Design-forward historic lifestyle hotel, STILE DTLA, has announced the completion of a full-scape, multi-phase renovation of the former Ace Hotel, a long-standing fixture within the Broadway Theater District. Set within the United Artists building, the project reintroduces the 1927 landmark as an 182-room hotel in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, marking Aju Continuum’s first U.S. expansion.
Led by Los Angeles–based interior design firm Design, Bitches, the transformation includes fully redesigned guest rooms, reimagined public spaces, and the debut of new cultural and creative programming designed to uphold the independent DNA of the United Theater on Broadway, as part of Aju Continuum’s management of the property. New additions such as SparkHouse, a 24/7 creative coworking and production hub, Somewhere Special rooftop bar, and The Goodie Shop retail concept introduce a dynamic, day-to-night experience, complemented by analog-driven touches including a cassette library and Walkman listening program.
The redesign reimagines the Spanish Gothic landmark through a distinctly local lens, blending bold materials, industrial-modern finishes, and updated spatial flow. Rather than functioning as a traditional hotel, the property is conceived as a layered hospitality environment that moves fluidly from workspace to social hub, connecting guests to Los Angeles’ art, music, and creative communities while redefining the role of the hotel within Downtown.
“STILE represents a meaningful evolution not only for this building, but for how hotels can operate within a city like Los Angeles,” said Jaisun Ihm, CEO of Aju Continuum. “This renovation allowed us to preserve the integrity of a historic landmark while introducing a more flexible, design-led experience that reflects how people live, work, and connect today.”
STILE’s relaunch reflects a broader shift in how hospitality functions within urban environments, positioning the property as a flexible home base for modern travelers and local creatives alike. At the heart of the brand is a mission to redefine the traditional hotel stay, encouraging guests to move through the experience on their own terms, captured in the ethos “Stay By Your Own Rules.” Blending seamless, technology-enabled convenience with considered design and comfort, the model creates a hospitality experience that feels as adaptable and dynamic as Los Angeles itself.
Design Rooted in The Spirit of Los Angeles
The renovation embraces an industrial-modern design language shaped by Los Angeles’ creative identity, balancing the building’s historic Spanish Gothic architecture with bold, contemporary interiors. Updates include enhanced lighting, refined material palettes, upgraded bathrooms, and improved spatial layouts designed to support both comfort and functionality. The result is a design approach that feels expressive and locally grounded, rather than traditional or uniform. This outside perspective, combined with the firm’s deep connection to Los Angeles, allowed the design to move beyond traditional hospitality conventions, creating a space that feels more culturally attuned and distinctly local.
Guestrooms, Amenities & Arrival Experience
The hotel’s 182 redesigned guest rooms feature updated layouts, enhanced lighting, and upgraded bathrooms, along with a refined palette of materials and finishes. In-room amenities include skincare products such as face masks and bathroom amenities made in Korea exclusively for STILE, Copper Cow Coffee, and Harney & Sons tea, reinforcing a balance of comfort and thoughtful detail. Public spaces have been reconfigured to create a more cohesive arrival experience, complemented by a rooftop pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and a flexible lobby. The guest experience is supported by a tech-enabled, contactless model designed for flexibility and ease, allowing guests to move seamlessly through the property while maintaining the option for personalized interaction. The approach reflects STILE’s operating philosophy of “contactless, not faceless,” balancing convenience with human connection.
The United Theater on Broadway
At the center of the property, The United Theater on Broadway has been revitalized as a defining cultural anchor, continuing its legacy as one of Los Angeles’ most significant performance venues. Originally built in 1927 for United Artists, founded by film legends Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith, the theater will host concerts, film screenings, and live programming, reinforcing STILE’s role as both a hospitality destination and an active participant in the city’s cultural landscape.
SparkHouse: A New Home For Music-Makers & Creatives
Spanning the building’s first and second floors, SparkHouse is a private members’ club and creative hub designed to support music-makers and creatives through every stage of the creative process. Featuring professional recording studios, podcast and video suites, collaborative lounges, meeting spaces, and a café and bar, the space brings together artists, industry professionals, and emerging talent through thoughtfully curated programming, including listening sessions, showcases, and masterclasses.
A Day-to-Night Culinary Experience, From Street Level to Rooftop
STILE’s food and beverage offerings are designed to evolve throughout the day, beginning with SparkHouse Café at street level and transitioning into a lobby bar in the evening. Above, Somewhere Special rooftop bar introduces a skyline-facing destination that blends workspace, lounge, and nightlife energy. The rooftop pool and terrace further extend the experience, creating a continuous day-to-night environment. The experience extends beyond the property through select neighborhood partnerships, offering guests additional ways to engage with Downtown Los Angeles’ local culinary scene.
A Layered Sensory Experience
Art, music, and scent are integrated throughout the property as part of a broader multi-sensory design approach. Guestrooms and public spaces feature curated works by artists including Xan Padrón and Martin Vaan Zaal, reinforcing a more expressive, design-led visual identity, while a music program inspired by soul, rhythm, and experimental sound shapes the atmosphere. A signature santal-based scent adds a subtle, consistent layer to the overall experience.
The Goodie Shop
At the lobby level, The Goodie Shop introduces a curated retail concept that extends beyond traditional grab-and-go, blending California-sourced snacks and beverages with design-forward lifestyle goods and everyday travel essentials. The selection spans locally made confections, craft beverages, and pantry staples alongside stationery, accessories, and STILE-branded merchandise, creating a retail experience that reflects the property’s creative, community-driven identity while serving both convenience and discovery.
STILE DTLA’s relaunch signals a new chapter for one of Downtown Los Angeles’ most iconic buildings, reintroducing the property as both a place to stay and a platform for creative exchange. By combining historic architecture with a contemporary, design-led approach to hospitality, the hotel reflects the evolving identity of the Broadway Theater District and its growing role as a cultural and creative hub, while drawing from the community-first philosophy established by its sister brand, RYSE in Seoul.
