The Shay: Rooftop Vibes and Elevated Living in the Heart of LA

Spring has officially arrived in Los Angeles, and with it come longer days, sunshine that lingers, and an unmistakable urge to grab your sunnies and head to a rooftop. If you’re looking for the quintessential LA rooftop experience, where cityscape meets community and style meets soul, The Shay boutique hotel in Culver City is your next stop.

Tucked into the art-forward, walkable Culver City Arts District, The Shay is more than a hotel. It’s a scene, a vibe, a neighborhood connector. It just so happens to have the only rooftop pool in Culver City, making it an undeniable hotspot for locals and travelers alike.

LA Living, Defined

What makes LA living so iconic? It’s the ability to step out of your front door and into a world of flavor, culture, design, and wellness—often all on the same block. The Shay checks every one of those boxes, then adds a margarita with salt air on top. Literally.

Atop The Shay is the hotel’s signature restaurant, Butterfly, serving up modern Mexican fare with California flair from the award-winning José Andrés Group. Think ceviche kissed by citrus, tacos layered with just the right amount of crunch and heat, and cocktails like the Salt Air Margarita, which is crafted with pollinator-friendly agave and fresh local fruit. No overnight stay is required to join the party. Locals can book a cabana, daybed, or even a day room via The Shay’s ResortPass and soak in panoramic views of Baldwin Hills while sipping, dipping, and unwinding.

A Central Stay, Rooted in History

It’s easy to see why The Shay is drawing attention. As a Destination by Hyatt property, it’s built with intention. The architecture reflects Culver City’s legacy as a transportation hub, blending steel, wood, and sleek industrial design with warm hospitality. Public spaces are lined with local art, giving the hotel the feel of a living gallery. The adaptive reuse of materials speaks to the area's past, while the thoughtful modern touches ensure it stays firmly in the present.

The Shay is also perfectly positioned, just minutes from SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome, and the Kia Forum in Inglewood, with Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Downtown LA all within easy reach. Whether you’re in town for a concert, a business trip, or just a stylish staycation, the location can’t be beaten.

More Than a Hotel: A Community Hub

What really sets The Shay apart is its local heartbeat. Every quarter, the hotel hosts “Hometown Hangouts” in the lobby, spotlighting local artisans, creators, and small businesses. These free community events turn the hotel into a lively marketplace where neighbors connect and new brands shine.

The Shay also gives back in meaningful ways. Through a partnership with K9 Youth Alliance, $15 of every $100 pet fee is donated to help under-resourced youth train shelter dogs for adoption. It’s the kind of thoughtful, give-back culture that quietly reminds you: yes, this is still LA at its best.

Wellness, Reimagined

In a city obsessed with wellness, and rightfully so, The Shay makes it easy to stay centered. Guests get 15% off spa services at local favorite Milk + Honey and have access to fitness studios within Ivy Station, the stylish mixed-use complex that surrounds the hotel. Whether you’re punching it out at Mayweather Boxing, toning at Solidcore, or stretching it out at Stretch Lab, everything is within reach.

Why Now? Why The Shay?

Because it’s rooftop season. Because the sunsets are getting more golden. Because in a city that reinvents itself constantly, The Shay has figured out how to feel both brand new and deeply local at the same time.

This isn’t just a place to crash. It’s where art meets intention, tacos come with a view, and poolside lounging feels like a civic duty. So, grab your hat, gather your crew, and claim your cabana. Spring has arrived, and The Shay is calling.

IG @kaseycahen