the only bakery in Bel-Air.

I quickly learned that Rull's dedication to his customers is unparalleled. When one local wanted their almond croissant baked a certain way, Rull personally went to his house to try to get the flavor just right.

Rull's croissant skills are also on display at The Restaurant, where he offers a savory garlic version with perfect flakiness. I was also a huge fan of his truffle brioche, which instantly melted in my mouth.

I was very impressed by Garcia's dinner menu.

Garcia had big shoes to fill when he became Hotel Bel-Air's culinary director in December 2023, following an 11-year stint by the legendary Wolfgang Puck.

But the chef told me he was up for the challenge, shifting The Restaurant's fusion-leaning menu to dishes that feel more seasonal and show off his classical French training.

I loved the indulgent white truffle pasta and the lamb chops served alongside an elegant ratatouille. The Michelin-caliber dinner was delicious and creative.

Hotel Bel-Air is a splurge, but even stopping by for a drink or dinner is worth it.

The five-star hotel obviously isn't in everyone's price range, but Hotel Bel-Air isn't just coasting on its reputation.

The brand-new culinary program, plus the delicious patisserie and beautiful lounge, have infused the space with vitality and turned the resort into a dining destination.

Whether you're looking for an Old Hollywood escape or just want some delicious food and cocktails, the Hotel Bel-Air should be on everyone's LA bucket list.

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