Cara Hotel

Cara Hotel

upscale4.8Boutique Hotel (converted mid-century courtyard motel)
Price Tier
Upscale
Property Type
Boutique Hotel (converted Mid-century Courtyard Motel)
Insider Tip
1/5

Book a balcony room for the best courtyard views and a private spot for morning coffee

Why It Matters

Michelin Guide-listed boutique conversion with a seriously good courtyard restaurant, one of the few hotels in LA where the dining and bar scene genuinely draws locals. Named 'Cara' — Gaelic for 'friend' — and reportedly the first of a planned luxury-boutique brand.

A 1950s courtyard motel completely gutted and rebuilt over 18 months into a 60-room boutique hotel sitting right on the Los Feliz–Thai Town border. The whole property is organized around a central courtyard with a reflecting pool and 100-year-old olive trees — it's where the restaurant, bar, and most of the rooms all face. Rooms are small but very well-done: herringbone oak floors, limestone bathrooms, Frette linens, and Maru coffee in your minibar. The bar buzzes with live salsa on Wednesdays and jazz on Sundays.

BrandTablet Hotels
TypeBoutique Hotel (converted mid-century courtyard motel)
Price Tierupscale
LocationLos Angeles Metropolitan Area, USA

Where You'll Stay

8 room types available

Balcony Room
Standard

Balcony Room

Second-floor rooms looking directly into the central courtyard — great for people-watching over morning coffee or an evening cocktail from your own private balcony. Light oak herringbone floors, cream limestone bathroom with organic amenities, curated local minibar with Maru coffee. Illuminated makeup mirror included.

Private courtyard-view balconyLight oak herringbone flooringCream limestone bathroomCurated local minibar and Maru coffee
Cara Mini Courtyard
Compact

Cara Mini Courtyard

The most compact room on the property at 85 square feet, on the ground floor with direct access to the restaurant and lounge. Twin bed with Italian linens, limestone bathroom. Designed for the solo traveler who wants courtyard access without paying balcony-room rates.

Twin
85 sq ft ground-floor roomDirect access to restaurant and courtyard loungeCustom twin mattress with Italian linensCream limestone bathroom
Courtyard Accessible Room
Accessible

Courtyard Accessible Room

Ground-floor accessible rooms surrounding the courtyard water feature. Full wheelchair-accessible features throughout: lowered peepholes and light switches, flashing alarm light, roll-in shower with handheld wand, folding bench, and grab bars. Same design ethos and finishes as standard courtyard rooms.

Wheelchair-accessible entryRoll-in shower with handheld wand and folding benchToilet and shower grab barsLowered peepholes and light switches
Courtyard Room
Standard

Courtyard Room

Ground-floor rooms arranged around the tranquil courtyard water feature, where you can step outside and work, relax, or dine under the California sky. Same herringbone floors and limestone bathroom as the balcony rooms. Curated local minibar with Maru coffee.

Direct ground-floor courtyard accessLight oak herringbone flooringCream limestone bathroomCurated local minibar and Maru coffee
Courtyard Twin Room
Standard

Courtyard Twin Room

Ground-floor courtyard-facing rooms with two twin beds — practical for friends or colleagues sharing. Steps from the main courtyard. Same herringbone floors, limestone bathroom, and curated minibar as other courtyard rooms.

Twin x2
Two twin bedsDirect ground-floor courtyard accessLight oak herringbone flooringCurated local minibar and Maru coffee
The Cara Mini Snug
Compact

The Cara Mini Snug

The smallest room in the house at 95 square feet, for the solo adventurer who just wants a great bed and a stylish shell to return to. Twin bed, limestone bathroom, every inch optimized. Maximum occupancy: one guest.

Twin
95 sq ft ultra-compact designCustom twin mattress with Italian linensCream limestone bathroomFrette 400-thread-count bedding, robes, and slippers
The Cara Snug
Compact

The Cara Snug

100 square feet of smart, well-designed space for the solo traveler or someone who just needs a comfortable place to sleep. Queen bed with Italian linens, cream limestone bathroom with organic amenities, and clever storage solutions. Small but not cheap-feeling — every inch is intentional.

Queen
100 sq ft with clever space-saving designCustom queen mattress with Italian linensCream limestone bathroomFrette 400-thread-count bedding, robes, and slippers
The Cara Suite
Suite

The Cara Suite

The only suite in the hotel, on the second floor overlooking the central courtyard. Floor-to-ceiling artisanal Venetian plaster walls, light oak herringbone floors, and an Italian travertine bathroom with soaking tub, double vanity, walk-in shower, and spacious closet. A private balcony catches full courtyard views. A connecting guest room can be added for a second bedroom and bathroom.

King
Floor-to-ceiling Venetian plasterItalian travertine bathroom with soaking tub and double vanityPrivate courtyard-view balconyConnecting room available for second bedroom

Eat & Drink

2 venues on property

On Property

How you'll actually spend your days.

Outdoor Recreation
Griffith Park Hiking (Concierge-assisted)Complimentary

The hotel is at the base of Griffith Park — staff can point you toward trailheads for Griffith Observatory, the Greek Theatre loop, and more. Close enough to walk or take a quick Uber.

Events
Private Events & Buyouts

Four distinct event spaces available for private bookings: Full Courtyard, Half Courtyard, Garden Patio, and Bar & South Patio. Suitable for weddings, product launches, photo shoots, benefit dinners, and executive events. Inquiry via charlie@carahotel.com.

Live Music & Entertainment
Sunday Jazz TrioComplimentary

A jazz trio performs every Sunday at Cara Bar, creating a more relaxed, soothing vibe — perfect for a long Sunday brunch that rolls into early evening drinks.

Wednesday Salsa NightComplimentary

Live salsa music at Cara Bar every Wednesday evening, energizing the courtyard space with Latin rhythms. Open to hotel guests and walk-ins.

Amenities & Practical Info

The details that matter for planning.

Connectivity
Complimentary WiFiComplimentary

Free high-speed WiFi in all rooms and throughout the property, including the courtyard terrace.

Event Facilities
Outdoor Patio Event Spaces

Four distinct spaces available for private events or daily use: Full Courtyard, Half Courtyard, Garden Patio, and Bar & South Patio. All fitted with heat lamps.

In-Room
Individual In-Room Air ConditioningComplimentary

Each room has its own individual AC system — no shared central air. Lets you control your room temperature independently.

Room Service

Room service available from the Cara Restaurant kitchen.

Curated Local Minibar

Each room has a minibar stocked with local wholesome snacks and beverages from partner suppliers, plus Maru coffee.

Outdoor
Courtyard Reflecting PoolComplimentary

A tranquil decorative reflecting pool at the center of the courtyard, surrounded by 100-year-old olive trees and California palms. The focal point for restaurant dining and bar seating — not a swimming pool.

Policy
Pet-Friendly Policy

Dogs are welcomed at the property per Yelp Q&A confirmation. Confirm specific size/breed policy and any fees when booking.

Cashless PropertyComplimentary

The hotel and restaurant are fully cashless. All major credit cards accepted.

Services
Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service

On-request dry cleaning and laundry services.

24-Hour Front DeskComplimentary

Round-the-clock front desk staffing. Concierge assistance available at stay@carahotel.com or +1 323-672-8990.

Transportation
Valet Parking

On-site valet parking available, located directly in front of the hotel under a white tent. Reported rate approximately $38/night per guest reviews. Street metered parking on Western Ave is a lower-cost alternative.

BUILD YOUR CARA HOTEL PLAN

Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.

Start Planning