If you’ve ever wondered what it might feel like to spend the night somewhere between the golden glow of Old Hollywood and the laid-back, sun-drenched cool of modern California, allow me to introduce you to The Hoxton hotel in Downtown LA — a hotel that feels less like a place to crash and more like a glamorous friend’s impeccably designed pied-à-terre.
First things first: this isn’t just a hotel for wide-eyed tourists looking for Hollywood Walk of Fame selfies (though those folks will still find plenty to love). No, The Hoxton seems like a well-kept secret among locals — the kind of spot where Angelenos actually choose to hang out, sip, snack, and sunbathe.
Rooms with a View (and a Velvet Pillow or Two)
Let’s talk about the rooms. Picture this: Beaux Arts bones, European lighting (that may require a brief tutorial), chevron wood floors, and furniture kissed with burl wood for just the right amount of mid-century polish. The color palette whispers calm (soft greens, muted neutrals), while bold prints from London’s House of Hackney wink playfully from the walls.
Bathrooms? Think handmade tiles inspired by Mexico and rain showers that make you consider canceling your evening plans in favor of a spa night. There’s also something deeply satisfying about green velvet throw pillows.
Eat, Drink, Repeat: Cabra: Rooftop Revelry in the Form of Peruvian Plates
Up on the roof — because where else would you want to be in LA — you’ll find Cabra, the Peruvian-inspired playground from Chef Stephanie Izard. It’s the kind of place where “just one drink” turns into “we should probably order the whole menu.”
Here’s what I sampled on two different occassions (for journalistic purposes, of course):
- Beef Empanadas ($18) — crisp, golden parcels with huacatay mayo.
- Chicken Thigh Skewers ($20) — tangy aji panca sauce, a little peanut crunch, and a zippy yuzu-cilantro finish.
Friends ordered, and I sampled the potatoes:
- Papas Huancaina ($15) — smashed fingerlings with creamy huancaina sauce; think Peruvian comfort food’s greatest hits.
- Summer Green Beans ($18) — bright, herby, a little spicy, a lot delicious.
Oh, and the views? Straight from an L.A. daydream — all golden light and cityscape, best enjoyed with one of Cabra’s knockout cocktails in hand.
Moonlark’s Dinette: Your New Favorite Diner (Trust Me)
Downstairs at Moonlark’s Dinette, things lean more nostalgic — in the best possible way. Imagine the American diner of your dreams, where the coffee’s strong, the hashbrowns are crispy, and you feel a little like you’ve stepped back in time.
I went full classic with The Breakfast Plate ($22): eggs my way (scrambled, thank you), toast, hashbrowns, and the meats. It’s the kind of breakfast that fortifies you for a day of urban adventuring — or at least a few more hours lounging by the rooftop pool.
I didn’t, but you can also have cocktails here. Try the Moonlark Mary ($20), a choose-your-own-adventure take on the Bloody Mary, and the Invisible Sun ($20), involving coconut milk-washed rhum agricole, pineapple, lime, and a whisper of pimento dram.
Check out the gallery.
Final Thoughts: Why Leave?
Between the rooftop rays, the artful interiors, and the next-level food scene, The Hoxton makes a compelling case for staying put. Sure, all of Los Angeles is out there, waiting to be explored. But with views like these, you might just decide the best version of LA is the one right in front of you — velvet pillows, rooftop brunches, and all.
