What it is

A newly opened aesthete’s mecca, with 148 exquisitely designed rooms and a rooftop pool.

What it isn't

Laid-back, at least when it comes to service. Guests are treated to 24/7 front desk, concierge and bell staff; in-room dining; valet parking; and turndown upon request.

What we think

A hotel tailor-made for today’s global creative nomad could easily be off-putting, in the wrong hands. But Proper, ever-proper, nabbed the best. The experts behind the new Downtown L.A. location include designer Kelly Wearstler and James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin. The team infused the former sporting club with some of the magic that’s all-too-rare, even in Tinseltown. Rooms would wow Wes Anderson, with Fili D’oro linens, Bellino Italian duvets and pillows, curated mini bars you can raid in your custom Kelly Wearstler x Parachute Home bathrobe. (High tech perk: you can download the Proper app to order room service or request anything from housekeeping). Need more space? Ask to book one of the suites in the redone former basketball court or indoor pool.

You're here because

One of the restaurants, Caldo Verde, is inspired by the glory years of Old Hollywood. If you could transport yourself to that era (with latter day human rights and health care), you would.

The Moment

Splayed out on a lounge chair at Cara Cara, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, you think you’ll leave your big sunhat and sunglasses on into the twilight. There’s something about sipping a dirty martini on a rooftop that feel so very, very “have your people call my people.” In Lalaland, why not?

Restaurants & Bars

Caldo Verde - European-Inspired Ode to Historic Los Angeles

Dalia - Intimate Lounge featuring handcrafted cocktails

Cara Cara - Rooftop Restaurant & Bar (Southern California All-Day Menu)

Location

Downtown L.A. itself, a few blocks walk from the Staples Center and Grammy Museum LA Live (where permanent exhibits include Michael Jackson’s sequined gloves and an audible history of recorded sound from the 19th century to now.