Hotel Indigo, Los Angeles, USA

The epic skyline expansion of downtown Los Angeles continues with the opening of Hotel Indigo, the boutique diffusion line from the InterContinental Hotels Group.

Set over 18 storeys in a new-build property, the hotel’s design concept, by London-based Hirsch Bedner Associates, takes its cues from the 1920s Prohibition era, with a nod to the nearby Jewelry District, the Fiesta de las Flores parade, the birth of the Hollywood movie industry as well as historic Chinatown.

Gold club chairs are cut like jewels, wall coverings incorporate floral motifs, lobby lights resemble wagon wheels and sofas depict sensational newspaper print headlines of the past. Videos by the elevators, along with black and white wallpaper, feature imagery of equestrian themes and vintage paparazzi photos. White brick wall coverings lead to the 350 guest rooms that all feature murals behind the beds illustrating scenes of old Hollywood, including the Presidential suite inspired by hotel muse Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American movie star. For a modern touch, spa-inspired bathrooms covet rare Jonathan Adler amenities.

Metropole Bar+Kitchen’s lime green booths and banquettes add a pop of colour and are encased in circular silver shrouds that evoke the underground tunnels that once allowed gangsters to shuttle back and forth under the city. Sip an FDR dirty martini at 18 Social cocktail lounge, a throwback to the 1920s speakeasies but with a view of nearby LA Live entertainment district and the Staples Center.