What’s better than a Los Angeles hotel with a cool rooftop? How about one where nearly the entire property feels like a chic, luxurious rooftop — the exact vibe of the new Conrad Los Angeles in Downtown L.A.
In fact, I loved every view of and from the property during my recent stay there, whether I was gazing at the striking Walt Disney Concert Hall while sipping a cocktail at the outdoor lounge; enjoying the nighttime cityscape from my suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows; or basking in the elegant design aesthetic of the lobby, bars and restaurants.
Opened in July 2022, the 305-room luxury Conrad hotel is part of The Grand LA — a new residential and retail hub designed by architect Frank Gehry (who also designed the iconic Disney Concert Hall just across the street) — and is California’s first Conrad Hotels & Resorts property, delivering top-notch service at every turn.
The new Conrad was designed by iconic architect Frank Gehry.
Credit: 2022 Conrad Los AngelesStepping into the 10th-floor lobby, I was first struck by the abundance of natural light flooding the space. Walls of windows are a common thread throughout the property, which happily blur the indoor/outdoor distinction. I especially loved the central fireplace, strategically built into a glass wall in order to be visible from both the lobby lounge and the outdoor terrace.
The 10th floor is also home to many of the Conrad’s impeccably designed public spaces. The aesthetic is chic and elegant — upscale without feeling at all pretentious. Bars, lounges and the lobby flow seamlessly in an open layout, accented by fun (yet unobtrusive) textile patterns, modern accents and striking art pieces. Best of all, greenery is all around: Both indoors and outside, an abundance of plants makes the property feel like an urban oasis.
Outside, guests will find a 16,000-square-foot rooftop terrace complete with a pool deck, offering city views and Southern California sunshine from all angles.
The 10th floor is home to drinking, dining and lounging spaces including the Beaudry Room.
Credit: 2022 Conrad Los AngelesModern, Luxurious Guestrooms and Suites
Accommodation categories at the Conrad range from 348-square-foot guestrooms all the way up to the 1,633-square-foot Grand Avenue View Presidential Suite. (The hotel has a variety of mobility-accessible and hearing-accessible room options, as well.)
I was lucky enough to enjoy a spacious Corner Suite during my stay, featuring a bedroom and a separate living area. Those wonderful walls of windows were present in both rooms (and are found in all guestroom categories), affording plenty of natural light and views of the pool deck and downtown. The bedroom came furnished with a stylish open wardrobe, while the sleek bathroom featured a large, indulgent shower.
As a newbuild property, the Conrad’s guestrooms feature state-of-the-art technical touches including panels that control the room’s lights, window shades and more. With the push of a button, I could put up my do-not-disturb light, adjust the air conditioning, set the suite’s lighting to various modes (bright, dim or night light) and open or close the bedroom’s blackout shade.
Guestrooms are stylish and technologically advanced.
Credit: 2022 Conrad Los AngelesAnd while it might seem like a small detail, the complimentary in-room water in aluminum Conrad bottles is a much-appreciated offering that I would love to see implemented across many more hotels and brands.
Wellness at a State-of-the-Art Spa
I found even more tranquility inside the property’s Conrad Spa Los Angeles, which spans 7,000 square feet and offers a variety of traditional and high-tech wellness therapies delivered by an attentive staff.
I started my visit in one of the spa’s Recovery Cabins for 30 minutes of deep relaxation, which I highly recommend. Experiences can be customized with various wellness tools; mine included lying on an infrared recovery mat, wearing Normatec compression boots to boost circulation and listening to a soothing sound therapy soundtrack — all while tucked away in a cozy, private cabin.
Once I was thoroughly relaxed, it was time for my Intuitive Massage, an individualized treatment that left me rested and restored. Other service options range from advanced skincare to Ayurveda Dosha (the individual constitution) Balancing, a Body Couture Treatment, a Rose Quartz Facial, jet peels and more.
Before I left, I even got to make a custom tea bag (mine had chamomile, lavender and lemongrass) to enjoy later.
Conrad Los Angeles Restaurants: Dining by Jose Andres
After addressing my well-being, it was time to take care of my hunger, too. Luckily, the Conrad’s food and beverage program was created in partnership with renowned chef and humanitarian Jose Andres, so I knew my partner and I were in excellent hands.
The signature restaurant, San Laurel, is located on the lobby level in an indoor/outdoor venue. The menu and ethos of the eatery merge Spanish flavors with California produce for a truly unique and delicious dining experience. A variety of small and large dishes are meant to be shared, and come beautifully presented on some of the most interesting plateware I have seen.
Our attentive waitress explained that much of the restaurant’s ingredient sourcing is done at the farmers’ market, inspiring us to order vegetable dishes such the Grilled Romaine (a head of charred lettuce served much like a wedge salad) and the delightful Grilled Zucchini, atop a whipped labneh we couldn’t stop eating.
Not to be missed is the Gambas Al Zahara, a sizzling plate of giant shrimp in garlicky oil, served with crusty bread for dipping, which transported me right to Spain. A few other standouts: the Vermicelli “Mac ‘n Cheese,” topped with morel mushrooms and crispy shallots, and the Coca Idiazabal, a kind of Spanish-style tostada that consists of a cracker base, a swipe of sweet quince paste and a mountain of salty Spanish cheese shaved over the top.
San Laurel, the hotel’s signature restaurant, takes inspiration from both Spain and California for its menu.
Credit: 2022 Conrad Los AngelesAnd while breakfast at hotel restaurants can sometimes be an uninspired affair, San Laurel serves one I would happily eat any day of the week. An order of eggs benedict with smoked salmon and avocado was enrobed in a silky Hollandaise and accompanied by some of the crispiest breakfast potatoes I have ever eaten. On the lighter side, our Toast Montadito (available in various forms) was topped with whipped ricotta and a smattering of baby tomatoes, sumac and edible flowers.
Clients should not sleep on the hotel’s beverages, either. Whether enjoying a cocktail at one of the restaurants or lobby bars The Beaudry Room and Sed, libations are inventive and exciting. Just a few examples include the Shiso Spicy Margarita, the Watermelon Report (with cilantro, chipotle and a “cumin tincture”), the Foggy Hill (served with an orange-thyme “aromatic cloud”) and more.
Conrad Los Angeles’ second restaurant, Agua Viva, was unfortunately closed during my visit, as a television show was using it to film (ah, L.A.), but provides a more exuberant outdoor setting for dining near the pool. Dishes run the gamut from patatas bravas (fried potatoes) and Ahi poke to crab croquetas, burgers, a lobster roll, grilled octopus, slow-cooked chicken and more.
The closure was good for one thing, it least: It gives me a reason to return to this standout property sooner rather than later.
