Honestly, staying in Los Angeles is usually a choice between two extremes. You either go for the sprawling, corporate skyscrapers of Downtown or you end up in the neon-soaked, slightly chaotic sprawl of Hollywood. But then there is the Kimpton Hotel Wilshire. It sits right on the Miracle Mile, an area that is technically the middle of everything but feels surprisingly quiet once you’re inside the lobby.
Most people just see it as another boutique hotel. That is a mistake.
It is a repurposed 1950s medical office building. Yeah, people used to get their checkups here. Now, it is a LEED Silver-certified spot with one of the most underrated rooftop views in the city. If you have ever tried to find a hotel in LA that doesn't feel like a factory but also doesn't cost three months of rent, you've probably looked at this place.
The Neighborhood Reality Check
You’re on Wilshire Boulevard. This is the "Miracle Mile." If you are a museum person, you are basically in heaven.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is basically right next door—it’s about 0.03 miles away, which is basically a thirty-second walk. Then you have LACMA, the La Brea Tar Pits, and the Petersen Automotive Museum. You can walk to all of them. In a city where people drive three blocks to get coffee, being able to walk to a world-class museum is a weirdly powerful flex.
Wait. Is it "desolate" at night?
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Some recent guests have mentioned that the immediate blocks can feel a bit quiet after the museums close. That is the trade-off. You aren't in the middle of a screaming club district. You’re in a pocket of culture. If you want the madness of West Hollywood, it’s a short Uber away, but don't expect a bustling nightlife scene right on the sidewalk outside the front door.
Living the "Bleisure" Life
They use the word "bleisure" a lot in their marketing. It’s a bit of a cringe word, but it fits.
The rooms are huge. Like, actually huge. We’re talking 300 to 450 square feet for standard and sunset suites. For business travelers, this is a godsend because you aren't tripping over your suitcase to get to the desk. They have these "Santa Monica" suites that even come with dining tables and sinks—basically mini-apartments for people who are in town for a week of meetings at Ebell or Creative Circle.
The Small Stuff Matters
- Yoga mats: Every single room has one. It's a Kimpton thing.
- Frette linens: The sheets are actually high-quality, not that starchy hotel fabric that feels like paper.
- The Nespresso situation: There is a 24/7 Nespresso machine in the 2nd-floor lounge. This is important because, for some reason, they don't put coffee makers in every room.
- Atelier Bloem: The bath products smell like a high-end spa, not a chemistry set.
Why the Rooftop is the Real Draw
The rooftop is home to Videre Restaurant & Bar.
This isn't just a place to grab a sad club sandwich. It’s a full-on Southern Californian vibe. You have 360-degree views where you can see the Hollywood Sign and the Griffith Observatory on a clear day. The pool is right there too.
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Now, full disclosure: the pool is small. It’s more of a "dipping pool" than a place to do Olympic laps. It’s shallow. It’s for lounging with a cocktail while looking at the Hollywood Hills, not training for a triathlon.
What to Eat at Videre
I’ve seen people rave about the breakfast. The Cranberry French Toast is a heavy hitter. If you’re there for lunch or dinner, the Wilshire Burger with Tillamook cheddar is solid, but honestly, people go for the atmosphere.
One thing to watch out for: the service can get a bit overwhelmed during the weekend brunch rush. If you’re in a hurry to catch a flight, maybe don't sit down for a three-course rooftop breakfast at 10:00 AM on a Saturday.
The Pet Policy is Actually Insane
Kimpton is famous for this, but the Hotel Wilshire takes it seriously.
If your pet fits through the door, they can stay. No, seriously. There are no size limits. No weight limits. No breed restrictions. And the best part? $0 pet fee. In a city where most hotels charge a "non-refundable $150 cleaning fee" just for the privilege of having a dog breathe on the carpet, this is a massive win. They even provide bowls and beds. If you’re traveling with a Great Dane or a cat that thinks it’s a person, this is probably your best bet in Los Angeles.
The Hidden Costs: Don't Get Blindsided
Look, I’m being honest with you. The room rate you see on Expedia isn't the final price.
There is a resort fee (or "amenity fee") that usually hovers around $35 to $45 per night. This covers the Wi-Fi, the bikes, and the evening wine hour. Speaking of the wine hour—it’s from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily. Use it. It’s free wine in a city where a glass usually costs twenty bucks.
Valet parking is another one. It’s currently around $50-$55 per night. That’s standard for LA, but it still hurts. There isn't much street parking around Wilshire that won't result in a ticket or a towed car, so you’re basically locked into the valet. Just budget for it.
Is It Sustainable?
They are LEED Silver certified. This means they use high-efficiency HVAC systems and LED lighting. They also use green cleaning products. For some people, this is a "nice to have." For others, it’s a dealbreaker. It’s nice to know that your AC isn't single-handedly melting the polar ice caps while you sleep.
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Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you are planning to book a stay, here is how you do it right.
- Request a "Sunset" Suite: If you can swing the upgrade, the views of the hills as the sun goes down are worth the extra cash.
- Join IHG One Rewards: Even if you never stay at another IHG hotel, members get free Wi-Fi and sometimes a late checkout. It takes two minutes to sign up.
- Borrow the Bikes: They have custom-designed PUBLIC bikes. Use them to ride over to The Grove or the Farmers Market. It’s way better than sitting in Wilshire traffic.
- Check the Rooftop Schedule: Sometimes they close the pool area for private events. Call ahead if you’re planning your whole Saturday around a poolside cabana.
- Hit the Wine Hour: It’s at 5:00 PM. It’s the best way to meet other travelers and get a "free" start to your evening.
The Kimpton Hotel Wilshire isn't a "mega-resort." It’s a 74-room boutique spot that feels more like a cool friend's apartment than a hotel. It has its quirks—like the lack of in-room coffee makers and the expensive parking—but for the location and the pet-friendly vibes, it is hard to beat.
Your next move: Check your travel dates on the IHG app specifically for "Member Special Rates." If you’re bringing a pet, call the front desk after booking to make sure they have a pet bed and bowls waiting in the room so you don't have to lug yours through LAX.