Magic on the Standard

By Eric Richardson
Published: Thursday, December 07, 2006, at 11:14AM

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — I just ran across this little bit from an Orlando Sentinel article that talks about how life for the Orlando Magic on the road isn't as easy as it would seem. This past week their road trip brought them to Downtown.

Los Angeles Dec. 2-3

The Magic had Saturday off . . . and experienced some LaLa Land wackiness in downtown Los Angeles.

They stayed at The Standard Hotel, frequented by celebrities and really cool people. It is, well, how can we put it? It's more of a hostel than a hotel.

For millionaire players familiar with modern luxury, the rooms at The Standard are rather techno-spartan. Think the Jetsons meet the Flintstones.

Platform beds. Open shower/tub areas, bordered only by curtains and mirrors. Built-in orange couches. Lots of gray paint. Team trainer Tom Smith had a huge sculpture of a foot in his room. "It's eclectic," Sterner said.

Somewhere in the process the Standard's "hip weird" got interpreted as "techno-spartan." It is an interesting hotel.

Comments

Dr.B writes:

There are about 20 hotels in the downtown area, they have a wide selection of luxury hotels to choose from, e.g. Biltmore, Omni, Checkers, New Otani, etc.

# on Dec.07.2006 AT 12:48 PM

Scott Mercer writes:

Sigh.

Some people just love a stereotype. L.A. is so weird! Wacky! Lala land!

And I'm sure those people paying $150 a night at the Standard would be happy to know they're living in a hostel.

# on Dec.07.2006 AT 02:02 PM

David Kennedy writes:

The Standard is popular with NBA teams because it has special beds for very tall people.

I'm not sure if techno-spartan is accurate or fair. It is certainly different compared to your regular luxury hotel. I stayed there on my wedding night. My wife and I were very impressed with the place. The service at every level was top-notch. We thought the rooms were very stylish, fun and practical. The impression we got is the rooms are laid out for hosting an impromptu party.

I've heard all kinds of positive and negative comments about the place. Given the party atmosphere, it is definitely not for everyone. However, I'd recommend the place without hesitation.

# on Dec.07.2006 AT 02:13 PM

D writes:

Interesting how they didnt get quotes from any of the players. it would have been interesting to get their take.

# on Dec.07.2006 AT 04:07 PM

Whitman Lam writes:

Anybody know where visiting NBA teams practice while staying in L.A. ?

# on Dec.07.2006 AT 08:05 PM

Curt Gibbs writes:

I've stayed at the Standard, and I thought the rooms were great. But it is different than your usual hotel room. Now if anyone wants to stay in a real hostel, while visiting the LA area, then check out the Hosteling International Hostel in Santa Monica right off the 3rd Street Promenade. You are a couple blocks from the ocean, and for $26/person per night, one can get a dorm bed or around $100 or so for a family room that sleeps 4 people: www.hilosangeles.org.

# on Dec.07.2006 AT 08:52 PM

Marty McFly writes:

Whitney:

I heard that they practice on a basketball court.

# on Dec.07.2006 AT 10:37 PM

kenarch writes:

Marty...

Harrrrrrrr... have you erased your parents yet????

LOL!

# on Dec.08.2006 AT 10:33 PM