ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I traveled to Los Angeles, California, in December for the GT Tested Reader Survey awards. Conrad Los Angeles was my home base for my two-night stay. The property lies across the street from the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. It took me a moment to find the hotel’s unassuming entrance. The property, part of The Grand LA complex, boasts residences, a plaza and retail and dining spaces.

I made my way up to the lobby where several people were checking in ahead of me. The line moved quickly, and within a few minutes I was in my room.

GUEST QUARTERS: Shades covered the floor-to-ceiling- windows when I arrived in my studio guestroom. On the left stood a closet, drawer and bench and, to the right, was the open bathroom with a barn-style door. The hall opened to a king-sized bed with a large, wall-mounted television directly across from it. A seating area featured a comfortable couch, end table, coffee table, bar and chair. Several feet from the bed, next to the window, sat a small table with two chairs. Though my stay was short, I appreciated having multiple spaces to relax and work.

A keypad near the door activated room controls, including a privacy button and the lighting. I had some trouble figuring out the difference between dim, night light and bed light but eventually got the hang of it.

The stand-alone shower boasted a standard showerhead, rainfall showerhead and handheld showerhead. Conrad Los Angeles offers BYREDO products. The shampoo, conditioner and body wash came in Mojave Ghost, with woodsy and floral tones.

I felt quite at home in my room. The décor boasted calming, neutral tones with pops of color and mid-century, modern-style furniture.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: I scheduled a spa treatment for the day of my arrival. My flight was delayed, so I had just enough time to drop off my bags before I needed to make my way to the Conrad Spa. The front desk attendant checked me in and directed me to the women’s locker room. Once I donned my robe, my aesthetician met me in the hall to bring me to the treatment room. I enjoyed the Rose Quartz Goddess Facial By Angela Caglia. My aesthetician asked about any skin concerns and adjusted the facial to fit my needs. The treatment included LED light therapy, crystal mask, gua sha, sonic lifting and cryotherapy. I left the 90-minute facial feeling relaxed and rejuvenated after my long day of travel.

On the first morning of my stay I dined at lobby-level San Laurel for breakfast. The signature restaurant from Chef José Andrés highlights the flavors of Spain through a California lens. I started my meal with coffee and a green juice. Everything on the menu sounded tempting, so I asked my waiter for recommendations. I decided on his suggestion of tortilla el camino, a lighter play on the classic Spanish tortilla with egg white, labneh, croutons, caviar and a warm yolk sauce. The dish came with toast, and I decided to add a side of chicken sausage. It was light yet filling and the perfect meal to start my busy day.

In addition to San Laurel, guests may visit the rooftop restaurant Agua Viva; the poolside Airlight; a lobby-level bar, The Beaudry Room; or enjoy 24-hour room service. The property also boasts a 16,000-square-foot rooftop terrace with a pool, fitness center, business center and meeting rooms.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Book a spa treatment at Conrad Spa and spend time in the relaxation room before or after your treatment.
• Breakfast at San Laurel is a must. Ask for a table with views of Walt Disney Concert Hall.
• Take advantage of the complimentary coffee, tea and bottled water available in the lobby every morning.

CONRAD LOS ANGELES
100 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
tel 213 349 8585
hilton.com