Whether you’re working out, grabbing a bite to eat or hosting an event here, this historic yet forward-looking club goes far beyond your typical gym. It’s a home, an oasis and a place to make connections.

The multimillion-dollar renovation has elevated the member experience while keeping a classic setting and history intact.

Fitness

The oldest and first private club with the best facilities for wellness in Los Angeles, founded back when the city had 11,000 residents, the LAAC continues to evolve, innovate and embrace the dynamic vibe of DTLA. Today it’s a center for wellness, creativity and social connection, with state-of-the-art athletic and spa facilities, luxury restaurants and bars and hotel rooms.

Walking into the clubhouse is like entering a grand old world members-only club, not a California gym, but it’s both at once. That’s what makes it so enduringly appealing. Charlie Chaplin trained here, surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku swam laps in the pool and Olympian Johnny Weissmuller (better known as Tarzan) was a member, along with Mary Pickford and Rudolph Valentino.

The fitness center at ROW DTLA transcends a simple assortment of weights and machines; it’s a space that ignites movement. Designed by INC Architecture & Design, it’s infused with modern woods and sleek black metal and includes dedicated areas for strength and cardio training. A large indoor track, squash, handball and racquetball courts, studio spaces for more than 20 weekly classes and a stunning swimming pool anchor the facility.

Spa

Long before members-only establishments like Soho House enticed socialites to indulge their whims, the Los Angeles Athletic Club offered guests a chance to take care of their bodies and minds. Founded in 1880, the city’s first private club set out to be a center for physical culture—and it remains so today.

While some parts of the 138-year-old facility remain reserved for membership-only use (like the historic poolside lounge and bar), the club is expanding with a new spa, unisex locker room and salt therapy room. Designed by SRK Architects, the sixth floor renovation is expected to be complete in 2019, and will also include a barbershop and salon and reimagined restaurant and bars.

The hotel’s 58 rooms are decorated with dark colors and antique accents to reflect the property’s early 1900s legacy. They also offer premiere access to the expansive 88,000-square-foot club facilities, including a 25-yard pool and basketball/racquetball/squash courts. The hotel’s Famous Players restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, while Invention offers pre-prohibition cocktails and dinner. The downtown location puts guests less than a mile from the multi-purpose arena Staples Center.

Restaurants

Whether you’re looking to workout in state-of-the-art fitness facilities or host a lavish wedding in a classically elegant ballroom, this club has it all. Founded in 1880, this historic landmark continues to grow and evolve while keeping true to its rich heritage and classic setting.

While members and guests enjoy their full range of services, a number of areas are reserved exclusively for dues-paying members, including the club’s two restaurants and bars. Famous Players offers a relaxed and upscale bistro atmosphere with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The speakeasy-style Invention Bar/Restaurant serves pre-prohibition cocktails and is a popular spot for live jazz music.

Hotel guests receive limited membership privileges during their stay, including access to the club’s dining and drinking establishments, as well as the hotel’s boutique rooms. They also have free use of the athletic facilities and can book a variety of classes. Some guest rooms offer turn-down service and a flat-screen cable TV. Guests can also grab a quick bite to eat at the Plunge Cafe. This property is located on the corner of Seventh and Olive Street in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.

Bars

Long before members-only establishments like Soho House became centers for social interaction and professional networking, there was the Los Angeles Athletic Club. This first private club in California’s capital was founded on the idea that the body, mind and spirit should be nurtured through physical culture.

Guests stay in rooms with a classic gentleman’s club feel and get premiere access to the expansive LAAC facilities, including an upstairs pool that actually hosted Olympic athletes back in the day. The hotel also has a restaurant, the Invention Bar/Restaurant, whose menu features pre-Prohibition cocktails and Steampunk furnishings – think ropes, metal objects, heavy curtains.

A new addition is the Blue Room, a re-imagined speakeasy that was one of LAAC’s popular spaces during Prohibition. The secluded lounge can only be accessed through a hidden stairwell camouflaged behind a fake book case. To subtly inform the club’s members of this historic watering hole and the history of its namesake, we used an identity system that pulls inspiration from old patents tucked away in those bookshelves. The result is a sophisticated, modern, and heritage-inspired brand.

Rooms

When you’re a member or hotel guest here, you’re part of a prestigious club with a long history. From Charlie Chaplin to world famous surfer Duke Kahanamoku, founding member Frank A. Garbutt of Paramount Pictures, and more – they’ve all called the LAAC home. And with a rich legacy like that, it’s no surprise the Club has an equally impressive array of state-of-the-art athletic and spa facilities, award-winning restaurants and bars, luxury meeting and hotel rooms, and more.

Located in Downtown Los Angeles, this property features 72 luxury accommodations. Rooms are individually furnished and decorated. Beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions come with premium satellite channels. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge or grab a bite to eat at one of the 2 restaurants on site.

During a major renovation project, the first private club in the city partnered with LA-based SRK Architects to focus on three floors of hotel space and the club’s social and dining areas. The goal was to merge the club’s flavorful history with a modern look, appealing to a new generation of Downtown LA patrons.