Los Angeles Athletic Club Renovated for the Best and Memorable Experience

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Enjoy a memorable time at the best clubs in the city

The iconic downtown club, which has a boutique hotel, recently underwent a $10 million renovation. Highlights include state-of-the-art women's locker rooms, a new Neptune Spa with a sauna and cold plunge pool, plus a classic barber shop and salon.

Whether you're grabbing a workout, a drink or meeting a friend, this Beaux Arts gem at 7th and Olive streets is worth the trip.

Become a Member

For more than 125 years, the Athletic Club Los Angeles has been a home for its members’ bodies, minds and spirits. The historic clubhouse boasts state-of-the-art fitness and spa facilities, award-winning restaurants and bars, luxury hotel rooms and meeting spaces, and a full schedule of social and athletic events.

In the past, Olympians like Johnny Weissmuller (aka Tarzan) and Duke Kahanamoku trained here. The club was also one of the first private clubs in LA to stop discriminating against women, allowing female members to join in 1914.

The prestigious membership includes access to the club’s athletic, spa and social spaces, plus reciprocal privileges at other clubs in California. Membership pricing is based on an initial initiation fee and monthly dues. A single membership includes use of all facilities except the tennis and pickleball courts. A couple consists of two adult partners in the same household, and children are allowed with the purchase of an additional membership for an annual fee of $125.

The historic building also hosts a variety of events, including weddings and galas. The grand Centennial Ballroom, which is decorated with period furnishings and artistic masterpieces, can hold a large crowd for a formal dinner or dance. The Players Club restaurant serves upscale bistro fare, and the speakeasy-style Invention bar has a nightly live jazz scene.

Fitness Center

Los Angeles Athletic Club is far more than a gym - it's a place to meet, exercise, gather, grab a bite to eat and be inspired. Whether you're sweating it out in our state-of-the-art fitness center, sipping on cocktails at the bar or catching up with friends over dinner, you'll find that the atmosphere is always energetic and welcoming.

Founded in 1880, LAAC has hopped among many rental spaces before moving into its iconic Downtown Los Angeles building in 1912. The historic 12-story Beaux Arts structure, designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, is renowned for being the first building in Southern California to feature an indoor pool on the upper floors.

The facility's modern aesthetic is a seamless blend of industrial materials and contemporary design, creating a space that ignites movement. The modern woods and sleek black metal create an inspirational environment for members to reach their physical goals while connecting them with a sense of community.

Guests of this hotel enjoy exclusive access to the private club facilities during their stay, including an indoor pool, and fitness classes and personal training. The hotel's Famous Players restaurant serves breakfast and lunch in a relaxing, upscale bistro setting, while Invention Bar & Restaurant offers a selection of pre-prohibition cocktails and high-end cigars. All guest rooms are furnished with flat-screen TVs and turn-down service, as well as a minibar and refrigerator.

Sports Facilities

Whether you want to play a competitive match of tennis, have an intense workout or relax in a hot tub or sauna, the sports facilities here are second-to-none. The LAAC hotel building is more than a hundred years old, but regular renovations have helped the club stay on top of its game and keep up with the times. Its founders were serious about dispelling the stereotypes of lazy Californians - they set out to create a "superior race" through rigorous physical activity. The building was also the training headquarters for multiple Olympians who won nearly 100 medals over time.

With a multimillion dollar renovation, the LAAC is finally ready to reveal its seventh floor fitness facility. It's a game changer that will help the club reclaim its place as one of the best gyms in Los Angeles. Members have access to an indoor track, the John Wooden namesake basketball court, squash and handball courts, and a stunning indoor lap pool. They also get access to studio space for over twenty weekly classes, including yoga, boxing, and kickboxing.

While it’s not for everyone, those who enjoy a classy setting that feels like a gentleman’s club will love this upscale hotel-fitness-club hybrid. Charlie Chaplin once lived in the historic building and swam laps in its iconic art deco pool (as seen on a couple episodes of Mad Men). Today, guests can sleep in rooms that feature classic masculine décor, antique accents, and modern amenities. They can also eat and drink at the Famous Players cafe or dine at a variety of chef-driven restaurants. There is even an onsite Neptune Spa where you can indulge in a range of wellness experiences.

Clubs & Social Spaces

In addition to the gym and its dozens of fitness classes, the club houses a spa, boutique hotel, meeting rooms, and more. The varied interior gathering spaces, many of which are historic, add up to create a club that feels more like a glamorous members-only establishment in Europe than a modern Los Angeles gym.

Long before Soho House or other similar clubs fostered social interaction, this club was one of the first in California to bring together sports and fitness with other interests like dining and business networking. That legacy continues today with a wide range of events and facilities that include the John Wooden namesake basketball court, indoor track, squash, handball, racquetball courts, and studio space for yoga and classes.

The food and drink options are equally as expansive, with a casual bistro that serves breakfast and lunch, the trophy room for dinner parties and private events, and the Invention Bar (a re-imagined speakeasy from before Prohibition) offering cocktails and appetizers. The Players Club, meanwhile, offers a more upscale restaurant and breakfast/lunch dining area with dishes from acclaimed chef Marco Cerruti that incorporate traditional California fare into innovative menus. Those who want to experience the LAAC without having to become a member can book an overnight stay in the hotel, which includes limited membership privileges in certain areas.

 

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