California's First Conrad Hotel Buzzes With Artsy DTLA Vibes

This relaxed and ritzy property feels like a destination within a destination, as the West Coast flagship and first California property for Conrad Hotels & Resorts. There are 305 upscale guest rooms and suites ranging from standard rooms to penthouse suites with a variety of accessible options. Since Los Angeles is almost always sunny and around 70 degrees, guests can enjoy spending time out on the 16,000 square-foot rooftop terrace, which features an outdoor private pool deck and multiple open-air dining concepts, year-round.

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Common Spaces at the Conrad Los Angeles Pay Homage to LA artists

The indoor/outdoor lobby is located on level 10, making for a truly “elevated” check-in experience. This common space features floor-to-ceiling windows with impressive views of the concert hall across the street, and an expansive outdoor terrace outfitted with greenery and seasonal decor.

Seemingly no little design detail has been spared — including the arrival bar, which itself offers a piece of history, made out of polished, glazed 11,000-year-old molten lava and Ceppo di Gre stone from the quarries of Lake Iseo in Lombardy. Even the linens and seating arrangements seem to add a vibrant, classic pop of subtle colors with sunny, clear California-esque shades of blue and yellows.

The modern art installations seen throughout the reception area, event lawn, and lobby spaces are inspired to speak to the theme of “California culture,” showcasing prominent local artists and offering guests an intimate look into Los Angeles’ art industry as part of the brand’s “Conrad Art Encounters” program. Here, Malibu-based artist Jon Krawczyk crafted the silver sculpture on the event lawn.

Eating on-site at the Conrad Los Angeles

The hotel hosts two signature dining concepts by acclaimed chef José Andrés and his team. San Laurel, which is just off the lobby, is the property’s signature dining experience. Here, guests can dive into “flavors of Spain as seen through a California lens,” meaning a blend of the bountiful and fresh agricultural elements found in the Golden State (straight from the Santa Monica Farmers Market), infused with Spanish inspiration. This restaurant serves breakfast and dinner — with classic menu highlights including Sanchoku Wagyu Coulotte, Gambas al Ajillo, and my favorite dish when I dined on-site — the Beefsteak Tomato Tartare. I also really enjoyed my drink, the “Foggy Hill,” which wasn’t just a drink, but an experience. The server came out and poured the orange-thyme aromatic cloud into my cocktail which was made with Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Yzaguirre 1884 Gran Reserva vermouth, Cynar, and Aperol — adding an especially smoky flavor to the cocktail in a more than creative way.

At the rooftop restaurant Agua Viva, which showcases the stunning views of the city, diners will feel laid-back beach club vibes while tasting a blend of Latin and Asian flavors and fresh cocktails. Menu classics include choices like the grilled octopus and chilled Maine lobster roll, which can be enjoyed in the open-air dining space featuring sweeping sights of DTLA.

At The Beaudry Room Bar on the hotel’s main level, which is designed to feel like a classic west-coast cocktail destination, enjoy a craft drink in a buzzy atmosphere. Finally, at Airlight, located alongside the property’s roof deck pool, enjoy a tasty menu of lighter bites and cocktails with views of the skyline, poolside. Spending time out on the private pool deck, which also has panoramic views of Downtown Los Angeles, feels like floating in the sky.

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Relax and rejuvenate at the Conrad Spa Los Angeles

Relaxing at the Conrad Spa Los Angeles felt like an elite version of coziness with its modern technology and holistic approach to wellness through both the body and mind. Before and after my massage treatment, I spent time in the relaxing, dim waiting room behind a special curtain that enclosed me into my own sort of “cocoon” underneath a weighted blanket, listening to a soothing soundtrack of nature sounds.

For those who want to spend time at this immaculate spa without having to book a treatment, the property offers a “Spa Club” wellness membership offering access to the immersive wellness technology as well as the on-site sauna, pool, and fitness center. It even includes a monthly treatment of either a Face Couture Facial or an Intuitive Massage. I was impressed with the clean and bright fitness center, which had upscale cardio and weight equipment, regularly restocked fresh fruit, weekly guided group workout classes on weekends, and never felt overly crowded no matter how many workout warriors were sharing the space with me.

One element of the spa I didn’t get to try this time around, but which fascinated me nonetheless, was the “Recovery Cabins.” This collection of pod-like spaces looked just large enough for users to lie down and become immersed in a blend of neuroscience technology said to diffuse stress and anxiety naturally.

Guest rooms at the Conrad Los Angeles

Guest rooms at the Conrad Los Angeles feel like a mix of classic contemporary designs, with pristinely clean, wide-plank light oak floors and natural linen walls. The floor-to-ceiling windows added plenty of natural brightness and showcased the sweeping views of the LA skyline (but are also equipped with blackout blinds for proper rest). A minimum of two furry family members under 25 pounds are welcome per room, with the payment of a $100.00 non-refundable fee (and service animals are always allowed).

I stayed in a Studio One King Bed guest room, which had 463 square feet of space on the 16th floor, with a view looking out over the pool and the courtyard area below. I loved sitting on a couch situated in front of one of the large windows, which was next to the cabinet holding the mini-bar goods and coffee supplies. The bathroom itself was an interesting design — featuring a separate shower area with three different settings, either opening up fully to let in more natural light with a sliding door or closing to allow for more privacy.

Other in-room amenities include a custom mini-bar, a high-tech lighting system, comfortable beds, and a Nespresso maker.

Other standout elements of the Conrad Los Angeles

One element of the property that especially stuck out to me was the effectiveness of the high-speed Wi-Fi offered everywhere on–site. I enjoyed waking up early grabbing a cup of coffee in the lobby, and sitting outside in the sunshine on the shared terrace space getting work done.

Also, the property does a seamless job of blending work with leisure — I didn’t notice how many visitors were there for work trips until I was told that I was sitting at a table that had been pre-reserved by a group of colleagues who wanted to collaborate on a project.

I felt like it was a great place for visitors to stay while exploring the vibrant arts and culture scene of downtown LA — and it’s also an upscale spot for business travelers in town for a meeting or convention.

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