Conrad Los Angeles: The Perfect Harmony
Conrad Los Angeles opened in 2022 within the Grand LA, a shopping and entertainment complex across the street from Walt Disney Concert Hall, both of which were designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry.
Ideal for luxury travelers who appreciate culture, this luxury 305-room hotel is a retreat from Bunker Hill in Downtown LA and within walking distance of The Broad Museum, The Music Center, and City Hall. The hotel’s two restaurants, an alfresco terrace and a fine dining steakhouse, were developed by chef José Andrés of Spain. Influences from the Iberian Peninsula are visible throughout the hotel.
We booked a stay for my birthday. My itinerary included thirty minutes full-service at Conrad Spa, reservations at the restaurant, and tickets to see the LA Philharmonic. My birthday was a symphony of architectural elegance, artistic education, and intemperance.
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Conrad Los Angeles Hotel Check-In
On the afternoon of my birthday, we pulled into the valet at the corner of First and Grand streets in downtown LA and ascended an elevator to the tenth floor. To the west, the metallic curves of the Disney Concert Hall were visible from floor-to-ceiling windows the across the lobby. The check-in desk was tucked behind a corner near the concierge. Hand-selected paintings by local artists were displayed throughout the hotel.
Blue and teal hues, light wooden accents, hanging foliage, and unique geometric shapes were boldly integrated throughout the hotel. I was consistently happy with the level of service. When I mentioned it was my birthday, the concierge sent a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne with a card to my room.
Our Room
We stayed in a relaxing Deluxe One-King bedroom, which included a T-shaped sofa. Innovative technologies, such as full blackout shades and motion activated night lights, were embedded into the midcentury modern decor. We were surrounded by modern shapes with minimalist materials. Taschen coffee table books rested on white pine furnishings.
The bathroom was separated by a frosted mobile panel and had a private toilet. We found Byredo Mojave Ghost bath products and a Conair hairdryer. The powerful three-system shower included a rain shower head. We changed into our hotel robes and slippers, and went to lunch near the pool.
Lunch at Agua Viva & Swim
At Agua Viva, we gazed at Los Angeles City Hall while enjoying Peruvian scallops, avocado toast, jumbo lump crab fritters, and a cheese board with pan con tomate. The menu was inspired by Spanish and Pan-Asian flavors. On the adjacent terrace, we found a heated pool with cabanas reserved for hotel guests.
The Conrad Spa
Conrad Spa offers a variety of innovative high-tech wellness treatments, such as Quantum Harmonic therapy and Ayurveda massage. I booked a private infrared sauna suite for me and my husband. Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures (usually between 120°F to 150°F) compared to traditional saunas, but theoretically, infrared heat deeply penetrates your tissues.
An abundance of towels, ice waters and electro-light rich drinks awaited us in our secluded waiting room. Glass doors led to the intimate sauna. We were able to adjust the controls, such as the lights and heat.
Dinner at San Laurel
Open for breakfast and dinner, the upscale steakhouse San Laurel specializes in Spanish cuisine with Californian ingredients. The dining room was elegant with natural wood finishes and touches of greenery. The Walt Disney Concert Hall and Music Center were visible from the terrace and through the large glass windows. The restaurant offered a pre-fix menu timed in harmony with the LA Philharmonic performance.
After walking from our concert at the Music Center, we stopped for a nightcap at The Beaudry Room, where I had an unforgettable cup of Gazpacho.
The Fitness Center
The fitness center was large, spacious, and well equipped with machines, mats, balls, and weights. The hotel also offered a brief program of classes, such as rooftop yoga on the terrace for hotel guests.
For locals who can’t get enough, the hotel offers a Spa Club Membership, which provides access to the wellness technology at the spa, fitness center, and the rooftop pool.