This small, modern abode sits in the heart of Downtown’s Financial District, making it a convenient resting spot between tourist excursions. Decidedly less flashy than the hotels up the road, what the O lacks in onsite entertainment it makes up for in price, at well under $200 per night.
Some hotels are so L.A., but the O—not so much. Blink and you might miss the understated entrance along Flower Street. The building, which dates back to 1925, accommodates 67 compact guest rooms oozing with minimalist charm: plenty of grey with pops of red, exposed cement walls and contemporary furniture. It’s not the coziest atmosphere, but it makes for a satisfactory stay. A nightly resort fee includes free Wi-Fi, bottled water, a daily newspaper, eco-friendly bath products and continental breakfast so guests can hit the town with full bellies. That fee also includes access to a nearby Gold’s Gym. It’s a short walk, but we doubt you’ll be getting a workout in when there’s so much to explore nearby: Major Downtown attractions like Disney Concert Hall and L.A. Live, as well as a profusion of fantastic dining and nightlife options, are all a hop, skip and jump away.
Location: Location is really the best thing O has going for it. Guests are within easy walking distance to the L.A. Convention Center, Pershing Square and the Music Center. A block away is the 7th Street Metro Center, which is hands down the quickest and most affordable means of transportation throughout the city—stops include Universal Studios, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Hollywood.
Nearby:
Honeycut: The 3,000-square-foot basement of the O Hotel is split between a cozy pool hall boasting an epic drink menu (50 beverages, to be exact) and a very Saturday Night Fever "disco" room, complete with an analog LED dance floor.
D’Vine Lounge Bar: This unstuffy winy sanctuary hidden underneath the hotel boasts a compendium of 50-plus international varietals and a dozen-or-so grape-based spirits. There’s plenty of seating unless you come during happy hour, which we highly recommend.
Staples Center: Best known the Lakers’ home turf (as well as the Clippers and the Kings), the state-of-the-art arena also hosts big musical acts ranging from Kanye West to U2.
L.A. Live: Adjacent to Staples Center, this is the home of Nokia Theatre, Regal Cinemas and various bars, hotels and restaurants the likes of Katsuya and JW Marriott. Best to avoid this area during a sports game.
Broken Spanish: At this wholly inviting space, Ray Garcia cooks fantastic modern Mexican fare that balances home cooking and upscale dining. Don’t leave without trying the lamb tamale. And make sure to wash it down with one of Michael Lay’s stellar cocktails.
Good for: O’s convenient location and inexpensive rates make it a top pick for couples and business travelers. Given the rather petite size of these rooms, there is no capacity for extra beds, so this hotel wouldn’t be the first choice for families or groups. And a heads up, the O is not pet friendly either.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, free breakfast, laundry service, restaurant, bar, spa
Time Out tip: For those guests renting cars, we recommend parking next door at LAZ Parking, located just past the entrance to the O Hotel. The garage charges $25 for 24 hours and offers in and out privileges at an additional cost, which is rare for Downtown L.A.