By: Olivia Nerpouni
Stepping into the Kodō hotel is an invitation to embark on a journey of discovery- the use of design, nature, and hospitality converge to create a layered experience honing in on astral level relaxation. In Los Angeles, staying focused is as necessary as a drink of water after a hike at Runyon Canyon. Creative stimulation flows like an invisible current through the avenues of downtown, enticing the everyday visionary to keep their momentum sharp. The Kodō hotel is located in the heart of the Los Angeles Arts District – a neighborhood that blends rich cultural history with refined sophistication to create an unforgettable synergy. The L.A. Arts District itself reflects the concept of evolution, transitioning from its roots as an industrial hub to a modern artistic neighborhood. Today, the area thrives with experiential galleries and studios – acting as one of the major focal points that Los Angeles is famed for. Offering an immersive experience for locals and globe trotters, visitors of Kodō hotel are treated to impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, and cutting-edge amenities that redefine rejuvenative getaways.
Each room at the Kodō hotel presents minimalist design elements and tranquil living spaces within a repurposed 100-year-old firehouse. Architect Matthew Royce is responsible for refurbishing the iconic historical building into a lush hotel – the project serves as an example of Royce’s passion for design and his selfless perspective on the pleasure of space. Royce desires for his designs to “positively impact the communities they are in while simultaneously improving the lives of people who use them,” and describes the Kodō hotel as a prime model of this thought process. Each room of the hotel is named after an element of the natural world, and corresponding artwork immerses visitors in a transcendental experience that reflects the intentions of designers Emi Katawaki and Jen Whitaker. The Kodō hotel invites visitors to indulge in the extensive amenities offered at the establishment, savoring their time and making lasting memories during their stay. As guests explore the Arts District neighborhood, they find themselves captivated by the vibrant energy and abundance of surrounding art galleries that greet them.
Thoughtfully crafted spaces featuring high, wood-beamed ceilings were designed to give the human body a free sense of movement. The human mind perceives their environment as openly navigable if the measurement of space is larger than their own proportion. At the Kodō hotel, the offset steel facade of the building beckons visitors from the busy streets of the Arts District, and immerses them into a realm of release. The relationship between intention and action is as real as the moon’s relationship to the sun; the Kodō hotel masters the energy it emits in order to intrinsically cleanse what does not reflect their true essence. Each detail at the Kodō hotel was brought forth to inspire an inner sense of time travel – a voyage to your highest self. Cozy lounge areas throughout the stylish grounds balance the relaxing interior of the hotel and the vibrant energy of the surrounding neighborhood. This synchronicity was no coincidence; the Kodō hotel, from its earliest days of conception, had a mission to fulfill – to reflect the beauty of its creative environment back onto guests who believe in its magnetic pull.
Gone are the days of waiting to check into a hotel room. With Kodō’s digital check-in system, guests simply arrive at the building, breeze through the check-in process on their phones, and head straight to their rooms. Upon arrival, guests enjoy complimentary in-room offerings that include bottles of premium bottled water, and artisan Nekohama Matcha chocolate. Whether at the hotel for leisure or work, the high-speed Wi-Fi at the Kodō hotel keeps guests quickly connected. Visitors can stream shows, catch up on emails, or stay in touch with loved ones without interruption. In addition, the Kodō cafe offers complimentary morning beverages and house-baked pastries starting at 9:00am each day. Whether guests prefer freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea paired with a delicious pastry, Kodō cafe provides guests with a delightful way to ease into the day.
No visit to the Kodō hotel is complete without indulging in the culinary delights of Kodō restaurant, a Japanese-American bistro and sushi bar helmed by Chef Alex Suzuki. Taking inspiration from the diverse cultural landscape of Los Angeles, Chef Suzuki crafts dishes that mix traditional Japanese flavors with innovative American twists. From fresh sushi to hearty bistro classics with a modern touch, Kodō restaurant offers a dining experience that reflects the values of the Kodō hotel – balancing tradition with innovation, and simplicity with sophistication. Guests can savor each bite in the stylishly-designed dining space, where each meal reflects the culinary artistry of Chef Suzuki.
Published by: Holy Minoza
