Ian Schrager, co-creator of the iconic Studio 54 nightclub, has revived the legendary brand with a new nightclub located within his latest hotel project, Public West Hollywood. This marks the first time since the original Studio 54 closed in the 1980s that Schrager has used the name, reflecting a renewed willingness to embrace the legacy of the celebrated yet controversial venue.
Schrager, whose earlier nightclub career ended when he and his business partner Steve Rubell were imprisoned for tax evasion, described the decision to resurrect the Studio name as a significant personal milestone. “There was a long period of time when I didn’t feel good using the name Studio, although people asked me to, because it was such a devastation in my life,” he remarked, noting that time has allowed him to reconnect with the nightclub’s cultural impact.
Public West Hollywood is part of Schrager’s broader initiative to develop the Public hotel brand, which emphasizes accessible luxury and a departure from the traditional exclusivity associated with high-end hotels. With investment from the firm Ares and operated by Highgate, the Public brand first launched in downtown New York and is set to expand rapidly, with planned locations in Miami, London, and other cities. Each hotel will feature a nightclub bearing the Studio name designed to foster an energetic, communal atmosphere centered on music and dance.
The new Studio nightclub departs in scale and spectacle from its Manhattan predecessor, famously known for extravagant performances such as Bianca Jagger’s horse-riding and the now-abolished motorized bridges. Instead, it presents a more intimate setting focused on cocktail service and a smaller dance floor. Innovative design elements include TV screens disguised as classical portraits that subtly animate throughout the night, adding a dynamic visual element to the space.
Schrager’s vision for the Public hotels is informed by his past success with boutique hotels like the Royalton and Mondrian, where he pioneered the concept of the hotel as a social venue rather than merely accommodation. The Public brand aims to redefine luxury as affordability combined with compelling experiences rather than traditional opulence. Schrager emphasized that in today’s market, value is paramount, criticizing the rising four-figure room rates common in many major cities while offering rooms at Public West Hollywood for approximately £350 per night.
Reflecting on his continued involvement in nightlife at the age of 80, Schrager expressed confidence in his ability to tap into enduring social dynamics. “There are fundamental things about people, hotels and nightlife that don’t change,” he said, highlighting the importance of spaces that encourage connection and a sense of freedom.
Breaking from his earlier penchant for exclusivity, Schrager envisions Public as a brand that welcomes a diverse clientele without the velvet ropes that once defined Studio 54’s entrance policies. The goal is to create environments that are fashionable and inclusive, providing guests with straightforward food, entertainment, and an emotional experience at a reasonable price.
Located in the former shell of the Standard hotel, Public West Hollywood and its Studio nightclub are set to host a high-profile launch event next month, underscoring Schrager’s intent to blend the legacy of one of New York’s most legendary nightclubs with contemporary, approachable luxury hospitality.