Downtown is the hottest area in LA right now, and The Standard Downtown is its beating heart. Here are five reasons it’s the coolest place to stay in the area right now.

The Rooftop Bar - You’ll see celebs

The Standard Downtown LA’s Rooftop Bar has become the place to see and be seen for celebrities and hip young things alike. The bar has panoramic views over downtown LA, waterbed pods for reclining, a beer garden, and a stunning swimming pool (you could swim in it but most people just dangle their well-pedicured toes in the water and look fabulous). The queue for the bar snakes around the entry of the building on Friday and Saturday nights but if you’re staying in the hotel, skip the queue, jump into the art deco elevator and go directly to the bar.

Ping-Pong Club - You can play Ping-Pong

Take the lift to the second floor and try your hand at Ping-Pong. The hotel is the home of SPiN Standard Ping Pong (losangeles.wearespin.com), the Ping-Pong social club first opened by Susan Sarandon and partners in New York in 2009. Here there are 11 tables, three bars and a great cocktail list, and there’s lots of fun to be had thrashing it out at the tables.

The design - For a cheeky laugh

The tone of the hotel is best described as cheeky. It does “One Night Standard” deals and, on exiting the lifts on each floor, you’re met with signs like ‘Go all out in romance and let the chips fall where they may’ and ‘Expiring for love is beautiful yet stupid’. It’s worth stopping on each floor to read the fortune cookie wisdoms!

The rooms - You can spread out

Rooms are large and minimally appointed. Beds sit on a built-up step and are extremely comfortable, so if you’re keen on getting a lot of shuteye you’ll be very happy. The bathroom, while being a separate room, is separated by a glass window. This makes the whole room feel very light and airy but is worth noting if you’re sharing a twin room with a friend. (Never fear: there’s a curtain to protect everyone’s modesty!)

The location - For the great location

The hotel’s location makes it the perfect starting point for exploring the Downtown area. The beautiful Los Angeles Central Library is a two-minute walk away and is a must-see for architecture lovers, as is the Frank Gehry designed Walt Disney Concert Centre. The hotel is also within easy distance from MOCA (the Museum of Contemporary Art) where art buffs can indulge in pop art, abstract expressionism and new works by up-and-coming artists.

The Restaurant at the Standard Downtown LA is open 24 hours and specialises in modern cuisine. Just across the road is The Library, which is great for bar food and a quiet drink. And Eggslut, a little further afield inside the Grand Central Markets, serves classic comfort food with a modern spin (all the dishes feature eggs). It’s open from 8am-4pm daily but no matter when you go, expect to queue.

The Standard Downtown LA, 550 South Flower St, LA, CA 90071 

 

You may also like