Opened in July 2021 inside a converted 1920s YWCA building, the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel offers 147 guest rooms, two signature suites, and a heated rooftop pool in the South Park district, less than a mile from Crypto.com Arena. This review draws on the property’s official materials, guest feedback from TripAdvisor and Expedia, and editorial coverage to help you evaluate whether this design-driven hotel matches your needs.
Last checked: 2026-07-25
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Name: Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel · Location: 700 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 · Category: Luxury lifestyle hotel, member of Design Hotels (Marriott Bonvoy) · Key Amenities: Rooftop pool, restaurant, bar, room service, complimentary Wi-Fi
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-25.
Sources reviewed: official property website, TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia listing, Yelp reviews, Los Angeles Conservancy historical record, Discover Los Angeles tourism board profile, The Local Project design publication, independent travel blog Planely Alex.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification.
Proper hotel Los Angeles
The Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel operates as part of the Proper Hospitality group and is a member of Design Hotels within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, allowing guests to earn and redeem points on stays. The hotel occupies a 1920s building that originally housed a YWCA and later operated as the Case Hotel, according to Los Angeles Conservancy records.
Interior designer Kelly Wearstler led the renovation, preserving the brick façade and period detailing while converting the former indoor pool and basketball court into two signature suites, as reported by The Local Project. The property’s official materials describe it as a reimagined landmark blending vintage brick architecture with modern design.
The bottom line: The Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel differentiates itself through historic adaptive reuse and layered interiors by a name-brand designer, paired with the booking flexibility of the Marriott Bonvoy program.
Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel at a glance
- The building originally operated as a YWCA facility in the 1920s and later became the Case Hotel (Los Angeles Conservancy)
- Interior designer Kelly Wearstler preserved the brick façade and period detailing, converting the former indoor pool and basketball court into signature suites (The Local Project)
- The hotel has 147 guest rooms and two signature suites, including conversions of a former indoor pool and a former basketball court (Discover Los Angeles)
- Features a heated city-view rooftop swimming pool and deck adjacent to the rooftop restaurant and bar (Proper Hotels – About Downtown L.A. Proper)
Key facts: Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
| Name | Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel |
| Location | 1100 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015 |
| Category | Luxury lifestyle hotel, member of Design Hotels (Marriott Bonvoy) |
| Key amenities | Rooftop pool, restaurant (Cara Cara), bar, room service, complimentary Wi-Fi |
| Opened | July 2021 |
| Interior design | Kelly Wearstler |
| Number of rooms | 147 guest rooms + 2 signature suites |
| Check-in / Check-out | 3:00 PM / 12:00 PM |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Yes — earn and redeem points |
Specifications
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rooftop pool | Heated, city-view, seasonal operation |
| On-site dining | Cara Cara (rooftop), second restaurant on ground floor |
| Fitness center | 24-hour, with seasonal classes upon request |
| Distance to Crypto.com Arena | Approximately 0.5 miles |
| Neighborhood | South Park, Downtown Los Angeles |
| Nearby venues | Crypto.com Arena, LA Live, Los Angeles Convention Center, Ace Theatre, Orpheum Theatre |
Downtown LA Proper Hotel location
The hotel sits at 1100 South Broadway in the South Park district of Downtown Los Angeles, as confirmed by the property’s official FAQ. This places it within walking distance of Crypto.com Arena, LA Live, and the Los Angeles Convention Center — roughly half a mile from each.
Official materials note that the hotel is steps from the Fashion District and near the Ace Theatre and Orpheum Theatre. The neighborhood provides access to the Metro rail system, with the Pico station on the A and E lines approximately a 10-minute walk away.
Some TripAdvisor reviewers mention that while the hotel itself feels upscale and secure, the surrounding downtown area can feel gritty, particularly at night. Guests should plan their walking routes accordingly.
The trade-off: You get walkable access to major venues and transit, but the immediate neighborhood requires awareness after dark.
Downtown la proper hotel pool
The rooftop pool at Downtown L.A. Proper is a heated city-view pool located on the rooftop deck adjacent to the Cara Cara restaurant and bar, as described on the hotel’s official about page. Official materials characterize it as part of the property’s wellness offerings, alongside seasonal fitness classes and a 24-hour fitness center.
Guest reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp consistently describe the pool as small — more akin to a plunge pool or large hot tub than a lap pool. One review by travel blog Planely Alex notes that the pool is heated and that towels, water, and sunscreen are laid out for guests. The same review highlights casual seating on the deck and heaters that are popular at sunset.
Multiple TripAdvisor reviewers point out that the pool deck has limited seating — approximately a dozen lounge chairs by some accounts — making it advisable to arrive early during peak times. The roof functions as both a pool deck and a destination restaurant and bar, which several Yelp reviewers note can lead to a busy atmosphere, especially on evenings with DJ sets.
The pattern: The rooftop pool delivers on atmosphere and views, but its small size and limited deck space mean it works best as a relaxing perch rather than a dedicated swimming amenity.
Downtown LA Proper Hotel restaurant
The hotel’s primary dining outlet is Cara Cara, a rooftop restaurant and bar adjacent to the pool. Travel blog Planely Alex describes it as a highlight of the property, offering all-day service with downtown views. TripAdvisor reviews consistently praise the food and drinks at Cara Cara, with many guests citing rooftop dining as a strong reason for their stay.
Official promotions through the hotel’s Facebook page advertise late afternoons on the rooftop with DJ sets, cocktails, and casual bites on select evenings, underscoring the social dimension of the space. A second on-site restaurant handles ground-floor dining, giving guests indoor options beyond the rooftop. The hotel also offers room service for guests who prefer to dine in their rooms.
Why this matters: Cara Cara earns consistently positive feedback across review platforms, effectively making the rooftop a destination within the hotel rather than just an add-on amenity.
Pros and cons
Pros
- High guest ratings: 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor and 9.4/10 on Expedia
- Distinctive design by Kelly Wearstler with historic character
- Heated rooftop pool with city skyline views
- Rooftop restaurant Cara Cara receives strong guest reviews
- Walkable to Crypto.com Arena, LA Live, and Convention Center
- Marriott Bonvoy earning and redemption available
Cons
- Rooftop pool is small — described as plunge-pool size, not suitable for lap swimming
- Pool deck has limited seating; can feel crowded when the restaurant and bar are busy
- Surrounding downtown area can feel gritty at night according to some guests
Downtown LA Proper hotel reviews
As of 2025, the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel holds a 4.8 out of 5 average on TripAdvisor based on approximately 490 reviews, ranking roughly 11th out of 372 hotels in Los Angeles and earning a Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2025 badge. On Expedia, the property scores 9.4 out of 10, summarized as “Exceptional.”
Across both platforms, guests consistently highlight the design and decor as a key strength. Yelp reviewers similarly describe the hotel as stylish and artistic, with Kelly Wearstler’s interiors frequently mentioned in editorial and user-generated coverage. Staff service is generally characterized as attentive and warm, though a minority of reviews on TripAdvisor note occasional slow follow-up on maintenance requests.
The pattern: Guest feedback consistently validates the hotel’s design and rooftop dining as standout features, while practical concerns center on pool size and the surrounding neighborhood’s character.
Downtown LA Proper Hotel photos
The hotel’s visual identity is one of its strongest selling points. Official photography on the Proper Hotels website emphasizes the interplay of vintage brick architecture with layered interiors — patterned tiles, warm wood tones, and curated art pieces by Kelly Wearstler.
Guest photos on TripAdvisor and Yelp provide a more candid look. Rooftop pool images consistently show the compact deck with lounge chairs and city views stretching toward the downtown skyline. Room photography from guests shows compact but thoughtfully designed spaces with custom furniture and statement lighting. Public spaces — including the lobby and hallway alcoves — draw particular attention in photo reviews.
The Local Project published a detailed editorial feature on the property’s design, documenting how Wearstler preserved the brick façade and integrated original elements like the former basketball court and indoor pool into the signature suites. The visual contrast between the raw industrial shell and the layered, colorful interiors is a recurring theme in both editorial and user-generated imagery.
The bottom line: The hotel photographs well from every angle, and the visual consistency between official marketing and real guest photos suggests the design holds up in person.
Hotels downtown los angeles luxury
Downtown L.A. Proper positions itself within the luxury lifestyle segment, competing with other design-forward DTLA hotels such as The Hoxton, Freehand Los Angeles, and the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. What sets Proper apart is its historic adaptive reuse story and the full involvement of a name-brand interior designer.
Unlike the InterContinental’s high-rise polish or Freehand’s hostel-meets-hotel hybrid model, Proper leans into a curated, residential feel. Its 147 rooms keep the property intimate relative to the 800-plus-room towers in the area. The Marriott Bonvoy affiliation gives it an edge for travelers who want to earn loyalty points while staying in a boutique property.
On TripAdvisor, the hotel’s ranking around 11th out of 372 Los Angeles hotels places it ahead of many larger competitors in guest satisfaction, suggesting that its design focus and personalized scale resonate with its target audience.
The trade-off: You trade the scale and amenities of a full-service convention hotel for a more intimate, design-driven experience. For luxury travelers who prioritize aesthetics and character, that trade usually lands in Proper’s favor.
Pricing and value
Based on TripAdvisor pricing data, standard room rates at the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel typically range from the high $200s to around $600 per night, depending on dates and demand. As a member of Design Hotels under Marriott Bonvoy, guests can redeem points for stays, potentially lowering the effective cost for loyalty members.
The hotel sits at a mid-to-upper price point among DTLA properties. Rates fluctuate significantly with events at Crypto.com Arena and the Convention Center — booking well in advance or during off-peak periods can yield better value.
Alternatives to consider
If the Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel does not match your priorities, a few other DTLA properties offer adjacent appeal:
- The Hoxton, Downtown L.A. — A similarly design-focused property with a rooftop pool and bar, located on Broadway. Tends to have lower starting rates and a more casual social scene.
- InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown — A high-rise luxury option with a larger pool, full spa, and multiple dining outlets. Better suited to travelers who want a full-service experience and do not mind a larger property.
- Freehand Los Angeles — A hybrid of private rooms and shared accommodations with a celebrated rooftop bar and pool. More budget-friendly but less private and intimate than Proper.
Each alternative trades off some of Proper’s design pedigree and intimacy for either lower price, more amenities, or a different social atmosphere.
Our recommendation
Who will love it: Luxury travelers, couples, business travelers, and design enthusiasts who value a curated aesthetic, historic character, and a strong rooftop dining-and-pool scene over extensive on-site amenities or a large swimming pool.
Who should look elsewhere: Families wanting a large pool for children, travelers seeking a full spa, or anyone who prefers a quiet, corporate-style hotel away from the downtown street energy.
The short version: The Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel delivers on its promise of design-forward luxury in a historic building. Its rooftop pool and Cara Cara restaurant are genuine draws, and its guest satisfaction scores are among the best in Los Angeles. Just go in knowing the pool is small, the deck seating is limited, and the neighborhood requires street awareness at night.
tripadvisor.com, properhotel.com
Frequently asked questions
Does the hotel have a fitness center?
Yes. The Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel offers a 24-hour fitness center and, according to the official about page, seasonal fitness classes and private wellness sessions are available upon request.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM, as stated on the property’s official FAQ.
Is the rooftop pool year-round or seasonal?
The heated rooftop pool operates on a seasonal basis. Guests should confirm current availability directly with the hotel before booking, as specific opening dates can vary by year.
Can I book using Marriott Bonvoy points?
Yes. The hotel is a member of Design Hotels within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, allowing guests to earn and redeem points on eligible stays.
How many rooms does the hotel have?
The Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel has 147 guest rooms and two signature suites, including two notable conversions: a former indoor pool and a former basketball court from the building’s historic sporting club days, as reported by Discover Los Angeles.
What is the building’s history?
The building was originally constructed in the 1920s as a YWCA facility and later operated as the Case Hotel. It featured a basketball court and indoor swimming pool, both of which were converted into signature suites during the hotel’s 2021 renovation, according to Los Angeles Conservancy records.
What is the hotel’s TripAdvisor rating?
As of 2025, the hotel holds a 4.8 out of 5 average on TripAdvisor, based on approximately 490 reviews. It is ranked roughly 11th out of 372 hotels in Los Angeles and has earned a Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best 2025 badge.
Sources
- Proper Hotels – About Downtown L.A. Proper
- Proper Hotels – Downtown L.A. Proper FAQ
- Discover Los Angeles – Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel
- Los Angeles Conservancy – Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel
- The Local Project – Downtown L.A. Proper by Kelly Wearstler
- TripAdvisor – Downtown LA Proper Hotel
- Expedia – Downtown Los Angeles Proper Hotel
- Planely Alex – Downtown LA Proper Hotel Review
- Yelp – Downtown LA Proper Hotel
- Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel – Facebook