Images of the illustrious Gates of Oz dance through your mind as you approach a striking glass building reflecting light with glistening jeweled tones. You’ve arrived at Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown, the new flagship boutique hotel from the world renowned InterContinental Hotels Group.
Fronted by a magnificent video screen, the hotel exterior looks even more impressive because it sits amid three buildings of cascading heights on a block-long property known as Metropolis. The buildings house luxury condos and a retail space that you may want to check out later. But you’re here to visit, so it’s off to check-in for you.
A doorman graciously holds open the glass doors of this 18-floor, 350 room hotel in the heart of Downtown L.A. At the front desk, admire the centerpiece chandelier composed of golden re-imagined carriage wheels, marking the earliest days of transportation with a 21st century twist.
Design cues throughout the hotel pay homage to early 20th century Los Angeles. Floral wallpaper recalls La Fiesta de las Flores (the pre-cursor to the Rose Parade); riding an elevator cab has the feel of a speakeasy; and ballrooms adorned with whimsical, jeweled light fixtures exude glitz and glamour.
Get ready for your close-up as you exit the elevator to the room floors - life-size black and white images of paparazzi from the Golden Age of Hollywood are ready to take your photo.
You’ll learn there are 11 miles of tunnels under Downtown L.A. that were used by bootleggers to move liquor and cash during Prohibition. The tunnels are symbolized throughout the hotel, from special seating in Metropole Bar + Kitchen - embellished by brass and copper metals - to the guest room hallways with simulated brick walls, and colorful carpets illustrated with shapes of spotlights. Glance down the hallway to the glass wall exterior to see the “light at the end of the tunnel.”
If you want to walk in the historical steps of the bootleggers from a century ago, ask the concierge about the exclusive tunnel walking tour for a hands-on blast from the past.
There’s a very special tribute to the first Chinese American movie star, Anna May Wong, whose shadow likeness appears throughout the hotel, including on various guest room glass shower walls, along with symbolic bougainvillea.
Arising from a relaxing sleep with a glorious view through the floor to ceiling glass wall seems like a dream. You wake yourself up with Jonathan Adler amenities in the spa-inspired marble bathroom, but this is no dream. Your room, filled with beautiful hard surface floors, area rugs, mod furniture, and lively murals, creatively inspires you to seize the day.
Lavish opulence takes on a whole new meaning if you’re in one of the three luxury suites, some decorated with leather and fine woods, or the ultimate extravagance —the apartment size presidential suite with views from Century City to the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory.
Enjoy the L.A. weather at the 9,100-square-foot fourth floor terrace, outfitted with a bar and a heated saltwater pool. Or take it inside at the adjacent 24-hour fitness center with wide angle views of the city from indoor and outdoor vantage points.
Museums, sports, culture, shopping and restaurants are a quick walk or a short ride away from the hotel. The digital concierge in the lobby instantly provides ideas at your fingertips. Hungry and on the run? Check out the Grab and Go with an honor purchase system.
Sport events and live music are a stone’s throw away at the iconic L.A. LIVE, Microsoft Theater, and STAPLES Center - the home of the Lakers, Clippers, Kings, Sparks and the host venue of the Grammy Awards.
Speaking of the Grammys, have you ever dreamed of singing in a studio? Head to the nearby Grammy Museum and channel your inner American Idol.
If you’re in the market for some real bling, the Jewelry District shops are fit for a rock star or queen with some deals you'll definitely write home about.
Dining options come in all prices and cultures: Faith & Flower for sophisticated fare; Broken Spanish, which Esquire named “one of the best new restaurants in America”; Bottega Louie for a taste of Europe and some of the best macarons in L.A.; and Little Sister, serving modern Vietnamese cuisine.
If you want a taste of the culture and cuisine of L.A. in one spot, explore the historic Grand Central Market, where independent vendors serve some of the best bites in the city.
While you're in the area, don't miss The Last Bookstore, the largest independent bookstore in the world. If you’re looking for a vintage record or a rare book, you’ll find it here.
Take a rideshare to Bunker Hill for a visit to The Broad and MOCA. Grab a cocktail or meal at Otium, or queue up at one of the gourmet food trucks parked on Grand Avenue. Perhaps walk over to The Music Center for a show or take a stroll through Grand Park and look up at City Hall.
There's also the red-hot Arts District for the hip and trendy; and historic destinations like Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Union Station and Olvera Street, the Mexican marketplace located near the “birthplace of Los Angeles.”
Wrap up your evening with a nightcap back at Hotel Indigo. Drink in the grandeur of the 30-foot ceiling above the elegant lobby lounge bar, designed with hues of blue and green in a style that mixes Art Deco with a supremely modern edge.
Or you can jet up to the 18th floor and follow the illuminated yellow arrow on the ceiling to a most impressive rooftop bar—18 Social. Take a seat in a plush high back chair by the central fireplace, or the floor to ceiling windows, and gaze out at the sweeping views of the dazzling Los Angeles skyline.
Raise a glass to the past and present of Los Angeles—and see the future—unfolding before your eyes.
Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown
899 Francisco St, Los Angeles 90017
213.683.4855
