I had a chance to finally visit the Wilshire Grand this past January. Really impressive.
I parked a few blocks away at 5th and Flower (next to the Los Angeles Grand Central Library) and walked over. This is looking west. The Wilshire Grand is technically the "Wilshire Grand Center" - consisting of both offices (floors 11-29) and the InterContinental Hotel (rest of the building).
photo credit: urbanland.uli.org
That said, there's no question that the Wilshire Grand is a very impressive building. Otherwise, why would I be visiting?
And it's unquestionably Los Angeles' tallest hotel. Let's head inside.
I entered in from Figueroa Street.
Fountains as you walk in. For a building this size, the only thing that seemed to be missing was people.
Perhaps the most amazing part of the hotel is that the hotel "lobby" - which is open to the public - is on the 70th floor. The hotel also boasts the 2nd fastest elevators in North America, traveling an incredible 1800 fpm.
Another view of the hotel lobby, located on the 70th floor. The real draw is the view.
Wow: incredible. This is looking out from one of the many windows from the lobby. Below is the Harbor Freeway (the 110), with Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean in the distance.
Another view. This looking west along Wilshire Blvd towards Koreatown and the Miracle Mile District. Hollywood is in the distance.
I love this panorama. Feel free to click on this for a larger view. These photos were taken in January. I was fortunate to visit on an exceptionally clear day. Love Los Angeles or hate it - this is why people live here.
The US Bank Tower a few blocks away. You can see that it's clearly taller in terms of occupiable floors. They also have an open air observation deck (tickets start at $25).
At this point, who cares which building is taller. Right now, we're having an incredible time enjoying the view from the 70th floor lobby of the Wilshire Grand.
Another view, looking north and west. The Hollywood Sign is to the left.
As a Christian, I'm reminded that God cares deeply about cities. Not the buildings, not the glitz or glam. But the people.
Buildings themselves are not good or bad. They're simply places that bring people together - whether to live or work. Of course, there are ugly buildings, and poorly engineered buildings. But in general, buildings should be a places for people to use (not the other way around).
This is looking north along Figueroa Street. Speaking of places to live, eve temporarily, in the center of the photo, you can see a couple of the round towers of the 1976 Bonaventure Hotel. It has a cool revolving restaurant on the 35th floor.
The Bonaventure is half the height of the Wilshire Grand. From this perspective it looks tiny. In terms of number of rooms, it's actually a significantly larger hotel.
A final shot. That's Mt Lee and the Hollywood Sign in the center top of the photo.
Want an even better view? From the lobby, you can take an additional elevator to the 73rd floor, the top floor.
The 73rd floor is home to "Spire 73". No questions here, it's highest open air bar in the Western Hemisphere.
Wow, impressive views in every direction. I don't see how New York or Chicago could pull off an open air bar like this Certainly not one that's open year round.
As mentioned in the previous post, my family and I moved to Los Angeles in April, 1968. I have a half a century of history in this town.
This is the highest I've ever been in any building in L.A.. That, plus the exceptionally clear day, comfortable January weather, and fact that this was all open made for really incredible experience.
Another view, looking towards Hollywood. Yes, I'd love to come back with friends or family.
I would check with the Hotel's website before visiting. It was a Saturday night and it looks like there is a $25 cover charge, plus dress code, beginning at 8pm.
On my way out, I stopped by to see the pool.
It's technically a rooftop pool - and not very deep (no diving). But it looked cool.
I like the look and design of the changing areas. If I was spending time in Los Angeles, would I want to stay here? You bet.
Fountains outside. This is looking toward the corner of Figueroa and 7th Street. The Red Line/Purple Line Subway station is located a block away at 7th and Flower. Again, what surprised me was the lack pedestrian traffic. What a contrast to, say, the historic Grand Central Market.
A final view heading back to my car. A more iconic view, looking from the west, can be found here.
I parked in an underground parking structure next to the Bonaventure at 5th and Flower.
My biggest complaint with the Bonaventure since it first opened 40 years ago are the massive cement walls around the first seven stories. It really feels like a fortress, which I believe was intentional in the design. Heres' a link to a previous post on a visit years ago with my wife and kids. The seven story lobby is impressive, as are the glass elevators.
Another view of the Bonaventure - looking from a small outdoor restaurant adjacent to the downtown Grand Central Library.
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