Historic Hotel Clark Reopens in Downtown LA After 30-Year Closure
The landmark building, with a complex past, now offers modern accommodations and dining.
A historic Los Angeles landmark, the Hotel Clark, has reopened its doors, welcoming guests for the first time in over three decades. The soft opening last month marks the culmination of a long-delayed redevelopment project for the storied property located in downtown.
The 11-story, Beaux-Arts-style building, originally constructed in 1914 by railway entrepreneur Eli P. Clark, has been transformed into a "lifestyle hotel." It now features 348 modernized rooms, including a large suite with a king bed and separate living area. Guests can also access a skyline-facing pool, a fitness center, and a communal game room equipped with pool tables and shuffleboard.
Two dining and bar options are available on-site. Votana, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, is set to officially open on October 15, offering dishes influenced by the coastal cuisines of California, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Southern France. Additionally, the Clubhouse at Clark, an elevated sports bar specializing in bourbon and rye cocktails, is open on the first floor, complemented by the Lobby Lounge which will also serve cocktails and small bites.
The Hotel Clark's journey to reopening has been marked by a complex and lengthy history. After its initial operation as a 555-room hotel, it was converted into low-rent apartments. A subsequent attempt in 1979 to convert it back into a luxury hotel led to a legal battle with tenants, which they won.
A significant chapter in the building's past involved its purchase in the late 1980s by the People's Republic of China, with plans to establish a Chinese business and cultural center. This plan was altered by shifting diplomatic relations, and the building reverted to low-rent housing. Another attempt to evict residents resulted in a settlement.
In the late 1990s, the property was acquired by The Chetrit Group. Interior renovations commenced in 2012 and were completed in 2014, after which the building remained vacant until its recent reopening. Stays at the Hotel Clark start at approximately $207 per night, with a one-bedroom suite priced around $508 per night. The hotel is situated near the Los Angeles Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena.