Biltmore Los Angeles Review

If you would have asked me just a couple of weeks ago if I had any desire to make the 120-mile drive from San Diego to Los Angeles to hang out in the city, I would have politely answered, “Hell No. There’s no reason to go to LA when you live in San Diego.” But I’ve recently changed my mind.

Editor’s note: This review reflects our 2022 downtown Los Angeles stay. The Biltmore Los Angeles remains open, but room rates, parking fees, dining and entertainment details can change, so check current information before booking.

A couple of weeks ago, my friend and I took a weekend trip to downtown LA.  I’ve been to LA before but typically stay out of downtown. The first surprise was that the traffic wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be. This could be because we were strategic about when to leave (that means before the rush hour traffic).  It only took us 2.5 hours to get there from downtown San Diego.  Indeed, not bad for a Friday afternoon.

Staying at the Biltmore Los Angeles

The second surprise was how fantastic the Biltmore Millennium Hotel is! Its beauty really does transcend. I felt as if I entered a time capsule.

The Beaux Arts Architecture is a style that comes from the  École des Beaux-Arts school in Paris which drew upon the principles of French neoclassicism and incorporated Renaissance and Baroque elements using modern materials. Beaux Arts is showcased beautifully in this hotel!

During our 2022 stay, rooms started around $149 and self-parking was $50 per day. Those figures are historical, and current room and parking rates should be checked directly with the hotel before booking.

The Biltmore has been around since Old Hollywood and they have walls displaying pictures of all the stars who stayed. One of my personal favorites is Shirley Temple.

For a night of good drinks and casual food the Gallery Bar and Cognac Room.  The bartenders were a blast and it felt as if the patrons knew each other. I like that in a bar.

Another draw that isn’t high on most people’s radar is David Carlo’s Modern Parlor Magic Show. We started off at the Gallery Bar and then headed over to the show which is in a stunning parlor room.  I was so impressed! The guy was mind-reading. I can not wrap my mind around how he did some of the things that he did! Oh and I should mention that he caught a bullet!  David was charming, funny, and quite captivating.  Check out our Facebook page to see an impromptu interview after the show.

Things to Do and Places to Eat in Los Angeles

So many good finds, close enough! For more ideas, see our 10 hidden Los Angeles food and drink gems.

• Maison Matho at 4770 Melrose Ave, if you like a good sandwich.  Oh my! Took us about 15 minutes to get there and let me say, it’s not the nicest part of Melrose. But well worth it! I’m saying it was the absolute best sandwich I’ve ever had. Fresh and crusty bread, bresaola, sunchoke, preserved fennel, and lemon. Chef Daniel Matho (from the French Alps) opened this grab-and-go making homemade braid daily with a variety of French options such as croissants, tarts, omelets, salads, and of course crusty beautiful sandwiches. I fell in love with the Bresaola sandwich. Would drive back to LA just for that!
• Hiking at Griffith Park

Dinner and shopping at the Row DTLA

We had a seafood tower at Rappahannock Oyster Bar. Fresh and delicious!

Pizzeria Bianco had recently opened during our 2022 visit and we were so sad that we were too late for a slice. But we did get to meet Chris Bianco. Humble, hard-working guy. It was an honor. If you don’t know him. Look him up! As Jimmy Kemmel says, “He’s the Yoda of pizza.”  We’ll be back soon to see if that’s true.

• The Walt Disney Concert Hall for music and really just viewing. A must-see and only an 11-minute walk from the Biltmore.
• Grand Central Market Los Angele’s largest and oldest opened market opened in 1917. Just a 10-minute walk from the Biltmore.

Is the Biltmore Los Angeles Worth It?

For our downtown Los Angeles weekend, the Biltmore delivered the historic character, central location and easy access to nearby attractions that changed my expectations of staying downtown. I would return, while checking current room, parking and dining details before booking.