Skip to main content

NoMad Los Angeles is a Chic, Urban Hotel Perfect for John Wick

In a few short years, New York’s Parisian-inspired NoMad hotel has become a staple of Manhattan’s luxury travel scene. Sydell Group, the brains behind the concept, have made it their mission to repurpose historically beautiful buildings in some of the world’s most exceptional destinations. Last month, the company debuted NoMad Los Angeles, and we’re thinking it’s high time for another visit to the City of Angels.

Like its sister property, the NoMad Los Angeles building is steeped in history. The historical Giannini Bank building dates back to the 1920s when it was erected to house the headquarters for The Bank of Italy. The bank’s founder, Amadeo Peter Giannini, made history as one of the country’s first to offer banking to the middle class and women.

nomad-los-angeles-restaurant
Image used with permission by copyright holder

In its new incarnation, the hotel pulls heavily from the building’s stunning Neoclassical architecture. Nearly all of the original detailing remains thanks to a meticulous, 18-month renovation by Los Angeles-based architects KFA and French architect/interior designer, Jacques Garcia. Most notable is the bank vault, which serves as the hotel’s pièce de résistance. That it’s been converted into a public bathroom might seem a curious design choice, but it’s way cooler than it sounds. Towering pilaster columns with Corinthian capitals and the building’s original blue and gold Italianate ceiling have all been restored. Overlooking the rooftop pool is a large demon sculpture modeled after a similar sculpture found in Italy’s Il Parco di Mostri in Lazio.

The interior design is infused with a distinct, chic California contemporary aesthetic. Plush velvet seating, marble surfaces, dark, ornate wood trim, and bold pops of color abound. The atmosphere is equal parts nightclub, smoking lounge, and library. It’s the sort of place you might find John Wick if The Continental were sold out for the night.

Recommended Videos

The Mezzanine, an upscale gourmet restaurant, anchors the dining scene. The Lobby Restaurant and The Giannini Bar (a fitting nod to the bank’s founder) offer more casual alternatives for cocktails and dinner. The appropriately named The Rooftop blends a cocktail bar and an outdoor cafe amid a beautifully landscaped pool deck with stunning views.

nomad-los-angeles-room
Image used with permission by copyright holder

All 241 rooms are appropriately chic with custom-built furniture, freestanding soak tubs, original artwork, and ornate writing desks. Guests who splurge on the flagship RWB Suite can relax in a spacious, 1,250-square-foot residential suite with a large living room, private library, well-stocked minibar, and panoramic views of downtown L.A.

Rates start just north of USD $300 per night for entry-level Superieur rooms. Book your stay now through TheNomadHotel.com.

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Yes, you’re probably overpacking — 7 travel tips for packing I swear by
Years of travel mistakes led me here. These tips actually work
An overhead view of a man packing a suitcase

There are two types of people in the world – the ones who pack two weeks in advance with a packing checklist, and the ones who shove a random pair of shoes into a bag 10 minutes before leaving for the airport. I’ve been both.

But after years of red eyes, lost luggage, and trying to survive long layovers in jeans, I’ve learned what actually works. These are the travel tips for packing I swear by – the things that save space, stress, and yes, your sanity.
1. Lay everything out. Then put a third of it back.

Read more
Move over Vegas — this U.S. city is now the top casino spot
Is Chicago the new Las Vegas?
Casino

Before you book your next trip to Las Vegas, you might want to consider a surprising alternative. A new ranking from gaming aggregator SlotMatrix reveals that Sin City isn’t even in the top three casino destinations in the U.S. In fact, Las Vegas came in fourth place, while the number one spot went to an unexpected winner: Chicago, Illinois.

The study analyzed several factors, including the number of casinos per 100,000 residents, casino amenities like hotels and restaurants, the number of slot machines, table games, poker tables, late-night bar options, and average hotel prices.

Read more
Luggage shipping gains popularity as travelers seek stress-free flying
Avoid long baggage claim waits and lost luggage stresses
Man carrying luggage in both hands

In case you are unaware, AAA says a record-setting 72.2 million Americans are estimated to travel ahead of Independence Day this week (between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 4th). AAA projects that this year's domestic travel forecast will surpass 1.7 million travelers over last year, and 7 million more than in 2019. Busy summer travel also means an increased chance of encountering common airport hassles, such as long wait times at baggage claim, and even lost, damaged, or stolen luggage. Travelers are also looking for new ways to avoid rising checked bag fees and overweight baggage fees.

As a solution, more travelers are turning to luggage shipping as an alternative to make their summer journeys a bit smoother. With luggage shipping options at The UPS store, specialty luggage boxes are used to accommodate a wide variety of the most common suitcase sizes. For airlines with strict size and weight regulations, using luggage shipping may offer an easier, stress-free option to transport your belongings without the hassle. Travelers with specific mobility issues or with multiple suitcases have also turned to luggage shipping as a more straightforward solution than navigating busy airports with numerous suitcases at once.

Read more