Courtyard motel revival
Century-old olive trees and a shallow reflecting pool anchor an open-air courtyard wrapped in cream Venetian plaster and palms.
“The down-to-the-studs renovation expanded rooms to include private courtyard balconies, whose eye-pleasing natural linens and earthy finishes bring the outside in.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Century-old olive trees, cream Venetian plaster, and a central reflecting pool in the courtyard.
Notable
A central courtyard bar with Maru coffee, craft cocktails, and weekly salsa sessions.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
a mid-century courtyard motel that’s been very thoroughly transformed into the stylish and quietly luxurious Cara Hotel.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set along Western Avenue between Los Feliz and Thai Town, the hotel puts Griffith Park trailheads just minutes away.
The rooms
Whitewashed interiors feature light oak floors and cream limestone bathrooms, opening onto private balconies that face the inner courtyard.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
- Pool
- Shallow central reflecting pool set in the open-air courtyard.
Dogs stay too.
Cara Restaurant
Bistro tables sit on stone pavers under the courtyard canopy, serving handmade pastas and market-driven Californian plates.
Cara Bar & Coffee
Crimson velvet stools line the marble counter, pouring Maru coffee in the morning and craft cocktails until late.
How it began
A down-to-the-studs overhaul transformed the 1950s Coral Sands Motel, taking the name Cara from the Gaelic word for friend.
Good to know
Stay here
Cara Hotel
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.