The hype
An impeccably designed, trendy hotel with fantastic food and a great rooftop, perfect for a stylish LA staycation.
Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels
$260-$450 / night
Book this if You want a highly curated, design-forward DTLA stay with incredible rooftop views, top-tier dining, and you don't mind a bit of urban grit.
Why People Love It
- Kelly Wearstler's stunning vintage-meets-modern interior design
- Cara Cara's rooftop pool and dining with panoramic LA skyline views
- Luxurious room details like Frette linens and full-sized Aesop products
Quick Take: It's a breathtaking aesthetic oasis on the inside, but you step out the front doors directly into the gritty, unpredictable reality of Downtown LA.
Reviewed by @thelmamarin23: I stayed at this gorgeous boutique hotel in LA and it felt like a private oasis. The courtyard pool is stunning, the rooms are so chic, and having a drink by the water was the perfect way to unwind. Highly recommend for a relaxing getaway!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The neighborhood isn't for everyone, and the service can occasionally miss the mark for the luxury price point.
- You are a design enthusiast who worships Kelly Wearstler's aesthetic
- You plan to spend your evenings sipping craft cocktails on a scenic rooftop
- You want to be walking distance to the Crypto.com Arena or the Orpheum Theatre
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally excellent and thorough, though a few guests note occasional missed dust in this highly-textured, vintage-styled building.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Beautifully designed with rainfall showers and no widespread complaints of mold or grime.
- Maintenance: Well-maintained historic building. The design intentionally incorporates textured, hand-raked plaster, which shouldn't be mistaken for wear.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, fresh Frette Italian sheets and high-quality, fluffy towels.
- Odors & scents: Fresh and highly curated, featuring the signature botanical scent of Aesop products.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Thumping bass and crowd noise from the Cara Cara rooftop bar (especially on weekends)
- Sirens and heavy street traffic from Broadway
Before you book
Good to know
- Valet parking is $66/night with in/out privileges
- The hotel is pet-friendly but charges a $100 fee per stay
- There is a destination/resort fee of around $35/night added to the base rate
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine if you're a light sleeper
- Chic resort wear for the rooftop pool and Cara Cara lounge
Room Genie
Best picks
- The 'Especially Proper' Basketball Suite for a massive, one-of-a-kind room with its own indoor court
- Premier Rooms on mid-level floors (high enough to escape street noise, low enough to avoid rooftop bass)
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms on the 14th floor directly beneath the Cara Cara rooftop bar due to heavy foot traffic and music noise
- Lower floor rooms facing Broadway if you are highly sensitive to street noise
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'm really looking forward to my stay. As a light sleeper, could I please request a quiet room on a mid-level floor, away from the elevators and not directly under the Cara Cara rooftop bar? Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the neighborhood safe?
It's typical DTLA. Fine during the day, but you'll encounter urban grit and homelessness. Take Ubers at night rather than walking long distances.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the rooftop pool is heated year-round and offers unobstructed views of the LA skyline.
Does the hotel have a gym?
Yes, there is a 24-hour fitness center equipped with top-of-the-line gear, including Peloton bikes and an erg.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs up to 45 lbs are welcome for a $100 fee per stay. The hotel even provides food and water bowls.
How much is parking?
Valet parking is $66 per night. There is no self-parking on-site, though independent lots are nearby if you want to hunt for a deal.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM (noon).
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book afternoon tea at the Dahlia lounge for a unique, intimate tea-smelling experience
- ✨
Check out the historic details—the building used to be a 1920s private athletic club and YWCA
- ✨
Skip the expensive hotel breakfast and walk 15 minutes to Grand Central Market for endless local food stalls
5 things to know before you go
💡The building's past life as a sporting club is subtly woven into the design, including a suite made from the old basketball court.
💡The Aesop bath products are full-sized, a major upgrade from the tiny bottles you get at most luxury hotels.
💡The rooftop pool is relatively small—it's much better for dipping and posing with a cocktail than swimming actual laps.
💡Housekeeping is technically 'on request' for some booking tiers, so confirm at check-in if you want daily service.
💡The lighting in the bathrooms is incredibly flattering, designed specifically by Kelly Wearstler for a soft, warm glow.
Local Playbook
Map
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