One glance into the lobby of the Jonathan Club on Figueroa Street in downtown Los Angeles and the visitor might assume he or she had been propelled 3000 miles eastward.  Anyone dreaming of a California peopled with figures clad in shorts and sandals isn't dreaming of this place.  The Jonathan Club is almost, but not quite, the anti-California, a direct repudiation of the modern values and morals which have shaped the state and the city of Los Angeles.  First, a bit of history...

The Jonathan Club was founded in 1895 and its original clubhouse was located in what is now the Pacific Electric Building.  In 1924, the Club engaged the architectural firm of Schltze & Weaver to build a new permanaent club house at 545 South Figueroa street.  The firm designed a number of other prominent buildings, among them the Biltmore Hotel at Pershing Square. 

Lobby and Arrival

The paneled lobby is grand and almost somber, but it manages to feel comfortable.  I arrived early in the morning, having taken the Southwest Chief from Chicago.  The staff were more than accommodating and had a room ready for me.

Room

I had one of the recently renovated suites on the eighth floor (820), a large and bright couple of rooms on the corner facing the front.  The eighth floor was closed for many years and was only recently refurbished into suites.  While there are still regular guest room to be had at the club, the suites are worth the extra money if for nothing more than the extra space. 

The small sitting room had a loveseat and a small desk and not much more, but French doors opened into a spacious corner bedroom filled with light and air.  The dark wood fortniture was traditional and not trend-setting, but one doesn't visit clubs to set trends anyway. 

Bath

What had probably once been an ordinary bathroom had been refitted with snowy white marble.  I might have been tempted to enjoy a long bath here if the spa and pool downstairs hadn't been so elaborate.  Plenty of towels and good soap and shampoo.  No issues with plumbing either. 

Dining

There are several dining rooms, the most elaborate of which is the grill room on the second floor.  Originally a dining room for men only, the Grill was later transformed into the main dining room when the original main dining room on the third floor was converted into more of a ballroom.  I had breakfast here and enjoyed watching the grand room slowly fill with guests as I settled into my coffee and newspaper.  Not that I ignored the plate before me.  Huevos rancheros was never better than as it was served here.  The main dining room isn't open for lunch, but opens again for dinner. 

I did have dinner at the Club one evening, but on the roof terrace (known as the Tuscan Terrace).  Their Thursday night buffet is famous, or so I'm told.  It was also wildly popular, so I was glad I had thought ahead to make a reservation.  Sand dabs are one of the Club's specialties. lightly battered and served with lemon and capers, they were wonderfully fresh.  Mostly, it was a great pleasure to sit on the roof terrace and take in the lively scene.  There was even a band playing and the gilded youth of Los Angeles were out in force. 

The Tap Room is a less formal option for lunch.  Its fifty foot bar makes a statement in itself.  One evening, I fell into conversation with an interesting group of people and we took our drinks up to the roof terrace and continued our conversation there. 

Pool and Fitness

The swimming pool is the centerpiece of a beautifully designed and maintained health club on the fourth and fifth floors.  The pool is beautifully tiled, but the most striking feature of the pool area is the 1905 Cattalucci marble statue, the Combatants, which graces one end of the swimming pool.  The steam room was so hot that I could only stay in for short periods. The very best exercise equipment had been provided as well.  A new fitness area for women was under construction during my visit. 

Service

This is a private club of no small standing, so it should come as no surprise that its members command lofty standards of service.  For all the supposed hauteur of the place, I found both the staff exceptionally friendly.  Neither were the members I met encased in frost.  There are certain rules which should be followed- especially the dress code.  Even that is no longer as strict as it might once have been.  Essentially, if you are wearing jeans, don't parade through the lobby, though if you arrive that way, there's not much to be done about it.  "Smart casual" best describes their dress code today and it shouldn't be an imposition on anyone.

Beach Club

In addition to the Town Club, the Club has a place at the beach in Santa Monica, the Jonathan Beach Club.  I wish I'd had the time to visit the place.  It's a beach club, but also has a formal dining room in addition to the swimming pool and tennis courts.  It's also right on the beach.  The trip might take between half an hour and an hour depending upon traffic. 

Misc.

There are various public rooms, mostly on the first, second and third floors.  The most imporessive is probably the great lounge on the second floor.  With the sumptuousness of a Florentine palace, this is a good room to visit quietly with a good book- that is if there isn't a soiree going on in there.  The library is another good place to get away from the crowds and the Reagan Room is interesting.  as well. 

The barber shop on the first floor is something straight out of the 1950s with the hair products to match!  Brylcreem anyone?  I wish my hair had needed cutting just so I might have entered the black and white tiled time capsule.

Cost

I paid about $220.00 for the suite , though I could have booked a standard room for $179.00.  As it is a private club, one has to have reciprocal privileges through another club or through a member in order to visit.

Overall

The Jonathan Club may not be for everyone, but it is a terrific alternative to a hotel in downtown Los Angeles.  The rooms are spacious and attractive and are reasonably priced.  The food and service are outstanding. 



The Jonathan Club

545 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, California

Tel,  213-624-0881

Recommended: Yes