HotelChatter

Now for the “hybrid” part. The word is meant to convey the hotel’s commitment to being as green as possible while still providing all the modern comforts. In addition to rooftop solar paneling which we were told supplies close to 10% of the hotel’s energy needs, the Miyako has also incorporated several other environmental initiatives into its operations.

Some of the wooden features like paneling and the reception desk are constructed out of reclaimed wood. The hotel’s windows are also reflective not only giving guests privacy from prying eyes, but ensuring better insulation from outside temperature changes.

For a final touch, each room comes with a small recycling bin for environmentally conscious guests who don’t want to litter from the mini-bar. Even the shampoo bottles provided by the hotel are made from biodegradable corn-based “plastarch.”

Apart from the eco-features, the hotel is home to a new location of Gonpachi restaurant, with a Japanese-California fusion menu, a large communal table, drinks bar, sushi bar, and seating for 180 inside with 80 more seats on the back patio. There will also be a ground-floor Relaken Spa specializing in hot stone massage opening in January.

As for the 208 guest rooms and 12 suites, we stayed in a standard double. The bed was firm and comfy, the flat-screen TV measured up at about 46 inches, the WiFi was free, and the view of downtown L.A. from the balcony was pretty spectacular.

Though the lighting in the bathroom was a little dim, the walk-in shower-tub area with a traditionally deep Japanese-style tub was nice and roomy, and the most fun gadget in the room by far was the automated toilet with bidet features like water temperature and flow-direction settings.

Want to spend a night being environmentally friendly? Rates start at $159 per night.