Talk about setting the standard: Andre Balzas’ retro-futuristic downtown venture in a former oil company building struck such a gusher of success after its launch in 2001, it spearheaded the re-hip-ification of the once-downtrodden Downtown district, reestablishing it as one the coveted areas to stay in Los Angeles. With very little being standard about it, from the upside-down signage to funky modernist rooms that come in ‘Huge,’ ‘Gigantic,’ ‘Humongous,’ and ‘Wow!’ sizes, the Standard Downtown is hip and oh so very now. Think of it as being amongst anti-Biltmore-type hotels. Los Angeles party animals now have the rooftop Bar and Biergarten hopping with hottie’s screaming, This ain’t your daddy’s luxury hotel!” (though even Dad might enjoy an eyeful of the slinky scenemakers on parade).”