Review: Cara Hotel

Why book? Ultra-chic but skips the pretense, this design hotel is equally as appealing for a weekend escape, staycation or pied a terre for professionals in town for work.

Set the scene: Situated on stretch of boulevard smack dab between Los Feliz and Thai Town, the Cara Hotel couldn’t have picked a more unassuming location. But pass through the courtyard lined with centuries old olive trees, through the oversize arched doorway, and you’ll step into an urban oasis that’s equally a draw for out-of-towners as it is locals looking to escape the rush of LA.

The backstory: The Cara is the first of a handful of SoCal properties for the team spearheaded by restaurateur-turned-hotelier Dean McKillen. Though known locally for his famous West Hollywood bar Laurel Hardware, McKillen is hardly unfamiliar with the hotel world; his family built the iconic Maybourne Hotel Group.

The rooms: Though the Cara was once a 1950s motel, this is far from the typical flip. 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. The hotel’s airy lobby, with its custom crown molding, pearlescent Venetian plastered walls, and sky high high arched ceilings is the perfect backdrop for a Zoom call at your incredibly enviable remote office.

Food and drink: Cara’s outdoor restaurant is perfectly suited for LA’s most popular competitive sport—al fresco cocktailing—with seating surrounding a swimming pool-sized water feature that lends the feel of a Moroccan riad. Executive Chef Patrick Florendo is as genius with his handmade pastas as he is with meats smoked in a Big Green Egg out back. Do not to miss out on his vibrant lemon pasta made with top notch parm and first press olive oil—a deceivingly simple dish that will transport you right to the Amalfi in springtime. And seeing as the Cara has Irish management, the humble potato is taken to new heights in all its forms, from kale colcannon to the simple breakfast potato, these spuds are a must order for carb lovers, especially when served alongside a perfectly prepared rack of Aussie lamb.

The neighborhood/area: Cara’s Los Feliz adjacency means that you can just as easily rise early for a hike in Griffith Park as you can peruse the shelves at Skylight Books or hop over to Big Bar for cocktails, if you can tear yourself from the beautiful house bar.

The service: The name Cara means “friend" in Gaelic, and the team is playing up the notion of warm Irish hospitality. And, being a smaller boutique operation, it seems that everyone knows your name. Don’t be surprised if someone remembers your coffee order in the morning, too, or if your pooch is gifted local treats as part of your welcome.

Eco effort: There’s a big push to use local makers, sustainable farmers, natural winemakers, and crafters, as well as the local gallery of ceramicist and artist John Whigmor.

Accessibility: ADA rooms are available on the ground level of the property.