Checking in: The Glenmark Hotel
Photo credit: The Glenmark Hotel
The Glenmark Hotel has opened amid the coronavirus pandemic. From the moment we step out of the car in front of The Glenmark Hotel, it's clear that every aspect of the hotel opening has been adjusted for the coronavirus outbreak. Staffers in monogram Glenmark masks instantly descend and guide us—without contact–toward the entrance. In the not-so-distant past, this welcome ritual may have raised a few eyebrows upon arrival at a hotel. But as I cross the threshold of the shiny new property in Glendale, California and enter its bright and airy industrial lobby, I feel a mix of relief, resignation, and reassurance. In short? It already feels normal.
The opening of The Glenmark Hotel has a timely feel: Not only is its arrival likely to give Glendale a much-needed bolster as it struggles with smaller tourist crowds, it’s also a litmus test for hotel openings in an uncertain COVID-19 climate.
The Concept
“The design and the location primarily has to do with me. The location is special because it’s my home town. I felt there was a void for a lifestyle boutique hotel in the area. The design was also driven by my own personal preference for when I travel. I prefer design-inspired, unique hotels.”
We spy signs of this creativity in a raft of anti-coronavirus initiatives during my stay—many perhaps destined to become the new normal in hospitality: from sanitized and sealed guest rooms and contactless menus to downsized social gatherings and strictly controlled entry points.
Renowned Santa Monica-based firm Hirsch Bender Associates was tapped to design the hotel, implementing thoughtful details that reflect the location’s heritage and creative identity. The hotel lobby presents a rotating selection of artwork from both well-known artists as well as local creators. Dali and Picasso replicas reflect the design of the lobby’s unique lighting, furniture and accessories. Paintings from Arshile Gorke, an Armenian artist, pay homage to Glendale’s community. Myriad mediums of art, including sculptures, provide ties to L.A.’s arts, music and entertainment industries.
Photo credit: The Glenmark Hotel
The Scene
Perhaps Glendale’s first seriously cool hotel, The Glenmark Hotel is hyper-stylish and bathed in natural light and textures. The vibe is simultaneously spare and plush, with industrial-cement ceilings, fresh greenery, indecently comfortable beds, and mid-century modern inspired textiles and furniture.
The hotel is home to two excellent restaurants, a great rooftop lounge, lobby bar, and a really cool coffee spot—so not only is it pulling in your average tourist, but it's also attracting young, local foodies and families who are there just to eat and drink. It's also a draw for hip travelers who are in the Glendale area for fun, rather than for business. It's too smart to be dismissed as hip or trendy—it's sophisticated, low-key, and likely will attract all walks of Los Angeles’ international crowd.
The property is on the north end of Brand Boulevard, just over a mile from the tourist-popular Americana shopping destination. It’s in a quieter part of the neighborhood, but it's becoming legitimately cool with good restaurants and shops. In a city that has evolved into a rich entertainment capital, a thriving business hub, and a community rooted in heritage, The Glenmark stands out for being a seriously cool hotel with excellent design and really great food and drink offerings.
Photo credit: The Glenmark Hotel
The Service
It's amazing to us that a hotel this new has a staff so warm, friendly, and familial already. Whether it's the front desk filling you in on neighborhood gems, the bartender at Mila chatting you away as he makes your drink, staffers just pausing to check on you as they pass you in the hallway, everyone here seemed happy and friendly, and attentive at all hours.
The Room
A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, the Glenmark was designed by creatives for creatives. The hotel’s artful 85 guest rooms share a similarly smooth mesh of the Tribute’s stylish culture, as we discover after breaking the “sanitized” sticker sealing the door of our fifth floor room.
Our neat and modern room is like most others in the new building; it has a loftier, lighter architectural feel, a perfect match with the local artwork on the walls, carefully curated by local favorite Kevin Barry Fine Art.
There are four distinct room types—Corner King Suites, King Deluxe, King and Double Queen—for guests to select the style that perfectly suits their needs. Furniture features distinct design with tailored details and unexpected, mixed materials. Bathrooms are fitted with chic hardware displaying modern lines, marble countertops and eye-catching tile work.
Amenities also include a 55” Smart television with access to premium services like HBO and Netflix (perfect for our staycation binge); mini refrigerator; in-room safe; Nespresso coffee selection; and complimentary Wi-Fi and High-speed internet access.
Dining
A gem in the Jewel City, The Glenmark features Intelligentsia Curbside Roasters, a lobby bar, and two dining venues. The restaurants, quite wisely, stick to what the Tribute Portfolio is best at: food that will no doubt appeal to domestic crowds hungry for a more global menu. Sophisticated and approachable, signature restaurant Olia has playful no-frills Mediterranean and French Provincial cuisine led by Executive Chef Tony Trujillo, who is familiar with seasons and flavor profiles that come with being a Southern California native. It is perfect for brunch with items like decadent blueberry-lemon ricotta pancakes, eggs Benedict, and the best seasoned sweet potatoes we’ve ever had; or a mid-day snack with a variety of flatbreads that don’t skip on flavor or authenticity. Mila, the highest rooftop bar in Glendale, has elevated and modern tapas fare that is comforting, filling, and complements the season. Our favorites include the three-cheese flatbread, yellowtail tostadas, and thoughtfully-made handcrafted cocktails perfect for basking in the Golden Hour sunset over the nearby Verdugo mountains in view.
Photo credit: The Glenmark Hotel
Photo credit: The Glenmark Hotel
What We Loved
The food and drink offerings are a real draw here, both for locals and visitors.
The bed was heavenly; pillows fluffy and sheets perfectly soft and light.
Peloton stationary bikes, free weights, and cardio machines in the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center.
Wi-Fi is free and fast