The Report
This venue is VRV (Venue Report Verified), we have personally visited this venue.
When we were invited to the Press opening of the new Ace Hotel, in downtown Los Angeles, we knew we would be greeted by the pearly gates of design heaven. Even Ace Hoteland Commune Design(the design house behind the new hotel) describe the aesthetic as the following "a singular experience, a collection of architectural and design references piled on top of one another. Gropius' office and the Bauhaus, Viennese cafes, Mission-style churches, Luis Barragan, Parisian modernism, Piet Mondrian, and Adolf Loos share space with each other, anod to the irreverence and "no holds barred" design attitude of Los Angeles in the 1920's and 30's" There is so much delightful design going on at this new hotel/venue space that JUST OPENED in January 2014, that it was hard to condense into a singular report. But alas, here we go...
LA is not a place most people take easily; though the community is eclectic, there is one central theme that binds together the denizens and the various architectures of LA: wicked coolness. Now, us reporters don’t say the phrase “wicked coolness” lightly. To us, it describes something so ineffably “wicked cool” that words are hardly apt in description. It’s the overly-stylized visual sensations, the ambient sounds of chatter and automobiles, and sweet waft of olfactory pleasures that greet you as you walk through the grit and grime of the many LA streets. So, it’s only appropriate that Ace Hotel would take on the challenge of renovating a historic United Artists theatre into a fabulous hotel. Partnering up with Commune Design,Ace Hotelhas breathed new life into the beautiful 1920s edifice that once was the hotspot of LA’s Broadway Theatre District’s modern renaissance. In essence, Ace Hotel takes contemporary elements that grip the fascination of new age elements in décor and service to complement the vintage history of LA.
HISTORY LESSON: The ornate theatre was built in 1927 for the maverick film studio, as a monument to a group of seminal American artists pioneering the way. United Artists co-founder Mary Pickford's (a darling of the silent era) had a love for the gothic detail of Spanish castles and cathedrals, which manifested itself into the design of the theatre.
The Scoop
As mentioned, Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angelesjust opened it's doors in January of 2014, but it’s been able to fluidly integrate itself into the city of LA's various attractions, including beautiful artwork, inspiring amateur musicians, and theatric fanfare. The gothic exterior has been given the respect it deserves so it remains an outward attraction to all passersby, while the interior has been renovated to fit a concrete-minimalistic décor. The rooms are intimate and flow in concept from floor to floor; the minimal, yet artsy design transfers itself throughout the modern Parisian lobby, elevator vestibule, coffee bar, restaurant, and the mezzanine lounge. Currently, there are 189 rooms with the presidential being the largest.
This new establishment offers venue spaces with options that are truly endless. Following is the basic breakdown...
THEATRE: Originally built in 1927 in a Spanish Gothic style, this venue space is chock full of history and available for concerts, weddings, dance parties, celebrations, private screenings, corporate events, and social gatherings. The original murals and plaster work inside the Theatre were restored along with the theatre seats that were reclaimed and reupholstered offering a glimpse back into the beauty of yesteryear’s architectural inspiration. To retain the Hollywood glamour, a new Deco-inspired ticket booth façade was created. The 2,300 square feet of lobby space boasts a 35' ceiling, 1,600 seats and a 783 square foot event space. The ornate open balcony and mezzanine overlook the expansive theatre and stunningly detailed murals depict the legends of film's Golden Age. Wow Factor: The thousands of tiny mirrors both covering and glimmering from the vaulted ceilings.
THE SEGOVIA, WALKER AND EISEN, AND THE PRESIDENTIAL SUITE: The spacious Segovia, the banquet rooms, named Walker and Eisen , and the Presidential Suite can host gatherings, parties and corporate events.
PRIVATE SCREENING ROOM: Originally Mary Pickford’s private room for screening rough cuts, the Screening Room is an intimate setting for independent film premieres, conferences or readings. All events and celebrations can be catered by the on-site restaurant.
PHOTOGRAPHY: (Rows 1 - 8) Spencer Lowell
Bonus
Location, location, location. Ace Hotel is in the heart of the historic Broadway theater district, where the UA Theater was just one of the many breathtakingly lavish movie houses that populated the area in the 1920’s and 30’s. This historic hotel/venue is not JUST a party pad.. There is oh so much for your guests to do.
There is a rooftop lounge and pool that features a concrete bunker-like bar that has parapets consisting of vintage steel chain and barn hardware. The rooftop dining experience has a hint of Middle Eastern flavours and is prepared to cater a poolside atmosphere.The view from the lounge is simply amazing, since you can see a far reaching panoramic view of downtown LA. The restaurant on the ground floor, LA Chapter, is graced by the owner of Brooklyn’s Five Leaves. This communal space plays a curated collection of vinyl music and offers delicious seasonal fares, morning coffees, late night desserts, and delightfully delicious drinks alongside conversation from the bartender on duty.
PILLOW TALK: The spacious Loft rooms offer a king bed, private kitchenette, and fully-stocked minibar, in addition to a flat screen television and custom Revo Radio. Some rooms include an acoustic Martin Guitar.
STYLE FOR YOUR SETTING
Designing an event at this venue would mean perfectly fuzing 1920’s Hollywood glamour, Parisian modernism, industrial accents with a touch of bohemian and a nod to silent films. Got it? If this seems overwhelming here are 6 design tips to get you started.
1. ART DECO INVITATION: The intricate details of the theatre/venue call for opulent and highly designed invitations like these laser cut art deco invites by Ceci New York. 2. INDUSTRIAL BRASS CANDLESTICKS: There are so many brass industrial accents in the lobby, rooftop and in the rooms of Ace Hotel. We love the idea of these budget-friendly candlesticks adorning the dining tables. 3. BOHEMIAN DINNER PLATES: The incredible accent pillows throughout the hotel inspire a mixture of bohemian dinner plates. These can be customized, mixed and matched. 4. 1920's ART DECO CAMERA: The venue is an old Theatre built in the 20's, so vintage cameras from that era must make an appearance on the dining tables or cocktail area. 5. SILENT FILM STAR DECOR: With silent film darling Mary Pickford being a large part of the history here, we love this cheeky nodto our other fave silent star 6. KARL PALDA ART DECO DECANTER: Every event needs one heirloom piece. This Karl Palda decanter setis time era appropriate- circa the 30's, glamorous, and has the black and white palette found throughout the venue.
Inside Scoop
Ace Hotel has been quite respectable of the various relics found when they renovated this theatre. One of the cooler things they found is an unfinished (at least it’s assumed to be) script that may have once been performed. Instead of throwing it away, they took the various pages and framed them throughout the hotel, so that guests can see and appreciate the living history. There’s even a working mail chute. Another cool thing you’ll find is a record player in every room. The vinyl collection is replaced every so often, and some of the records are from the indigenous artists of LA.Highlight Reel
- Spanish Gothic architecture is awe-inspiring
- 189 rooms allow for plentitude in booking; rooms are also minimalistic in design
- Rooftop lounge allows for a panoramic view of the bustling city life below
- Record player with vinyl collection creates a warm ambiance
- Neighbourhood is LA. Lot of things to do. Fo’shizzle.
- Theatre is extravagant and worthy of a visit based on the merits of its history and architecture
- Lots of theatre relic to be discovered and amazed by
Around Town
The perfect gift can be found at Tanner Goods. These handcrafted luxury leather items from wallets, belts, portfolio cases, eyeglass cases, camera bags and even a suede foldable dog bowl make the perfect timeless gift for both men and women. This hotspot is slated to open on 9th and Broadway in Feb, 2014! (photo via tannergoods.com)
Craving home cooked Tex Mex? Bar Ama is Tex Mex done right. Finally. One of LA's best chefs is at the helm and serves up everything from the famous puffy tacos to sizzling fajitas. This gem is conveniently located downtown and has been featured in major culinary publications from Bon Appetit to Food & Wine Magazine. (photo via www.bar-ama.com)
The Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles has undergone a recent renovation! The market offers festivals, events, food & an interactive theater experience along with an array of food, coffee and dessert vendors. With picnic tables outside and lots to choose from this is not to be missed. (Photo via Grand Central Market Facebook page)
PHOTOS PROVIDED COURTESY OF ACE HOTEL // PHOTOGRAPHY: (Rows 1 - 8) Spencer Lowell; The Venue Report (Row 9)
