Hotel Café

I emailed Hotel Café about showing up to see the Michael Malarkey’s show with my service dog, I have her due to my PTSD. Gia emailed me back within 2 hours, we talked and she ended up reserving a table for me. That was seriously the kindest thing that’s happened to me in LA since I have moved here 2 months ago. It was an easy place to reach, there’s parking on the streets or even a lot in the back. The waitress was super friendly and the staff helped me get to my seat as of where to go exactly. I can’t wait to see the show! Very friendly and helpful staff. Very clean and spacious place. Would 100% recommend coming to see Hotel Café. There is no food or snacks, so come after you eat. Drinks are good:) thanks so much Hotel Café for such an amazing experience so far!

My first time… Super Chill Vibe… Hard to believe a place like this exists. I drove up from OC to see Kandace Springs, and stayed for the other three shows. All the artist’s were gifted and the warm acoustics surprised me. There’s something magic about this place.

I’m here for the Morgan James concert. They have 4 tables. For everybody else it’s SRO. Sure wish they advertised that on their web site. I can’t do this. I’m leaving this pos dump.

I’ve been here more times than I can count and it’s never been a bad show since I started coming in 2006. The sound is always top notch. They’ve had quite a few remodels since then. I haven’t been since they added the second stage although that’s probably just icing on the cake. There’s always paid parking nearby ($ 10-​$ 15) although the lots are a bit crowded. Don’t ever leave without checking your car for dings.
I’ve seen Zack Hexum perform (with his brother Nick from 311 in the crowd) David Ryan Harris (probably the most talented singer songwriter in LA, absolutely biased opinion), Ernie Halter, Melissa Polinar, Lights, Zane Carney, even missed John Mayer impromptu appearances on three separate occasions (I’ll always regret it). There’s probably a whole bunch more I can’t remember but everyone has graced the stages here.
A word of caution though: unless you get super early you’re going to be standing so wear comfortable shoes. The servers are somewhat attentive although I’m usually at the bar. It usually baffles me that people pay money to talk over their favorite artists here though. Show some respect. The legend contained within these walls is unto its own though. If you’re from out of town and love small music venues with up and coming talent, definitely come here any night of the week. Also make a stop at Amoeba records which is right up the street.

I sort of like the cozy, compartmentalized spaces inside. But, the entrance situation is very strange and asks patrons to enter in the back loading dock area for seemingly no reason. There are also rules about where to exit, and it’s confusing to navigate if you want to go to the bathroom versus enter the next room where a separate party is.

Went here last night to see some good friends perform. The venue was small but well laid out and the staff were all really helpful and kind!
It’s such a fun space to see musicians and meet great people. The bartender was probably one of the nicest I’ve seen, too.
Great atmosphere, great employees, overall a good stop to make for music!

Great venue for a concert. It’s very intimate! My boyfriend and I usually get there early so we can sit in the front where we can literally see the artists’ sweats! hahaha They have comped water at the bar if you are thirsty. Also some tables and chairs in the front. Paid parking on the side or on the street. Get there early so parking will be cheaper. lol. It’s a 21+ venue. Clean bathrooms. :)

My new favorite LA spot for live music. The Smokey Knights were absolutely incredible. The crowd was minimal, hip, well dressed, not rude, respectable. The bar was good but not impressive however I wasn’t really looking for an incredible drink or anything. I just wanted to listen to great music and jam out and Hotel Café delivered! I wasn’t at Coachella but at least I had fun listening to the great Smokey Knights!

This is my favorite spot for a Friday night adventure. Don’t have any plans? Go to Hotel Café, it will be the best $ 10 you’ve spent all week. I am always so impressed by the fresh talent that performs there. Whoever is doing the bookings, are doing a fantastic job. I think I may actually prefer the smaller stage, even more intimate.
This is a come as you are kind of venue with painting an upscale vibe. The chandelier when you walk in is incredible. multiple bars throughout so you never have to wait longer than 5 min for a drink. I even really like the outdoor patio space.
All in all, its all about the music at Hotel Café. You’ll be glad you came.

This place is a trendy and fun place to go for a show and drinks!
I got invited to a concert for Lawrence at this place by a friend of mine. I had never heard of it and didn’t know what to expect. Located in Central Hollywood, between Hollywood and Sunset, this location has a pretty cool vibe. Everything you would want out of a local band venue.
Same as everywhere else in Hollywood, parking can be a pain. Since there is no designated parking for this venue, you’re on your own to find a paid lot somewhere on the block or some street parking. I wound up paying $ 7 a few blocks away.
The inside is pretty small, so you will see a line out the door but it moves quickly. The door isn’t located on the main street, it’s around back. So that sketchy dark little alley you see? Yeah, walk down that. The door people were very nice and accommodating. I had my friend’s ticket, but he came after me. They let me in and let my friend to the front of the line when he arrived so he didn’t have to wait at the back of the line. Very nice of them!
When you enter, to the right will be a small merchandise booth for whatever band is playing. Then there is a lobby area with a bar where people will hang around with their drinks. This is also where the restrooms are located. The immediate vibe you get is trendy and cozy, everything is pretty dim and hardwood. Once you round the corner you’ll see another bar.
Prices: Expect pricey Hollywood drinks. Small, expensive, and nothing too great. The bartender girl was busy and not friendly. She seemed a bit annoyed.
Passed the bar are some loungey type tables and chairs, and then at the head of the room is a small stage. We made our way to the very foot of the stage since we wanted to be up close to see our friends. Once the show started we just enjoyed our drinks and the music.
If you see a show here that interests you, I would recommend! It’s a cool venue, and you’ll experience an intimate performance since you’re very up close to the music and band.

First time coming here, only reason was to see Sophia Black perform and it was an amazing experience. Very close and intimate to see her sing in such a close and person room. Cute little tables to have a drink and enjoy a nice live act. Everyone here is really friendly.
The only concern I had about this place that their parking lot is Valet parking and i hate people parking my car cuz u never know these peepz that drive your car in LA. I’m anal about anyone else besides me driving my car. I do highly recommend people to come check this out for good live music and have a cocktail
Delish Foodies ^_^

Nice little place for live music. There are some seats, but it’s mostly standing room only. They do have a bar, but that night I didn’t order any drinks so I don’t know if they’re strong or weak. Good vibes! It’s a mixed crowd and everyone seemed real chill and friendly. I would definitely come back again!

Best venue in L.A. Here’s why:
1). Owner/​Booker «Mario» NEVER books a bad act. Singer-​Songwriter genre most nights. Always, top notch, prepare to come home with some new CDs.
2). So intimate… club is tiny. There are a few tables but get there early if you want to sit down
3). Cost. Most nights $ 10 cover to hear you in 4– 6 acts excell entry acts play.
4). Drinks are cheap and good. My signature drink «A double Cosmo in a sippy cup».
5). Parking next door costs $ 10.
6). Amazing Chandelier.
7). Opened a Second Stage

Hotel Café seems to be one of the last venues around where the music is truly held sacred.
If you’ve been to a concert in the last few years, you know that audiences have gotten exceptionally annoying about taking photos (even selfies!) and videos during sets so that you no longer see the stage but instead iPhone screens blocking your view.
That’s not the case at Hotel Café, where audiences vibe the old fashioned way: they just want to listen to the live music. They’re not capturing it on their phones or texting with friends. They’re polite and captive.
Hotel Café draws singer-​songwriters who haven’t yet made it big but are on their way. It’s the perfect place to catch a small intimate performance by some amazing artists and shows are as cheap as $ 10 for a ticket.
I recently watched my favorite male singer-​songwriter, Matt Hires, play here. During his whole set, everyone was just sitting or standing, engaged with the musician and the phones never came out. I saw one or two people take one picture for a moment, but that was about it.
This is such a rare thing at a show nowadays that I had to write about it here.
TIP: really nice that you have in-​and-​out privileges here as they stamp your hand and let you leave and come back if you need to.
TIP 2: there is a parking lot about a block away that was only $ 5 when I went on a recent Sunday night.

Hotel Café is one of my favorite music venues in LA. I’ve been here plenty of times and have seen so many great artists in their element! I love the small intimate space, and even when I don’t know the opening acts, they are always REALLY good! It’s great to see artists with raw talent up close and personal. It’s always cool to hear the stories behind the artists’ songs and learn more about the artist themselves. I also love that since the venue is so intimate, you usually get a chance to meet and chat with the artists after the show.
I would recommend parking in the small lot across from Space 15 Twenty. it’s normally about $ 5 and a block away from the venue. Parking at Hotel Café normally costs about $ 10.

The Hotel Café is located on Cahuenga about 2 blocks north of Hollywood Blvd. Surrounded by some of the best restaurants around, the up and comer of a revamped area has got it all hanging out. Parking is a bit of trouble, but if you make a night of it with dinner, drinks, and then the «Café», parking fees can be reasonable $ 5 – 6.
Come to see someone special, or just showing up to see some local talent? Well, I think you’re gonna enjoy either way. Albeit tight on space, the small stage provides a very intimate setting, almost cozy with dim lights. Some tables are available for the fortunate, but mostly standing room only, so be prepared.
If you love hearing live music, and quite possibly discovering a great new band, this just could be for you. Personally, I love the nearby Piano Bar, but this is also fab.
—
I’ve been twice to see my pal, Alana Sweetwater.
Official page:
A few videos:
Living in a Bubble (
)
Dealin’ with a woman (
)
Since You Went Away (
)

We loved The Hotel Café. Small intimate venue. We saw Keith Harkin with VIP meet and greet tickets so we were seated. We already have tickets to another show. We don’t worry about parking. We spend the night at a nearby hotel and just walk. Every employee we had contact with was very gracious. Shout out to Gia Hughes, she’s a sweetheart.

The Hotel Café is surrounded by terrible parking, terrible traffic and terrible pedestrians. It’s small inside and that means it can get a bit hot; to add to that, you have to stand up the whole time as well.
So why is it that going to the Hotel Café is still famously known as a «must have» experience in LA?
The truth is the Hotel Café will connect you to artists, friends, and fellow guests in a way few venues can. The tight, dimly lit environment can amplify an artist’s voice and create an aura of intimacy that allows strangers to sing together, loved ones to hold each other a little tighter, and allow a community of people to experience music at its rawest levels.
I’ve been to the Hotel Café a couple of times, and always find myself mystified by the captive hold the venue has on all who come here. It’s urban magic at its best.

Nice, intimate music venue. Standing room only, decently priced drinks, no food options. always fun to come here

Absolutely amazing night here. Drinks were good and not pricy and the music was beyond all expectations. Can’t wait to go back.

I enjoyed the bands and the atmosphere was great. Lucky me, I didn’t have to wait in line but if you come late, im sure you’ll have to. Overall good experience

Cool venue to watch up and coming acts and hang for the night. It’s 21+ and tickets are usually around $ 10-​$ 12 at the door.
I’ve seen Melissa Polinar and David Ryan Harris perform here a few times and have had the pleasure of performing on this venue myself. Sound system is very very good. I just recommend getting there early because standing room does get packed quick and the seating is limited to 4 – 5 tables and 20 seats.
Also parking is $ 10 if you don’t want to attempt to struggle through the limited LA parking. Bring cash.

This place is so neat! Located in the back and there is admission you can pay at the door, online, or enter through guest list.
The inside is classy. There is a huge chandelier in the first room with some tables and chairs where you can chat in a quiet and dark space dimly lit with candles.
In the other room there is a live band and bar. Wasn’t too crowded and neat crowd. Will definitely come again!

So — I loved the venue. Intimate setting. Not many seats, but that’s fine. Sound guy had lots of issues getting sound right for the band.
Not the greatest selection of beer, basics like Budweiser, only 1 IPA to choose from.
The bartenders do not make «handcrafted» cocktails. The place looks like they would have good drinks, but I wouldn’t plan on ordering anything with more than 2 ingredients.
I would definitely go back — but not plan on good drink selections.

The Hotel Café is a lounge/​event venue in an alley in central Hollywood, with shitty parking options and a surprisingly cool space. It’s apparently mostly a music venue, but since I am a megadork, I went to read, as part of a series called Tongue and Groove. It was a fun event, with seven readers and a musician performing on a Sunday evening. There was a healthy mix of fiction, memoir, and essay. When I took the stage, I read about basset hounds (
).
There was a $ 7 cover to get in, and I’m not entirely clear on whether this was for the venue or for the show. In any case, it was a fun event, and I’ll probably scout out line-​ups and go as an audience member in the future. There was a musical performance on after us, at 8:30, and the venue seemed great for that, too. It was an intimate set-​up with a small stage and a bar, with several tables and chairs in between. Acoustics were good, and the space felt open but cozy.
I got a drink ticket and the bartender set me up with a nice, mellow Manhattan. He was friendly and the cocktail was good. It lasted me until it was my turn on stage, and then gave me enough courage to have fun while reading.
Hollywood being Hollywood, I don’t know that I’d hang out here without an act to see, but I had a good time at Hotel Café. I’d come back to catch a reading, and I’m sure I’d enjoy seeing some live music here too, if I were a much cooler person.

Awesome place! Small venue, not a lot of seating, has a bar, and dim environment. Great place to listen to music on a random night. When I went, price was only $ 15 and was able to hear Hamilton Leithauser perform up close!!! I really enjoyed the ambiance. Was easy to find parking :)

First time at Hotel Café last night to see Marié Digby perform. Awesome venue! The sound is amazing, the place is noticeably well-​kept and clean, and the bartenders were some of the friendliest I’ve ever encountered at a music venue — much appreciated! The only negative thing is that there aren’t many tables up in front. If you’d like a table, you’d probably have to get there when doors open.
The parking lot closest to the venue is $ 10. There are also a couple of other parking lots a few driveways down from the venue for a few dollars less!

First time I’ve been to this venue and it was awesome. Came to catch a Toadies show. Small intimate and dark. It was like a café version of the House of Blues.
Didn’t pay for drinks, but imagine they were pricey given the area. I like the secluded entry through the alley. Makes the place feel exclusive.

The Hotel Café is like that cool venue that you feel super hipster/​cool knowing about, but that you don’t need to actually be super hipster/​cool to fit in with the crowd.
I’ve been to the Hotel Café a few times now, and it remains one of my favorite performance venues in LA. They host many slightly more «under-​the-​radar» songwriters/​artists, but you can always expect a good show.
Some things to note:
It’s a 21+ over venue.
If you want to snag prime seating at a table, you need to get there EARLY.
Usually, tickets are good for the whole night. However, if you’re planning to stay there for multiple shows, try to purchase tickets for the artist that’s most well-​known. The Hotel Café does a very smart thing of limiting capacity for each performance so that it doesn’t get too crowded (also for fire code reasons, I’m sure), and they will clear out the room of previous patrons if there is a sold-​out show that they need to let other people in for. However, in the opposite case — when shows aren’t sold out — you’re welcome to stay for the whole night.
I also really like their set-​up and acoustics — super nice.

I adore this beautiful, intimate venue! Last week, I had the opportunity to see up and coming singer Leroy Sanchez with my friend. I didn’t expect anything, and I thought that a) it would have a café, and b) it would be attached to a hotel. Neither applied to this venue, but at the end of the day what brought me here was the music anyways. The chandelier upon the entrance was such an elegant touch and definitely gives a very cozy and romantic vibe to the hallway. I was really rather sad that the venue didn’t have food, and didn’t have much seating, but the acoustics was phenomenal! It’s like it made me enjoy the concert even more than I did in other venues. I hope I get a chance to watch a show here again :)

This is an awesome music venue. I’ve been here as a customer and as a musician twice. The décor is nice and modern with a feel of old school luxury, with a chandelier in the entrance and really nice light fixtures throughout. The sound is great and the musicians are always worth seeing. You could go any night of the week and see some great music. Major artists as well as local artists play here and it’s a very intimate setting fitting maybe 250 max in the room.
As a musician (Dinosaur Parade) the staff are great. The sound guy does a great job and it sounds great on stage. The green room is small when you have 4 bands playing but it’s a safe space to leave your stuff.
All in all, great venue, great staff, fair prices and great bands.

This is a terrific place to hear your favorite bands. Stage acoustics are very nice. Negatives are minor, in my opinion. It’s kinda hard to hear the bartenders when the bands are on. Yes, the majority of the room is standing only. The last time I went I stood through two hours, and that didn’t seem trying or uncomfortable. Most of the performers, actually all that I have gone to hear, are very courteous to the performers before & after, and tend to keep the extra noise levels low. Sometimes the room noises can get loud, affecting the on stage act. So overall, ticket sales, bartenders, sound crew, venue acoustics, all very good. Highly enjoyable.

How could you say anything bad about this place?!
It’s a cozy little venue with good acoustics. There is parking, for $ 10 right next door. When I came to see Lapsley, it was a full house, but the bartender was on it and constantly walking around to make sure people were happy. They have a full bar so we got some drinks and were able to really enjoy the music.
Since the place is a little small, that wasn’t much seating, so be advised to come a bit early if you can’t stand for long.

There’s a venue progression artists tend to follow when they play LA and it often starts with the Hotel Café. It’s like a badge of honor to say you got to see someone way back when they played here and even more fun to say you’re seeing them here again after they’ve hit it big. It’s intimate, the sound is great, and both single instrument singer-​songwriters and full bands alike thrive on the small stage. No one gets lost in the space here.
Most artists get a 45 – 60 minute slot, sometimes longer if there are two artists sharing the stage. Some people might crave a longer set than this, but I actually love it because it means you can catch a number of great acts back to back or get in and out of there fast if you only wanted to see one or two. More often than not, I get my tickets in advance, but it would be a fine place to pay a (cash) cover and just see what you get that night. Be advised, however, that if one of the artists is bigger or has already sold out their slot, they often clear the room to accommodate people who specifically paid to see that artist.
They got rid of the garage in the back so parking can be tricky, especially since their nights start at 7pm and the meters in the area are 1-​hour long and go until 8pm. But if you pay for the hour at a metered spot right at 7 and head over, you’re still likely to catch at least most of, if not the entire, first set. For the less frugal among us, there are multiple pay lots in the area as well.
Entrance is around the back, in the alley, and when you come back out to Cahuenga there are a bunch of great restaurants and bars to check out if you’re still looking to experience more Hollywood.
The Hotel Café will always have a big piece of my heart and I look forward to being a patron for years to come.

So, You know those crappy little clubs that you went to towards the end of High School to see your frends bands play?
we’ll…This place is Nothing like that! Complete with a night club-​esque Dancing area (next to a good lookng bar)
The s an amazing place to spend a night in LA.

It may not be the «hidden gem» that it was a few years ago, but the Hotel Café is still one of the best live music venues to go to in LA, and definitely somewhere to check out away from the touristy crowds of Hollywood. I’ve been here a few times to see some rising or already risen artists, and I’ve never been disappointed by any performance. Most of the time there will be multiple acts lined up, and you can either buy tickets online or at the door (cash only). From my understanding, if you come during one of the early shows, once you’ve paid, you’re welcome to stay for the remainder of the night. Just make sure you tell the bouncer who you’re there to see so they can credit the appropriate artist with your money. Compared to other places, it’s pretty affordable here.
Because of its intimate nature, there’s probably not a bad spot in the house to get a glimpse of the elevated stage or to get good acoustics. On a good night, there’s still room to breathe in the back while you enjoy the music. The full bar is only a short walk away from the crowd, and the toilets aren’t that much farther. Also, big plus: there’s a high probability that you might rub elbows with other artists or band members who are either up at another time slot that evening or are just there to support an act. It’s cool to think that if you score a gig at the Hotel Café, you’ll be among good company. And even as a spectator, you can’t help but feel like you’re part of something special each time you step foot into the venue.
P. S. Good luck with parking. It’s feasible, but allow time and patience. Or find valet.

Love how intimate this venue is.
I prefer watching live shows and live music in smaller venues. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing some friends perform here and it’s always been a great experience. It’s never too crowded and there’s always a good view of the stage.
The staff is very friendly and go around during the show asking for drink orders. No need to even move. Awesome user experience design.
Quick Hitters:
1) Limited seating here
2) Small cover depending on show

There’s nothing better than getting a few drinks in you and enjoying some great music in a dark intimate music spot. Hotel Café is great; it’s one of those places that creates memories you remember forever. The small space, the dark interior, and the ability to truly enjoy the music, the musician, and the crowd without getting lost in thousands of people.
There is nothing bad about this place, except that I don’t go here enough. Ranks near the top of my list for places I’ve gone to enjoy some music.

This is a great venue if you want to go and see musicians and bands do their thing.
It’s located on the Cahuenga strip right smack dab in the middle of Hollywood where there are also several eateries and bars up and down the drag.
You normally pay a cover to get in unless you’ve purchased tickets already from your favorite artist you’re going to go see.
I’ve been a couple of times and have really enjoyed most of the groups that I heard play. They have quite a few artists that they line up so even though you go to see your favorite artist, you can also watch all the other artists play too.
Of course there’s a full bar and waitresses will come around and somewhat strong-​arm you into purchasing something, it’s a bit annoying but I suppose they’re just doing their job. I understand you want the tips but, come on. Next time, I’ll just give her a dollar to make her go away, lol!
Seating is limited and most of the time you’re standing unless you’re fortunate to grab a table.
Great place if you like music!