Hip, urban and chic, NoMad Los Angeles epitomizes the renaissance of Downtown Los Angeles. The long-anticipated and recently opened hotel from the Sydell Group was conceived by French designer Jacques Garcia, who struck the perfect balance in preserving the building’s Italian legacy while introducing California touches.
For the past few years, this part of the city has been experiencing a cultural transformation, as new world-class museums like The Broad, along with trendy restaurants and independent boutiques, have been popping up around the NoMad Los Angeles.
Nestled in the 12-story Giannini Place building — a historic landmark originally built in the 1920s as the headquarters for The Bank of Italy — the hotel honors its neoclassical character and history.
Garcia fully restored the Italianate lobby ceiling with gold and blue accents, and he used it as the starting point for all the hotel’s decor. In the public areas, the original marble floor, coffered ceilings and square pilaster columns topped with Corinthian capitals give a sense of opulence.
For their first project outside of New York, award-winning chef Daniel Humm and restaurateur Will Guidara of Eleven Madison Park devised the hotel’s culinary program. The offerings comprise a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, the Giannini Bar (just off the main lobby), the Coffee Bar (inspired by the iconic grand cafes of Venice), the Mezzanine (overlooking the Lobby) and the 5,178-square-foot Rooftop, which includes an outdoor cafe, cocktail bar and pool, plus stunning views of the L.A. skyline.
Like NoMad New York, the artwork at NoMad Los Angeles’s was curated by Studio Be-poles. Featuring original pieces sourced from antique stores combined with commissioned photographs and illustrations, each room is unique.
For his first project in Los Angeles, Garcia used his talent for mixing 18th-century references with modern influences to create timeless, sophisticated spaces where classic Italian design meets the energy of modern Southern California. The new L.A. hot spot is already buzzing.
Suite Silhouettes
With a broad experience in renovating both private and public spaces — including the 18th-century Ladurée teahouse on the Champs-Elysées in Paris — Garcia drew inspiration from the hotel’s historic Italianate lobby ceiling to define the color palette in the rooms. Blue and gold hues prevail while pops of red and floral motifs add a modern feel.
Cozy Atmosphere
Bathed in natural light, each of the 241 guest rooms features custom linens and bedding by Bellino and throws by Archipelago Designs. The pedestal bathtubs are by Victoria & Albert.
Eclectic Mix
Garcia custom designed most of the furniture and mixed different types of materials to create texture and contrast. In this room, for example, a velvet flower-print sofa by Muebles Delta is combined with a rattan chair, a round table with a marble top and a modern floor lamp. All the wicker furniture is by Fong Brothers Co. and Eric Brand.
Attention to Detail
Spherical lighting by Siena Design complements the curved shape of the headboard by Muebles Delta. Original photographs and illustrations curated by Be-poles are displayed on the walls of all the rooms.
Curiosities in the Library
Richly textured fabrics and subtle lighting make the library an elegant space. At night, it becomes an appealing spot to savor cocktails among the eclectic literary collection and beautifully preserved peacocks and pheasants, courtesy of the renowned Los Angeles–based taxidermist Allis Markham.
Giannini Bar
Beside the main lobby is the Giannini Bar, which is named after Bank of Italy Founder Amadeo Giannini, who originally commissioned the building. The space is dark and sophisticated, and visitors are invited to taste one of the signature cocktails crafted by Leo Robitschek, the bar director who is also in charge of the beverage program at NoMad Bar in New York City.
Lobby
Many elements from the neoclassical building were preserved during the renovation. The lobby reflects the perfect balance between the grandeur of the marble floor and columns and the warm beauty of the velvet furniture by French company Henryot & Cie.
