There was a time, decades ago, when the historic Giannini building was the Bank of Italy. There was a time, years ago, when this historic downtown building was reimagined as an opulent hotel under the NoMad brand, that quietly shuttered during the pandemic. And then, in 2022, the hotel reemerged as Hotel Per La, an Italian inspired property with largely the same style as the Nomad, a revamped restaurant downstairs and rooftop bar. But for the most part, it is a barely disguised iteration of the NoMad in the best way. The same bank vault in the basement. The same rooftop pool with the iconic gargoyle. The same dramatic Neoclassical architectural details complemented by lush jewel toned furnishings.Â
Complete with a rather underrated ground floor restaurant, Ristorante Per L’Ora, a rooftop bar, Bar Clara, and a lobby cafe, Cafe Ora, the boutique hotel offers a timeless Italian atmosphere. The rather understated entrance leads into a lavishly furnished dining room and lounge. The all day restaurant serves up contemporary Italian cuisine for dinner, as well as elevated breakfast and brunch. And a well stocked bar serves up negronis for apertivo hour. Â
The rooftop bar and pool is one of the best places to hang out on a sunny afternoon. Though the pool itself is small, the architecture and cityscape beyond makes for a stunning backdrop.
The rooms emulate the same vibrant furnishings as the rest of the hotel, stylish yet homey. From spacious standard rooms to 1 bedroom suites, many with city views and some with coveted patios in the courtyard. It checks off the box for everything from solo business travel to staycations to family stays.Â
Now, Hotel Per La as a part of the Marriott Autograph Collection preserving some historic character in the downtown hotel scene while standardizing the amenities as a part of the Marriott portfolio. Downtown is, of course, hardly a central neighborhood for exploring LA. But for a short work trip, downtown event or hanging on the east side, it does make for an easy spot. The blocks nearby are walkable. Classic downtown attractions like Angels Flight, Grand Central Market, The Last Bookstore are all a short walk away.
the details
| Address | 649 S Olive St, Los Angeles |
| Website | https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/laxdk-hotel-per-la-autograph-collection/ |
| Hours | Ristorante Per L’Ora is open from 7am – 11am for breakfast on weekdays, 7am-12pm for brunch on weekends, and 5-10pm for dinner. The pool is open from 9am – 10pm every day, and bookable for day passes. |
| Price | $$-$$$, rooms are generally $250-400 depending on the season, the restaurant and bar is on the pricey side but you’re paying for the ambience |
| Aesthetic | rich, opulent, neoclassical |
good to know
Go here for:Â a short trip, a weekend staycation, rooftop drinks, a weekend brunch
Don’t miss: the rooftop bar, as a great place to hang, whether or not you’re staying at the hotel
Parking:Â valet only, or opt for one of the many corner lots or public parking structures nearby. The one on Grand between 7th and 8th is pretty reliable.
Last visited: May 2024
Last updated: June 2024
while you're here
