$$ | Los Angeles, California, US
OVERALL RATING | ★★★☆☆
Cara Hotel is a bit magical - you cross its threshold and are immediately transported to the Mediterranean. The hotel is an incredible example of a well defined and beautifully executed hotel concept.
Highlights | Thoughtful and well executed design, friendly staff
Lowlights | Amenities are light for the price point
DESIGN
Cara is a minimalist chic hotel that beautifully executes a Mediterranean beach aesthetic. During my latest stay, I asked a member of staff if Mediterranean was the goal, and she wasn't sure but said it sounded right - so we're going to go with it. You enter the Cara via a stone staircase flanked by tall, luscious hedges. They cut out the surrounding streets and are the first taste of what Cara does really well - treat you to a Mediterranean getaway in the middle of LA. You enter the lobby and are immediately drawn to a gorgeous courtyard shaded by olive trees, flanked by curtains flowing in the breeze, and surrounding a shallow pool reminiscent of Greece's turquoise waters. It's beautiful, inviting, peaceful...perfect. This coastal vibe continues as you move through the guest walkways, and into the rooms themselves.
LOCATION
Located right at the base of the Hollywood Hills, this hotel is an excellent jumping off point for a relaxed LA weekend. Let's be honest - nothing is close in LA. It's a sprawling city famous for traffic at all hours. But there are several attractions nearby including the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and the Walk of Fame. It's also close to the highway system, which will be necessary to reach other popular parts of town. It's neighborhood is not at all touristy - honestly, it feels a little generic. Chains abound - Jamba Juice, a True Value Hardware store, and Marshalls are all steps away, but you're not going to see many unique restaurants or coffee shops nearby. That being said, once you step into the Cara, you will be charmed. So don't be too concerned about the neighborhood - just book it. Note that parking here is a bit difficult - there aren't any public use lots are nearby and street parking is limited, so be prepared to pony up for the hotel's valet service.
ACCOMODATIONS
This property offers four room types - a single Suite, a single "Snug" room, Courtyard rooms, and Balcony rooms. I opted for a Courtyard room, which was sparsely, but beautifully appointed. There's a bed, but minimal seating and no desk/surface for working. There was no luggage rack and no space for luggage, so I cleared a corner table and used that. The bathroom is small, but has a nicely sized shower. The most interesting element of the room is a cute built-in minibar - it's a really unique addition to the room. If I had to guess, I would say that the Cara had a previous life as a hotel - maybe a Howard Johnson. The ceilings are low. the windows are small, natural light is in limited supply and the ventilation is a bit poor - especially if you're a fan hot showers like me. There is no coffee maker, no complimentary water - honestly the amenities are almost non-existent. That being said, the rooms are charming and comfortable. A watch out - Cara's beautiful courtyard serves as a restaurant that operates late into the night and is quite popular, especially on weekend evenings. The Courtyard rooms open onto this restaurant and while there are cloth curtains that separate guest room entrances and the restaurant, they aren't effective at dampening noise.
AMENITIES
Onsite Restaurant Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Onsite Bar
Room Service
Bath Robes
Laundry Service
Gift Shop
CLEANLINESS
No concerns - I found everything to be perfectly clean.
STAFF & SERVICE
I've stayed at this hotel twice and the staff has been wonderful both times. They're friendly. efficient, and every member of staff is dedicated to ensure a good guest experience.
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