Two Los Angeles hotels by Yabu Pushelberg honour multiple LA identities under one roof
Los Angeles hotels Moxy and AC Hotel by Yabu Pushelberg tell distinct design stories about the South Californian city
![Los Angeles hotels, AC Hotel Terrace](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A84UyADH52NNqc2YMrkEbK-415-80.jpg)
When Yabu Pushelberg was tapped to lead the design of Marriott's new pair of Los Angeles hotels Moxy and AC Hotel, the studio faced the feat of balancing two distinct design identities under one roof. Never ones to shy away from a challenge, founders George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg explain, 'it was a unique opportunity to create two parallel ways of seeing Los Angeles in style and spirit'.
Los Angeles hotels: Moxy Downtown Los Angeles
Moxy Downtown Los Angeles lobby lounge
For Moxy’s LA debut, the brand’s unmistakably playful style is brought together with Yabu Pushelberg’s interpretation of the ‘adventurous spirit of California’, culminating in a ‘desert nomad’-inspired design. Taking cues from 1969 cult classic Easy Rider, the hotel design nods to countercultures, motorcycle communities and the ‘gritty romance of the open road’.
The lobby lounge welcomes guests into an expansive space, featuring neutral rammed-earth walls contrasted with reflective mirrored columns, intended to evoke a desert mirage experience. The custom-made carpet by Yabu Pushelberg features snake motifs that slink between motorcycle-leather seating, tracing an imaginary journey through the Californian desert, while signature coffee tables emulate desert driftwood.
Moxy Downtown Los Angeles lobby lounge
Bar Moxy draws inspiration from a roadside gas station, featuring bold, geometric shapes with sharp colour contrasts, while guest rooms transition to restful, softer tones and textures, using copper lights to mimic desert glows.
Moxy Downtown Los Angeles guest room
AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles Satellite Lobby
For LA’s newest AC Hotel, excellence in hospitality is combined with Yabu Pushelberg’s take on the 'artistic soul of Los Angeles', leading to a design inspired by an artist's home. Paying homage to the brand’s Spanish roots and the Hispanic heritage of South California, interiors are intended to take guests on a journey through Spanish architecture, and hacienda aesthetics and materiality.
The Satellite Lobby is designed as the foyer of an artist’s home. Bespoke, handcrafted arts bring a deeply artisanal sensitivity, with attention being drawn to customary sculptural wooden totems made with Dennis Lin. Woodwork motifs continue in the Library Lounge, which also features cosy, rounded L-shaped sofas.
Library Lounge at AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles featuring curated hand-carved sculptures
The 'La Lo La Rooftop' on the 34th floor boasts 360-degree views of Los Angeles, offering a garden-like retreat. Guest rooms are simple yet carefully considered, with floor-to-ceiling oak, and a design intended to bring, the architects explain, 'feelings of modern ease and relaxation'.
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
'La Lo La Rooftop' at AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
In bringing to life two distinct yet cohesive designs that celebrate the multiplicity of the city’s essence, Yabu Pushelberg has made good on its intention to 'capture this spirit and infuse these moments throughout the design language of both hotels'.
Book now: Moxy Downtown Los Angeles and AC Hotel Los Angeles
yabupushelberg.com
lightstonegroup.com
Distorted reflections at Moxy Lobby Lounge
Yabu Pushelberg custom modular furniture in The Studios at Moxy Downtown Los Angeles
Guest room at AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
Library Lounge views at AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
Nana Ama Owusu-Ansah is a writer and photographer from London. She first wrote for Wallpaper* in 2021, in a series on the new vanguard of African designers practising in Africa and its diaspora. She is drawn to projects centring on decolonial approaches to art, architecture, as well as community and sustainability. Nana Ama read Economics and Spanish at University of St Andrews, and, as an avid linguist, is passionate about using accessible language to invite new audiences to engage in design discourse.
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
Tour the newly opened Jeddah Edition hotel
The Jeddah Edition ushers in a new era of hospitality for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
By Daven Wu Published
-
Get groovy at The Pinky Ring, Las Vegas, a 1970s cocktail lounge shaking up the city
The Pinky Ring is a Las Vegas cocktail and live music venue designed by Yabu Pushelberg for Bruno Mars
By Tianna Williams Published
-
The Hollywood Roosevelt’s penthouse suites get a sumptuous refresh
The Hollywood Roosevelt tapped designer Kevin Klein to imbue the suites with both contemporary finishes and historical details
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Sip, savour and stay in Santa Monica during Frieze LA and beyond
Your stay in Santa Monica begins with a cinematic hotel, a Kelly Wearstler-designed spa, a casual shrine to seafood, and a cool tapas bar
By Timothy Anscombe-Bell Published
-
Jialun Xiong’s design of Sichuan Impression is a sophisticated take on family-style dining
Jialun Xiong imbues the Alhambra, Los Angeles restaurant with clean lines and nods to traditional Chinese architecture
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
The Paramour Estate is a true Hollywood star
Paramour is a 1920s Silver Lake mansion making an elegant escape from one’s fans in Los Angeles
By Pei-Ru Keh Published
-
Frank Gehry and Tara Bernerd’s Conrad Los Angeles hotel opens it doors
The Conrad Los Angeles hotel is now open, occupying a sculptural building by Frank Gehry with interiors by Tara Bernerd
By Ellie Stathaki Last updated
-
Alsace LA hotel interiors by Home Studios encapsulate SoCal energy
Alsace LA hotel, in Los Angeles’ West Adams, features interiors and furniture designs by Home Studios, inspired by the Bauhaus and Mediterranean architecture
By Pei-Ru Keh Last updated