After you check into Hotel Bel-Air, head directly to its oval pool, order up some frozen grapes or ginger and jasmine mini-Popsicles, and kick back. This historic hotel offers a sweet escape from the urban jungle of L.A. with its landscape of citrus trees and koi ponds. Inside the hotel, the Spanish colonial décor isn’t particularly hip, and that’s what’s so special (and timeless) about this fairytale hotel. Guest rooms and suites have private entrances, plush Italian linens and marble detailing. The Restaurant—helmed by executive chef Douglas Dodd—is as highly regarded as hotel eateries go; it serves seasonal Mediterranean dishes with a Californian bent. You may indulge in the new “Table One” in-kitchen chef’s table experience, but most likely you’ll don your Sunday best for the extravagant brunch and sweet afternoon tea. Both offer unmatched opulence and a dose of formality, which is rare in such a casual, come-as-you-are city. But no great escape would be complete without some pampering. The Spa will open by summer 2009 and offer everything from an organic juice bar to Swiss showers and a yoga studio, in case you’re looking for a spiritual escape, too.

Hotel Bel-Air Amenities:

• 91 rooms. Wireless Internet access. Airport transportation available. Restaurant. Pool. Business center.