Cara Hotel
Los Angeles, California
Los Feliz
Vibe
Century-old olive trees and a shallow reflection pool anchor an open-air courtyard wrapped in cream Venetian plaster and palms.
“Courtyard motel revival”
Venetian plaster, century-old olive trees, and custom oak furnishings reimagining a 1950s mid-century motel shell.
An open-air courtyard bar with Maru coffee, craft cocktails, Wednesday salsa, and Sunday jazz.
Specialty beans from local Maru Coffee alongside seasonal produce sourced from small California farms.
In East Hollywood near Thai Town, moments from the trails and observatory at Griffith Park.
“European grandiosity is tempered by modern Californian art and design at this breezy, 60-room boutique hotel.”
Rooms
Light oak herringbone floors and cream limestone bathrooms open directly onto private balconies facing the sunlit central courtyard.
Backstory
Design studio Bishop Pass overhauled the former 1950s Coral Sands Motel, taking the name Cara from the Gaelic word for friend.
Eat & drink
Cara Restaurant serves seasonal California-Mediterranean dishes around the courtyard pool, while the bar pours craft cocktails and local Maru coffee.
The neighborhood
Positioned where Los Feliz meets East Hollywood, the property sits steps from Thai Town noodles and Griffith Park hiking trails.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.