Picolo recommends · Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, California
Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
Patterned tiles, warm colours and big plants in a historic Downtown building, with a pool on the roof facing the towers.
Up on the roof, the pool looks straight at the office towers of the city centre, and at dusk their windows start to light up one by one. It is the most striking view in the hotel, but the interiors downstairs are the real reason to come.
Proper sits in an old building in Downtown, decorated by a celebrated Los Angeles interior designer. Expect patterned tiles, warm, earthy colours and large plants in every corner.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
This is our design pick in Los Angeles. Every room and corridor has been thought through, and the restaurants and bars of Downtown are all around you, so couples and friends can fill an evening without much planning.
Some of the streets nearby feel grim late at night, and the contrast with the interiors can be stark. Take a taxi back after dinner rather than walking, and do not expect beach-town calm.
What you get
- Rooftop pool facing the towers
- Interiors by a well-known LA designer
- Large plants throughout
- Warm, patterned rooms
- Downtown restaurants and bars around you
A day at Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
- Morning
- Coffee among the plants in the lobby.
- Midday
- A walk through the historic theatre streets of Downtown.
- Afternoon
- Lounging by the rooftop pool.
- Evening
- Dinner in Downtown, then a taxi back.
Location
Downtown, Los Angeles, USA
Open in MapsQuestions about Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
Who designed Downtown L.A. Proper?
The interiors are the work of a celebrated Los Angeles interior designer, recognised for bold patterns, tiles and warm colours.
Does Downtown L.A. Proper have a rooftop pool?
Yes. From the rooftop pool you face the Downtown skyline, and it is at its best around sunset.
Is it safe to walk around Downtown L.A. Proper at night?
Some nearby streets can feel bleak late in the evening. A taxi for the last stretch home is the sensible choice.
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Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
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