Downtown LA Proper Hotel, Los Angeles
Where Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Luxury
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● A landmark 1926 Renaissance Revival building masterfully reimagined by Kelly Wearstler into one of Los Angeles’ most distinctive design hotels.
● Extraordinary interiors where historic architecture, bespoke craftsmanship, local art, and bold contemporary design collide in unmistakable California style.
● A vibrant cultural destination where award-winning dining, rooftop living, remarkable suites, and creative energy reflect the renaissance of Downtown Los Angeles.
A Landmark Reborn
Few hotels tell the story of Los Angeles quite like Downtown LA Proper Hotel. Occupying a striking Renaissance Revival building designed in 1926 by Curlett & Beelman, the property has lived many lives—as a private club, hotel, and later a YWCA—before being transformed into one of the city’s most compelling luxury addresses. Rather than erasing its layered past, Proper embraces it, allowing nearly a century of architectural history to form the foundation for a thoroughly contemporary hospitality experience. Situated in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, just steps from the Fashion District and South Park, the hotel reflects the neighbourhood’s own remarkable revival, where historic buildings, creative industries, and innovative restaurants continue to reshape the city’s urban core.
Kelly Wearstler’s Unmistakable Vision
Few designers possess a visual language as instantly recognisable as Kelly Wearstler, and Downtown LA Proper may be one of her most expressive works to date. Drawing inspiration from California Modernism, Mexican craftsmanship, Moroccan textures, and European influences, she creates interiors that feel layered, fearless, and deeply personal. Historic marble detailing and decorative panelling sit comfortably alongside handcrafted ceramics, bespoke furniture, richly textured fabrics, and vibrant custom tiles in warm Spanish and Californian tones. Stained-glass installations by Judson Studios, ceramic works by Morgan Peck, murals by Abel Macias, furniture by leading contemporary makers, and original artworks throughout the hotel transform every public space into an evolving gallery where architecture and art exist in constant dialogue. Despite the abundance of colour, pattern, and texture, the interiors never feel overwhelming. Instead, they possess a remarkable sense of balance, celebrating craftsmanship while remaining warm, welcoming, and unmistakably Californian.
Rooms with Character
The guestrooms continue Wearstler’s philosophy on a more intimate scale. Sunlight pours through oversized windows, illuminating carefully curated spaces filled with tactile materials, bespoke furnishings, vintage references, and artworks created by Los Angeles artists. Spa-inspired bathrooms, handcrafted finishes, and residential comfort replace conventional luxury with something far more individual. For those seeking something extraordinary, the hotel’s signature suites push creative boundaries even further. Most remarkable is the legendary Pool Suite, where the former YWCA swimming pool has been transformed into an astonishing open-plan residence. The original basin now forms the dramatic centrepiece of a suite finished with Portuguese-inspired marble, Ben Medansky ceramic murals, curated vintage furnishings, and expansive living spaces unlike anything else in Los Angeles hospitality.
A Social Heart Above the City
While the guestrooms provide sanctuary, the public spaces celebrate the city’s social energy. The soaring double-height lobby, elegant library lounge, intimate gathering spaces, and beautifully layered interiors encourage guests to linger throughout the day, creating an atmosphere that feels closer to a private members’ club than a traditional hotel. Above it all, the multi-level rooftop has quickly become one of Downtown LA’s most desirable destinations. Framed by panoramic skyline views, the rooftop combines a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, fire pits, and secluded terraces into an effortlessly stylish setting where the city becomes part of the experience.
A Culinary Destination
Food plays an equally important role in defining the Proper experience. James Beard Award-winning restaurateurs Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne have created a collection of dining venues that celebrate Los Angeles’ multicultural culinary identity with the same creativity found throughout the hotel’s design. Caldo Verde draws inspiration from Mediterranean traditions spanning Spain, Portugal, Corsica, and North Africa, presenting seasonal, market-driven dishes in an elegant yet approachable setting. Upstairs, Cara Cara pairs panoramic city views with contemporary Southern Californian cuisine, while the intimate speakeasy-style Dalia offers a moodier counterpoint, evoking both old Hollywood glamour and Downtown LA’s evolving nightlife.
Why It Works
Downtown LA Proper Hotel succeeds because it refuses to separate history from contemporary design. Kelly Wearstler’s fearless interiors celebrate rather than compete with the building’s remarkable architecture, while award-winning dining, exceptional art, and thoughtfully curated public spaces transform the property into far more than a luxury hotel. It is a cultural landmark as much as a place to stay—a bold expression of Los Angeles itself, where creativity, heritage, and modern living come together in spectacular fashion.
