The Los Angeles Athletic Club (LAAC) was founded in 1880, just a century after Los Angeles itself was founded. It opened as the city’s first social club, a private space centered around athletics occupying a big Beaux-Arts building downtown. As Los Angeles grew and its talent pool flourished, so did the club, becoming a central gathering place for the people shaping the city’s culture. Its membership roster quickly became a who’s who of Los Angeles, attracting everyone from civic leaders to world-class athletes. At one point, it even housed notable figures like Charlie Chaplin, cementing its role as both a social hub and cultural landmark.
Photo: vesperstock/Shutterstock
LA’s First Social Club Is Now a Must-Stay Hotel for Athletes, Sports Fans, and Luxury Travelers
Today, LAAC is both a club and a hotel, and its legacy continues to permeate the building. The moment I stepped inside, something in me quieted. It was more than just the city’s noise fading — it was my own mind settling as the hallway stretched ahead of me like a portal into another era. Black-and-white photographs of legendary athletes lined the walls, watching like guardians of some sacred sporting kingdom. It felt like a Hogwarts castle for athletes, every detail meticulously curated, from the dark wood furnishings to the warm amber lighting. As I walked down the hallway, I couldn’t help but think that I’d never been anywhere so elegant.
The amenities are equally impressive. In addition to its Olympic-sized swimming pool, a full basketball court, and a range of fitness classes, LAAC has three on-site restaurants, ample coworking spaces, and weekly programming ranging from jazz nights to wellness workshops. Both club members and hotel guests get access to all amenities and facilities — establishing LAAC as an excellent choice whether you’re passing through town, a local, or a frequent visitor to Los Angeles looking for a beautiful place to work, train, mingle, and unwind.
A regal retreat: Guest rooms at the Los Angeles Athletic Club
Photo: Sage Causie
I recently experienced LAAC as a hotel guest. One of the first things I noticed was that the intricately detailed aesthetic of the common areas carries seamlessly into the guest rooms, which are located on the building’s upper floors.
Because the entire club exists within one tall, stacked structure, each floor has its own identity — athletic facilities on one floor, restaurants on another, loungers on another, and guest rooms at the top. Despite everything being vertically connected, the rooms remain surprisingly quiet. I never once heard noises drifting up from the basketball court, pool, or fitness center below.
Room types range from standard kings and queens to double queens and a one-bedroom suite, with nightly rates typically starting around $250 and reaching the low $400s, depending on the room type and season. You can also add upgrades like a $50 breakfast credit or a 50-minute spa treatment, and LAAC offers 10 percent off room rates if you’re in town for a game day.
My room felt like a sanctuary: dark wood furnishings, elegant decor, and subtle references to the club’s history. One detail I loved was the small athlete statue placed on the dresser, a constant nod to the club’s athletic legacy. And instead of the usual uninspired hotel tote, LAAC provides a thick, high-quality duffel bag embroidered with the club’s logo for use during your stay. You also have the option to purchase the duffel for $95, and it genuinely feels worth it —sturdy, well-made, and a perfect reflection of the overall quality and intentionality of the property.
More than a gym: Amenities at the Los Angeles Athletic Club
Photos: Sage Causie
LAAC truly lives up to its name as an athletic club. The amenities are extensive, meticulously maintained, and designed for people who take their wellness seriously but still want a touch of luxury. Everything is located within the same multi-level building, which means you can move from the pool to the basketball court to the weight room without ever stepping outside. During my walkthrough, I immediately noticed how active and alive the space feels — there’s always something happening on nearly every floor.
One important distinction between LAAC and other fitness facilities is that LAAC operates as a private social and athletic club, not a public gym. Most amenities are reserved for members — though overnight hotel guests are granted full access during their stay — which makes the property feel more like a boutique wellness hotel than a traditional social club. It’s a model that works especially well if you’re in Los Angeles for a few days and want high-quality fitness and relaxation options without having to search for outside studios or day passes.
The aquatic level is one of the club’s standout features. The Olympic-sized pool is stunning, lined with elegant details and more than enough towels, and it stays surprisingly quiet during the day. I took an Aquatic Zumba class there, and it was one of the highlights of my visit. The instructor brought so much energy that the hour flew by, and the class had that perfect mix of fun and challenge. The weekly schedule includes options like kickboxing, yoga, and strength classes, all included with membership or with your hotel stay.
Photo: Sage Causie
Just above the pool is the basketball court, which was easily the busiest area when I visited. It has a full indoor track circling the perimeter of the floor, and I saw members taking calls while getting their steps in, all while watching pickup games happening below. The cardio machines also overlook the court, so you can walk or run with a full view of the action. It creates a sense of movement and community that you don’t usually find in standard gyms.
The locker room and spa areas are located on a separate lower level, with dedicated spaces for men and women. The women’s locker room feels unexpectedly beautiful — plush seating, pristine lockers, spotless showers, and a thoughtfully maintained jacuzzi and sauna area. Everything was immaculate, from the yoga studio to the kickboxing room to every floor of the gym. There wasn’t a single towel out of place.
Even though I didn’t get to try every amenity, my walkthrough alone made it clear why the athletic club remains such a beloved institution. It’s designed for members who want their fitness experience to be both elevated and grounded in routine, and for travelers who want more than a standard hotel gym. It’s the kind of place where you could spend an entire day working out, relaxing, and socializing, all without ever leaving the building.
A venue for every mood: Dining at the Los Angeles Athletic Club
Photo: Sage Causie
My first culinary stop at LAAC was Invention, a sophisticated bar on the third floor and one of three dining and lounge spaces on the property. Invention is the most polished of the three, a gorgeous room anchored by a dark wood bar, ambient lighting, and plenty of seating. There are plush couches for long, leisurely meals; high tops for casual drinks; and full bar seating if you’re dining solo. During the day, I noticed many members treating it like a stylish coworking space, laptops open as they sipped espressos and tapped away beneath the soft, warm lighting.
The food at Invention is far from typical bar fare. I ordered the steak hash, which was rich, flavorful, and plated with more intention than you’d expect from a sports club. The rest of the menu has that same thoughtful touch — I’d describe the food as being elevated without being intimidating and being comforting without being basic.
Invention transforms completely on Jazz Night, held every Tuesday and Thursday. The lights dim, the room narrows into an intimate glow, and suddenly the bar feels less like a club and more like a hidden jazz lounge. People trickle in slowly, settling into the comfortable couches, and the music fills the room without ever becoming overwhelming. Paired with delicious cocktails, it makes for the perfect evening. And you don’t need company to enjoy it — this is the kind of atmosphere you can sink into alone and still feel completely at home.
Just down the hall is Duke’s, the most personality-filled space on the property. Named after Richard Duke Llewellyn, a legendary LAAC figure who joined in the 1940s and later became the club’s athletic director, the bar feels like the kind of place you’d stumble into in a small, hardworking town. It has a rugged, old-school charm with vintage arcade games, hearty bar food, and a great happy hour that members swear by. It’s lively without being chaotic, the sort of spot where people decompress after a workout or catch a game with friends. If Invention is sophistication, Duke’s is comfort and camaraderie.
The third dining space is the bistro café: Famous Players. It’s a bright and casual option that’s perfect for quick breakfasts or midday coffee breaks, with menu items like the chia berry or granola parfait, avocado toast, classic Cesar salad, or fit bowl with greens and grains. Famous Players is ideal if you want something lighter or need a quiet place to work or recharge.
Getting to the Los Angeles Athletic Club
Photo: Sage Causie
LAAC is located in the heart of downtown LA, making it easily accessible. It’s a short drive or metro ride from Union Station, the city’s main transportation hub. For those driving, valet parking is available. Given its central location, rideshare services are a convenient and recommended option for exploring the wider downtown area. You’ll also find several cultural institutions within walking distance, including The Broad contemporary art museum, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the bustling Crypto.com Arena (formerly the STAPLES Center). 