You’ve probably seen the Historic Mayfair Hotel LA while driving down West 7th Street and wondered if it’s actually open. Or maybe you remember it as that edgy, artistic Westlake spot where the lobby looked like a movie set. Honestly, this place has lived about nine different lives since 1926. It’s not just a building; it’s a weirdly accurate barometer for whatever is happening in Los Angeles at any given moment.
When it first opened, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Think about that for a second. In an era of flappers and Prohibition, this was the peak of luxury. It even hosted the very first Academy Awards after-party in 1929. But if you walk by today, you aren't seeing flappers. You're seeing a massive renovation project that follows a controversial stint as a homeless housing facility. It’s complicated.
The Roaring Twenties and the Flapper Era Fame
The Historic Mayfair Hotel LA was designed by Curlett & Beelman. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because they basically built the "look" of old Los Angeles. They did the Roosevelt and the Eastern Columbia building too. When the Mayfair opened, it was the height of opulence. We’re talking hand-carved ceilings, marble floors, and a sense of "new money" energy that defined the 1920s.
Raymund Burr lived here. So did plenty of other stars who wanted to be close to the action but slightly removed from the chaos of Hollywood. It was the "it" spot. The 1929 Oscars party in the ballroom wasn't just a party; it was a statement that Westlake was the center of the cultural universe.
Then, things shifted.
As the city expanded west and the 110 freeway eventually carved through the neighborhood, the Mayfair started to lose its luster. By the mid-20th century, it wasn't the crown jewel anymore. It was just another aging hotel in a neighborhood that the city was starting to forget. It spent decades as a mid-tier option, often catering to tour groups or people who wanted a cheap room near the Convention Center.
👉 See also: US States I Have Been To: Why Your Travel Map Is Probably Lying To You
The $75 Million Glow-Up That Almost Stuck
Fast forward to 2018. This is when the Historic Mayfair Hotel LA became "cool" again. Gulla Jónsdóttir, a world-renowned designer, was brought in to lead a massive $75 million renovation.
She didn't just paint the walls. She turned the lobby into an art gallery. There was a podcast studio. There was a library. The "Eve American Bistro" was supposed to be the next big dining destination in the city. They leaned hard into the "dark and moody" aesthetic—lots of velvet, black marble, and brass fixtures. It felt like a modern noir film. For a couple of years, it worked. Local DJs played sets in the bar, and the hotel became a hub for the LA creative scene.
But then 2020 happened.
The pandemic hit the hospitality industry like a freight train, and the Mayfair made a pivot that most luxury hotels wouldn't dream of. It joined Project Roomkey. This was a city initiative to house the unhoused in vacant hotel rooms to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For two years, the velvet sofas and art-filled hallways weren't for tourists; they were for the city's most vulnerable residents.
What Really Happened During Project Roomkey?
This is the part of the story that people usually gloss over because it's messy. Honestly, it was a disaster for the physical building. While the program provided essential shelter, the transition from a boutique luxury hotel to a social services hub was brutal on the infrastructure.
✨ Don't miss: UNESCO World Heritage Places: What Most People Get Wrong About These Landmarks
According to city records and various reports from the Los Angeles Times, the city eventually agreed to pay the hotel owners, Crescent Hotels & Resorts, a massive settlement—over $11 million—to cover damages. We’re talking about broken elevators, ruined plumbing, and significant wear and tear that the $75 million renovation couldn't withstand. It was a polarizing time for the neighborhood. Some saw it as a noble use of space; others saw it as the final nail in the coffin for a historic landmark.
Why the Location Matters Now
The Mayfair sits on the border of Westlake and Downtown LA. It’s a gritty area. You’ve got MacArthur Park just down the street, which has its own long, complicated history with crime and revitalization.
- Proximity: It’s walking distance to the 7th Street/Metro Center.
- Vibe: It’s not the polished, corporate feel of the Financial District. It’s louder, busier, and more "real" LA.
- Architecture: You can still see the original 1920s bones despite the modern paint jobs.
The Mayfair’s 2025-2026 Revival
So, where are we now? If you try to book a room at the Historic Mayfair Hotel LA today, you might find the doors closed or the website in a "coming soon" state. After the Project Roomkey era ended, the hotel went back into a deep renovation phase.
The goal now is to bring back the "Boutique Art Hotel" vibe, but with a much sturdier operational plan. There’s a lot of talk about security and community integration. The neighborhood is changing again. With the 2028 Olympics looming, every historic building in the 7th Street corridor is being eyed for a comeback.
The Mayfair is currently undergoing a "refresh of the refresh." They are fixing the mechanical issues from the 2020-2022 period and trying to recapture the magic Gulla Jónsdóttir originally brought to the space. It’s a gamble. Can a hotel bounce back from being a social service center to a $300-a-night luxury destination? History says yes, but the street-level reality of Westlake makes it a challenge.
🔗 Read more: Tipos de cangrejos de mar: Lo que nadie te cuenta sobre estos bichos
Misconceptions You Should Probably Ignore
People often think the Mayfair is haunted. Well, every building from 1926 in LA is "haunted" if you ask a certain type of blogger. While there are stories of ghosts in the ballroom, the real "ghosts" are just the remnants of the various eras the building has survived.
Another misconception is that it’s in a "dangerous" area. Look, it’s urban LA. It’s not Beverly Hills. It requires a level of city-smart awareness, but calling it "dangerous" ignores the vibrant immigrant community, the incredible street food, and the actual life happening in Westlake.
Expert Tips for Visiting the Area
If you're headed to that part of town to check out the architecture or stay once it fully reopens, keep these things in mind:
- Parking is a nightmare. Don't even try to find a street spot. Use the hotel valet or a nearby paid lot.
- Eat nearby. Even if the hotel restaurant is open, walk a few blocks to Langer’s Deli for the #19 pastrami sandwich. It’s a James Beard award winner and a literal pilgrimage for foodies.
- Look up. The exterior neon sign and the intricate stonework near the roofline are the best parts of the building.
The Actionable Bottom Line
The Historic Mayfair Hotel LA is currently in a transition state. If you are a history buff or an architecture nerd, it is worth a drive-by just to see the Curlett & Beelman exterior.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Status: Before planning a stay, verify the current operating status on their official site, as reopening dates have shifted several times since 2024.
- Explore the Corridor: Use the Mayfair as a starting point to walk toward the Teragram Ballroom or the Wiltern. This stretch of 7th Street is the best way to see the "real" architectural history of Los Angeles.
- Monitor the News: Keep an eye on local Westlake community boards. The Mayfair’s success is tied directly to the city’s ability to manage the local housing crisis and neighborhood safety.
The story of the Mayfair isn't over. It’s just waiting for its next act. Whether it returns as a high-end art hotel or finds another purpose, it remains one of the most significant landmarks in the Westlake district.