By Chris Rodell

The Hotel Bel-Air, a favorite of the rich and famous for more than half a century, is reopening Oct. 14 after a two-year renovation.

“This has since 1946 been an exclusive Hollywood retreat where celebrities come to escape,” said hotel spokeswoman Alisha Mahon. “It’s a truly intimate hideaway with Beverly Hills, Century City and Rodeo Drive still just minutes away.

But while celebrities may soon be a regular sight again at the 12-acre Los Angeles property, many of the union workers who once made the beds, washed the towels, ironed the wedding dresses and carried room-service trays will be missing.