Soho Warehouse DTLA

Soho Warehouse DTLA stands as a distinctive and highly-regarded property in the vibrant Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, earning a coveted Michelin One Key award for a very special stay. Transformed from a 1916-vintage warehouse, it embraces its industrial roots while exuding a lush, 1970s Art Deco aesthetic. It's widely considered an "oasis in DTLA" offering a blend of exclusive club ambiance and luxurious hotel experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Soho Warehouse DTLA generally receives highly positive sentiment, frequently described as an "oasis in DTLA" with beautiful aesthetics, excellent amenities, and attentive staff. The Michelin Guide's verified guest reviews reflect this strong performance, with scores of 19.4 for Rooms, 19.0 for Services, 19.4 for Cleanliness, 18.8 for Public Spaces, and an overall experience score of 19.0 out of 20. While celebrated for its "artsy and private atmosphere," some guests have noted noise concerns from the lively rooftop. It successfully balances being a members' club first and a hotel second, offering overnight guests temporary membership benefits and access to its exclusive spaces.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Soho Warehouse DTLA for its exceptional features:

• Rooftop Pool & Views: A standout feature is the 50-foot rooftop swimming pool, offering "jaw-dropping views" of the Los Angeles skyline, particularly at sunset and night.
• Design & Art: The hotel boasts eclectic, 1970s-style Art Deco interiors that pay homage to its industrial heritage, featuring restored elements and original exposed brickwork. Art is ubiquitous, including a prominent mural by Shepard Fairey.
• Amenities: A lavishly outfitted, two-story gym with sauna and steam rooms is a significant draw. Guests also appreciate the various dining and drinking venues, including a garden and multiple bars.
• Exclusivity: Overnight guests gain temporary membership, providing access to the club's public spaces, rooftop terrace, bars, and restaurants, which is a significant perk.
• Unique Services: A complimentary wash-and-fold service is a noted convenience.

3. Room Quality

Soho Warehouse DTLA offers 48 bedrooms across three floors, ranging from "Cosy" (285 sq ft) to "Large" (975 sq ft), including suites that can resemble apartments. The rooms are described as "handsome," eclectic, and warm, blending crisp contemporary elements with retro-inspired character. They are loft-like, featuring high ceilings, '70s-inspired furniture, and a rich use of wood and velvet, creating an elegant, artist's loft aesthetic.

Even the "Cosy" rooms are considered generously sized, and all feature original exposed brickwork. King-size beds are consistently praised for their comfort, complemented by a variety of high-quality pillows. In-room amenities are abundant, including an extensive mini-bar, a formal china tea set with fresh cookies, a Nespresso machine, and full-sized Cowshed bath products. Bathrooms are beautifully tiled and equipped with rainfall showers, though some smaller rooms may lack a bathtub. Turn-down service includes thoughtful touches like bottled water and fresh tumblers placed bedside.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a diverse dining experience across several venues, including The House Kitchen, The Garden, The Tavern, and Berenjak. The Rooftop Terrace and Bar also serve food and drinks, providing a scenic backdrop.

• Breakfast: Complimentary breakfast is served in The House Kitchen, featuring options like a bagel bar with salmon, avocado toast, hard-boiled eggs, and pastries.
• House Kitchen: This restaurant offers a range of grilled meats, fish, seafood, and Soho House favorites such as the "dirty burger" and Taiwanese fried chicken.
• The Garden and Tavern: These spaces offer healthy breakfast items, smoothies, salads, and build-your-own bowls during the day, transforming into venues for light bites and sharing plates in the evenings.
• Berenjak: An on-site Persian restaurant, Berenjak, serves Iranian classics like khoresht and kabab, inspired by its original London location.
• Poolside Service: Servers are available to offer food and drink service directly to guests by the pool.
• Variety: While many praise the diverse offerings, some guests have expressed a desire for more vegan options on the menu.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback frequently highlights the "next-level" hospitality and the "attentive staff" at Soho Warehouse DTLA. Guests appreciate thoughtful touches such as a complimentary drinks cart circulating in the evenings with well-mannered bartenders, and staff placing fresh water and tumblers on bedside tables during turn-down service. The staff's consistent eye contact and verbal acknowledgment of guests entering and exiting contribute to a feeling of safety, particularly for solo travelers. While general guest service is praised, some internal employee reviews mention challenges with management, describing it as "atrocious and very poorly managed," though positive comments about co-workers and opportunities for growth are also noted.

6. Location & Accessibility

Soho Warehouse DTLA is strategically located in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, a neighborhood recognized as an arts destination and a hub for the L.A. food scene. The hotel itself occupies a historic 1916 warehouse, giving it an "industrial chic" ambiance. The area is currently undergoing gentrification, transforming into a vibrant "oasis" within a once industrial landscape.

The hotel is within walking distance to acclaimed restaurants like Bestia. Downtown L.A. has also become more walkable over the past decade. However, reviewers note that the immediate surroundings can still feel "gritty" or "virtually deserted," with visible homelessness in certain directions.

For transportation, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately a 30-minute drive away, and Union Station, serving Amtrak, is a 10-minute drive. Valet parking is available for guests.

7. Value & Pricing

Soho Warehouse DTLA is positioned as a luxury property, with room rates reflecting its upscale offerings and exclusive club amenities. Rooms are considered "expensive," with "Cosy" rooms starting over $600 per night, "Small" rooms over $800, "Big" rooms at $1200, and "Large" rooms potentially reaching $1700 per night.

Soho House members and Soho Friends have the advantage of booking bedrooms at reduced rates. Non-members can purchase a 12-month Soho Friends membership for $130 to access these reduced rates, which could be a cost-effective option for frequent visitors. The temporary membership granted to all overnight guests, allowing access to the myriad of club facilities and services, significantly enhances the perceived value, making it an appealing option for an indulgent staycation or an immersive L.A. experience.

8. Common Complaints

Despite its many strengths, some recurring criticisms include:

• Noise Levels: The most frequently cited complaint relates to loud parties and music on the rooftop pool deck, which can extend until 2 AM and disturb sleep quality in some rooms. Some guests suggest that double-pane windows would help mitigate this issue.
• Room Darkening: A few guests have found the rooms not dark enough for their preference.
• Limited Bathtubs: While bathrooms are luxurious, smaller "Cosy" rooms may not feature bathtubs, requiring an upgrade to a "Medium" room for this amenity.
• Neighborhood Discrepancy: The immediate industrial surroundings of the Arts District, despite its ongoing gentrification, can sometimes feel "deserted" or "gritty" to guests unfamiliar with downtown L.A., with visible signs of homelessness.
• Dining Options: Some guests have expressed a desire for more extensive vegan options on the restaurant menus.
• Wi-Fi Speed: Despite many members using the club for co-working, some found the Wi-Fi speed to be surprisingly not better.

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