From Los Feliz to Beverly Hills, the staycation-friendly properties now taking reservations
Words by ANDREW BARKER and ANUSH J. BENLIYAN
Despite being in the midst of a pandemic, the Los Angeles hotel scene continues to grow apace. Right in time for the holidays, four historic properties have been revived, and are opening softly with limited occupancy in line with the city’s COVID-19 guidelines. From a 400-room midcentury behemoth in Century City to a made-over motel in Los Feliz and a home-away-from-home in Hollywood, here are the ones to book next time you are in town.
The foyer at THE JAMES OF HOLLYWOOD. Photo by Jonny Valiant.
Staycation Mode
Extended stay apartments were around before the pandemic, as evidenced by Villa Carlotta opening on Franklin Avenue two years ago. It is now joined by The James of Hollywood, a 1920s Mediterranean Revival-style building with 9-foot-tall ceilings and spaces kitted out by Nil Erbil of StyleMood Design (Montauk’s The Surf Lodge, New York’s members-only clubhouse Habitas) and L.A.-based creative director Brian McGrory. Together, they installed extra-large closets, leather headboards and velvet sofas. Amenities take the form of Peloton bikes, Marshall speakers and Byredo products and robes that will make it very hard to leave this home away from home in Hollywood’s historic heart. Rates upon request. 1830 N. Cherokee Ave., L.A., 213-460-5751.
A studio guest room at THE JAMES OF HOLLYWOOD. Photo by Jonny Valiant.
THE MAYBOURNE BEVERLY HILLS and its restaurant, THE TERRACE.
Courtyard in Session
One of Beverly Hills’ most commanding hotels has reopened with a new name, new look and a forthcoming top-to-bottom refit that will include a debut rooftop restaurant (overlooking one of the most majestic pools in the city), a cigar bar and a host of chic suites. The Maybourne Beverly Hills, the first U.S. property from the British group — which owns Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley in London — will remain open during this years-in-the-making makeover. In its courtyard, The Terrace restaurant is as romantic as they come: all colonnades and hedge rows, it’s a little slice of Californian countryside. Where could be better for popping the question? The Terrace is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 225 N. Canon Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-860-7800.
The rooftop pool at THE MAYBOURNE BEVERLY HILLS.
The imposing FAIRMONT CENTURY PLAZA. Photo by DBOX.
This Must Be the Place
Fairmont Century Plaza, a 400-room, midcentury monolith was dreamed up in 1966 by Japanese-American architect Minoru Yamasaki, the man who designed the original World Trade Center. Now with the property having been artfully restored and under new management by Fairmont, the hope is it will be the No. 1 choice for dealmakers and entrepreneurs from the creative industries visiting L.A. as they build their dreams (Fox and the IMG and CAA agencies are on its doorstep) when it opens this winter. Highlights include a poolside margarita at the rooftop bar — a must at sunset — with views down the Avenue of the Stars, and a treatment at the 14,000-square-foot spa. Nearby, the outdoor Westfield mall has a Tory Burch and a Bloomingdale’s for any last-minute wardrobe changes. 2025 Avenue of the Stars, L.A., 800-257-7544.
An indoor-outdoor area at FAIRMONT CENTURY PLAZA. Photo by DBOX.
Brunch at CARA HOTEL. Photo by Adam Secore.
Handle With Cara
The Cara Hotel is an oasis in the middle of Los Feliz. Formerly a shabby motel, its 60 rooms have been stripped back and whitewashed, with herringbone oak floors and plaster moldings installed, and the overall effect is as fresh as it gets, topped off with Frette linens, robes and towels. Airy balconies overlook the central water feature and patio which doubles as the restaurant. By night, the fairy lights in the 100-year-old olive trees transport you straight to vacation mode, and the stresses and strains of city life are all forgotten. The menu by executive chef Michael Patria moves with the seasons and relies heavily on the local farmers and providers. Highlights include the ceviche and rack of lamb. The bar, with its handpainted wallpaper and plush banquette seating, will be the ultimate date spot once the pandemic finally goes away. 1730 N. Western Ave., L.A., 323-672-8990.
A guest room at CARA HOTEL. Photo by Adam Secore.
Feature image: The reflecting pool and courtyard at CARA HOTEL. Photo by Adam Secore.
Nov. 10, 2020
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