From the Bonaventure.

No one could accuse John Portman of making boring buildings, and his many hotels across the world are a testament to the belief that the destination should be the highlight of a journey. He has left a massive footprint with his innovative designs which span the globe. An American original. I have always loved his Bonaventure Hotel (1977) in downtown Los Angeles and would visit frequently to enjoy the architecture when a resident (1987-93) of what is my favorite American city.

So when my 13 year old son Winston and I visited Los Angeles last week, one goal was to show him the best of the best across this amazing city. These were snapped from our room on the 30th floor. The views were simply thrilling, downtown America at its best.

The vast lobby with its many pools is a surprisingly quiet and restful place. Noise does not resonate here. It simply wafts away up the vast atrium. Check-in and check-out were exceptionally smooth and professional, American hospitality management at its best. These people clearly love what they do.

Winston stays dry.

John Portman’s distinctive architecture.

There’s an outstanding, if expensive, steak house on the 35th floor named the Prime Rib, where Winston and I enjoyed the finest steaks we can recall. Walk down one level to the 34th floor and you will find yourself in the rotating bar – quite something – and the vibrations from the motor can just be felt in the Prime Rib if you touch the table with your fingertips! These places typify the sense of wonder which pervades this venue.

The Prime Rib boasts tremendous food and views.

You can read more about John Portman here. Portman also designed San Francisco’s Hyatt.

First two snaps on the Panny GX7 with the kit zoom, the third on the iPhone 6. I used a small and very light Oben carbon fiber tripod for the night shots – a fine and unobtrusive travel companion which will fit in the smallest of bags, weighing some 2.5lbs with ball head. An ideal match for the small Panasonic camera body.