The happening city center of Los Angeles is a big draw for concert and convention goers, and a handy, walkable hotel choice is InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown.
As the tallest building in LA, this hotel is a destination in itself. At 73 floors, with 889 rooms, it offers a sumptuous place to lay your head plus great food and beverage amenities with views to kill for. Plus, the location at the intersection of 7th and Figueroa streets in the Wilshire Grand building can’t be beat.
I was there recently for a travel trade meeting and was delighted that the Los Angeles Convention Center was a 15-minute walk. You can always take an Uber, but I loved getting out and seeing what was what on the surrounding streets.
Of course, there are other downtown options. But I believe this hotel is an elevated choice.
Beware the Elevators
When I arrived at the hotel’s street-level entrance, I was instructed to take an elevator up to the 70th-floor lobby. After checking in and learning my room was on the 50th floor, I was a little lost. A kind lobby clerk pointed the way.
“You don’t take the same elevator you came in on to get to the rooms,” he said.
A separate bank whisked me down 20 floors.
I was staying for five days and at first, the need to exchange elevators was confusing. The rub was that I had to go up to the 70th floor, change elevators, and then go down to street level each morning. You get used to it. But you have to leave a little extra time to get wherever you are going.
Rooms with A View at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
My Classic room had a stupendous city view and a King bed. In a Classic or Premium room (slightly larger) you can also opt for two Queen beds. In addition, if you need more room and plan to entertain, there are a variety of choices: Junior Suite with a King bed; One Bedroom suite with a King bed and jetted tub; a Hospitality suite with a King bed and sitting area; and the Presidential Suite with King bed, baby grand piano, seating area and jetted tub.
Rooms come with free Wi-fi, mini-fridge, flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers. My bathroom had a separate walk-in shower and bathtub.
Opened in 2017, the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown had a soothing décor of neutral tones, chaise lounges, and art that reflected a hip, urban sensibility. The aerial beach shot above my bed read “Clear skies, 72 degrees, prepare for landing.” It was in the 60s when I was there, but nice thought.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Drinks
My first encounter with the hotel’s food and beverage service was at Sky Lobby lounge on the 70th floor, where I enjoyed a cool sauvignon blanc while looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Breakfast was at the colorful Dekkadance restaurant, a floor down from Sky Lobby. It served a farm-to-fork breakfast buffet, with a made-to-order omelet station. Plus you can get brunch on the weekend.
La Boucherie steak and seafood restaurant is open only for dinner and its intimate bar is another choice for a quiet drink.
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The true show-stopper is Spire 73, the highest open rooftop bar in the Western Hemisphere. Fire pits glow, stars sparkle above and a carpet of city lights below make you feel like you are floating in a phosphorescent sea. When I was there an informal seasonal menu included shrimp tostada, beef brisket hamburguesa, and desserts like cheesecake and chocolate caramel flan.
If none of these suit, room service is available.
Get Fit at InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
Walking into Attitude Gym was like walking into a nightclub without the cocktails. There were loads of weight and cardio machines to choose from and I didn’t have to wait once.
The club is open to private membership with a steam room, sauna, and showers. Plus, floor-to-ceiling windows were a nice touch for some of the treadmills so you could look out and watch the world go by.
Needing a dip, I found the outdoor pool and hot tub on the 7th floor. Cabanas and loungers were set up but it was a bit early for the firepit to be lit.
Sports and Concert Venues Nearby
Sports fans will be happy to know a few blocks away is the Crypto.com Arena, home to the Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Los Angeles Sparks. In addition, you can also catch concerts there or imbibe a little musical history at the nearby Grammy Museum.
Rates at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
Classic $288 Jr Suites from $350 1 Bedroom Suites $535 Suites have lounge access option for additional fee. All rooms have a USD 45 amenity fee per night. Parking is available for a fee.
Check the latest rates for InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown online.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. U.S. Travel Association arranged for her stay as she attended the IPW travel trade convention. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
