The Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown fits right into the new, hip downtown scene (which, btw, has rebranded itself “DTLA”)

The soaring ceilings of the porte cochere really give a modern, Vegas-y feel to the hotel.

We were greeted at the porte cochere and escorted to the elevators. The lobby is on the 70th floor, with views of the city that reminded me of the views from the Intercontinental in Osaka, Japan (one of my favorite hotels ever).

All the rooms are located beneath the lobby and accessible through three different elevator banks (depending on which floor you’ve been assigned). Our room was on the 49th floor. 

Beyond the curtains was a view of the Ernst & Young building. The room had nice blackout curtains but they were about an inch shy of reaching the end of the window, so light did come in through the bottom.

Nice desk area and drawers. The minibar/fridge was located beneath the Keurig. Unfortunately, it was one of those annoying “move anything and we will charge you immediately” minibars, so it was not great for food storage for the little one. Housekeeping indicated that they would send up a mini fridge if we wanted one, but we made do without it. 

One drawback of the room was the lighting situation. See that pretty ombre glass separating the room from the bathroom? It lit up like a Christmas tree whenever someone was using the restroom. Very pretty, but not great for sleeping babies. Or sleeping humans for that matter. Oh well.

Things that make me happy at a hotel: plush towels and separate water closets (just beyond the bath towel in this photo). Also great: two drawers under the sink to put toiletries, makeup, and other travel essentials without sink clutter.

I’m not huge on bathing at hotels, but tubs are great for baby baths! This one had a great tub and the baby enjoyed sitting up and splashing around. We adults used the shower, which had great water pressure and got hot fast.

Overall Impression

We had a great stay and I would absolutely recommend it if you’re planning a trip to LA in the near future. The room was brand new, quiet, and super comfortable. Pillows were amazing. Rooms are a great value right now, but I’m pretty sure prices will rise after an introductory period.

P.S. We happened to check in on our wedding anniversary and mentioned this to the check-in clerk. He was kind enough to send up some delicious chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of Voss water. Why water and not champagne? I have no idea. It was nice anyway.

Note: although the address is on Wilshire, the entry to the valet is on 7th Street.

Other Los Angeles Hotels for Your Consideration

• Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills * (Virtuoso)

• Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection * (Virtuoso)

• InterContinental Los Angeles Century City * (Virtuoso)

• Mr. C Beverly Hills * (Virtuoso)

• SLS Beverly Hills */**(Virtuoso + Marriott STARS)

• the NoMad Hotel Los Angeles * (Virtuoso)

• The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Ray */**(Virtuoso + Marriott STARS)

• JW Marriott Los Angeles LA Live ** (Marriott Luminous)

• The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles ** (Marriott STARS)

• westdrift Manhattan Beach, Autograph Collection ** (Marriott Luminous)

• W Hollywood ** (Marriott Luminous)

• W Los Angeles – West Beverly Hills ** (Marriott Luminous)

• West Hollywood Edition ** (Marriott STARS)

* Virtuoso Affiliates

At Virtuoso affiliate properties I will get you free breakfast for two, priority early check-in/late check-out, free wi-fi, and a hotel/resort credit just for booking with me.

** Marriott STARS and Luminous Affiliates

At Marriott STARS and Marriott Luminous properties I will get you free breakfast for two, priority early check-in/late check-out and priority for a complimentary upgrade, and free wi-fi just for booking with me. Plus, at STARS properties and at select Luminous Properties I will also get you a hotel/resort credit.

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