Book your stay at our historic hotel to enjoy the best of downtown Los Angeles! Our charming and well-appointed hotel rooms offer everything you need for a relaxing stay, while our ideal location brings you closer to all of the area’s top attractions, and the areas sought-after restaurants, galleries, and nightlife. With an on-site corner store, coffee shop, a clothing store, and a prism of LA street art and commisioned murals gracing the hotel's exterior canvas, The American Hotel is a central hub of culture and history in the Downtown Art's District.
Check out our gallery and book your stay today!
Operating for over 100 years, the American Hotel has become an iconic figure in the ever-trendy Arts District. The hotel originally opened in 1905 as the first quality hotel for African Americans in Los Angeles, and as time wore on, the space below the hotel acted as a haven for musical artists. The renowned hotel accommodated up-and-coming musicians as they worked to get their break in the music industry, while the ground floor space became the iconic AL’s Bar, which hosted a number of future rock legends like Sonic Youth and Nirvana. Today, our hotel in the arts district of Los Angeles has stayed true to its reputation as a hotel for the other, dedicated to honoring the neighborhood that has allowed it to thrive. Check out the murals surrounding the property, or ask our front desk staff for more information on our hotel’s rich history. Discover Our Hotel’s History ➔
After Al’s Bar closed in the 90s, the hotel fell into disrepair. In 2013, Mark & Lani Verge, purchased the decrepit building and worked to create the stylish, modern property we have today. In 2015, artists were commissioned to create murals that would reflect its artistic neighborhood. In a nod to the famed punk rock venue, Al's Bar, concert posters and artifacts are featured at Al's General, the clothing store and maker collective now inhabiting the main floor space and stage. To learn more about our iconic hotel, check out the film, the Tales of the American created by artist-filmmakers, and former resident-owners of the American Hotel.
Today, our hotel in the Arts District of Los Angeles has stayed true to its reputation as a hotel haven for the other,
dedicated to honoring the neighborhood that has allowed it to thrive.
Stretch out in our spacious King Suite! Enjoy a restful night's sleep on a plush king-sized bed. Great for entertaining, the open airy suite features living room seating and a 60" smart flat screen TV, a sectional sofa with pull out queen-size bed, desk, and dining area.
You'll love our new King Suite offering, complete with magical night lights, a coveted sleep-enhancing and eco-friendly bamboo King bed, living room seating, a smart TV and dining area, and adjoining bedroom and media lounge, full closet and queen-size pull out futon. Complimentary Youth to the People toxin-free toiletries.
Corner King Suite with a city view. Great for entertaining, dining and living room seating. Comfy eco-friendly bamboo King bed and large sectional sleeper sofa with pull out queen sized bed.
Shepard Fairey, Obey Flag, 2011
Home to the LA Phil and the Los Angeles Masber Chorale, Walt Disney Concert Hall , is one of the most
acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world. Designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry
Disney Hall is one of Gehry's best-known projects, internationally recognised for its facade made from swooping
metal-clad panels that echo the billows of the giant auditorium below.
Enjoy extra space throughout your stay in this charming hotel suite with magical city views in Downtown LA’s culture rich Arts District. Guests will enjoy a separate living area with a pull-out sofa or futon, a comfortable bamboo queen bed, smart flat screen TVs, USB charging stations, and a host of additional amenities designed to make each stay comfortable and convenient.
Visit local muralist Robert Vargas' inventive 13 story, 150-feet-tall homage to the Japanese phenom showcasing the L.A.Dodger superstars awe-inspiring two-way talents.Scan the QR code at the base of the mural to experience @shoheiohtani light up Little Tokyo with his pitching and batting prowess in full AR (augmented reality) effect sending the ball flying towards @dodgers stadium. A 10 minute walk, 2 minute drive from the hotel.
L.A.Rising Mural 328 First Street between Central & San Pedro Streets, LIttle Tokyo
Shepard Fairy, Make Art Not War, inspired by popular 1960s anti-war mantra, “Make love, not war.”
King corner suite with city views, dining and living room seating, and separate bedroom and media lounge.
Lovely King corner suite with dining and living room seating, two smart TVs,
and dazzling night lights.
Enjoy state-of-the-art shared restrooms on each floor of The American Hotel.
Enjoy extra space throughout your stay in this charming hotel suite in Downtown LA’s Arts District
with city views. Guests will enjoy a separate living area with a pull-out sofa or futon, comfy
regenerating bamboo queen bed, smart flat screen television, desk, USB charging stations, and a host of
additional amenities designed to make each stay comfortable and convenient.
Shepard Fairey, Debbie Harry Zebra Skin, 2005
Enjoy extra space and comfort in this one bedroom suite with eco-friendly bamboo bed,
sitting area, pull out futon, smart TV, USB charging stations and other amenitiies designed
to enchance your stay in LA's Downtown Arts District, one of the coolest neighborhoods in
the city, and the world.
https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/news/the-arts-district-was-voted-l-a-s-coolest-neighborhoodand-one-of-the-coolest-in-the-world-101723
Double the family room fun. Rest easy with our environnetally friendly bamboo bedding offering superior support and
comfort. Queen bed, dining area, 2 smart TVs, USB charging stations, separate bunk bedroom with desk.
Complimentary toxin free toiletries.
Bob Marley: 'Slave Driver' by Shepard Fairey, 2015, collab with legendary rock music photographer Dennis Morris
Hop on a bike at the Metro Bike Station to explore the Arts District!
El Mac, Augustine Kofie collab, and Kent Twitchell's stunning mural of famed pop artist Ed Rusha the American Hotel is draped in iconic artwork. When the hotel was purchased in 2015, it was covered in graffiti. The new owners then commissioned murals from local artists as a tribute to the neighborhood in which it stands. Today, the American Hotel features 7 murals placed throughout the hotel’s exterior. Want to learn more? Ask one of our front desk staff for info on the art outside our hotel!
While we do not offer on-site parking at The American Hotel, there is off-site parking available down the street. Check out this helpful parking guide when driving to the American Hotel.
Hewitt Street, located in front of the hotel, is a favorite filming location for many directors in Hollywood because of its similar look and feel to a New York City street. Throughout your stay at the hotel, you may see filming taking place right outside your hotel window.
LA is notorious for traffic, but planning your route in advance will allow you to explore the area with minor hiccups. Our best tips for driving around the city include:
It’s important to note that Los Angeles also has carpool/HOV lanes, where cars require a minimum of 2 passengers to be able to drive.
