Summary of Hotel Per La Features
- Hotel Per La’s rich history as the former Bank of Italy headquarters.
- Unique dining options featuring local flavors and Italian-inspired dishes.
- Luxurious accommodations designed for comfort and sophistication.
Hotel Per La opened in downtown Los Angeles on Sept. 21 in the former Bank of Italy headquarters.
Los Angeles is an enigma to those unfamiliar with its vastness. A hotel by the beach surely tempts visitors, or one on Sunset Boulevard, with billboard views touting Emmy-winning shows and bar patios full of revelers. However, if you ask a local where to stay in L.A., they’ll likely point you to downtown Los Angeles; perhaps even to Hotel Per La, which officially opened to guests on Sept. 21 in DTLA.
Hotel Per La
- Hotel Per La, originally the Bank of Italy headquarters built in 1922, has retained some of its original features, including its marble and plaster façade and golden-coffered ceiling.
- The hotel’s coffee shop, Cafe Ora, serves local products by L.A. makers, from chocolates from Valerie Confections to coffee beans from two local roasters, LAMill in Silver Lake and Laidrey in Tarzana.
- Guests will love the rooftop pool deck — it’s decorated to mimic the Italian coast and is home to Bar Clara, which serves up Mediterranean-inspired bites.
Built in 1922 as the Bank of Italy headquarters, the grand 12-story structure now home to Hotel Per La retains stunning features from its original self, from the marble and plaster façade to the golden-coffered ceiling inside its ground-floor salon. The team behind the hotel — HN Capital Partners and Sage Hospitality Group — does not take their good fortune lightly. When alterations needed to be made, they were done thoughtfully, in order to honor the building’s history, the vibrancy of Los Angeles itself, and the aim to offer an incredible guest experience.
A centralized and whimsical entry is among larger changes. Olive trees and other flora, in pots designed by local artist Jill Spector, line the front sidewalk on Olive Street and lead guests to a doorman, who is meant to be a conduit from the neighborhood to the property — a human touch-point at every turn is part of the team’s hospitality mission. Through the doors, guests enter a tiled room with a grand banquette sofa and water feature before turning into a glimmering mirrored tunnel, a lovely surprise that signifies you’ve entered a unique world.
Once past the mirrored walk, guests must turn left or right. To the left is a moody gaming parlor, where cheeky artwork depicts card play and nods to banking. Beyond that is a lounge that lines the length of the grand parlor — an ideal place to appreciate the original ceiling here. A bar and adjacent dining room make up brand-new restaurant Per L’Ora, officially open on Sept. 21 as well. The menu here is “Los Angeles Italian,” according to Jordan Nova, general manager of food and beverage for the hotel.
“We’re connecting to Italian roots with our design and our menu, but we also understand that we’re in this really rich area of Los Angeles, with so many cultural intersections,” continues Nova. “So we’re creating this sense of Italian comfort, using Italian technique and recipes, while being inspired by the cultural richness of L.A.”
Also off the grand salon is Cafe Ora, a coffee shop of brass and mirrors where products from L.A. makers are showcased. Nova hopes locals will love this showcasing of talent as much as out-of-towners. Moreover, coffee beans used behind the bar will also represent the city, with the first two roasters being LAMill and Laidrey.
Back at the mirrored tunnel, overnight guests turn right into a reimagined lobby. A plaster, semi-circular check-in desk designed by Katrien Van der Schueren of Voila! Creative Studio invites guests to sit while their room keys are secured. Textiles in the background were painted by local abstractionist Jessalyn Brooks.
On the levels above are beautifully appointed rooms designed for comfort and style. Each accommodation features custom furnishings, vintage rugs, and a curated art collection, contributing to a unique and home-like atmosphere for guests to explore.
“Every finish is thoughtful,” says general manager Adam Sydenham, highlighting the attention to detail throughout the hotel. The most opulent choice of them all is the Amadeo Suite, named for Bank of Italy founder Amadeo Gianni. The suite measures 1,300 square feet and includes a library/den, a dining room, a kitchenette, a living room, and a bedroom. Every room and suite has a specially stocked minibar, featuring local products, including snacks from Bearclaw Kitchen, bottled cocktails by Drnxmyth, and CBD chocolates via Calilove.
Hotel Per La’s enviable rooftop pool deck harkens to Italian shores with potted citrus and olive trees, providing a serene atmosphere. The jewel of the roof is surely Bar Clara, where chef Courtney Van Dyke delights diners with a menu of Mediterranean-leaning bites. Guests can pair their meal with a cocktail crafted by a talented mixologist.
While there’s plenty to enjoy right here at Hotel Per La, the team encourages visitors to explore the surroundings as well. Historic sites like Grand Central Market and Angel’s Flight are within walking distance, as are notable concert venues. Consequently, it’s back to the hotel for relaxation, dining, and socializing after a day of exploration.
Rooms at Hotel Per La begin at $325 per night.
