Hotel Snapshot
Formerly the Ace Hotel, one of Downtown L.A.’s most historic buildings has officially been reborn under Kasa as the STILE. This unique property shares a building with The United Theater on Broadway and is home to 182 redesigned guest rooms and suites. Whether you’re simply passing through town or craving an urban staycation in Los Angeles, the STILE successfully combines Spanish Gothic bones with a modern industrial charm, placing you in the middle of the city’s own eclectic slice of concrete jungle.
\
Design & Character
The STILE’s landmark building is its most alluring feature, which stands out beautifully amongst the more modern structures that frame it. Beaux-Arts detailing can be admired from both the outside and in certain parts of the interior. One of my favorite details is the small gargoyle faces that line the trim above the lobby elevators, paying homage to the Spanish Gothic heritage and overall dramatics of South Broadway. While there is a unique romanticism to the property, the STILE is best described as casual and approachable. There’s no fancy greeting at the front desk, and guests are expected to check in online before arrival. Rather than key cards, every door in the building is accessed via a unique code.
The Rooms
Urban decor and industrial accents dominate each of the 182 rooms, creating a stark contrast to the building's more elegant and almost avant-garde foundation. Exposed concrete, oversized steel-framed windows, and tall ceilings are consistent, but certain accommodations also feature French-style balconies with prime views of the famous Art Deco Eastern Columbia Building. Most units showcase a restrained palette with muted tones of charcoal, blush, and natural oak, though some of the suites add a pop of color with yellow couches and baby blue furnishings. Expect a space that feels like a Brooklyn-style loft with a laid-back, West Coast edge.
The Food & Drink
The downstairs lobby has a small selection of grab-and-go snack and drink options, but for a more serious beverage or bite, head up to the Somewhere Special rooftop. The drinks are served in plastic cups since it’s right next to the pool, but options range from casual cocktails to classic cervezas and IPAs. Food options are simple and somewhat limited, but you can order a plate of fried green beans and crunchy chicken taquitos to share while watching the sun dip down behind the glowing cityscape in the evening. In the mornings, head down to SparkHouse Café for a latte or cappuccino.
The Amenities
The STILE’s crown jewel is without a doubt its charming rooftop swimming pool. Is the pool pretty tiny? Yes. But the surrounding pink striped umbrellas and lounge chairs create a glamorous setting with the building’s intricate Gothic spire as the backdrop. It’s the perfect place to catch a tan or cool off from the downtown heat, and if you’re lucky like me, you’ll have the whole pool deck to yourself for a couple of hours. Other than that, the on-site amenities are somewhat limited to the basics, including a gym, self-service laundry center, free Wi-Fi, and housekeeping.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Apart from being right next door to Mary Pickford and Charlie Chaplin’s stunning United Theater, the STILE is also a 15-minute walk away from Grand Central Market and the historic Angels Flight Railway. I also recommend making the drive over to the Arts District for dinner at Camphor, Camélia, or the recently opened Indian restaurant Brick Lane.
Fast Facts
Location: Los Angeles, California
Rating: 3-star
Room Count: 182 rooms
Pricing: Prices start around $150 per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The rooftop swimming pool.
Dining: Rooftop bar Somewhere Special and coffee at SparkHouse Café.
Amenities: Wi-Fi, rooftop swimming pool, valet, rooftop bar, smart TVs, maid service.
Nearby Attractions: United Theater on Broadway, Grand Central Market, Angels Flight Railway, The Broad, The Last Bookstore.
Airport: LAX, Burbank Airport
Los Angeles, California, United States
