Bel-Aire Hotel, once...not again

[amela]

I was treated to a birthday brunch, my choice, and since I have heard wonderful comments about the Bel-Aire, that's where I chose. The setting was beautiful, the service attentive but not hovering, the physical experience was just perfect. Not the food. Since we were being treated, I chose not to complain but future buyer beware. 2 orders of medium rare kobi burger with truffles were served well done. I have no idea what the "truffles" were. Small rubbery tasteless odorless black discs. A perfectly forgetable hamburger. The other entrees of fish and french toast were good. But not remarkable. I was expecting at least one or two ahhh moments to match the environment. Did we just hit it on a bad Sunday? There was one large party on the front lawn; perhaps the kitchen was overwhelmed?

[yoginla]

I concur - hotel bel air is very over rated. The bar area is nice but otherwise no. I've had dinner and high tea, nothing special.

[caldad02]

We have had wonderful experiences enjoying the High Tea.

Have a reservation in May to celebrate our daughter's high school graduation day.

[russkar]

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/430595

[David Kahn]

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/71003

[David Kahn]

This has generally been my experience as well. Beautiful setting, very good service, and food that ranges from just okay to good but nothing special.

[josephnl]

Absolutely concur! The setting is unbelievable, the service quite competent, but the food very ordinary...and considering the cost, this in not acceptable. It really is a shame because in the past, this was truly one of LA's finest spots.

[amela]

Thanks for your responses. No negative reviews were found on this board and now they will be. What a shame...such a beautiful setting.

[josephnl]

Couldn't agree with you more. There is not a more beautiful setting in all of southern CA, and sitting at a booth on the patio is an experience to die for...too bad the food doesn't match the setting!

[mlgb]

Note that the spelling is Bel Air, not Bel-Aire. Possibly that affected any search that you may have tried.

It is a beautiful setting. However even a hotel should be able to deliver a burger cooked to the degree requested.