Hotel Per La
Photography by The Ingalls
The name "Per La" means "for the" in Italian, a homage to the structure's illustrious beginnings as a bank for the common people. The hotel's inclusive ethos and name, which roughly translates to "for Los Angeles, and individuals like you," reflect the founder Amadeo Pietro Giannini's belief in the worth and potential of those often disregarded. The 12-story structure still has its distinctive architectural features, but it has been updated to improve the visitor experience with expansive yet amusing public areas and innovative food and beverage ideas that promote a social atmosphere in the middle of the busy downtown.
Photography by The Ingalls
Many of the building's Neoclassical features, such as its Doric columns, elaborate golden and blue ceiling, and marble floors, have been kept, and they've been incorporated alongside a new playful and approachable design that reflects the diversity of cultures and characters in the city in Hotel Per La's public spaces. Contemporary furniture, airy linens, amorphic lighting, and pops of bright colors that feel distinctively LA are woven throughout the open public spaces and bathed in California sunshine, as reimagined by local Los Angeles interior designer Jaqui Seerman. The newly designed reception area welcomes visitors with a distinctive sense of arrival from the moment they pass through the entryway's new awning, which was moved from 7th Street to Olive.
The dramatic archway gallery, which opens into the distinctive main lobby and restaurant spaces, which were formerly the main banking hall, is framed in mirrors and features a botanical oasis surrounded by ornate moldings, a modern sofa with handwoven botanical upholstery, terracotta and cream-colored tile wainscoting, and a calming water feature. The lobby includes a new custom-made curved plaster front desk made by Katrien of Voila Studio that was inspired by linen fabric in shades of mustard and cream. Behind the front desk, in four different arches, is a tapestry that LA muralist Jessalyn Brooks painted by hand and that features flowing silhouettes in tones of pistachio, persimmon, and cream.
Photography by The Ingalls
Many of the furnishings and decorations were purchased from local LA artisans, such as decorative wall lighting from Downtown LA's Edition Modern, hand-painted pots by Pasadena-based artist Jill Spector, and hand-thrown ceiling lights made by LA-based ceramist and lighting designer Neptune Glass. A new game cabinet with commissioned art is featured in a deep purple lounge.
Photography by The Ingalls
Per L'Ora, a neighborhood restaurant thoughtfully expressing Italian cuisine through a lens of East Los Angeles culture and flavors, Bar Clara, a more relaxed rooftop bar offering poolside drinks and Mediterranean-inspired fare with sweeping cityscape views, and Café Ora, a warm coffee shop and market with rotating local roasters, pastries, LA-made snacks, and an approachable wine shelf, are all located within Hotel Per La. The main dining space of Per L'Ora has a soft color scheme, organic, beautiful forms, airy linens, and botanical patterns. Relaxed slipcovered chairs and a communal dining table in the shape of a racetrack in vibrant marigold strike a balance between function and glitz.
Photography by The Ingalls
The 241 rooms and suites at the Hotel Per La, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, are inspired by Italian design. The hotel's fully restored gold and blue Italianate ceiling in the lobby inspired French architect and designer Jacques Garcia to use same color scheme in the guest rooms. Antique Persian rugs in saturated, vibrant colors, artwork from the Paris/New York-based design studio be-poles, which sources vintage art from antique shops around the world, as well as different collections from Portraits de Villes, as well as original photographs and illustrations from commissioned artists, are all custom designed furnishings that have been placed in each room.
Photography by The Ingalls
Locally sourced private bars are curated to highlight the ingenuity and sensibilities of LA culture. Options to satisfy every craving range from savory snacks like Root Foods Co. potato chips to sweeter offerings like CA Gummy Bears and toffee almond bars by Valerie Confections, as well as CBD-infused products like chocolate truffles from Calivolve and Rose Delight's Turkish Delight Boxes. Drink options include Drnxmyth ready to shake cocktails and watermelons. Large flat-screen televisions, Tivoli Bluetooth radio clocks, a marble writing desk with settee, and European-style bathrooms with Terrazzo floors and Argan Perfume d'Arganier luxury bath products are all included in the rooms. Many of the rooms also have freestanding pedestal bathtubs.
Photography by The Ingalls