Westin Bonaventure: The Story of an LA Icon
Even in Los Angeles, a global metropolis with numerous world-class hotels, The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites stands out. Rising above Bunker Hill in Downtown LA like a spaceship ready to launch, the Bonaventure has hosted U.S. Presidents, visiting dignitaries and stars of TV and film.
Design
Opened in January 1977, the Bonaventure was designed by John C. Portman Jr. with a stunning exterior of four glass-clad cylinders surrounding a central tower. Pedestrian skywalks above the streets connect the hotel's second through sixth floors to nearby buildings.
The landmark "city within a city" is renowned for its Brutalist-style interior with curved concrete walkways, floating lounges, spiral staircases and Portman's signature atrium, which soars seven stories above reflecting pools. Glass elevators carry passengers through the roof to guest rooms and the top-level BonaVista Lounge and LA Prime steakhouse.
Authors like Fredric Jameson and Edward Soja have written extensively about the Bonaventure. Quite simply, there is no other hotel design like the Bonaventure in LA - or anywhere in the country, for that matter.
Starring the Bonaventure
The Bonaventure has appeared in countless movies, TV shows and music videos - most recently in Kendrick Lamar and SZA's chart-topping "Luther," named for R&B legend Luther Vandross. The hotel has also appeared in The Weeknd’s “Out of Time” featuring HoYeon Jung; Rihanna's "Savage x Fenty Show Vol. 3," Usher's "U Don't Have to Call," HAIM's "Down to Be Wrong" and Maroon 5 "Priceless" featuring LISA.
The famed glass elevators have starred in a chase scene in True Lies and the climax of In the Line of Fire; their appearances are commemorated by plaques at their respective banks. The hotel's other film appearances include Interstellar, Logan's Run, Rain Man, The Dark Knight Rises, This Is Spinal Tap and Zoolander.
Rooms
The Bonaventure boasts more than 1,300 rooms - each one features Heavenly Beds, mini-refrigerators, HDTVs, large work desks, free Wi-Fi, and floor-to-ceiling windows with impressive city views. Suites offer separate living rooms, dining/meeting tables, wet bars and marble bathrooms.
Meetings & Events
With more than 166,000 square feet of elevated indoor and outdoor venues, the Westin Bonaventure can host everything from a board meeting in one of its 40 breakout rooms to a lavish event in the 3,000-capacity California Ballroom to an unforgettable outdoor reception on the 45,000 square-foot Plaza Pool Deck.
Wellness
Get your heart rate going on one of the Peloton Bikes in the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio; or swim a few laps in the heated outdoor pool on the fourth floor.
At check-in, kids are welcomed with a Westin Family Travel Journal and a Local Activity Guide filled with engaging activities – and plenty of pages to jot down their adventures!
Dining
The Bonaventure offers a wide range of dining options, from 24/7 grab & go to award-winning fine dining.
CAFENOW
Start your day at CafeNOW, the newly-expanded grab & go area with a variety of hot and cold offerings available all day.
LAKEVIEW BISTRO
Open daily from 6am to 2pm, the Lakeview Bistro offers healthy American classics and a premium list of fine wines. The Westin Eat Well program supports your commitment to becoming healthier.
LOBBY COURT
Located in the atrium, the Lobby Court is a chic, open-format venue that offers sit-down dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and cocktail service throughout the day. Free WiFi is available.
BONAVISTA LOUNGE
For an only-in-LA experience, sip cocktails at the BonaVista Lounge, which boasts incredible city views as it slowly rotates on the 34th floor.
LA PRIME
Perched on the 35th floor, LA Prime features wet-aged prime beef from the Chicago stockyards, seasonal fish and fresh shellfish along with spectacular panoramic views. Highlights include the 18 oz New York Strip, 24 oz bone-in Delmonico Ribeye, 3 lb Maine Lobster (butter-poached or Thermidor), pan-seared Mano de Leon Jumbo Scallops and Double Colorado Lamb Chop. Oenophiles will love exploring the acclaimed wine list, which has received the Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence numerous times.
