The Line, Los Angeles

Every so often a new hotel opens that puts a neighborhood definitively on the boutique-hotel map. And when it comes to LA’s Koreatown, the Line is that hotel.

Space forbids a full list of the Line’s cast of characters, but suffice it to say it’s got some bright lights indeed, including ties to some of the Tablet Hotels favorites (the developer of NoMad, Ace New York, the Saguaro Palm Springs) and some auspicious creative hospitality debuts (designer Sean Knibb, chef Roy Choi).

Before this spins off into a New Yorker—length profile of all involved, we’ll get to the point. Koreatown is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, and the Line is a boutique hotel that’s exquisitely sensitive to its location.

The rooms are luxe enough but never feel overdressed or out of place, and the property’s pervasive nods to Korean-American culture are always pitch-perfect—as they should be, given that so many of the hotel’s creators call Koreatown home.

A number of quick and casual dining options are available, but the flagship restaurant, Pot, is an ideal introduction to Korean-American cuisine—Roy Choi is justifiably famous for his Korean taco truck, and what he does in a brick-and-mortar restaurant is equally impressive.

Speek is the speakeasy-style nightspot, whose proprietors, the Houston brothers, know a thing or two about LA nightlife. There’s also a Poketo concept shop, a greenhouse-themed restaurant focused on fruits and vegetables, and a pool deck complete with delivery from Pot.

The only question about this sort of place is whether it adds up to more than the sum of its parts: we’re happy to say the Line is for real. 

Main text curtesy of Tablet Hotels.

in our opinion

What we love

• The modernist building (designed by Daniel Mann Johnson+Mendenhall in 1964) is complemented by the minimal, striking decor of expertly assembled furniture and light features, accented orange and with incidental ornate flourishes—all set against raw-concrete walls. The interiors are a creation of Knibb design studio;
• Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure dramatic, unimpeded views of the city (Hollywood Hills or Wilshire) from guest rooms;
• The hotel looks to the neighborhood in more ways: local touches are present in every room—original design objects and art come from LA artists, for example, unique watercolor artworks by Claire Oswalt or curios from the indie retailer Poketo;
• Guests can browse and buy Poketo stuff right at the hotel, as the brand has a shop at The Line—stocked with well-curated, eclectic arts and crafts goods. It's a welcome sight for anyone looking for LA souvenirs… beyond the cheesy Hollywood trinkets;
• Line-branded complimentary Linus bikes (and bike route maps). It's a fun and easy way to discover the city’s urban sprawl.

What you should know

• The neighborhood has Southern California’s highest concentration of restaurants, bars, and round-the-clock businesses. Vibrant and busy… 24/7;
• Bikes are complimentary for four hours;
• Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, in public areas and guest rooms;
• The LAX airport is some 22km (14 miles) away from the hotel and there is a convenient shuttle bus service with the bus stop nearby. Taxis are around $30-$35 one-way;
• Check-in: after 3 PM, Check-out: before noon;
• Pets are welcome (charges apply);
• This is a 100% non-smoking hotel.

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