Did You Know? Pop-Up Suites at Los Angeles Athletic Club

The Los Angeles Athletic Club (LAAC) opened in Downtown Los Angeles in 1880, setting the standard for a private membership club and athletic facility. Today, after a recent multi-million dollar renovation, the Hotel at the Los Angeles Athletic Club features 72 urban chic hotel rooms and nine distinctively themed suites. Spearheaded by design visionary Tracy Beckmann, the hotel rooms are drenched in a warm blend of dark colors and boast a sophisticated level of detail. Each room features custom-made furnishings, luxurious bedding, Roman shades, flat screens, wifi and original art from the club’s vault. A stay at the historic hotel provides the ultimate amenity: an 80,000 square foot fitness facility including spa, business center and dining in the club’s restaurants.

In March 2013, LAAC debuted its first-ever pop-up suite experience, Urban Camping, which transforms one of LAAC’s nine luxury suites into a lavish metropolitan campsite. The hotel package includes a designer tented bed with ornate light fixtures (remote-controlled of course), kitschy camp decor like old leather saddles, animal throws, custom cowpoke art, a luxe teepee with plush pillows for two, and much more. Campers are treated to an assortment of goodies, from gourmet s’mores via an electric fondue set, to L.A. guide maps, a luxury survival kit (including champagne), and in-room scary camping movies like “Friday the 13th.” Also included are overnight parking, American Buffet Breakfast and full use of the club’s famed 80,000 square foot athletic facility.

Following on the success of Urban Camping, LAAC debuted its second pop-up suite, Urban Castaway, in the summer of 2014. Urban Castaway transforms one of the hotel’s luxury suites into a chic tropical getaway. The “living room lagoon” features a custom-made boat twin bed that’s overflowing with fluffy pillows and luxe linens, surrounded by specially designed beach murals, lush island flora, and lily pads on the floor. Island sounds fill the room as guests enter the master suite, which includes a canopied bed with sheer netting, softly glowing lanterns and an island survival kit with fresh fruit, coconut water, in-room tropical cocktails and island treats. Guests can jump into a dinghy and watch island-themed movies like “Blue Lagoon,” “Life of Pi,” “Soul Surfer” and of course, “Cast Away.” The suite even gives a nod to the Tom Hanks blockbuster with an L.A. version of “Wilson” to keep guests company throughout their stay. Also included are overnight parking, American Buffet Breakfast, access to the popular Invention Bar and Famous Players Restaurant, and full use of the club’s 80,000 square foot athletic facility.

The Premium Urban Castaway experience offers everything included in the original package, but with one special addition: guests will be “rescued” from their “island” with a helicopter ride for two from Downtown to Burbank Airport, courtesy of Group 3 Aviation.

The Urban Camping and Urban Castaway experiences were created by L.A.-based fashion and interior designer, Jim Tanner, whose celebrity clientele includes Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez, Brandon Flowers and Britney Spears.

The Urban Camping Package is priced $429 per night, plus tax. The Urban Castaway Package starts at $549 per night, plus tax. The Premium Urban Castaway Package starts at $549 per night, plus tax and an additional $1,200 helicopter fee. NOTE: Helicopter fees are subject to change and are based on current rates, number of passengers, availability and taxes charged by third party helicopter operator.

Both packages require a minimum of 72 hours advanced booking. For the Urban Camping package, use rate code “CAMP” to receive the special discount rate. Use rate code “CASTAWAY” when booking the Urban Castaway package.

The Urban Camping and Urban Castaway pop-up suites can offer a romantic getaway for two, or a family-friendly vacation in the heart of Downtown L.A. To book a room reservation, call 800.421.8777 or visit www.laac.com.