Downtown Los Angeles Los Angeles, California
Renovated
2017
Price
$$
Rated for
Social Design HeritageOutside the door
The house
FreehandBohemian rooftop roost
Roman and Williams interiors blend dark wood and woven textiles with a buzzing lobby scene and open rooftop energy.
“this Roman & Williams-designed space, which opened in summer 2017, takes the lowly genre to new levels.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Custom cedar woodwork, colorful hand-woven tapestries, and vintage city map wallpaper fill guestrooms.
Notable
The 1924 Commercial Exchange tower retains original owl mosaics and vintage neon signage.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
But no matter the room you choose, the decor here is homey and very L.A.: Roman & Williams outfitted these generous guestrooms with dark woods and cream walls.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Grand Central Market, Broadway theaters, and historic DTLA landmarks sit just a short stroll from the corner of 8th and Olive.
The rooms
Custom cedar millwork and woven tapestries frame private suites alongside shared bunk rooms equipped with built-in privacy screens and lockers.
The rooftop pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated rooftop pool looks out over Downtown Los Angeles, surrounded by pink loungers under the skyline.
Dogs stay too.
The Exchange Restaurant
Floor-to-ceiling windows and terracotta banquettes fill this dining room serving California dishes rooted in Middle Eastern flavors.
The Los Angeles property raises Freehand’s game from high-end hostelry into luxury brand but retains elements those familiar with its properties will recognise; the clubby atmosphere, lavish use of wood...
At the table
Rudolph’s pours tea-infused cocktails in the lobby, and Broken Shaker shakes craft drinks on the open rooftop terrace.
How it began
Completed in 1924, this Beaux-Arts tower was dramatically sliced in half and rolled backward in 1935 to widen Olive Street.
“The hotel deftly manages to combine the social culture of a hostel with innovative design by Roman + Williams, exceptional food and drinks...”
Good to know
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Freehand Los Angeles
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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.