A Guide to Los Angeles, Atelier Style

When your work takes you to LA, you lean into it. Between site visits, sourcing trips, and a little California dreaming, we've found our favorite corners of the city—filled with bold interiors, great food, and energy that can only be found in California.

Here’s your Atelier-approved guide to staying, shopping, and eating your way through Los Angeles.

Where to Stay

Santa Monica Proper
A true California gem. Designed with earthy textures, warm tones, and coastal ease, this hotel is both relaxing and inspiring. The rooftop restaurant and pool are a must, and the lounge off the lobby is where we’d happily take every meeting.

Hyatt Centric Santa Monica
Comfortable, modern, and just a few blocks from Venice Beach and downtown Santa Monica. Bonus points for the pool and walkability.

The Georgian Hotel
If Wes Anderson designed a beachside escape, this might be it. Colorful, art deco with a hint of Southern charm—this hotel has personality in spades.

What to Do

Walk it out
From the Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach to downtown LA, the people-watching is unmatched. Shopping? Even better. It’s the best kind of inspiration overload—classic Californian chaos.

The Great.
A beautifully curated shop full of laid-back fashion and home finds. We visited the Abbot Kinney location and left very inspired (and slightly overpacked).

Pop Up Home
This is where vintage furniture dreams come true. Think one-of-a-kind pieces, artful vignettes, and a refreshingly non-corporate point of view. A must-stop for anyone who loves the thrill of the hunt.

The Getty Museum
Come for the Monet and early 20th-century furniture, stay for the architectural views and courtyard moments. Even if you’re not in museum mode, the setting is worth the trip.

Where to Eat

Xuntos
Stylish tapas with interiors to match. After a trip to Spain, we were curious how this would compare—and it delivered. The design is sleek, the food delicious, and the vibe very “we could be here for hours.”

Din Tai Fung (Santa Monica)
Yes, it’s in a mall. No, it doesn’t matter. The dumplings are that good. Trust us.

Élephante
Indoor-outdoor bliss, vibrant cocktails, and Mediterranean-inspired everything. It feels like Proper Hotel’s cooler little sister—and yes, we’ll be back.

Porto’s Bakery
Fast, casual, and wildly good. Grab pastries, breakfast sandwiches, or just a box of things you didn’t know you needed.

Sweet Maple
We came for the Millionaire’s Bacon. We stayed for, well, more Millionaire’s Bacon. It’s spicy, sweet, and worth a return trip.

The Butcher’s Daughter (Venice)
A plant-forward brunch that doesn’t feel like a compromise. The Greek-style eggs and Spicy Kale Caesar were standouts.

Whether you’re visiting for work or play, Los Angeles has something for every kind of creative. Save this guide, bookmark a few of these spots, and don’t be afraid to linger a little longer next time!