Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles

The Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles makes its home inside the historic United Artists building, which was built in 1927. The artfully eclectic decor successfully combines industrial chic with quirky vintage details. Arty and eclectic decor from the record library to the photo booth to the fuzzy walls covers the lobby, which also has playful black-and-white checkered floors, coffered ceilings, and stained-glass windows. The original factory floors are still here, as are the concrete ceilings, while artwork from local artists hangs along the walls. L.A. Chapter, the on-site restaurant, has chains on the ceiling, a metal bar, broken-in leather furniture, and golden-topped tables. The Coffee Counter, with black and white tile and a mirror menu mimics the look, while the Moon Juice stand operates out of the theater's old ticket booth. In an atmosphere that stresses individuality, Ace Hotel employees are encouraged to dress in their own casual but hip style -- no uniforms here. The Ace caters to the stylish, hip, young and free-spirited, and draws a lot of musicians and those doing business in the nearby Fashion District.

The Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles is in the gentrifying, and sometimes dodgy, Broadway Theater District, with restaurants, shops, and metro within walking distance. The Orpheum Theater, Nokia Theater, and Staples Center are less than a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is about a five-minute drive, while Dodger Stadium and the University of Southern California are about 10 minutes away by car. Both Los Angeles International Airport and Bob Hope Airport are about a 25-minute drive away.

Room types include Small, Medium with and without terraces, Large, Loft, and Ace Suites. These well-organized spaces all shine in their details, easily combining industrial chic with vintage. Original concrete floors and ceilings dominate the open areas, and mustard-yellow carpets match colorful Pendleton wool blankets on the beds. Gray chairs and green couches provide extra seating. Revo Radios, mounted flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars and extra snacks, and Wings + Horns bathrobes come with all rooms. Many rooms have acoustic Martin Guitars and Ace x Rega RP1 turntables with vinyl records, and others have terraces, wet bars, and kitchenettes. Guests have complained about the dim lighting.

Sliding barn doors and antique-style brass fixtures adorn the open concept bathrooms, with white or gray tile in the shower/tubs. Photos on the front of the bathroom doors are described in detail on the back of the doors. Some bathrooms have lovely claw-foot tubs while others have walk-in showers. All bathrooms are stocked with Rudy’s toiletries and Pearl+ soaps. The glassed-in showers and lack of doors in some bathrooms might be a bit too open for some guests, as they do compromise privacy.

The rooftop bar, the Upstairs, which holds almost nightly events that can include DJs, live bands, yoga classes, and book-release parties -- not to mention its crafted cocktails -- gets crowded with guests and locals alike.  A small concrete pool, which is surrounded by green-padded lounge chairs, is also on the roof. Both the bar and pool offer exceptional city views.

L.A. Chapter, the on-site restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering American fare with a kick. Coffee Counter and Moon Juice, with organic cold-press juices, nut and seed milks, and snacks, also have space in the hotel. The Mezzanine provides a spot to work, or to gather with friends.

The fitness center, open 24 hours, has vintage-looking red striped wooden floors and antique fixtures mixed in with modern workout machines and free weights. Free rental tokyobikes, specifically designed for the hotel, are available to guests, along with 24-hour room service and a coin-operated laundry. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, as this is the type of crowd that needs complete access to their Instagram accounts.