This colorful Westlake villa offers unfussy, reasonably priced accommodations and amenities—think complimentary breakfast and an outdoor pool—in an urban, Downtown-adjacent neighborhood.
Inside Hotel Solaire’s colorful Spanish stucco facade, you’ll find streamlined accommodations and efficient service for a few stacks less than what you’d shell out for digs in nearby Downtown. The Solaire’s no-frills atmosphere and low price point land it in the “motel” category, but overall the space is clean, friendly and convenient for business travelers and tourists who want to take in central L.A. Rooms are simply decorated in a neutral palette and offer flat screen TVs and free wifi to guests who want to decompress after a day of museum hopping or sightseeing; there’s also an outdoor pool for soaking up L.A.’s famously sunny weather. While the Solaire doesn’t have a full-service restaurant or room service, guests are invited to partake in complimentary breakfast (including DIY waffles), and there are enough local treasures within walking distance that you won’t mind sourcing your own lunch. Parking is also cheap—$5 a night, less than what you’d pay for a few hours at a meter. If you’d prefer to take public transit, the metro is a few blocks away, and will take you to neighborhoods as far-flung as Pasadena and the Santa Monica beach.
Location: The Downtown-adjacent Westlake neighborhood has its share of liquor stores and fast food restaurants, but there’s also a strong residential vibe; staying in this neighborhood will give you access to low key local restaurants and bars over big chains. You’re also a short Uber from clubs, galleries, and fine dining in Koreatown and Downtown L.A.
Nearby:
Langer’s Deli: Stroll down 7th Avenue to this generations-old Jewish deli, which has some of the best pastrami in town and great people watching, to boot.
Wi Spa: For a locals-only experience that’s still something truly different, check out this multi-level, 24-hour Koreatown bath house. The Wi Spa features soaking tubs, saunas, a cafe and a co-ed jimjilbang.
California Donuts: Whether you’re looking to satisfy a late-night craving or nurse a next-morning hangover, 24-hour California donuts offers sugary, flakey treats in all the standard flavors, as well as a slew of highly Instagrammable options, like dainty jam-filled panda bears and fruit-loop crusted crullers.
Clifton’s Republic: The multi-story restaurant is home to several distinctly themed bars (think Old Hollywood, Tiki and more), countless taxidermied wildlife displays and the best Jell-O in the city.
71Above: Phenomenal views accompany prix-fixe contemporary American fare at this Downtown bank tower-turned- restaurant. Start with a cocktail in the Skylounge, then snag a table in the dining room for dishes like milk-poached young chicken and oysters with uni and caviar.
Good for: Business travelers and Downtown explorers on a budget would do well to take advantage of Hotel Solaire’s casual, comfortable accommodations. Given Westlake’s urban feel and high noise level, the Hotel Solaire is ideal for younger travelers and those who don’t mind the sounds of a busy neighborhood.
Amenities: Pool, free wifi
Time Out tip: Nearby MacArthur Park has a reputation for being rough, but recent renovations and the addition of community events—a successful summer concert series, for instance—make this spot worth a visit. The park hasn’t 100% turned around, so we recommend you limit your trip to daytime, but it’s still fun to grab a sandwich from Langer’s, pick a spot by the lake and spend a few hours taking in the city like locals do.