A Few Months Ago, Moxy and AC Hotels Opened the Doors to This DTLA Building Designed by Leading Architecture Firm Gensler and Interior Spaces by Renowned Design Studio Yabu Pushelberg
The concept behind this project is straightforward: Connect two hotels under one roof. “Bringing together Moxy and AC Hotels allows guests to make the most of their stay while experiencing two very distinct personalities,” says Matthew Boettcher, vice president and global brand leader of Distinctive Select Brands at Marriott International. “Guests can take advantage of extra amenities, such as the AC Lounge for co-working during the day while having more whimsical social options with Moxy in the evening.”
In addition to a total of 727 rooms (380 for Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and 347 for AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles), the project also comprises 12 dining and entertainment concepts as well as 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
All the spaces occupy a 37-story structure with an L-shaped tower designed by Gensler. This sits atop and eight-story podium wrapped in a 15,000-square-foot live LED screen—the largest 3D billboard on the West Coast.
“For today’s traveler, memorable hospitality means great design combined with the ability to choose from an abundance of experiences,” says Mitchell Hochberg, president of real estate developer Lightstone. “By integrating the two hotels, plus Level 8, into a single building, we’re creating a myriad of experiences never before offered in Los Angeles—and keeping it all affordable. It’s a multi-layered, endlessly fascinating destination for both locals and visitors.”
With eight distinct dining, drinking and entertainment venues by hospitality veterans Mark and Jonnie Houston, Level 8 honors the diversity of cuisine and culture in Los Angeles. While both hotels feature interiors by Yabu Pushelberg, each has its own character.
“We always think hard about the sociology and strategy around design, how it affects people and how it makes them feel connected to something,” says Glenn Pushelberg, who co-founded Yabu Pushelberg along with George Yabu.
In the playful and vibrant Moxy Downtown Los Angeles, the adventurous spirit of the desert and the cult 1969 movie “Easy Rider”—which celebrated the great American road trip—prevail with a decor characterized by a retro-style motorcycle and sidecar in the lobby, rammed-earth walls, mirrored columns, iridescent mosaic tiles, a snake motif on the carpet that connects to the snakeskin-clad bar, and a mezzanine level with two meeting studios, vintage arcades games, an armadillo-shaped LED neon sculpture and a DJ booth.
For AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, the residential aesthetic and spirit of the artist’s loft result in light-filled contemporary public spaces and upscale, serene rooms. On the 34th floor, the Sky Lobby evokes a Spanish hacienda with textured plaster walls, box beam ceilings, a sculptural redwood reception table and art. The Library features a black steel fireplace; and La Lo La Rooftop—a tapas bar beautifully perched above the heart of downtown—provides views of the Hollywood Hills.
Inspired by California’s spirit of discovery, this bold project is on track to becoming an LA icon.
Moxy Downtown Los Angeles
AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
Photos: Alice Gao