By: Olivia Nerpouni
In the city where wellness has become synonymous with living – Kodō Los Angeles embraces the serenity of Japanese traditions to offer guests a quiet retreat from the energetic festival of the city. Originally a 1920s fire station, the Kodō Hotel recently underwent a transformative renovation led by interior designers Jen Whitaker and Emi Kitawaki of Gry Space, along with architect Matthew Royce. When designing the hotel, Royce aimed to “positively impact the communities they are in while simultaneously improving the lives of people who use them,” citing the Kodō hotel as a prime example of this philosophy. Inspired by the Japanese concept of “omentanashi,” which emphasizes care over expectation, the hotel’s design is intentionally simple: each element, from the indirect lighting to the open-concept showers, is thoughtfully designed to instill a sense of tranquility and mindfulness in guests.
The name “Kodō,” which means “heartbeat” in Japanese, reflects the essence of cultural fusion that permeates the space at the Kodō Hotel. The eight main rooms at Kodō feature polished concrete floors, low-to-the-ground beds, and high loft-like ceilings. Each room is named after and inspired by a different natural element, complemented by artwork that reflects every theme. The minimalist ambiance provides a welcome contrast to the bustling streets outside, deepening the hotels’ bond with nature. Furthermore, king-sized futon beds, custom-made concrete sinks, and open showers stand out against the modest design elements of the rooms. Particularly noteworthy are the bathrooms, where the sink and shower serve as focal points. Encased in striking black stone, these statement pieces add to the hotel’s unique charm.
Waking up is easy at Kodō with complimentary morning beverages and house-baked pastries from Kodō Café. Even better, guests who arrive before 5pm can enjoy a selection of beer, wine, matcha, and coffee at the café, or later arrivals can head to the nighttime restaurant for a similar experience. Even better, the convenient location of the hotel makes it stand out amongst competitors. For those traveling from afar, Los Angeles International Airport is only a 26-minute drive from Kodō. Positioned in a vibrant area, the Kodō Hotel is surrounded by a dynamic array of upscale startups and office complexes. Additionally, just 3.3 km from Grand Park, the Kodō Hotel offers easy access to some of LA’s iconic attractions, including a renowned museum and a major sports stadium. For guests seeking unique culinary experiences, the Kodō Hotel’s own restaurant is just a stone’s throw away.
Descending into the Kodō restaurant, guests are greeted by a chic Japanese-American eatery that features bare concrete walls and black steel accents that radiate an undeniable coolness.
Eye-catching design touches like an indoor maple tree and billowing fabric surrounding the patio add to the serene atmosphere of the dining area, seamlessly integrating it with the above hotel. The menu at Kodō reflects a fusion of Kyoto-style cuisine and American bistro inspiration, with dishes cooked over binchotan charcoal and a sushi counter showcasing locally-sourced fish and imported delights from Japan. At the sushi counter, guests can choose from traditional à la carte options such as Toro, Maguro, and Uni, or explore more unique creations like flavorful Maki-Rolls. Catering to diverse palates, vegan alternatives like the Futo-Maki Roll featuring seasoned spinach and fresh kampyo ensure there is something for everyone. Another highlight of Kodō’s dining experience is the omakase, a 12-course meal crafted by the restaurant’s skilled chefs. Other popular offerings are the ponzu oysters, sesame yellowtail kingfish, and crispy rice options, which can be ordered as starters or a main course. Furthermore, under the guidance of beverage director Chris Gomez, the restaurant’s cocktail offerings are designed to complement the bold flavors of the menu. With a focus on unpasteurized sakes and unique cocktails like the melon soda with shochu and Midori, Kodō restaurant delivers a dining experience that is both refined and adventurous.
From its minimalist design elements to its fusion cuisine, every aspect of Kodō is curated with wellness in mind. Conveniently located near unique attractions, the hotel ensures easy exploration of LA’s treasures. Meanwhile, the Kodō restaurant fascinates diners with its cool ambiance and innovative menu. As guests indulge in sushi delights and signature cocktails, they are enveloped in a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that will leave them longing for more.
Published by: Martin De Juan
