Cara Hotel

"This tranquil newcomer’s location on a ho-hum stretch in LA's Los Feliz makes passing through its olive-and-palm-tree-lined courtyard all the more delightful. The name Cara means “friend” in Gaelic, and the idea of warm, convivial hospitality is played up throughout its 60 breezy rooms. The lobby’s custom crown molding, pearlescent plastered walls, and sky-high cove ceilings carry an Old World grandeur that’s mellowed by modern local artwork and plenty of honeyed SoCal sunlight. The outdoor restaurant is perfect for Angelenos’ favorite pastime—alfresco cocktailing— with seating that spills out around a long reflecting pool, creating the feeling of a Moroccan riad. Though the Cara was once a 1950s motel, this is far from the typical flip. The down-to-the-studs renovation expanded rooms to include courtyard- facing balconies, and the decor eschews midcentury nostalgia for a strict shades-of-white approach that amplifies the texture, shape, and quality of the materials: nubby upholstered headboards, crisp linens, matte ceramic lamps. The only real accents come from the black of the leaded windows and curlicue wrought iron. The overall result is an elegant, restful retreat in a town that usually goes all in on drama." - Krista Simmons, Celeste Moure