For hotelier Avi Brosh’s newest addition to his Paligroup collection, Palihotel Melrose Avenue, he knew he had found the perfect location in the former 1960s senior living residence-turned-hostel. “When an opportunity on Melrose presented itself, I became fascinated with the idea of having a property that could play off the longstanding energy, diversity, and style orientation of Melrose Avenue,” he explains. “Melrose is such an iconic and integral part of Los Angeles and having the only hotel property on this stretch of prime real estate is something that really appealed to me.”

The hotel is infused with “a combination of custom-made pieces and vintage finds with the intent to create a chic urban European Inn sensibility,” says Brosh, adding that the Palihotel is different from the Palihouse Hollway in specifics, but the overall approach and style is similar. “Our overall concept was to create something that was design-oriented but not fussy. By allowing the original traits of the building show through, we have maintained a level of authenticity and building integrity but we have enhanced the space with our design ideas and clever programming.”

Don’t expect the usual setup in the 32 guestrooms-bed and art orientation is atypical, closets are deconstructed but “fun,” and there are non-traditional color schemes (think blue, gray, and orange). Other highlights include Vanity, a blowout bar; ThaThai, a Thai massage parlor; and Palikitchen, a neighborhood coffee shop. “Our section of Melrose Avenue is a thriving residential area with a lot of foot-traffic, so it was important that we designed a venue that would enhance the neighborhood in a natural and welcoming way,” says Brosh. “The design elements are intended to make guests (travelers and locals alike) feel like we get them-that they are understood.”