O Hotel

O Hotel

Inside one of the rooms in the O Hotel

By Stevie Magdalena

When someone says the word “boutique” I think of rose sachets, overpriced underwear, and dark chocolate truffles wrapped in noisy, opalescent cellophane.

When I hear the word “hotel” I think of bad wall prints, big bathtubs, and room service. Put the two words together as “boutique hotel” and I instantly flash back to an expensive night spent obsessed with a 16-switch NASA control panel to adjust the mood lighting and Jacuzzi.

Yet when I recently stayed at the O Hotel, self-acclaimed as Downtown’s first independent boutique hotel, I noticed none of the aforementioned piggish excess. In fact, it is rather practical and modest – two words not often associated with “boutique.” For this reason, I think a different epithet might be more appropriate, one that denotes a stylish, Zen-like minimalism, affordable prices, and friendly service – all of which the O has in spades.

So, if not breakfast in bed, Monet’s Water Lilies, and a hot bubble bath, what does the O have to offer?

For starters, it screams location, location, location. Whether you’re an urbanite, an out-of-towner, or a business traveler, the O Hotel’s location is close to where you want to be. Nestled in the heart of the city's Financial District, you’re only a few blocks from the Staples Center, the Los Angeles Convention Center, the Nokia Theater, LA Live, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. You’re also within walking distance of both bar row on 7th street as well as many famous local food options, including the Original Pantry and Bottega Louie. If you plan to go farther than your feet alone can take you, the O Hotel conveniently sits within a mile radius of all Downtown Metro stations, giving access to nearly every desirable destination in the L.A. basin and surrounding areas. If you plan to rent a car, the O provides parking for only $10 overnight, or $18 with full in/out privileges. In a megacity with four million people and 12 parking spaces, this is like winning the golden ticket.

Regardless of whether business or pleasure has brought you to the O, you should indulge in a couple of O Bar’s handcrafted cocktails. My two favorites are the Flower Street (made of Hendricks Gin, St. Germain, Muddled English Cucumber and Mint) and the Rosalie (a delicious blend of Stoli Blueberry, Canton Ginger Liqueur, and Muddled Blueberries). However, while enjoying dinner, I suggest asking your server to help you pair a bottle of wine with O Kitchen’s California-inspired Mediterranean tapas. Some of the chef’s sweet and savory creations made me want to sing from the top of Mulholland Drive or maybe climb Mount Olympus, or quite possibly neither. The truth is, I really just wanted to eat as many Bacon Wrapped Dates and Wagyu Sliders as I could without popping – and I did, quite happily I might add. I also had the privilege of sampling the Prosciutto Flatbread with fig jam, gorgonzola, and wild baby arugula, as well as the fresh and zesty Pan Roasted Halibut with Salsa Verde – both of which made me say “O” many times out loud.

The dreaminess of both the food and libations is enhanced by the simple but elegant ambience. The softly lit lobby level, adjoining the Bar and Kitchen, is tastefully adorned with exotic flowers and fine furniture, creating a space that is at once classy and inviting. Even more inviting, though, is the amazing Happy Hour from 4-7pm daily, where the O offers a generous selection of small plates, wine, and beer for $4 each. On Tuesday and Friday evenings, stay a little later to enjoy the live music selection that ranges from acoustic guitarists to body-shaking rumbas. The well-dressed, metropolitan audience tends to range from people in their 20s to 40s, and appears evenly divided between those visiting on business and those here to see the Lakers win yet another NBA championship.

More than anything, though, I was impressed by the friendly and knowledgeable staff. When you’re away from home, what more do you want than to feel comfortable and safe in your surroundings? Answer: A great price. The good news is that with rooms that range between $100-$250 a night, depending on the size, the O offers it all: great service and affordable rates. It’s not surprising that Citysearch honored the O Hotel with the Best Business Hotel, The Most Comfy Bed, and The Best Discount awards in 2010.

The O Hotel is located at 819 South Flower Street (213) 623-9904‎. For more details, please visit www.ohotelgroup.com.

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