A stone’s throw from trendy neighborhoods like Atwater Village and Los Feliz, plus iconic L.A. landmarks including the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park, the once sleepy bedroom community of Glendale is a destination in its own right - one home to a vibrant downtown, destination eateries and now a brand-new boutique hotel.
Opened over the summer and handily located just off the 134 Freeway, The Glenmark, Glendale, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel is within easy driving distance of Walt Disney Studios, Brand Park, and the Los Angeles Zoo. While some local attractions currently remain closed, the hotel has since become a popular “workcation” spot for Angelenos and out of towners looking to change their surroundings for a day or two.
An Art Hotel with Indie Spirit
Part of Marriott’s independent boutique hotel collection, The Glenmark stays true to the Tribute Portfolio brand's 'indie spirit' thanks to its contemporary art-forward design. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a stylish open-plan lobby whose art wall showcases local talent alongside reproduction prints by Dali and Picasso. A vision in black leather, dark wood, and Scandinavian accent chairs, the lobby bar and communal seating area here is an inviting place to post up with the laptop and work on a few emails – face mask on and socially distanced, of course.
Chic & Comfortable Rooms
The hotel features 85 rooms ranging from King and two Queen Deluxe to a Deluxe King and one-bedroom King Suite. And in keeping with The Glenmark’s art hotel sensibilities, Santa Monica’s Kevin Barry Art Advisory curated artwork throughout, including wallpaper murals and grouped trios of framed prints and photographs. Alongside smart televisions and minifridges, elegant Nespresso coffee makers also feature.
Bathrooms are modish monochromatic affairs with matte white tile, black fixtures, and tastefully coordinated eco-luxury bath products from New York-based brand Five Wits. The ‘no-touch’ infrared mirrors are figuratively, and, literally in the age of COVID, a really nice touch.
Rooftop Bar with a View
Lending itself well to natural social distancing is the hotel’s expansive rooftop bar and restaurant, Mila. Perched on the 7th floor and helmed by Executive Chef Shant Hallajian (The French Laundry, Carousel Restaurant), the Mediterranean-focused menu spans everything from small plates and bar bites (think flatbreads and shawarma sliders, plus sushi on weekends) to a $200 Tomahawk steak. The Instagram-worthy views over the California Verdugo Mountains aren’t bad either – especially while cozying up at one of the fire pit tables with a cocktail or glass of wine.
The Takeaway
A Category 6 property in the Marriott Bonvoy program, The Glenmark is a sophisticated yet approachable choice for locals and travelers, whether looking to get away and work/relax for a few days or as a base for exploring Los Angeles and the local area.
Peace of Mind During COVID
The Glenmark Hotel opened with Marriott’s Commitment to Clean program of enhanced safety standards. Facemasks are required in all public spaces, and social distancing guidelines are enforced across all common areas. Bedrooms feature stickers taped to the doors, indicating they have been thoroughly cleaned and are safe and ready for their next guests.