California Daydream: Cara Hotel is a Hidden Gem of Quiet Luxury in East L.A.
Nestled between Hollywood and Los Feliz at the base of Griffith Park, Cara Hotel is a hidden oasis. Tucked behind tall hedges along a busy thoroughfare, it’s easy to miss—even for locals. But to pass through the boutique hotel’s arched entrance is to discover a lesser-known, tranquil side of East L.A.
Just beyond the lobby’s gothic ceilings and elegant frieze moldings, the hotel opens into a dreamy, sun-dappled sanctuary. Sunlight filters through century-old olive and palm trees and shimmers off of a reflecting pool lined with glowing lanterns. White linens sway in the breeze, softening the edges of the courtyard’s open-air corridors. The effect is ethereal—somewhere between a Moroccan riad and a California daydream.
But as day fades to night, the scene transforms. The mood shifts from quiet and serene to quietly electric, as the courtyard fills with the clink of cocktail glasses, candlelight, and conversation. It becomes not just a place to unwind, but a place to gather—a sophisticated urban haunt humming with understated glamour.
Guest Rooms
Cara Hotel’s guest rooms echo the airy tranquility of the courtyard, designed with a warm, tailored minimalism. The palette is soft and subdued: white-on-cream with natural wood accents and woven textures. Details include herringbone-patterned floors, limestone-tiled showers, tufted cream chairs, and Frette linens. Spare, intriguing photographs by local artists add a quiet sense of place.
Many of the rooms open to private balconies or patios, inviting guests to linger with a morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars. The well-curated honor bars feature unique snacks and libations including bottled cocktails from locally sourced BTL SVC. Even the smallest rooms, designed for solo travelers, offer refined creature comforts within a serene, elegant atmosphere.
Food & Drink
Overlooking the reflecting pool, Cara’s courtyard restaurant serves hyper-seasonal California fare with Mediterranean influences. The kitchen sources produce from a biodynamic farm in the San Gabriel Valley, and the menu changes often—but dishes like snapper ceviche and the avocado, beet, and grapefruit salad hint at the bright, health-forward flavors that are mainstays of the menu. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner plus brunch on weekends. Among locals, Cara is a favorite for alfresco dining before a show at the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theatre.
Around the corner from the courtyard, Cara Bar offers a moody, romantic counterpart to the airy restaurant with red velvet chairs, candlelight, and hand-painted frescos. Mirroring the ethos of the kitchen, the bartenders craft seasonal cocktails with local spirits and farm-fresh ingredients. The bar also features biodynamic wines from local winemakers. The bar’s French doors open to an outdoor patio with fire pits and cozy seating. On Wednesday nights, the bar heats up with live salsa music, while Sundays offer the soothing sounds of a jazz trio.
Neighborhood
Cara sits on the edge of Los Feliz, just a stone’s throw from Thai Town, Griffith Park, and all the lively eccentricities that make East L.A. such a vibrant destination. It’s a neighborhood that rewards curiosity: hike up to the Griffith Observatory or the Hollywood sign, discover craft coffee shops and taco stands, and lose track of time exploring indie bookstores and vintage shops. And yet, back at Cara, the city’s noise fades behind the tall hedges. The hush of the courtyard and the rustle of olive trees welcome you back to your own little pocket of calm. It’s L.A., filtered and softened through a sun-dappled lens.
