Amidst the frenetic pace of downtown Los Angeles, a new hotel along Broadway has created the perfect respite that melds a historic past with a luxurious, modern sensibility.
Downtown LA Proper Hotel began its life as a private club in the 1920s before operating as an outpost of the YWCA for a good part of the 20th century. When Proper Hotels took over the property a few years ago, designer Kelly Wearstler had a vision that would meld the historic architecture with her own signature style––one that pulls from many different places, eras and textiles, yet somehow strikes a complete and polished look.
The result is a mini-design wonderland in the heart of LA’s urban core.
It begins with the colorful mural of animals in the entryway from Angeleno artist Abel Macias. Then you’ll notice the hand-shaped black clay front desk, stained glass windows, and eclectic assembly of vintage chairs and tables in the lobby and ground-floor restaurant.
In each of the 148 guestrooms, the original architectural details remain yet are combined with modern comforts such as fabric headboards, Fili D’oro fine linens, Kelly Wearstler x Parachute bathrobes, Aesop toiletries, curated mini-bar, tiled bathrooms, and walk-in showers.
If you manage to make it into the hotel’s top suites, you’ll find more stunning elements: a specially-commissioned ceramic mural from artist Ben Medansky that lines the old YWCA indoor pool and a glamorous living area arranged on the old basketball court. There are more than 100 different kinds of hand-painted and custom tiles throughout the hotel.
On the rooftop, Cara Cara restaurant and bar provides a perfect multi-level perch––with a small pool––to take in the stunning downtown Los Angeles views from sunrise to sunset.
Back downstairs, the Caldo Verde restaurant from F&B stars Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne (of Larder Baking Company), has a showstopper center bar and a delectable menu of shareable plates pulling from Portuguese and Spanish cuisines. Here too, the furniture will dazzle you with nearly every piece different from the next.
No corner of this building was left untouched––whatever nook you settle into will bring a small moment of delight.
Want to explore more of Los Angeles? Well then, check out our article about the city’s coolest restaurants here.
