The Line, K-Town's Answer To Brutalist Design With Iconic Views

The perfect base to explore Downtown and further

I will admit, I did initially have some reservations about staying at The Line. My concern was that the cement-heavy interiors could come off as contrived, or as a performative attempt at edgy minimalism in a city known so well for its flawless, glossy finishes. Yet the quality of the design (interiors are by Sean Knibb) paired with its comforting, nonchalant attitude complemented the brutalist tone in a way that felt authentic and original.

While it was not, not like The Ace, it did have a more casual, accessible feel which set it apart. Though I do wonder if the crossover in customer appeal had something to do with The Ace leaving downtown LA…

On arrival, I was reassured that its understated cool (though arguably still a little ‘stated’) felt genuinely interesting, not like it was trying hard to be The Ace’s younger sibling, or chasing trends on Instagram. With this being said, the unpolished concrete rooms and downplayed comfort won’t be for everyone, especially at what is still a more premium price point to most. Though for me, the real selling point was the view.

The Room

One of the biggest factors in staying at The Line was the room (read: view) on the upper floors. As you walk in, you are immediately greeted with the vast expanse of Los Angeles rolling across floor-to-ceiling windows. From your immediate Koreatown streets to the Hollywood sign to the surrounding mountains, it is endlessly mesmerising.

Several little details elevated the experience further: the remote-controlled blackout blinds (because again, the view); the well-stocked mini bar, and room service that arrived wrapped in a vintage-patterned material - a gentle but intentional touch that affirmed The Line’s casual sophistication.

The Amenities

The rest of the hotel’s amenities were also well considered. A good-sized pool on a lower floor alongside the restaurant (notably, The Ace had a very small pool, which is another reason that I opted for The Line). Some people may not love being in amongst all the skyscrapers, but the contrasting architecture felt quite captivating, and, as we were only staying one night, this felt more novel than uncomfortable.

Adjacent to the pool is Openaire, a striking restaurant led by Michelin-starred chef Josiah Citrin. The tall, greenery-filled conservatory serves excellent breakfast, coffee, brunch, lunch and more, or you can take it to sit on the deck.

Downstairs, in the lobby, there is also a juice bar and a cafe, Alfred Cafe. While in the evenings, you can find Break Room 86 and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang downstairs. Two vibrant establishments created by LA natives, the Houston Brothers, that celebrate the city’s vibrant nightlife heritage and Downtown’s karaoke culture.

The Location

Based in Koreatown, The Line is abuzz with a very East London-meet-LA crowd. This makes sense when you understand the Downtown area - home to museums including The Broad and MOCA, and diverse neighbourhoods including Little Tokyo and Chinatown, which bring a cultural fusion to the city.

The hotel’s central location means that you are not too far from some incredible K-Town BBQs, Grand Central Market and a number of very impressive Japanese restaurants. For those looking for some pampering, there are many authentic Korean spas nearby. I didn’t make it to one, but I did have my eye on Wi Spa - thinking the 24 hour access could bode well when the jet lag kicked in.

Overall, my take was that The Line is definitely worth a stay to experience LA in an authentic light, but if you are seeking home comforts and impeccable Hollywood-level service, you may want to go elsewhere.

More from LA: Read about Petit Ermitage, a West Hollywood oasis.