The O is a beautifully and distinctly designed hotel (formerly, The Orchid, built in the 1920s). Its color palette is on the gray scale, with occasional flashes of red, and the looks creates a blending of sharp lines and fluid curves. Upon entering the lobby, guests can turn to enter the hotel's restaurant, Bar I Kitchen, or walk straight toward reception. Above, the restaurant's mezzanine curves in a black wave. The floor is a scuffed, ruddy-toned marble, but the walls are all black, gray, or silver, save for some exposed brick in the restaurant. A generally low-lit property, darkness can be an issue. The design and color scheme make the O memorable, but its distinct aesthetic might not appeal to everyone. Guests are usually tourists who want to stay downtown. 

The O Hotel is in downtown Los Angeles, a neighborhood that has become popular thanks to a thriving hipster and art scene. There are plenty of restaurants and shops in the area, including a Macy's across the street and nearby outposts of Sugarfish and Seven Grand. While not in the most renowned area for nightlife, there are bars nearby, including a nightclub right next door to the hotel (noise from which thankfully does not carry over). The hotel is within walking distance of the Staples Center, L.A. Live, and the L.A. Convention Center, making it a good choice for business travelers, as well as those headed to a concert or sporting event. The hotel is also near 7th Street metro stop.

The rooms at the O follow the same aesthetic as the common areas: low-lighting, dark tones, modern furniture and design. Rooms are generally small, and some don't have windows, or have windows that look out on brick walls -- those can feel downright claustrophobic. The Flower Suite is the largest room, with a bedroom and separate living room, which has a low-seat chaise couch and small table. There is little art on the walls, but what's there is modern and adds a touch of color. All rooms come with smart TVs that can access the internet (and even log into Netflix for guests who have accounts), as well as Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, iPod docking stations, alarm clocks, and guest-controlled air-conditioning. Bathrooms are also small (no tubs), but come with fogged glass sliding doors and Bee Kind bath products. 

For those looking for leisure, there's the Oasis Spa, where guests can book beauty and body treatments. The hotel's well-regarded restaurant and wine bar are perhaps its stand-out features. The Bar I Kitchen restaurant has been a neighborhood hot spot for years, serving delicious, seasonal, Mediterranean-influenced fare. The basement D'Vine wine bar, which looks more like a speakeasy, has an extensive collection of wines and spirits. Gated parking is available in a garage next door, it's much more affordable than the valet services you'll find around town. A daily service fee covers Wi-Fi, breakfast, and use of the small on-site gym as well as access to the Gold's Gym next door. The hotel serves business travelers with modern, well-equipped meeting rooms, one with boldly painted portraits of mob bosses.