4 Stunning Art Deco Boutique Hotels Redefining Downtown L.A.
Journey through four of downtown Los Angeles’s most iconic Art Deco boutique hotels, where vibrant design, rich history, and creative revival converge.
Long before the bright lights of West Hollywood and Santa Monica began to lure travelers and locals alike, downtown Los Angeles was at the heart of the city’s creative and cultural explosion. During the Roaring Twenties, remarkable skyscrapers and gathering spaces sprang up, their elegant lines now standing as some of the country’s most beautiful examples of Art Deco architecture. Nearly a century later, a powerful preservation movement—fueled by the Adaptive Reuse Ordinance of 1999—has revived these treasures into a new renaissance.
At the forefront of this artistic renewal are downtown’s boutique hotels, each woven into the city’s vibrant tapestry of history, design, and modernity. Whether you’re seeking a glamorous getaway or an architectural adventure, these four Art Deco boutique hotels offer unforgettable experiences in the City of Angels.
- Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
- Hotel Per La
- Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
- Hotel Figueroa
Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
Price: From $350 per night
Commanding attention with its restored giant vintage sign and grand archways, Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel is both a preservationist’s delight and a modern design marvel. Originally built by architects Curlett & Beelman in the 1920s as a private club frequented by Hollywood icons like Cecil B. DeMille, the building’s varied life included stints as both elite social club and Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in the 1960s.
Interior designer Kelly Wearstler led a bold revival, balancing the landmark’s deep history with contemporary flair. The hotel’s greatest design feat is its legendary “Pool Suite,” which features a striking indoor swimming pool stretching 35 feet long by 12 feet wide—directly in the living room. Travelers can also opt for the “Court Suite,” whose soaring two-story ceilings and original painted timber floors recall the space’s days as a basketball court for YWCA members.
Today, the Proper’s 174 rooms blend vintage treasures with playful textures and artistic flourishes. Sibling Rival Café, located on the ground floor, serves locally roasted coffee and pastries, while the rooftop Cabra Los Angeles dazzles with Peruvian-inspired cuisine by award-winning chef Stephanie Izard and stunning city views. The property stands as a testament to downtown’s blend of old Hollywood glam and contemporary sophistication.
- Historic Features: Original archways, timber floors, and private club heritage
- Design Highlights: Designer Pool Suite, artful integration of 1920s and mid-century elements
- Dining: Ground-floor café and rooftop Peruvian restaurant
- Atmosphere: Artistic, boldly eclectic, and culturally rooted
Hotel Per La
Price: From $279 per night
Transformed from the historic Los Angeles Bank of Italy building, Hotel Per La masterfully intertwines Italian Renaissance grandeur and Art Deco flourishes with modern-day boutique luxury. Towering columns, marble floors, and original hand-painted ceilings transport guests to a bygone era, while luminous contemporary art, bespoke furnishings, and jewel-toned colors create a vibrant modern setting.
The spacious 241 rooms are drenched in natural light, with many featuring marble-clad bathrooms and custom details that speak to the structure’s roots. The rooftop pool and bar provide impressive skyline views—perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the city. Dining is equally inspired, with Per L’Ora serving contemporary Italian cuisine beneath gorgeous arched ceilings, and Café Ora offering casual bites and coffee throughout the day.
- Historic Features: Italianate architecture, ornate ceilings, marble columns
- Design Highlights: Art Deco and Renaissance motifs blended with modern accents
- Dining: Elevated Italian at Per L’Ora; all-day café
- Atmosphere: Sophisticated yet relaxed, old-world elegance meets contemporary chic
Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
Price: From $249 per night
Standing a block from Hotel Per La, the Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles is emblematic of downtown’s artistic spirit and revival. Housed in the United Artists Theatre building (constructed in 1927), the Ace’s restoration—completed in 2014—was one of the catalysts for downtown’s resurgence. Inside, original stained glass, Spanish Gothic arches, and surviving tilework nod to the building’s Hollywood beginnings, while new Art Deco-inspired décor and contemporary art playfully reimagine its spaces.
Each of the 182 guest rooms showcases design-conscious interiors, with custom art by Mike Mills that references historic news events from the theatre’s heyday. The hotel lobby’s grand staircase and restored murals evoke the Golden Age of cinema. The theater itself—now an acclaimed live performance and events venue—offers a uniquely cinematic setting for world-class shows and gatherings.
Favorite gathering spots include Best Girl—an all-day restaurant with a focus on simple, thoughtful flavors—and the lively Upstairs rooftop bar, famous for panoramic city views, creative cocktails, and weekly live music sessions.
- Historic Features: United Artists Theatre, stained glass, Spanish Gothic touches
- Design Highlights: Parisian and Viennese influences, custom 1920s artwork
- Dining: Best Girl restaurant, bustling rooftop bar
- Atmosphere: Artistic, urban, creative hub with cinematic energy
Hotel Figueroa
Price: From $259 per night
Few hotels in downtown L.A. exude as much character and history as Hotel Figueroa. Originally opened in 1926 as a safe haven for solo female travelers—a rarity in its day—this Spanish Colonial revival property has evolved into one of DTLA’s most adored icons. The building’s signature pink façade, dramatic archways, and hand-painted tilework transport you to the glamour of early Los Angeles, while recent enhancements have preserved its historic ambiance and layered it with contemporary luxury.
Hotel Figueroa boasts 268 rooms and suites that blend Mediterranean textures, bold geometric design, and custom art installations. The lush outdoor pool area, framed by towering palm trees, offers guests a tranquil escape. With a prime location near the Crypto.com Arena and LA’s cultural landmarks, the hotel also houses several dining options, including Café Fig, which serves Mediterranean-inspired comfort food, and La Casita, a breezy poolside bar with inventive cocktails and light bites.
- Historic Features: Spanish colonial architecture, ornate facade, original tile
- Design Highlights: Art Deco interior accents, local gallery art
- Dining: Mediterranean-inspired Café Fig, poolside bar
- Atmosphere: Warm, inviting, with a legacy of inclusiveness
The Art Deco Revival: Downtown L.A.’s Cultural Renaissance
The revived opulence of these downtown boutique hotels is far more than aesthetic. Downtown Los Angeles is experiencing an energetic comeback that’s not only architectural but cultural. The Adaptive Reuse Ordinance of 1999 paved the way for creative repurposing of long-neglected buildings, encouraging entrepreneurs, artists, and preservationists to restore, rather than demolish, the city’s authentic urban fabric.
For both visitors and locals, this means:
- Easy access to world-class museums and live music venues
- Diverse and globally inspired cuisine within walking distance
- Proximity to the arts districts of Silverlake, Echo Park, Highland Park, Los Feliz, and West Hollywood
- The chance to stay in spaces once reserved for Hollywood royalty and historic icons
As designer Kelly Wearstler noted, “The ongoing renovations of these historic buildings give residents and travelers a unique opportunity to discover these architectural treasures.” For the curious, it’s an invitation to step not only into luxury, but also into the city’s dynamic history.
Why Choose a Boutique Hotel in Downtown L.A.?
- Personalized Service: Boutique hotels offer bespoke attention and an intimate atmosphere that larger resorts seldom match.
- Historic Character: Many rooms feature vintage details and original architectural elements that immerse you in L.A.’s heritage.
- Curated Design: Bespoke interiors, local artwork, and creative spaces make for an inspiring stay.
- Prime Location: Stay steps away from LA’s top attractions, innovative dining, and arts venues.
- Community Spirit: From owner-run cafés to rooftop bars filled with locals, experience the genuine rhythm of downtown life.
Table: Quick Comparison of Featured Hotels
| Hotel | Starting Price | Signature Feature | Architectural Style | Key Dining |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel | $350 | Living room pool suite | Art Deco & private club | Cabra (rooftop Peruvian) |
| Hotel Per La | $279 | Historic bank transformation | Italian Renaissance & Art Deco | Per L’Ora (Italian) |
| Ace Hotel Downtown LA | $249 | Restored UA Theatre | Spanish Gothic & Art Deco | Best Girl, Upstairs (rooftop) |
| Hotel Figueroa | $259 | Historic women’s hotel | Spanish Colonial Revival & Art Deco | Café Fig, La Casita |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Art Deco, and why is it prominent in downtown L.A.?
A: Art Deco is an architectural and design style originating in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by geometric shapes, bold ornamentation, and luxurious materials. Downtown L.A. experienced a construction boom during the Roaring Twenties, resulting in iconic Art Deco landmarks that have now been restored into stylish boutique hotels.
Q: Are these hotels suitable for first-time visitors to Los Angeles?
A: Yes. These hotels are centrally located, offering easy access to LA’s museums, theaters, restaurants, and nightlife, making them ideal for both first-time and returning visitors seeking a blend of history and modern comfort.
Q: Do the hotels feature any unique amenities?
A: Each hotel boasts distinct amenities—such as a living room pool, restored 1920s theater, rooftop dining, and lush pool areas—providing memorable experiences that go beyond standard hotel offerings.
Q: What’s the best way to explore downtown L.A. from these hotels?
A: Most boutique hotels are within walking distance of major attractions, and the neighborhood is well-served by public transit, rideshares, and bike rentals. Exploring on foot lets you fully appreciate the district’s vibrant history and urban details.
Q: Why is downtown L.A. seeing a revival?
A: The Adaptive Reuse Ordinance of 1999 encouraged developers to convert historical buildings into homes and hotels rather than demolish them, leading to a neighborhood renaissance anchored in art, architecture, and culture.
Experience the New Heart of Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles’s Art Deco hotels are more than historic accommodations—they’re vivid spaces where past and present merge to showcase the city’s enduring appetite for creativity and reinvention. Whether for a luxurious staycation, a cultural deep dive, or design inspiration, these boutique gems anchor downtown’s reemergence as the beating heart of LA.
