Review: Conrad Los Angeles

Why book? If you’re an art-obsessed traveler eager for easy access to the city’s great cultural spots or are simply looking for a DTLA staycation that feels more refined, relaxed, and upscale than some of the neighborhoods’ more sceney offerings, Conrad Los Angeles is for you.

Set the scene Bunker Hill is Downtown LA’s cultural hub–home to The Broad Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Music Center, Angel’s Flight Railway, MOCA, and the new Frank Gehry-designed development called The Grand LA, which includes both residences, mixed use retail, and its crowning jewel, Conrad Los Angeles. The striking entrance lives up to the development’s name, with the elevator doors opening up onto floor-to-ceiling views of the iconic metallic swooshes of the Disney Concert Hall.

The backstory The development of The Grand LA—which includes architect Gehry's first hotel project in Los Angeles—has taken nearly 15 years to complete. The interiors were designed by Tara Bernerd, while Gehry collaborated with Judith Tatar of Tatar Art Projects to hand-select works from local artists displayed in the hotel’s public spaces.

The rooms Of the 305 contemporary guest rooms, the corner ones with views of both the Disney Concert Hall and the fireworks over Dodger Stadium stand apart. Extra touches in all of the spaces include full blackout shades, motion activated night lights under the bed skirts, and Byredo Mojave Ghost bath products. For the full California experience, book the City View Suite. For the full California experience, book the City View Suite, which offers ample outdoor living space outfitted with thoughtfully curated patio furniture, walk-in closets, and soaking tubs overlooking the cityscape. Rates from $357 per night.

Food and drink Chef José Andrés has brought his prowess to the hotel with five different culinary experiences. At Sed, you’ll find playfully presented modernist cocktails inspired by Andrés’ world travels, while The Beaudry Room is a chic and breezy lobby spot for drinks and light bites. For dinner, it’s San Laurel for dishes that riff on Spanish tapas, think smokey beefsteak tomato tartare and sea urchin crudo with gazpacho consommé. Not to be missed is Agua Viva, a laid-back and open-air option whose boho-chic design is reminiscent of a posh Balearic Island beach club: There are fun twists on Asian fusion like the build-your-own hand rolls, which can be filled with fresh cuts of seafood or a variety of veg-friendly fillings. (But the star of the show—and a staff favorite—is undoubtedly the large-format ribeye topped with a punchy chimichurri. Paired with what may well be the world’s most perfectly prepared patatas bravas and stunning views of the cityscape, it’s a real contender in Downtown’s bustling rooftop dining scene.

The spa The smartly designed spa features all of the cutting edge beauty and wellness treatments that LA is known for, including biohacking booths, a harmonic therapy room with a massage bed that’s outfitted with surround sound speakers and a water insert mimicking a float tank, and an infrared sauna room. Conrad Los Angeles is also the only outpost of celebrity facialist Angela Caglia. The appropriately named Goddess Facial integrates gua sha facial massage and lymphatic drainage and ends with a skin-changing rose quartz mask.

The neighborhood/area It was risky for French Canadian immigrant Prudent Beaudry to buy land atop the steep incline known as Bunker Hill in 1867, as it was cut off from the rest of Downtown. Fast forward to now and this ever-changing area is the apex of the city’s art world. It’s a bit removed from the thick of other DTLA districts, which means the hotel feels like a quiet, peaceful retreat.

The service Staff are thoughtful, without being at all stuffy.

For families Those traveling with or without kids will be impressed with the expansive pool, which is about double the size of most pools in DTLA and perfect for luxuriating solo or enjoying with the family.

Eco effort A variety of eco efforts have been put into place, including a Byredo bulk bath amenity program, low flow shower heads, LED lighting, on-site gardens and composting, sustainable food and beverage options, and property-wide elimination of single use plastics.

Accessibility There are 15 ADA rooms in every room category of the hotel, including one of the three largest luxury suites with a courtyard view, and a premium 1-bedroom suite with a balcony. The pool is also accessible, and there is a mixture of accessible tubs, roll-in showers, and accessible hearing available as well.