Long before members-only clubs like Soho House promoted social interaction, networking and special interests (like magic), LAAC was Los Angeles’ first private club. Founded in 1880, it became a center for physical culture and still continues to evolve with the dynamic vibe of downtown.

With a lux $10 million renovation underway, the iconic club sought to honor its flavorful history with a fresh new identity to appeal to a younger generation of downtown patrons.

HISTORY

Long before private clubs like Soho House and affluent members-only establishments became a staple in Southern California, the Athletic Club Los Angeles was at the forefront of physical culture. Founded in 1880, the Club strove to promote and encourage the practice of healthful exercise and wholesome sports. The LAAC is also known for being the first private club to open its doors to women, as early as 1914.

In 1912, a column in the Club's publication Mercury described how 7th Street came to a standstill as "a procession of disguised revelers, automobiles, coaches and—are those elephants?" It was the Club's inaugural High Jinks celebration and a commemoration of art, culture, mischief and fun.

The Club was the place for men to gather for social interaction, business and sporting events. Members enjoyed a wide range of activities, from the latest in fitness to fine dining and cocktails. The first LAAC pool was a sight to behold and drew crowds for its weekly swim meets. The Club was also home to the first amateur basketball championships and hosted a number of hopeful Olympians.

Today, the Club is still a private club with hotel rooms, but it feels more like a second home, complete with pro-style lockers, new spa facilities, classic barbershop and salon and high-end athletic retail. We partnered with local firm SRK Architects to reimagine the building and bring new life to its historic spaces. Guests enjoy limited membership privileges, including access to the Club's athletic and social amenities, when staying overnight in our boutique hotel rooms.

FITNESS FACILITIES

The LAAC is a hotel, a gym, and a private social club all wrapped up into one sleek, modern facility in Downtown Los Angeles. The club offers state-of-the-art fitness facilities, top-tier restaurants and bars (like the recently revamped Invention), and luxury meeting, conference and hotel rooms. It's also home to a full schedule of events, including wine tastings and seminars. Members and hotel guests can enjoy a slew of amenities, from the deluxe fitness center to the spa to the historic pool—which boasted swimmers such as Rudolph Valentino and Mary Pickford.

There are also several racquetball, squash and basketball courts to choose from. During their stay, guests are granted full access to the club’s facilities, which span nine floors. During their workout, they can swim laps in the heated indoor pool, take part in yoga, Pilates or spin classes, shoot hoops on the gleaming basketball court, and more.

Guests can also relax with a massage or work in the club's co-working spaces. And when they're ready for a meal, the Famous Players restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch with a casual bistro atmosphere. The Olive Club membership program, which is valid for the duration of their stay, gives guests access to all the club's amenities. This includes the 80,000-square-foot fitness facility and a range of sports, dining and lounge areas.

RESTAURANT

Long before members-only establishments like Soho House spawned clubs to foster social connection, professional networking and even hobbies (like magic), the LAAC was built as a second home for its residents and guests. Located in Downtown Los Angeles, the historic club building includes five floors of athletics and wellness facilities, three restaurants and bars, co-working spaces and 72 luxurious hotel rooms and suites.

Whether you’re craving a hearty burger, a succulent steak or a refreshing cocktail, this upscale eatery has something to delight every palate. Our menus are inspired by recipes found in the Club’s historic archives. The restaurant also offers a variety of snacks and desserts to fuel you between workouts or before your evening out at the Blue Room bar, one of LA’s oldest speakeasies - which can only be accessed by finding the hidden stairwell behind the library bookshelf.

The hotel is beautifully appointed with period furnishings, rich colors and beautiful decorations. The spacious rooms feature flat-screen TVs, turndown service and free Wi-Fi. A refrigerator and a coffee machine are available in all rooms, while the bathroom comes with a bathrobe, slippers and hairdryer. Some of the suites have a spa tub, while others have a balcony and seating area with views of the city skyline. On-site dining options include Famous Players, a relaxing upscale bistro for breakfast and lunch, or Invention Bar/Restaurant, offering pre-prohibition cocktails, a nightly special and a full-service bar.

ROOMS & SUITE

Long before Soho House and other elite members-only clubs opened their doors to social interaction, professional networking and specific interests (like magic), the LAAC was a center of physical culture for the entire state. While it still focuses on fitness and health today, the club has also expanded to include luxury meeting, conference and hotel rooms, state-of-the-art athletic facilities, restaurants and bars.

The building is a historic landmark and offers rooms with a classic gentleman’s club feel. It’s also known as the backdrop for a few episodes of Mad Men (it stood in for the New York City Athletic Club) and is a favorite spot for local and celebrity athletes to gather, practice or shoot some hoops.

While the club remains a private institution, guests staying overnight at this unique Los Angeles hotel can experience some of what it’s like to be a member by enjoying limited membership privileges during their stay. This includes access to the club’s vast 88,000-square-foot facilities including an upstairs pool and racquetball/squash/basketball courts.

The hotel’s rooms feature a cozy, dark atmosphere with classic furnishings and antique accents. They have a deluxe Queen or King-sized bed, flat screen TV, turndown service and refrigerator. During their stay, guests can enjoy a full breakfast in Famous Players, and lunch or dinner at Invention bar/restaurant featuring pre-prohibition cocktails and a nightly special.