Have you ever arrived at your destination with a preconceived notion of what your hotel might be like in terms of vibe or decor? I think we all have at some point. With the advent of the internet, it's all that much more simpler to find out what a hotel looks like from the inside out before you even leave for your trip. But, if you're a cynic like me, you don't believe everything you see or read on the web. You still managed to get pleasantly surprised or dismayed when you arrive.
That's exactly what happened when I arrived at the doorstep of the NoMad Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The check-in lobby is absolutely gorgeous and posh, a bit on the dimly lit side, which is in keeping with the building's vibe. Check-in was a breeze, and within minutes I was on my way up to my room. Halfway to my room I decided to pull out the phone and record a quick video of the room before I got settled in.
The room itself is quaint, & nicely laid out with a gorgeous deep soak tub right in the corner facing 7th St & Olive. The bathroom was nice as well, with some fantastic amenities laid out for my use. The hotel itself is not all that large, there's only 241 rooms and suites throughout, but there is also this killer rooftop pool and gathering place.
Even though the hotel has only been open for a year (the property itself had been neglected after decade of sitting empty), it has quickly become one of DTLA's hidden gems. It also helps that it's right across the street from Bottega Louie, one of downtown's highest grossing restaurants (it pulled in more than $22 million in 2018), and footsteps away from prime shopping, dining and entertainment options.
I only spent 2 nights at NoMad, but it reminds me a LOT of the original NoMad in New York, it's sister property. The Lounge Restaurant looked amazing and very open, what with those high and opulent ceilings. On the East corner of the hotel you have the NoMad Coffee Shop, serving up fantastic coffee and teas (not to mention healthier breakfast options), where we would meet up in the mornings before tackling our agenda. On the West side of the hotel, attached to the Lobby restaurant, is the Giannini Bar, easily one of the top 5 swankiest and luxurious hotel bars in the LA Basin that I have been to. I would easily put it up against the Langham Huntington Pasadena's Tap Room. One thing you'll notice about the decor is all the jewel be-dazzled velvet. Very tastefully done and placed, the theme was designed by Jacques Garcia who also designed the flagship property in New York City.
Moving on, the rates for the NoMad won't even break the bank, considering the location. The creature comforts and little things throughout the hotel are something else as well. I love the artwork in the guestroom corridors, all depicting scenes of various areas of Los Angeles. On my floor, there were tons of photos from Venice, West Hollywood, and LAX (how could I complain about that?!). As for the amenities in the room, from the Terrazo walk-in showers to the separate water closets in the majority of rooms, the custom made toiletries furnished by Argan, the decidedly antique (but oh, so plush) Persian rugs, to the aforementioned deep soak pedestal bathtubs, you'll feel like you're right in the middle of everything in La La Land.
The Travel Genius' opinion:
I won't hesitate booking the NoMad LA for my clients one bit. I've booked the flagship New York property before, and with my recent stay in LA, I can add this deliciously well-priced downtown gem to my list of go to hotels in DTLA. You are literally steps away from everything, and getting to and from LAX is a breeze.
