California-Inspired Moxy AC Hotels Arrive in Downtown Los Angeles

The dual-branded Moxy and AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, brought to life by Gensler and design studio Yabu Pushelberg, is a 37-story, L-shaped tower – one side allocated for Moxy, the other for AC Hotel – positioned atop an eight-story podium. Yabu Pushelberg sought inspiration from the exploratory ethos of California, resulting in a distinctly characterized design for each hotel while maintaining a unified aesthetic.

Moxy Downtown LA

For Moxy Downtown LA, Yabu Pushelberg rejected the typical palm trees and sunsets theme associated with Southern California, opting instead for a more iconoclastic interpretation rooted in the adventurous spirit of the California desert. The hotel’s interior design is infused with elements of biker culture, desert wildlife, and the open road’s raw romance, drawing partial inspiration from the 1969 cult film Easy Rider.

In contrast, Yabu Pushelberg designed the AC Hotel Downtown LA’s interior to reflect an artist’s loft, marrying the Spanish roots of the AC Hotel brand with Los Angeles’ Latin heritage. The public spaces are warm and modern, while the guest rooms offer a serene retreat. The 34th floor Sky Lobby channels the charm of a Spanish hacienda, complete with textured plaster walls, a redwood reception table, and captivating artwork.

“We always think hard about the sociology and strategy around design, how it affects people and how it makes them feel connected to something,” says Glenn Pushelberg, founding partner of Yabu Pushelberg along with George Yabu. “Moxy and AC are different brands, but both appeal to travelers who don’t want to stay in a conventional hotel. They’re both for adventurous, bold, curious tastemakers — so the design can’t be generic.”