If you’re searching for a genuinely stylish stay in the heart of Los Angeles, the Downtown LA Proper Hotel stands apart from the traditional luxury hotel formula. Having reviewed dozens of properties across DTLA, I can say few blend historic architecture with modern design as successfully as this one. Set inside a landmark building at 1100 S. Broadway, the hotel pairs century-old bones with contemporary interiors, curated local art, and inviting rooftop spaces elements that consistently earn it placement among Condé Nast Traveler’s and Travel + Leisure’s top-rated Los Angeles hotels.
The property houses 147 rooms and suites, a relatively intimate count compared to the 300+ rooms typical of big-box downtown LA hotels, which translates to more personalized service. Two suites stand out for their unusual backstory: they were converted from the building’s former indoor pool and basketball court, remnants of its sporting-club past. Beyond these signature spaces, guests have access to a rooftop swimming pool, a full fitness center, multiple restaurants, a buzzing cocktail lounge, and flexible event spaces amenities that boutique hotels industry-wide report drive up to 20% higher guest satisfaction scores than standard chain properties, according to hospitality research firm STR.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a business trip, or simply comparing hotels in Downtown LA, understanding what makes this property distinct — its history, design, and amenities will help you decide if it’s the right fit before booking your stay at Downtown LA Proper.
What Is Downtown LA Proper Hotel?
Downtown LA Proper Hotel is a 147-room design-focused hotel in Downtown Los Angeles that blends historic architecture with contemporary interiors, restaurants, a rooftop pool, and city views. The hotel occupies a landmark building on South Broadway, with its interiors shaped by designer Kelly Wrestler’s mix of vintage influences, custom furnishings, patterns, and local art.
One of the property’s defining characteristics is its connection to the building’s past. Rather than completely hiding the historic character, the hotel incorporates elements of that history into its design.
That approach is particularly noticeable in the hotel’s two signature suites.
Where Is Downtown LA Proper Hotel Located?
Downtown LA Proper Hotel is located at:
1100 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90015
The hotel sits in Downtown Los Angeles, making it a useful base for visitors interested in exploring the central parts of the city.
Its South Broadway setting also puts guests close to the restaurants, entertainment venues, cultural attractions, and businesses that make up the wider Downtown LA area.
For travelers deciding where to stay, location is one of the hotel’s practical advantages. However, Downtown Los Angeles has a distinctly urban atmosphere, so visitors should choose the area based on the type of LA experience they want rather than assuming every neighborhood in the city feels the same.
Location on map:
Rooms & Suites at Downtown LA Proper Hotel
Downtown LA Proper has 147 rooms and suites, with interiors designed to feel more residential than standardized. The hotel describes the rooms as combining hand-raked plaster walls, textiles, vintage pieces, and custom-designed furnishings.
1. Guest Rooms
Room categories include options such as Deluxe Queen, Premier King, Junior Suites, and specialty suites. Connecting rooms and ADA-compliant accommodations are also available.
In-room features listed by the hotel include:
- Bellion fine linens
- Custom throws
- Aesop bathroom amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth speakers
- HDTV with Apple TV
- Curated minibar
- In-room safe
- Hairdryer
- Nespresso machine upon request
- In-room streaming
- Private bathrooms
The bathrooms are another noticeable part of the design. The hotel’s rooms use Moroccan-inspired interiors, hand-glazed tiles, stonework vanities, walk-in showers, custom robes, and Aesop amenities.
2. Signature Suites
The suites are where Downtown LA Proper becomes particularly unusual.
The Pool Suite measures approximately 2,777 square feet and incorporates a 35-by-12-foot indoor swimming pool connected to the building’s former YWCA history. The suite also has a separate bedroom and an-suite bathroom.
The Basketball Suite is approximately 1,430 square feet and reimagines the building’s former basketball court as an open-plan luxury suite. It includes a bedroom, one-and-a-half bathrooms, living and dining areas, double-height ceilings, and city views.
These are not typical hotel suites, and they give the property a strong architectural identity.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay at Downtown LA Proper Hotel?
Rates at Downtown LA Proper fluctuate significantly with season, day of the week, and demand, but current listings across major booking sites give a useful sense of what to expect.
| Rate Type | Typical Price (per night) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level rate (weeknight, low season) | ~$260–$275 | Lowest published rates, typically Sunday–Thursday |
| Average weeknight rate | ~$334 | Sunday–Thursday average over recent booking data |
| Average weekend rate (Fri–Sat) | ~$685 | Rates roughly double on weekends |
| Member/exclusive rates | From ~$359 | Available through select travel clubs and loyalty programs |
| Signature suites (Pool Suite / Basketball Suite) | Premium pricing, quote on request | Priced well above standard rooms given size and novelty |
| Valet parking | ~$66–$70 per night, including tax | No on-site EV charging currently available |
| Breakfast (à la carte, if not included in rate) | ~$15–$40 for adults, ~$15–$25 for children | Served 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
A few pricing patterns are worth knowing before you book:
- Seasonality matters. Booking data shows March tends to be the lowest-priced month, while May and June run considerably higher, sometimes over 100% above the low-season average.
- Weekends cost more. Friday and Saturday nights are consistently priced well above midweek stays, so a Sunday–Thursday trip is the more budget-friendly option.
- Book ahead for the best rate. Rates tend to improve when booked several weeks in advance rather than last-minute, though last-minute deals do occasionally appear.
- Compare the total, not just the nightly rate. Displayed nightly rates often exclude taxes and resort-style fees, so the total charged at checkout can run noticeably higher than the advertised rate.
Because pricing changes frequently and varies by room category and booking platform, it’s worth checking current rates directly with the hotel or a trusted booking site before finalizing travel plans.
What Amenities Does Downtown LA Proper Hotel Offer?
Downtown LA Proper Hotel offers a rooftop pool and terrace, fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi, dining venues, event spaces, and guest services.
1. Rooftop Pool
The rooftop pool is one of the hotel’s most recognizable features. The pool deck is designed with multiple levels, lounge areas, fire pits, and views across the Downtown Los Angeles skyline. The hotel says the rooftop pool is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The rooftop is also connected to Cara Cara, allowing guests to combine pool time with food and drinks.
2. Fitness Center
The hotel’s fitness center is available 24 hours and includes equipment such as Peloton bikes, Woodway treadmills, strength equipment, a rower, Tonal, free weights, medicine balls, and a barbell rack.
3. Meetings & Events
Downtown LA Proper also caters to meetings and private events. The property lists approximately 14,000 square feet of meetings and events space.
Its event spaces range from the historic Broadway Ballroom to rooftop areas and smaller spaces suitable for more intimate gatherings.
According to the hotel’s current capacity information, the Broadway Ballroom is approximately 2,608 square feet, while the Pool Suite is approximately 2,777 square feet and the Basketball Suite approximately 1,430 square feet.
Dining at Downtown LA Proper Hotel
Food is an important part of the Downtown LA Proper experience, with several on-property options.
1. Cabrillo
Cabrillo is the hotel’s ground-floor restaurant and bar. The hotel describes it as a light-filled space serving breakfast and later transitioning into an evening bar environment.
For guests, having breakfast and drinks within the property can make the hotel convenient for days when there is no need to leave immediately after waking up.
2. Cara Cara
Cara Cara is the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar.
It combines open-air dining with Downtown Los Angeles skyline views, greenery, fire pits, and a menu inspired by California ingredients. The hotel describes its offerings as including seasonal dishes, salads, tacos, grilled seafood, and wood-fired shareable dishes.
For many visitors, the rooftop setting is likely to be one of the property’s biggest attractions beyond the guestrooms themselves.
3. Dahlia
Dahlia is a more intimate cocktail lounge located on the ground floor. The space is designed as a quieter alternative to the hotel’s rooftop environment and focuses on cocktails and boutique wines.
4. In-Room Dining
Guests who prefer to stay in their rooms can order from the hotel’s in-room dining menu.
Current hotel information lists breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
What Makes Downtown LA Proper Hotel Different?
The biggest difference is probably the hotel’s design identity.
Many city hotels focus primarily on convenience. Downtown LA Proper puts considerably more emphasis on the building, interiors, and visual character.
The hotel occupies a historic Los Angeles building and uses its past as part of the guest experience. Kelly Wrestler’s design incorporates vintage references, custom furniture, local art, patterns, and textures throughout the property.
The two specialty suites take that idea even further by transforming the former indoor pool and basketball court into accommodation spaces.
That makes Downtown LA Proper particularly interesting for travelers who care about architecture, interiors, and the story behind a hotel—not simply the size of the room.
Things to Do Near Downtown LA Proper Hotel
Staying at Downtown LA Proper puts you in the wider Downtown Los Angeles area, where visitors can explore a mixture of entertainment, culture, restaurants, architecture, and city attractions.
Depending on your itinerary, consider exploring:
- LA LIVE for entertainment and events
- Crypto.com Arena for major sporting and entertainment events
- Los Angeles Convention Center for conferences and exhibitions
- Walt Disney Concert Hall for performances and architecture
- The Broad for contemporary art
- Grand Central Market for food and a historic Downtown LA atmosphere
Because Los Angeles is spread across a large metropolitan area, it is worth checking travel times for individual attractions before planning your day. A hotel being in Downtown LA does not mean every major Los Angeles attraction is immediately nearby.
What Do Guests Say? Downtown LA Proper Hotel Reviews
Downtown LA Proper has built a strong reputation among both review aggregators and individual travelers.
Review scores at a glance:
| Platform | Score | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Tripadvisor | 4 out of 5, Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” (top 1%) | 500+ reviews; ranked in the top 10–12 of roughly 375–380 LA hotels |
| Hotels.com / Expedia network | 9.4 out of 10 (“Exceptional”) | 300+ reviews |
| Kayak (aggregated) | 8.5 out of 10 (“Very good”) | 110+ reviews |
| Yelp | Strong ratings, Michelin Key recognition noted on listing | 115+ reviews |
What guests consistently praise:
- Service. Reviewers repeatedly single out staff as warm, attentive, and willing to go the extra mile from valet to front desk to housekeeping. Several reviews describe hotel managers personally following up to make a stay memorable.
- Design and atmosphere. Guests frequently describe the interiors as striking and unlike a standard hotel, praising the balance of comfort and style, along with unusually comfortable beds.
- The rooftop. Cara Cara and the rooftop pool area are called out often as a highlight, with guests enjoying the skyline views, ambiance, and cocktails.
- Dining. Breakfast and the restaurant offerings (previously Caldo Verde, now Cabrillo) get consistent praise for quality and variety.
What guests note as drawbacks:
- Room and gym size. Some travelers mention that standard rooms and the fitness center feel smaller than expected for a luxury property.
- Value for the rate. A portion of reviewers question whether the nightly rate matches the experience, particularly on weekends when prices climb.
- Neighborhood character. A few guests point out that Downtown LA has a more urban, business-district feel compared to areas like the Westside or Hollywood, which may not suit every traveler’s expectations.
Overall, the pattern across platforms is consistent: guests rate the design, service, and rooftop experience highly, while occasionally flagging room size and price as points to weigh before booking.
Is Downtown LA Proper Hotel Good for Different Travelers?
Downtown LA Proper Hotel draws a wide mix of guests, from couples on a weekend escape to business travelers passing through for meetings. Whether the property is the right fit really depends on what you’re looking for in a stay, so here’s a closer look at how it serves a few different types of travelers.
1. For Couples
The rooftop pool, sweeping skyline views, design-focused interiors, and on-site dining options come together to create a romantic, upscale atmosphere that many couples find appealing. The rooftop bar and lounge area, in particular, offers a relaxed setting for evening drinks while taking in the city lights, making it a popular spot for date nights or special occasions. The overall ambiance, blending boutique charm with a lively urban energy, lends itself well to a couple’s getaway, whether it’s a weekend trip or an anniversary celebration.
2. For Business Travelers
Its Downtown location places guests within easy reach of the city’s business and financial district, making commutes to meetings and offices relatively convenient. On top of that, reliable Wi-Fi, on-site fitness facilities, and a range of dining options mean travelers can stay productive and comfortable without needing to venture far from the hotel. The property also features dedicated meeting and event spaces, which can accommodate everything from small client meetings to larger corporate gatherings, giving business travelers a practical, all-in-one option for combining work and stay.
3. For Design Lovers
This is where the hotel truly stands out. The interiors, shaped by designer Kelly Wearstler, blend the building’s historic architecture with vintage-inspired furnishings, curated local art, and thoughtfully layered textures. The result is a space that feels less like a standard hotel and more like an immersive design experience, with each room and communal area offering its own distinct visual personality. For travelers who appreciate architecture, interior design, or art, the hotel’s aesthetic alone can be a compelling reason to book a stay.
4. For Families
Families will want to pay close attention to room configurations and sleeping arrangements before booking, as not all room types are equally suited to larger groups. The hotel does offer connecting rooms, which can help families traveling with children stay close together, and complimentary cribs are available upon request for younger travelers. It’s worth noting, however, that rollaway beds are only available in suite categories, so families needing extra sleeping space should factor this into their room selection to ensure everyone is comfortably accommodated.
Downtown LA Proper Hotel: Pros and Considerations
| Pros | Things to Consider |
| Central Downtown LA setting | Downtown LA has a distinctly urban environment |
| 147 rooms and suites | Room sizes and configurations vary |
| Distinctive historic design | Design may matter more here than conventional resort-style features |
| Rooftop pool and skyline views | Rooftop experience can be busier during popular periods |
| Multiple on-site dining options | Restaurant hours and menus can change |
| 24-hour fitness center | Some amenities or services may have specific conditions |
| Accessible rooms available | Check individual room requirements before booking |
| Meeting and event facilities | Event activity can affect the atmosphere |
One practical consideration is parking. The hotel currently lists valet parking at $70.40 including tax and says there are no on-site EV charging stations at this time.
Because hotel fees and policies can change, travelers should confirm the current charges directly with the property before booking.
Is Downtown LA Proper Hotel Worth Considering?
Downtown LA Proper Hotel makes the most sense for travelers who want more than a conventional city hotel.
Its strongest features are easy to identify: 147 individually styled rooms and suites, a distinctive historic building, Kelly Wrestler-designed interiors, a rooftop pool, multiple dining spaces, and unusual signature suites.
It is also a good example of why choosing a Los Angeles hotel is about more than comparing room prices. Location, neighborhood atmosphere, transportation, dining, and the type of experience you want can all make a difference.
If your ideal stay involves architecture, design, rooftop city views, and a convenient Downtown LA base, Downtown LA Proper deserves a place on your shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downtown LA Proper Hotel
Q1: Where is Downtown LA Proper Hotel?
Downtown LA Proper Hotel is located at 1100 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90015, in Downtown Los Angeles.
Q2: How many rooms does Downtown LA Proper Hotel have?
The hotel has 147 rooms and suites.
Q3: Does Downtown LA Proper Hotel have a pool?
Yes. The hotel has a rooftop swimming pool and pool deck with Downtown Los Angeles skyline views.
Q4: Does Downtown LA Proper Hotel have a rooftop restaurant?
Yes. Cara Cara is the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, located beside the rooftop pool.
Q5: What restaurants are at Downtown LA Proper Hotel?
Current hotel information lists Cabrillo, Cara Cara, and Dahlia, along with in-room dining.
Q6: Does Downtown LA Proper Hotel offer parking?
Yes. Valet parking is available. The hotel currently lists the valet rate as $70.40 including tax and notes that on-site EV charging is not currently available.
Q7: Does Downtown LA Proper Hotel have a fitness center?
Yes. The fitness center operates 24 hours and includes cardio and strength-training equipment.
Q8: Are accessible rooms available?
Yes. The hotel states that ADA-compliant rooms, accessible entrances, elevators, pathways, meeting spaces, and amenities are available.
Q9: What are the most unusual suites at Downtown LA Proper Hotel?
The hotel’s two standout specialty suites are the Pool Suite, which incorporates a former indoor swimming pool, and the Basketball Suite, which reimagines a former basketball court.
Final Takeaway
Downtown LA Proper Hotel combines historic Los Angeles character with contemporary hotel design and modern amenities. With 147 rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, multiple dining venues, a 24-hour fitness center, and substantial event space, it offers a full-service stay in Downtown Los Angeles.
Its biggest appeal, however, is its personality. The property doesn’t try to look like every other luxury hotel. Its historic setting, design details, rooftop spaces, and unusual suites give it a recognizable identity that can make a stay feel connected to Los Angeles rather than simply located in it.
