Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles has been revitalized to open with a new identity. The historic hotel located in downtown Los Angeles has been relaunched as STILE Downtown Los Angeles by Kasa.
AJU Continuum, the investment firm specializing in real estate branding and technology, has entered into a partnership with Kasa Living, Inc. to manage and operate the hotel under the STILE brand.
Kasa took over management of the iconic hotel in February and has implemented a technology stack and centralized operations. In a statement, the company said it has reduced operating expenses, while maintaining high-quality guest experiences and honoring the hotel’s rich legacy.
“When we launched Kasa in 2016, we set out to build upon the proven fundamentals of hotel management while incorporating modern technology and a guest-centric approach to hospitality. We are honored to apply Kasa’s modernized approach to hotel management at such an iconic and storied property in downtown LA,” said Roman Pedan, founder and CEO of Kasa. “We’ve been pleased to see strong results across guest experience and profitability since launching the STILE.”
“Partnering with Kasa has introduced us to a modern, efficient approach to hotel management, seamlessly integrating with our lifestyle accommodations brand, STILE,” said Jaisun Ihm, CEO at AJU Continuum. “Kasa’s proven expertise in implementing modern hospitality practices has resulted in measurable improvements to our operations and profitability. Kasa has refined traditional hotel management, enhancing profitability while delivering the perfect balance of efficiency, guest experience, and brand DNA.”
“The neighborhood is continually evolving with a thriving art scene and cutting-edge business developments. We are eager to contribute to the continued revitalization of Downtown LA, bringing innovative solutions and renewed energy back into our neighborhood to foster growth and transformation,” said Jane Jeong, Director of Asset Management at AJU Continuum.
As part of the transition, AJU Continuum has invested in upgrading the hotel’s technology and aesthetic aspects, including installing new Wi-Fi, adding curated works by South Korean artist Jibin Im and opening a new wine bar concept from Brooklyn-based SAUCED.
The 13-story hotel features 182 rooms, along with 5,000 square feet of event space, a rooftop pool and lounge and a 1,600-seat independent theater for live entertainment events.
The United Theater on Broadway, which is directly connected to the hotel, will continue to run as an open venue hosting performances, concerts and special events and will be managed by AJU Continuum. The theater first opened in 1972 as the flagship movie theater for United Artists motion picture studio. It was restored and reopened in 2104.
The hotel was originally built as an office for the California Petroleum Corp. Building in the 1920s and was the tallest building in the city until 1956. The iconic building, styled in a Spanish Gothic design, was converted into a luxury, boutique hotel in 2014, when it opened as part of the Ace Hotels chain. In December 2023, the hotel announced on social media that it was closing down after 10 “golden years.”
A cultural and historic landmark in Los Angeles, the hotel has played host to several musical events and movie premieres and has been a popular hub for musicians and comedians.
The building has changed hands several times and has also served as a location for televangelist Gene Scott to broadcast the live Sunday services. For several years, the building sported the historic ‘Jesus Saves’ neon signs near its rear lower roof.
