Ian Schrager Unveils Democratic Luxury Hotel Concept in Los Angeles
Ian Schrager, co-founder of Studio 54 and pioneer of boutique hotels, is opening The PUBLIC in West Hollywood, promoting a 'luxury for all' concept. In an interview, he discusses his democratic door policies, rivals copying his ideas, and his fearlessness about failure. The hotel occupies the former Standard site on Sunset Boulevard.
Schrager’s PUBLIC replaces the former Standard hotel, which closed in 2021 after a two-decade run defined by provocative touches like models in a glass fish tank. The new design, by John Pawson, eliminates traditional front desks and wall-mounted TVs, instead offering private cinema-sized screens, a rooftop park with swings, and multiple dining and nightlife venues. Originally slated for spring, then July, the opening now targets fall 2026. Schrager, now 80, previously launched the Mondrian and West Hollywood EDITION in Los Angeles, and co-founded Studio 54 before inventing the boutique hotel category with Morgans in 1984.
This launch could reshape how Los Angeles hospitality balances exclusivity and accessibility, potentially influencing other hotels to adopt more democratic pricing and design. It may also signal a shift in luxury tourism toward experiential, communal spaces over traditional amenities. Local residents and travelers could benefit from a more inclusive nightlife scene, while competitors might feel pressure to innovate. However, the delayed opening and high expectations carry risk, and its long-term cultural impact will depend on execution and reception.