The Mayfair Hotel: A Downtown LA Renaissance
Amid the gritty urban landscape of the emerging Westlake neighborhood in downtown LA, is the newly revamped historic Mayfair Hotel that embodies the Los Angeles spirit and fosters creative self-expression with a communal writer’s room, custom podcast room, and art gallery space. The hotel features an impressive art collection curated by artist Kelly “RISK” Graval with bold art splashed at every turn from artists like Shepard Fairey, Evidence, Geoff Melville, and Seen (Richard Mirando). Photographs in the stairwell are reminders that Los Angeles is the greatest city in the world.
Unwind in the Mayfair’s luxurious lobby and M Bar over a specialty cocktail. While the original columns and floors are present from 1926, a lightbox douses the ceiling with light projections of the original ceiling tiles. The historic sweeping archways and grandiose columns are reminiscent of a former era while the plush seating, velvety curtains, and glamorous glowing bar backdrop exude “Stay awhile.” There was even a time when Arnold Schwarzenegger rode through the lobby on a horse in the movie True Lies.
On Fridays don’t miss live music in the swanky bar room adjacent to the lobby or a hot DJ shaking up the diverse crowd on Saturdays. The contemporary Angeleno vibe is felt throughout the 294 rooms as the black and white casual sophistication plays out in the décor. From the sumptuous bed, peel back the shade to watch the sunset hues melt over the densely packed city skyline.
An opulent ballroom is part of this 15-story property, once the site of the first Academy Awards after party in 1929. This third-floor ballroom – three stories high – can be rented for private events. Renovated to retain its former glory with original exposed brick and industrial concrete beaming, a massive ornate black crystal chandelier, a 34-foot white marble fireplace, and floor to ceiling antique mirrors make this a space to remember. Other private event spaces include a Speakeasy, Library Bar, and a meeting space donned with a wall map from 1929. A massive rooftop pool deck and bar that will include a fitness center, private cabanas, and outdoor fireplace are coming soon.
High-touch food and beverage options are part of the property’s appeal and of course, enhance the overall Mayfair Hotel experience. Helmed by Season 12 Hell’s Kitchen winner and celebrity chef Scott Commings, the hotel’s Eve American Bistro offers an outstanding food program for lunch and dinner as well as weekend brunch, all with reasonable LA prices. At this mod mid-century restaurant, expect comfort dishes like Crab Deviled Eggs, Tuna Tartar, Truffled Aioli Burgers, and Crispy Chicken Sandwiches. Order from the raw bar or select rotisserie meats. Don’t miss the warm sea salt chocolate chip cookie served in a skillet. The name Eve is inspired by a character from a Raymond Chandler novel written during his stay at The Mayfair in the 1930s.
The Mayfair Hotel’s renaissance is a reminder to cherish these survivors from the past and remember, today will certainly be the good old days of tomorrow.
mayfairla.com | 1256 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Written by Melissa Curtin | Photography by GL Askew II
