If you’re looking for a luxury hotel with serious LA vibes, check out the Proper Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, a must-see design destination. This remarkable hotel, nestled in the heart of the city, stands as a testament to the transformative power of interior design. Led by the visionary talent of renowned designer Kelly Wearstler, this historic California Renaissance Revival building has been reborn with a vibrant and eclectic spirit.
(Also note, there’s another Proper Hotel in Santa Monica, you can check out that guide here).
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While the hotel has serious SoCal flair, it also blends in a global sensibility with a fusion of influences, from Mexican modernism to French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Moroccan design elements.
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An Interior Design Mash-Up in Downtown Los Angeles
And while Kelly certainly honored the history of this architectural treasure, she celebrated life in the present by “tapping into what is currently happening and not being nostalgic or sentimental. There is certainly a collaborative mash-up happening in this property, which is largely reflective of what is happening in Downtown and the Eastside of L.A. right now,” she adds. “It’s young, fresh, and eclectic.”
Kelly successfully celebrated this diverse mash-up of influences. Drawing inspiration from Mexican modernism, a movement known for its bold colors and dynamic patterns, Wearstler has brilliantly fused elements of French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Moroccan design to create an unforgettable environment.
She brilliantly showcased the talents of local artists to create a unique sense of place and an unforgettable design experience for guests.
An Eclectic Interior Design Destination
From the moment guests enter the hotel, they are greeted by a vibrant reception area adorned with a graphite desk by ceramicist Morgan Peck. Look up, and you’ll also see a captivating hand-painted mural by Abel Macias, which pays homage to the flora and fauna of Mexican folktales.
The color array of frolicking creatures and botanical blooms is a whimsical flourish and an interior design statement rarely portrayed with such artistic exuberance.
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Modern Nostalgia
Downtown Los Angeles Proper is a living testament to the city’s rich history and vibrant present. This historic California Renaissance Revival building was originally built in 1926. It was once a swanky private club and later a YMCA, this hotel seamlessly weaves together the past and the present.
Kelly Wearstler and her team spent 3 years meticulously restoring the building, peeling away layers to reveal its architectural beauty. Along their journey, they uncovered strong graphic shapes and moldings that serve as the foundation for their design vision.
Not to mention, she used 136 different types of tiles (vintage and custom) throughout the property. (And for any fellow designers reading this – you can appreciate the complex architectural finish schedule that is required!)
An Artistic Journey
Art is at the heart of Downtown Los Angeles Proper, with Wearstler collaborating with celebrated local artists to create captivating and thought-provoking works throughout the hotel. From the hand-painted murals by Abel Macias to the bespoke stained-glass installations by Judson Studios, each piece tells a unique story and adds an element of surprise and delight to the space. You can read more about each of the artists and see details of their works here.
A Menagerie of Jungle Creatures
The moment you step foot into this hotel, you’re immersed in a vibrant explosion of color from the dramatic mural covering the ceiling above. Abel Macias is the artist behind this masterpiece and is inspired by his childhood spent in Mexico. “Using warm, rich colors, I wanted to tell a story of a menagerie of birds and jungle creatures living above you in a floral canopy.”
Stained Glass Portals
And once your eye drifts away from the artwork above, you’ll instantly appreciate the monumental stained glass entry into the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant, Cabrillo.
These lovely glass doors feature a subtle array of color-toned glass – inspired by the glasswork found in Mexico City’s Roma district. These were created by Judson Studios – a fifth-generation studio that’s still run by its founding family. These stunning glass elements are a key design feature, infusing the space with a sense of grandeur and beauty.
Stylish Guest Suites
The hotel’s guest rooms are a testament to Wearstler’s ability to create immersive and transportive experiences. Blending contrasting elements, such as chunky-patterned headboards and smooth wooden floors, she has crafted spaces that feel both luxurious and welcoming.
Given the historic structure, the rooms are a mix of layouts and arrangements. Some have wood-wrapped angled corner headboards (which I’ve never seen before), giving the arrangement an unexpected perspective. And other rooms have huge, spacious bathrooms with windows and lots of natural light.
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Each room is a carefully curated blend of vintage and contemporary furnishings, with hand-carved chairs from Mexico and vintage Turkish, Moroccan, and handcrafted rugs adding a touch of timeless elegance.
But what sets the Proper Hotel’s guest room design apart from others is that it doesn’t feel overly designed or pretentious. Instead, it feels warm, inviting, and effortlessly cool. The eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary pieces creates a space that feels both timeless and modern. It’s the perfect balance between comfort and style.
Let’s talk about the bathroom vanity design by Kelly Wearstler. It is truly a work of art. The vanity is adorned with beautiful, hand-selected materials that exude elegance and sophistication. The curved marble at the vanity features a unique shape that adds visual interest to the space. And the oval mirror reflects the natural light from the adjacent window. The attention to detail in the bathroom is impeccable, with even the smallest elements carefully considered.
To see a video tour of the room – click here.
A Feast for the Senses
Downtown Los Angeles Proper is a culinary destination in its own right, with a diverse range of dining experiences that celebrate the city’s rich culinary heritage. Cabrillo, the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant and bar, is a vibrant homage to global culinary traditions.
From Spanish to Moorish, Corsican to Portuguese, the menu showcases a vegetable-driven approach to market fare. The space itself is a feast for the senses, with vintage rugs, cocoa and sandstone tiles, and an abundance of lush greenery creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere.
I’ve had brunch here multiple times and am a huge fan. I recommend the Pao Perdido – it’s delish!
Sweeping Skyline Views of Downtown Los Angeles at Cara Cara
On the rooftop, guests can indulge in the delights of Cara Cara, a restaurant and bar offering panoramic views of the city. Here, delectable Southern California cuisine is served in an al fresco setting, allowing guests to soak in the vibrant energy of the city while enjoying exquisite dishes.
The multilevel pool, with its stunning city skyline views, serves as a social hub where guests can unwind and connect. Intimate corners, a checkered tile fire pit, and all-day dining and drinks create a lively and inviting atmosphere. The terraced layout and lush greenery surrounding the pool create a sense of tranquility and escape, transforming the rooftop into a lush oasis amidst the bustling cityscape.
If you’re looking to splurge and stay in the heart of the city, the Proper gets my vote for the best luxury hotel in downtown Los Angeles based on its design, the restaurants, and great views from the rooftop.
Stay for a bit and enjoy the breeze as you sit at the bar and watch the mixologists craft their cocktails against the backdrop of the LA skyline. And be sure to take a stroll on the roof deck. The views are breathtaking, and the view of the pool deck is a sight with the graphic black and white tile stepping up to the water’s edge – with perfectly placed plants accentuating the decor.
A Rose-Hued Speakeasy Lounge at the Dahlia
For a more intimate and secretive experience, Dahlia, a speakeasy lounge, beckons guests with its rich history and captivating ambiance. This space is a must-see for anyone looking to experience a truly unique and exciting atmosphere.
From the walls to the furniture, everything is drenched in various shades of pink, creating a whimsical and dreamy ambiance. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale land where everything is bathed in rosy hues.
Don’t miss out on this hidden gem – it’s definitely worth a visit! And if you want to check out a few of my other favorite speakeasies around the world, check them out here.
A Luxury Hotel with the Proper Touch
Kelly Wearstler’s signature style of blending vintage and contemporary elements is evident throughout Downtown Los Angeles Proper. The hotel’s interiors are a testament to her ability to create spaces that are both timeless and of the moment. From Mexican brutalist hand-carved chairs to woven pendant lights from the south of France, every detail has been carefully curated to create a space that is visually captivating and emotionally resonant.
The building itself is a historic cultural monument, and Wearstler and her team have embraced its original integrity while infusing it with contemporary sensibilities. The result is a hotel that is both a celebration of the past and a reflection of the vibrant energy of Downtown Los Angeles today.
Click here to check current room rates and availability.
Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel FAQs
Who designed the Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel?
Kelly Wearstler designed the interiors of Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, transforming the historic 1926 building into an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary design. The interiors pull from Mexican modernism along with French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Moroccan influences, with plenty of local art layered in. The result feels unmistakably Wearstler, and also very LA.
What is the interior design style of Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel?
The Downtown L.A. Proper is colorful, collected, and unapologetically layered. You’ll see Mexican modernist influences, vintage and custom furniture, tons of tile, local art, and patterns that probably shouldn’t all get along, but do.
Kelly Wearstler approached Downtown L.A. Proper as a celebration of the building’s history and the creative energy of Los Angeles. Rather than impose one specific style, she layered Mexican modernism, vintage finds, custom pieces, local art, bold color, pattern, and handcrafted details throughout the 1926 building.
Can you visit Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel without staying there?
Yes. You don’t need to be a hotel guest to get a taste of Downtown L.A. Proper. Stop in for dinner, drinks, or head up to the rooftop at Cara Cara. It’s an easy way to experience the hotel even if you’re staying somewhere else.
What are the most Instagrammable spots at Downtown L.A. Proper?
Downtown L.A. Proper is ridiculously photogenic, but a few spots deserve your camera roll. Look for the cactus sentinels greeting you at the entrance, the colorful menagerie mural in the lobby, and the black-and-white checkerboard floor up on the rooftop. And honestly, keep your camera out—the whole hotel is full of little moments you’ll want to capture.
Who is Kelly Wearstler, the Designer of the Proper Hotel in Los Angeles?
Kelly Wearstler is an American interior designer known for bold, layered spaces that mix eras, styles, art, color, and plenty of personality. She’s especially influential in hospitality design, with hotels, restaurants, and residences around the world—and a knack for making every project feel completely different from the last.
Is Downtown L.A. Proper good for couples?
Yes. Downtown L.A. Proper is a great choice for couples looking for a stylish Los Angeles getaway. You’ve got rooftop drinks, dinner without leaving the hotel, a pool with city views, and plenty happening around Downtown LA. It works especially well for a weekend where the hotel is part of the fun—not just somewhere you come back to sleep.
Proper Vibes at this Must-See Design Destination
My vote for the best luxury hotel in downtown Los Angeles is the Proper Hotel. It’s a testament to the transformative power of interior design. Through a fusion of global influences, Kelly Wearstler has created a vibrant and eclectic space that celebrates the rich history and multi-cultural roots of the city. From the hand-painted murals to the bespoke stained-glass installations, every element has been thoughtfully curated to create an immersive and captivating experience for guests. Whether indulging in the culinary delights, relaxing by the pool, or simply taking in the stunning surroundings, visitors to Downtown Los Angeles Proper are sure to be enchanted by its vibrant and visually stunning interiors.
Keep Roaming
If the Proper has you looking at Downtown LA a little differently, don’t stop here. I pulled together my full Aesthetic Travel Guide to Downtown Los Angeles with the bars, restaurants and hotels I think are actually worth leaving your room for.
Still hotel snooping? Check out the Hotel Per La, where a grand old bank got a much more interesting second act. Or head west to The Georgian in Santa Monica for Art Deco, ocean views and the sort of bar that makes an afternoon disappear suspiciously quickly.
And if eclectic hotels are your thing (and since you’re still here reading, I’m assuming that’s a yes…) The LINE DC is housed in a former church and is very much worth a look.
Finally, for an entirely different flavor of California, come with me to Palm Springs, where I wandered through the city’s interior color palettes and also the iconic design style eras. Plenty of inspiration for your next trip, and also your living room.
