ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Shortly after 1 p.m., our Uber driver delivered my husband and me to the drive-up entrance of the Wilshire Grand building, the tallest building on the West Coast and home to InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. Attentive valets greeted us and directed us to the dedicated elevator, which whisked us up to the 70th-floor lobby. Though it was early afternoon, our room was ready, and the desk staff checked us in quickly and directed us to the elevator to our 53rd-floor room. We strolled past several comfortable seating areas and a large bar and lounge, tastefully adorned with understated holiday décor. All were wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, affording stunning views of the sun-splashed city and the ocean beyond.

GUEST QUARTERS: Our Superior king guestroom provided plenty of space and featured thoughtful design and convenient touches that made our stay a real pleasure. Shades of gray, brown and white and accents in light- colored wood provided a soothing retreat and a neutral frame for the endless city views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the first thing we noticed when we entered the room. Lighting controls next to the door also allowed us to indicate whether we needed the room serviced or left undisturbed.

To the right of the main door stood a double closet holding a few drawers, a safe, ironing board and iron, two robes and pairs of slippers. Just beyond, a barn-style door opened to a roomy, marble-floored bath featuring a large shower and separate soaking tub, a water closet, and a well-lit vanity and enough storage to accommodate all our toiletries. I appreciated the plush towels and Bodyography bath products, carrying a light lavender-mint fragrance and made of gluten-free, vegan ingredients. A frosted-glass window allowed natural light from the bedroom to filter in while maintaining privacy.

The king-sized bed was bracketed by two floating end tables with plenty of power outlets and adjustable light fixtures. On the opposite wall, a lengthy credenza encompassed the minibar, several drawers and desk space with an adjustable chair. Atop it sat a Keurig coffee machine, several power outlets and a work lamp; and above it hung a large flat-screen television. A comfortable armchair and small table stood by the window, providing more workspace or space for room service dining.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Our brief stay and busy schedule did not allow us to sample from the many dining options and amenities InterContinental offers, but we took time to tour the public spaces and event venues. Some 94,000 square feet of event space ranges from ballrooms to flexible meeting rooms and boardrooms. Attitude Fitness, the full-service executive fitness club, offers personal training, a host of fitness classes, a juice bar and state-of- the-art equipment; and locker rooms include a steam room and sauna. The large outdoor pool is surrounded by private cabanas and a large pool deck, with the adjacent No Dive Restaurant and Bar offering drinks and light “L.A. Cuisine.” Dining venues on the top floors, La Boucherie (steak and seafood) and Dekkadance (farm-to-fork globally influenced cuisine for breakfast, brunch and lunch) offer panoramic views. The 70th-floor lobby lounge serves hand- crafted cocktails and a vodka bar, but Spire 73, on the 73rd floor, reigning as the highest rooftop bar and lounge in the Western Hemisphere, literally and figuratively tops them all.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• The hotel’s location in the heart of downtown L.A. means you’re conveniently close to museums; the convention center; and concert, sports and entertainment venues.
• Every guestroom, restaurant and public space offers amazing, top- of-the-world views of the entire metro area.
• Sleek, contemporary design and stunning architecture inside and out deliver a stimulating feast for the eyes.

INTERCONTINENTAL LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN, AN IHG HOTEL
900 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
tel 213 688 7777
ihg.com