Downtown Hotel recommendation

Question

Looking for advice on choosing a hotel for my LA trip in October. Flying in from Melbourne for the weekend of Fri 3 → Sun 5 Oct and I think I’ve narrowed my choices down to these three optiosn in DTLA: AC Hotel Downtown, JW Marriott and InterContinental LA Downtown.

I’ll be on my own, spending most of the time out and about – Arts-District, Little Tokyo etc. I'm also going to a concert in Exposition Park and looking for somewhere that's a safe / short walk after dark from the Metro. I won't be at the hotel much but looking for somewhere relatively chill (not super keen on loud pool parties), with a nice pool with a view ideally and on-side or nearby mid-priced food options. I've been around LA Live on previous trips and it's always seemed pretty safe / lively but doesnt look like there is much on the weekend I'll be there.

Any first-hand impressions – especially on how lively (or not) each block feels and how safe after dark greatl appreciated!

Cheers in advance,

Ben (Melbourne)

Answer

Hi Ben, thanks for the detailed context—this helps a lot in comparing these three DTLA hotels for your October weekend trip. Since you’ll be spending most of your time exploring the Arts District, Little Tokyo, and heading to a concert at Exposition Park, the main priorities seem to be a safe area with convenient Metro access, a chill atmosphere, and nice on-site amenities like a pool and nearby food.

Here’s a breakdown of your three options:

AC Hotel Downtown
- Location: Just north of the Financial District along Figueroa, closer to the convention center but a bit further from the Arts District and Little Tokyo. Within 10–15 min walk to the 7th Street/Metro Center station.
- Vibe: Generally quieter and business-oriented. Doesn’t usually host large parties or events, so it’s good if you want a chill stay.
- Pool: Rooftop pool with decent views of the city skyline, not overly crowded.
- Food: Has an on-site café/bar for light meals and drinks; for more variety, nearby restaurants are mainly business lunch–type options during weekdays, less lively on weekends.
- Safety: Area is well-patrolled; streets feel safe at night though some blocks nearby can feel deserted on a weekend evening.
JW Marriott Los Angeles
- Location: On Grand Ave near LA Live, the Music Center, and the Metro; central to both Arts District and Little Tokyo with about 15–20 min walk. Easy Uber/Lyft to Exposition Park for your concert.
- Vibe: Upscale, quieter than nearby hotels like the Ritz or hotels around LA Live that host big groups. Pool is peaceful, not party-oriented.
- Pool: Rooftop pool with views of the city and surrounding skyscrapers. Usually quiet and relaxed.
- Food: Several on-site options, including a casual lobby café and fine dining. Some nearby lunch/dinner options within LA Live but on a weekend may be quieter than during weeknights.
- Safety: Very safe area, heavily patrolled, and the block is active with foot traffic from hotel guests and nearby offices/theaters.
InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown
- Location: On Figueroa at 9th Street, near Staples Center/LA Live. It’s a skyscraper hotel, so you get great panoramic views. About 20 min walk to Arts District/Little Tokyo, shorter via Metro.
- Vibe: Luxury hotel with a more urban, slightly busier atmosphere due to its size and proximity to LA Live events. Generally still not loud; weekend crowds are moderate.
- Pool: Rooftop pool is one of the highlights with 360-degree views of downtown, very scenic, perfect for morning or evening swims.
- Food: Multiple on-site dining options including casual and fine dining. Weekend dining is calm, not overly crowded.
- Safety: The immediate block is safe, but the area around Staples Center/LA Live can feel more bustling or deserted depending on event schedules; take usual precautions at night.

Overall impressions & recommendations:

For a quiet, low-key weekend focused on exploring, AC Hotel is solid, especially if you prefer chill streets and a relaxed rooftop pool. Only minor drawback is slightly less convenient walking distance to Arts District/Little Tokyo.
For a balance of safety, convenience, and a classic DTLA hotel experience, JW Marriott is a strong choice: easy walk or short ride to cultural hotspots and your concert, with a calm rooftop pool.
If views and a landmark experience are top priority, InterContinental offers the iconic skyline pool experience and great amenities, but it’s a bit further from Arts District and Little Tokyo and near a busier event area.

Nighttime safety & walking notes:

All three hotels are on well-lit blocks, and LA DTLA streets are generally safe right around the hotel areas, especially with Metro access nearby. Stick to main streets after dark.
JW Marriott and InterContinental blocks have more foot traffic on weekends, which can feel reassuring for solo travelers.
AC Hotel streets are quieter, but still safe; just be aware that some blocks may be empty in the evening, so usual urban caution applies.

Given your priorities—solo traveler, chill atmosphere, rooftop pool, easy Metro access to Arts District/Little Tokyo, and safe walk to/from your concert—my personal leaning would be JW Marriott for convenience and balance, followed by InterContinental if the skyline views are a must, and AC Hotel if you value a quieter, more understated stay.

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