"Give us an overviewThe hotel made a splash in DTLA when it debuted in early 2014 in the historic United Artists building. Commune Design—the local outfit that led the restoration—created an amazing three-story lobby with a black-and-white checkered floor. The check-in desk, which connects with the on-site shop and guest room elevator, as well as the entrance to the coffee bar and restaurant deliberately—and gleefully—defies all rules of hospitality. And that's just the beginning. What’s the crowd like?Young, creative, independent, professionals in the fields of art/design/music/technology whose office is one's laptop and cellphone. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.According to the hotel, the 182 minimal rooms were inspired by Rudolf Schindler's residence in West Hollywood. (The Austrian architect created many buildings in and near L.A. between 1920 and 1953.) Original poured concrete ceilings were restored, and walls were specially designed for sound absorption and warmth. Design touches include dark grey furniture, Noguchi lamps, and Pendleton blankets woven in a Mondrian-like pattern (custom made for Ace). The smallest rooms are just 192 square feet, and go up to 703 square feet, with most falling in the medium room type (221 to 259 square feet). Not large, to be sure, but they are efficiently designed. If you’re staying on the 13th floor—the former United Artists office space—notice the original wood paneling and molding in the halls. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Rooms feature custom Atelier Ace x Suite Sleep Mattresses. They’re hypoallergenic with a quilted, organic cotton cover and wool batting. Ace worked with Pendleton to create exclusive Mondrian-inspired wool blankets. The hotel has a private label 200-thread-count bedding, made from ultra-white, 100% organic cotton. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Select rooms offer custom Revo Radios, acoustic Martin Guitars and/or an Ace x Rega LP1 turntable with a curated selection of vinyl from Amoeba Music. Custom robes are by Canadian menswear line Wings + Horns. The mini-bar is stocked with local, artisanal products, including Crisps (dried fruit snacks, $2), Rusty's Chips ($5), Nola brand granola bars ($4.50), and Salt Point Moscow Mules ($12) in a can. There are also bigger-name (yet still rare-for-a-minibar brands) like Topo Chico water ($6), and too-cool-for-school, ironic Cup-O-Noodles ($4). Prices don’t feel over-inflated like most minibars. Chopsticks and condoms are free. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Bathrooms have Carrara marble countertops with unlacquered brass finishes, bath products are from Uka, bathrobes from wings+horns, and glass windows separate the bathrooms from the sleeping/living areas. What are we looking at for food?The restaurant, Loam, is overseen by chef Joshua Guarneri of bygone Echo Park haunt Bar Avalon. As the name suggests, the menu at Loam keeps its eye toward high-quality produce and features menus for all mealtimes—including brunch. Located right next to the lobby on the ground floor of the hotel, it is easily accessible. The rooftop bar Upstairs has nightly entertainment open to the public—DJs, book-parties, live bands, various pop-ups—plus city views Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The concrete pool took inspiration from Donald Judd’s pool in Marfa. Next to it, you’ll find a courtyard lined with patterned canopies by local artist Alia Penner. Ace restored the 1,600-seat United Artists Theatre, which is used for concerts, premieres, private screenings, conferences, seminars, etc. (Ira Glass has given talks there, live podcast episodes are regular features.) It mixes old elements—original murals of Golden Age film stars and plasterwork, reupholstered seats—with new (carpet and a Deco-inspired ticket booth). The original light design was also preserved, with each bulb replaced with long-lasting LEDs. What was most memorable about your stay?It’s a beautifully done restoration of a piece of L.A. history anchoring the revival of the city's hottest neighborhood. Bottom line: Why are we choosing the Ace?For the top-notch food and beverage program, location in DTLA, and built-in nightlife option right on the roof." - Brooke Porter Katz
