Social media is often the compass guiding us to the latest must-experience destinations, and for me, Instagram’s spotlight landed squarely on the Cara Hotel. Everywhere I looked, influencers and travel enthusiasts were posting captivating glimpses of this boutique hotel, creating an undeniable buzz around its coveted aesthetic. Intrigued by the hype, I had to experience the Cara Hotel firsthand and see if it lived up to its Instagrammable reputation.
My initial foray into the Cara experience began with a dinner reservation at the Cara Restaurant. So impressed was I by that single dining experience, that within a week, I found myself booking a two-night stay. This immediate return speaks volumes about the hotel’s magnetic charm; I was completely captivated and eager to immerse myself fully in everything Cara Hotel had to offer.
Nestled in a vibrant corner of Los Angeles, Cara Hotel enjoys a prime location just north of the iconic Hollywood Boulevard and south of the picturesque Los Feliz hills. This area, intimately familiar to me as “Thai Town” due to its rich concentration of authentic Thai restaurants, held a different character before Cara Hotel graced its locale. For years, this neighborhood was renowned for its culinary offerings rather than luxury accommodations. However, as the city evolved over the past quarter-century, so too has this neighborhood, welcoming sophisticated establishments like Cara Hotel into its fold.
Cara Hotel: An Oasis of Calm and Chic Hospitality
As someone who has spent countless nights in hotels across the globe, I have developed a keen sense for what elevates a stay from ordinary to unforgettable. Cara Hotel immediately sets itself apart, evoking the tranquil ambiance of a South of France retreat blended with the sophisticated charm of Turks & Caicos. Stepping through the arched entrance is like crossing a threshold into another world – one that feels more like arriving at a grand, welcoming home than a conventional hotel.
The hotel’s two-story structure elegantly surrounds a serene and verdant courtyard, the heart of which is the acclaimed Cara Restaurant. The design ethos centers around a calming neutral palette, beautifully complemented by century-old olive trees adorned with delicate twinkle lights. Comfortable groupings of tables and iron chairs, softened with pristine white cushions, are scattered throughout, interspersed with lush palm trees. At the courtyard’s center, a shimmering aqua-blue reflective pool adds a touch of summer freshness. The overall atmosphere is one of relaxed sophistication and understated LA chic.
While the aesthetic appeal of Cara Hotel is undeniable, what truly resonated with me was the exceptional quality of service provided by the staff. As a guest, the hospitality I experienced was truly outstanding, deserving of an 11 out of 10 rating. With my own background in the hospitality industry, I deeply appreciate and recognize gold-standard service when I encounter it.
Despite being a smaller boutique hotel, it is evident that each member of the Cara Hotel team takes immense pride in their role. They are attentive, gracious, and genuinely dedicated to anticipating and fulfilling guest needs. A small yet significant example occurred on my first evening: after dining at the restaurant, I requested hot water to take to my room for my evening peppermint tea. The following night, upon returning to the lobby after an evening out, I was warmly greeted and immediately offered hot water again. This may seem like a minor detail, but for me, it exemplifies the hotel’s commitment to personalized service and genuine care. At every interaction point within the property, the staff consistently ensured a welcoming and comfortable experience.
Rooms and Accommodation at Cara Hotel: Style and Comfort
My decision to stay at Cara Hotel was driven by its convenient location relative to work events I was attending, and of course, a healthy dose of social media influence! When booking, I requested a room with two beds, only to discover that Cara Hotel primarily offers rooms designed for single or double occupancy, not double rooms in the traditional sense. Fortunately, sharing a bed was not an issue. Each room appeared to overlook the tranquil courtyard, a delightful feature that enhances the sense of serenity.
The Upsides of Staying at Cara Hotel:
- Prime Location: Cara Hotel’s location is exceptionally convenient for navigating Los Angeles. It serves as an ideal base for those planning to explore the city during the day. The room rates, in my opinion, are very reasonable considering the overall quality of accommodation and experience.
- Aesthetic Excellence: The hotel’s aesthetic is, as advertised, truly beautiful – characterized by a fresh and calming neutral color palette that is visually soothing and stylish.
- Luxurious Linens: The bedding at Cara Hotel is a standout feature. They utilize Frette linens, renowned for their unparalleled luxury and comfort. For those unfamiliar with Frette, a stay at Cara Hotel offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the indulgence of these exquisite linens.
- Perfect for Solo Travelers or Couples: The room sizes and intimate ambiance make Cara Hotel particularly well-suited for solo travelers or couples seeking a stylish and comfortable retreat.
- Balcony Bliss: Having a private balcony was a definite highlight. It provided wonderful natural light and served as a perfect spot for relaxing and, of course, capturing photos.
- Exceptional In-Room Dining: The in-room dining service was prompt and attentive. Enjoying breakfast on the balcony was a particularly delightful and relaxing experience.
Considerations When Choosing Cara Hotel:
- Room Size: The rooms are on the smaller side, reminiscent of boutique hotels often found in New York City. This is something to be aware of if you prefer more spacious accommodations.
- Limited Bathroom Counter Space: The bathroom layout offered limited counter space, which could be a slight inconvenience for those with extensive skincare or makeup routines. However, it was manageable.
- Sound Sensitivity: The walls are somewhat thin, which means noise from neighboring rooms and the courtyard restaurant below can be audible. While this did not personally bother me, light sleepers or those sensitive to noise may want to consider this, particularly if rooms are located directly above the courtyard.
Cara Restaurant: A Culinary Hotspot in LA
The Cara Restaurant is, in a word, fabulous. It strikes the perfect balance of being sophisticated yet relaxed, welcoming guests dressed in everything from elegant evening attire to chic casual wear. This versatility is part of its charm, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere within the fashionable courtyard setting. Impressively, Cara Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, even on weekdays, making it an incredibly convenient and appealing dining option for hotel guests and locals alike. This commitment to consistent service throughout the day is a significant plus, and the quality of the food is undeniably excellent.
In fact, the Cara Restaurant and Bar have become a sought-after destination in Los Angeles, buzzing with energy, especially in the evenings. It’s my belief that the restaurant is a primary draw for many visitors to the hotel. The ambiance and social energy of Cara Restaurant rekindled a feeling I had missed – the joy of going out, meeting friends, and connecting in a vibrant setting. The menus are thoughtfully curated, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients and offering a well-rounded selection to cater to diverse tastes. For those who enjoy variety, sharing plates is an excellent approach to sample multiple dishes. Every dish I tasted was crave-worthy, leaving me eager to return and revisit my favorites – which I undoubtedly will.
Breakfast Recommendations:
- Sunrise Smoothie: A refreshing and healthy way to start the day.
- Chia Pudding with fresh Grapefruit (Oat Milk): A delicious and light option, especially for those preferring plant-based choices.
- Avocado Toast (Grilled Bread): The use of grilled bread adds a delightful smoky flavor to this classic breakfast dish.
Dinner Delights:
- Avocado, Beet & Grapefruit Salad: A vibrant and refreshing salad with a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Grilled Organic Maitake Mushrooms (Champagne Vinaigrette): A sophisticated and flavorful dish, showcasing the earthy notes of maitake mushrooms.
Dishes Enjoyed by All:
- Lemon Pasta: A simple yet satisfying pasta dish with bright and zesty flavors.
- Butternut Squash Agnolotti: Rich and comforting pasta pillows filled with sweet butternut squash.
- Burrata with Peppers: Creamy burrata cheese paired perfectly with roasted peppers.
- Fingerling Potatoes: Crispy and flavorful fingerling potatoes, a perfect side dish to share.
Please note that the Cara Restaurant menus are seasonal and subject to change monthly, ensuring fresh and innovative culinary offerings throughout the year.
My two-night stay at Cara Hotel passed by far too quickly. This staycation was precisely what I needed and more, serving as a wonderful reminder of the joys of travel, dressing up, and indulging in exceptional food in the company of good friends. A return visit to Cara Hotel is definitely on my horizon, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a stylish and serene escape in the heart of Los Angeles.
