Downtown LA Proper Hotel

Known for putting a refined stamp on contemporary luxury all of its own, Proper Hospitality has just opened the doors to its fourth namesake property.

Launched this month in the heart of Los Angeles, Downtown LA Proper Hotel has infused a historic landmark building with modern soul and an unparalleled guest experience. Meticulously reimagined by internationally renowned designer Kelly Wearstler, the 148-room destination features three distinct culinary spaces helmed by James Beard Award-winners Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne, a rooftop pool deck that offers unobstructed views of downtown LA, as well as a Basketball Court Suite and Pool Suite for luxurious stays and private occasions.

Click here to view Downtown LA Proper Hotel on designhotels.com

Located in South Park, steps away from Los Angeles’ Fashion and Arts Districts, Downtown LA Proper Hotel is situated in a restored Californian renaissance revival landmark building. In the 1920s and ’30s, the historic space, first designed by celebrated architects Alexander Curlett and Claud Beelman, was home to a private club and later, in the ’60s, it became a YWCA. Now, under the masterful direction of Kelly Wearstler, it houses the newest property by Proper Hospitality – a welcoming retreat for the creatively minded, where past and present are seamlessly blended through compelling design, vintage influences and local art.

Wearstler’s creative vision, which found inspiration in Mexican modernism as well as French and Moroccan flair, has resulted in soulful spaces adorned with statement-making pieces and site-specific murals and installations. These include a tiled reception desk by ceramicist Morgan Peck, a custom mural by Abel Marcias, artwork in guestrooms by Jason Trotter, stained-glass windows and doors by Judson Studios, bespoke mirrors by Matthew Morgan, and furniture by Jay Edward, Composition, AFM, Mirror Image and Spike Lightening. As the architect on record, local downtown LA-based firm Omgivning meticulously restored the building, integrating thoughtful upgrades in collaboration with Proper Hospitality and Wearstler.

Deeply residential in feel, each of the 148 rooms and suites has a story of its own. Curated vintage pieces are mixed with specially designed furnishings, hand-applied plaster detailing, a warm palette of charcoals and mauves, and richly woven textiles.

Standing out are the Proper Basketball Court Suite and Proper Pool Suite. The former reimagines the building’s vintage court by elevating original details like painted court lines and double-height ceilings through a luxurious floorplan with sleeping, living and dining areas, Spanish-influenced interior design, and sweeping city views. The latter pays homage to the building’s heritage by placing the original 35 × 12 ft indoor swimming pool in the centre of a one-of-a-kind living room, where it’s surrounded by Portuguese-inspired marble and stonework as well as a mosaic mural by LA artist Ben Medansky. Each room is outfitted with Aesop bath amenities, custom Kelly Wearstler x Parachute Home robes and state-of-the-art conveniences, including the Proper App to customise in-room experiences and Vifa speakers.

Beyond private spaces, Downtown LA Proper Hotel boasts a multilevel rooftop pool deck and three dining areas that are destinations in their own rights.

With an unobstructed 360-degree view of the city, the rooftop is home to Cara Cara, a restaurant-bar and lounge conceived by James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne (of AOC West Hollywood and Brentwood). At Cara Cara, local ingredients are showcased in vibrant salads, al pastor tacos, a decadent grilled albacore sandwich, and shareable dishes such as focaccia and seafood paella cooked in a wood-fired oven.

Goin and Styne are also behind Caldo Verde, the property’s lobby-level signature restaurant and bar, which exudes Portuguese and Spanish influences, while finding expression through the lens of southern California. At Caldo Verde, casual elegance awaits in a homage to global gastronomic traditions with dishes such as clams with sherry, chickpeas and onion blossoms, and beef cheeks with avocado, crema and green chile – all of which is served against the backdrop of a monolithic stained-glass installation by Pasadena-based Judson Studios.

Handcrafted cocktails and boutique wines can also be enjoyed at Dalia, an intimate lounge that offers a tucked-away escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

In addition to a standout culinary experience, the rooftop offers a picturesque setting for lounging, with cosy corners, a heated pool and firepits. Underscoring Proper Hospitality’s commitment to health and wellness, a 24-hour fitness centre is equipped with Peloton bikes, Woodway treadmills, a rower and a Smith machine. Private training sessions are available upon request, and complimentary bicycles are available for exploring the city on two wheels.

Within reach are innumerable cultural hotspots including Orpheum Theater, United Artists Theater, Row DTLA and the Dover Street Market, speakeasies and jazz bars such as The Varnish and 7 Grand, and contemporary art institutions including the MOCA and The Broad. Also nearby is the complex LA Live, which is home to the country’s first 4DX movie theatre and Staples Center.

About Proper Hospitality

Proper Hospitality designs, brands and operates high-end lifestyle hospitality experiences under the Proper, Hotel June and The Collective brands. Each property is a distinct reflection of the vibrant community surrounding it, yet shares a common belief in uncommon luxury, convenience of location and world-class amenities provided by locally vetted innovators in food and beverage, technology, art, music, fashion and wellness.

Led by the visionaries behind The Kor Group, the company currently manages Proper-branded hotels in Santa Monica, Downtown LA, San Francisco and Austin; the Hotel June in West Los Angeles and Malibu; and The Collective, a curation of design-driven independent hotels including Avalon Hotels in Beverly Hills and Palm Springs, the Ingleside Inn in Palm Springs, and the Venice V Hotel in Venice Beach. Look to see the brands expand into new markets such as Portland, Miami, New York, Nashville, Denver and others.

For more information, visit www.properhotel.com

Related Articles