Review: The Mayfair Hotel

Set the scene for us.
This Beaux Arts-style building has been given a modern refresh courtesy of designer Gulla Jonsdottir, also the vision behind West Hollywood’s La Peer Hotel. She led the Mayfair’s multi-million-dollar, top-to-bottom renovation, which includes a chic and stately lobby with velvet sofas, marble accents, and charcoal-colored columns.

Any fun anecdotes from the hotel's history?
Opened in 1926, the property carries a slice of L.A. history: It played host to the first Academy Awards afterparty.

What are the rooms themselves like?
The common areas' sexy, monochromatic vibe carries through to the rooms, which have black, white, and gray details and, in some cases, wallpaper with an L.A. street map. Though the bathrooms are a bit small, they do the job; besides, you’re here to explore Downtown—not to spend hours soaking.

How are the food and drinks on site?
With dishes like truffle mac 'n' cheese gratin and crab deviled eggs with pink peppercorns, Eve is just the spot for modern comfort food. And because Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea, a cafe adjacent to the hotel, sources great beans from some of our favorite roasters (Stumptown, Partner’s, Verve, Rishi), you won't have to go far to get a good cup of coffee in the morning.

How's the staff?
The staff consists of savvy Downtown dwellers who keep things running smoothly. The service is friendly and personal.

Who else stays here?
Musicians, artists, models, and a smattering of Instagram influencers.

How does the hotel fit into the surrounding area?
The design-forward Mayfair matches nicely with the rapidly changing DTLA area. It’s also within easy walking distance of the Staples Center, LA Live, and the 7th Street restaurant and shopping corridor, as well as the local Metro Station (they do have subways in LA). And it's an easy ride to the white-hot Arts and Historic districts.

Anything else we should know about staying here?
Don’t miss out on peeping artist Kelly “Risk” Graval’s multi-million-dollar collection throughout the property, which was produced in collaboration with artists Shepard Fairey, Geoff Melville, Richard Mirando. The world-renowned graffiti artist is a hometown hero of the Los Angeles arts scene—and it’s easy to see why.

Bottom line: Why are choosing the Mayfair?
For arts and culture lovers looking to explore DTLA, the rehabbed Mayfair is a great home base.