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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.