Los Angeles Athletic Club

It’s funny that back in the days when I worked in DTLA, I never ate here unless I came for events. These days working on the Westside and living in Pasadena, I discovered that LAAC is actually a great place to meet my DTLA friends for food and drinks. I tried weekend brunches, weekday lunch (love the lunch soup and salad bar), quick bites and juice bar from Fresh 8 and drinks and small plates from Invention. Nothing earth shattering but always reliable and good quality. It’s pretty casual and unpretentious here and the members and staff are very nice. We can always find places to sit and chat here and it was never crazy noisy like some other restaurants/​bars can get. The restaurants validate parking for two hours free for patrons.
I used to wonder why people got so worked up when the member parking validation was shortened for a period. Why would you need 5 hours of parking going to the gym?! But now I start to appreciate LAAC being a social club and its members do spend time here enjoying themselves. Members pay $ 2.00 for up to 5 hours of parking. That’s really nice for DTLA.
I can totally see myself spending a couple of hours after work here when my kid goes off to college.
I like it!

Came here for a work meeting and the ambiance and décor is stodgy, yet classic. Reminds me of the show Mad Men. I tried the chicken for lunch and it was dry. Reminded me of typical hotel chicken dinner. Never tried the gym or pool, but my understanding that the primary use of the club is for those who exercise.

This is a review for the hotel. We stayed over New Years for a friend’s NYE wedding that was in a relatively nearby location. We got a slight discount for block booking. We chose it over another, more high end, yet equally priced hotel because of the gym. We thought swimming laps in a high rise pool would be a cool way to ring in the new year. We actually live in Los Angeles and decided to make a stay-​cation out of the wedding while a parent watches our kids but I digress. Unfortunately, it wasn’t mentioned at the time of booking that the gym would be closed on New Year’s Day although we were required to book a two night minimum due to the holiday. This now feels sort of unfair. What a disappointment. This is not the best place to stay for the money without the gym– in fact it’s a little dank and the walls are thin. There is no concierge nor room service if you get in late and want to eat. Basically it’s cool but if I had known about the gym thing, which absolutely should have been mentioned when we booked, we would have stayed elsewhere. The location is awesome and you can walk to a lot and the vintage décor is amazing but it wasn’t the experience we were expecting. Happy new year!
Ok they wrote me back and were very apologetic and offered us something good to makeup for their lack of informing us of the facility closure. So I upped my review from two to four stars.

We love the Los Angeles Athletic Club! What a fantastic venue! We were planning a very small, intimate wedding for up to 30 guests and wanted a classy location where all family members and friends could gather together for our special day.
We checked plenty of locations within the greater Los Angeles area but when we visited the Los Angeles Athletic Club everything just clicked! The place is absolutely gorgeous! It’s like walking into a time machine. «Athletic Club?» you might ask. Do not let the name confuse you. It is an athletic club, but it is one of the oldest establishments in L.A. where Olympic athletes have trained.
Think: Chariots of Fire-​type settings in the 21^st century.
We met with Roxy, the Director of Catering who, along with the LAAC catering staff are absolutely the nicest, classiest group of people one might hope to meet and and work with while planning our wedding. After a few short meetings with Roxy outlining our requirements, the event’s schedule, the layout of their gorgeous Millennium Ballroom, etc. we were set.
On the day of the wedding everything went off without a hitch. Roxy and the catering staff were there on hand to make certain that everything proceeded as planned. Given their years of experience planning wedding events they knew all the right questions to ask, anticipated every need we could think of and were always courteous and available to make certain that everyone — the bride, groom and guests — were all comfortable and enjoying themselves.
And enjoy it we did! What a class act!
Our parents were first skeptical whether we would have the time and ability to really pull off a nice wedding. But those doubts were quickly dismissed and replaced with a great deal of awe and satisfaction when they saw how beautiful the wedding was.
Our family and friends kept commenting on what a beautiful place the LAAC is. The Millennium Ballroom was used for both our wedding and reception since we had such a small event, but it is a grand location that I believe can hold well over two hundred people and it is just magnificent.
Our photographer just loved the place — so many great locations to shoot some very stunning wedding pictures! It was a good thing we were on a schedule or I think he would have had us shooting pictures the rest of the day.
If you are like us – looking to get married in a classy, intimate place, you should definitely take the time to visit the Los Angeles Athletic Club. You will be glad you did.

So cool to stay here. I love the feel of this place, with the wood molding and bookcases. Leather furniture. Our room was cushy and clean! Met my parents at the bar and had a really great time. I will definitely be coming back here.

Both our team and our bride and groom were very pleased to have our photoshoot here. The location provides a very luxurious as well as a classy feel to our photos. Furthermore, the staff there was extremely nice to us while we shot there, pointing us to good locations and letting us know where and when we can take our photos. We highly recommend this place for everyone.

My sister recently got married on 10÷10÷15 and stayed here. We used the room to get ready the morning of, getting hair and makeup done in her beautiful suite.
Her room was gorgeous, the bedroom huge with a beautiful comfortable bed. The bedroom led to a bathroom which had a room with the sink and a large mirror, leading to another door which was the restroom itself. There was a shower/​bath, toilet (of course) and a bidet. Oooh, fancy!
There was also a living room area with a couch and table. The room had a walk in closet which was nice because we all had space to hang up our bridesmaids gowns and of course the bride’s beautiful wedding dress.
The staff of the Los Angeles Athletic club was also really nice and helpful.
I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a beautiful room with an even more amazing view of Downtown Los Angeles.

The club is actually pretty good, lots of workout options and decent bar and restaurant. But the parking situation, and more specifically the guy who runs the parking, is terrible. They look for any chance to screw you and charge the max (which for a lost card is $ 37.50. Not only are they not willing to work with you, the manager of the parking is rude to the point of being hostile. The fact that the club, which charges you to park even if you’re working out, allows this to go on is ridiculous. For a club that is supposed to take care of members, it is totally unacceptable. If you haven’t already paid the initiation, don’t– it’s not worth the headache and annoyance of being treated the way the parking manager will treat you.

I had requested that the President, Cory, talk to me about the WORST incident concerning JOINING LAAC AS AN ATHENA.
First, they had told me the audition would be in the Summer. I waited several months then finally was told when I sang, only 3 spots were open and 4 auditioned. Ms. Jolley, a former retired teacher and HR person of LAUSD stated she «didn’t think I would be able to attend the rehearsals on Tuesday nights» only because I told her I was doing an acting job one night, which I cancelled to attend the audition.
To add insult to injury, she stated I had a good singing voice then invited me to the Rehearsal with the entire group in September, only to be told there was no space for me. I was given NO REASON and I know I can sing really well.
I like the staff here, the front desk are nice to me, from the guys at the front to the older lady. Even the ladies at the Women’s Locker Room are friendly and treat me well. I don’t complain about them.
I complained about the process of being an Athena. Their decision on the part of Ms. Jolley was ARBITRARY AND UNFAIR. They know I am a regular gym member. Perhaps she has something against me because most of the women in the group are older and I feel there may be some age discrimination going on.
When I spoke to Mr. Cory, I even told him about this problem BLATANTLY only to be told I would have to pay $ 170/​month and $ 500 to reinstate. No wonder why a lot of older members have left this gym. I heard that as the members get older, the price gets higher. Some of the more traditional older folk would see this as age discrimination again, and I can’t blame them. Either old or young, this should NOT be going on.
They think they can treat me like this and snob me like this. Well, news is, there are nicer management elsewhere. Even if I have to go to Equinox and pay double, they don’t have this strange arrogant attitude to loyal members!

One of the cooler spots that I’ve stayed at while in Downtown LA. I really like the look of the hotel rooms. The beds were plenty comfortable and there’s a lot within the building to explore.

A beautiful building; it’s been in operation as an athletic club since 1880.
Yes, I agree that the locker rooms, etc. could use some updated loving, but I kind of like that they’re not so slick and modern. It adds to the old-​world feel of the place.
I’ve been here twice now, once for drinks with a member, and now today on a complimentary day pass, and I love it! I’m a big ambiance person, and it’s big on ambiance, especially the bar «Excursions,» which is warm and sophisticated. The first time I was there, after drinks, my friend took us on an informal tour of the building, meandering up the 12 flights, from the pool to the racquetball courts to the hotel levels to the roof, which offers these amazing, panoramic views of DTLA. Stunning! The building is full of these little nooks and crannies and it’s easy to feel like you’re exploring.
You can almost literally spend the whole day at LAAC. Today, my friend and I got there at around 11:30 and didn’t leave til almost 8:00. We got lockers, then started out by having lunch at their more casual café. After that we walked around the indoor track (plenty of eye candy dudes playing basketball to look at down below), then hit the stair machine and rower. After that it was time for a dip in the pool. The whole pool area is so serene. Natural light streams in through the windows and it’s so relaxing to stare up at the art deco style skylight. It really gives the place an old Hollywood vibe.
After laps, it was a couple of rounds through the hot tub/​steam room/​sauna circuit, and then to Excursions, where we enthusiastically feasted on drinks and small plates ($ 2 off during happy hour, by the way). Swimming worked up quite the appetite.
Given the precarious nature of a freelance existence, I’m hesitant to pull the trigger for a membership, but hopefully one day. It’s old and stately and uncrowded, and that’s just how I like it. I’ve only been there twice, but it feels a bit like a home away from home. You have everything here: food, drinks, free internet connection, a pool and exercise equipment. They even have a TV lounge in the women’s locker room and there’s a stylist and manicurist on call if you need them. You can even buy fancy sandals in the pro shop. Unreal!

I am absolutely in love with this place. It fulfills all my needs. I will become a member one day if only the parking wasn’t so horrible and expensive. The club is in a notso great section of DTLA and the views are of the garment district (I think), but who cares — this space is so huge and gorgeous and uncrowded. Plus if you’re a member, they launder one item of clothing a day and have cheap massage and beauty rates.
The food was great and not too expensive (I am not that hard to impress food-​wise). The library and working spaces are lush and pure awesome-​ness. There is also a small business center, bars, and out-​of-​this-​world athletic facilities: indoor pool, indoor track, spa…
I really should stop writing about this place because I want it to be my refuge. If only I could figure out how to get here without driving to DTLA and parking.
They have basketball training here! And all sorts of training programs. The rooftop views are excellent at night and it’s fun to sit up there.
We stayed in this truly boutique hotel and it was a grand experience (though room does have a little wear and tear). Highly recommend, especially if you like sports, which we do!
Oh, this place is extraordinarily rule heavy and their letters to guests have hilarious diction. I love how Old LA this place is! Bring on the rules! I will be good here, I promise.
TIP: If you want a day pass, take a tour.

My husband and I belonged to he Athletic Club for several years and then left due to jobs with much travel. Recently, we decided to rejoin and were surprised to learn that due to our ages, we would be charged more that someone younger. Does that smell like age discrimination…
We will never darken their doors again and are happily with the YMCA who does not charge based on your age.

Review for the Gym: A member in 2011 – 2012 paying $ 130 a month. Gym was never crowded, comes with a locker and lots of amenities, but was OUT of date. Yes lots of older members 55+, but hey. it was good for me! No fighting for machines or weights.
Moved out of state and returned in 2014 as a member. My payments went up because of my age to $ 170 which is A LOT for an outdated gym! They said they would start remodeling back in 2011… it is now 2015 and they just barely started the remodel. No wonder people leave for the Y, Gold or Equinox. Also found out that they offer a cheaper rate if you lived in downtown, but why is that? I’ve worked in downtown for years… does that count? I had to give up my membership because I could not justify $ 170, when I can go to the new Equinox Downtown for $ 160.
Overall the staff is nice and the building is beautiful. Lots of history here, but LAAC can still be classy with its history IF they updated the gym, lobby and parts of the LAAC. It has been ignored too long and it truly shows.

I’ve been coming here for about a year and I’m really, really happy with it. There’s usually equipment available, the basketball court and swimming pool are great, and everybody who works there is super friendly. The restaurants aren’t bad and have a really charming vibe to them.
But…it’s just so old. Everything is outdated and ugly. And even though they’re doing a renovation, it was supposed to be finished earlier this year and, clearly, it’s not.

Been a member on and off for quite some time. Mostly older (no, old) people) and a really UGLY renovation. I’m cancelling my membership and going somewhere more contemporary. Bad food, old place, old people and bad prices. Renovation is horrible!!! Because of how bad it is, ask for a special rate.
If there was a –3 that is what I would give it. Caters to the over 65 – 70 crowd.

Another great after work cocktail and eats. Meet great friends for our habitual Monday night drinks. Thinking about a membership haut for the bar and restaurant but found out it’s closed Saturday Night and all Sunday. What’s up, LAAC we come down out of hills on the weekend to be social in DTLA. Def. join if you had this great club open on the weekends.

I was in the market for a gym, price was not an issue, I had high hopes for this place
Golds
The Y
24 Hour Fitness
LAAC
LAAC made it into my top 2, because it isnt crowded, so it was between the Y and LAAC. I loved the pool because it was barren, nobody was using it. Machines were older and there wasnt many people, but there wasnt a high density of machines like Golds, so that sucks. It never felt clean, but the classic gentlemans gym had a good atmosphere. This place had older stuff and just not a lot of it. It is the most expensive by far but price is not an issue. You get 5 hrs for 2 $
As I said, I was shopping for a gym, to take my money, and everyone who gave me a tour was helpful. Except Raven, who works here as a membership rep. Try to ask questions based your needs and she speaks to you very condescending, enough to were the other rep talked to me with all smiles. The club is under construction so to get lockers you have to wait until July to even get put on the waiting list. On the way out two members came up to me, both asking what I asked because they were interested in lockers too, and have been waiting awhile. They also said she was being rude and one is completely done with this place for other reasons, I gave him my input and said I would see him at the Downtown Ketchum YMCA. I wanted to like this place so much because of the atmosphere and the pool, but Raven Case made my choice for me.

I find private clubs to be about as relevant as a horse and buggy. But my friend just joined this «institution» and was excited to take me to the member holiday party. So what the hell… I figured it would be at least a nice elegant evening of food and drink. Wrong on all counts.
The ballroom where the party was held was pretty full and much too warm. Nothing ruins a party for me more than it being too hot. Most event planners know that when you put a lot of heat lamps on food and fill a room with 200 people, it’s gonna get hot. So you don’t turn on the heat and you get some ventilation going. Not here. It was uncomfortably warm.
The lines were the first thing I saw upon entering the room. A huge line for wine and other beverages. And another very long line that was snaking across the entire length of the ballroom. I was dismayed to learn that was the buffet line! Why oh why would they not break things up into stations instead of creating one very long, winding line? It was truly turning into one of those «Four Weddings» episodes where the brides bitch non-​stop about buffet lines. I suddenly saw their point with complete clarity.
We did eventually get in the chow line. But when we finally made it to the actual food, there was a really small (and not very appetizing) selection. Ham and roast beef being carved. Some (very bland looking) pasta. Eggnog (the only thing I tried all evening — and it was good). Wait, Eggnog is part of the food buffet? Yes. That happened. Then a taco station with some shredded meats. And that was it. Oh some bakery cookies. All served to you on paper plates.
Also, not enough seating so people were standing up trying to eat. Oh, and did I mention that there were a lot of children? I wasn’t expecting that. I’ve been to probably a dozen holiday parties in the last two weeks and this is the first one I’ve seen with children running around. Not my sort of jam.
I didn’t want to offend my friend, but as we left to go find a place to have dinner, I had to say… «I really hope you didn’t pay a lot for this membership…». I fear he did. I wouldn’t make that mistake.

Its Two Star Tuesday again!!!
This review is not for the Club itself (which I would rate a 3), but for the Whisky Tasting Extravaganza event I attended here recently. It was put on by the Whisky Society of America and cost $ 154 (inc $ 4 fee). The event gave you access to 100+ whiskeys, and a buffet that included prime rib, turkey, pasta and salad. The LAAC is located on 7^th & Olive in DTLA.
Good: As advertised, there were more whiskeys than you can imagine. In addition, there were some smoking hawt servers. However, on a more serious note, the peeps in the booths knew their stuff about whisky, and especially their respective products. Lastly, you received a cigar and cutter.
OK: The food was so-​so. I have been to the LAAC for events before and the food is good, but nothing special. The servers were a bit cold though.
Bad: The invitation said business casual, and there were DBs in jeans, hipsters in skinny jeans and boots w/​one pant leg tucked in and the other not, and GMFs (Ghetto Mutha F*ckers) wearing baseball caps. Jesus H Christ!!! Didn’t anyone teach you guys how to dress!!! The Club or the Society should have enforced the dress code.
In addition, the ventilation left much to be desired. Whisky warms up your body, and it should have been cooler in the rooms.
Lastly, there was this moron walking around w/​his dirty plate. I had the displeasure of being in front of this moron in th buffet line. He kept hitting me w/​his dirty plate, and he had the audacity to ask me if I was waiting for the turkey?! No, idiot. I am just standing here for the hell of it!!!
Would I come to the Whisky Extravanganza next year? No freakin way after this experience. I paid too much money to be around people who don’t know how to dress, or act in public. In addition, whisky is meant to be sipped. It would have been nice if they had more chairs to sit and relax in.