Photo: Exterior shot of The Hollywood Roosevelt / Courtesy of The Hollywood Roosevelt
Perched along Hollywood Boulevard overlooking the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, LA's Hollywood Roosevelt exudes the endless glamour of the film industry's bygone days. This independently run boutique property (easily recognizable by its sign rooftop sign) first opened in 1927, hosted the first-ever Academy Awards ceremony in 1929, and is today the longest continuously operating hotel in Los Angeles. However, it's endured a few rough patches over the years. A recent $25 million renovation has helped usher the Roosevelt into the 21st century while maintaining many of the features that keep it timeless, such as a fully restored Spanish Colonial-style lobby. The Roosevelt is an LA-designated Historic-Cultural Monument and features 12 floors, 300 guest rooms, and 63 suites, including spacious poolside cabanas and several dining options. It's easy to see why this property is such a popular hangout among celebrities. Here's what you'll find when you visit:
Step into the massive and ornate lobby, and you'll feel instantly transported to another era, one in which you'd find Shirley Temple practicing her tap dance moves upon the lobby's tiled steps, and past guests such as Clark Gable and Charlie Chaplin relaxing on dark leather sofas among towering archways and wrought-iron chandeliers. In the hotel's main tower, each guest room is sound-proof and features an array of stylish modern décor and subtle Spanish-inspired accents. Though smaller than your average LA guest room, they're well furnished with an oversized desk, a fully stocked mini-bar, and some even have four-poster beds.
Roosevelt's vintage poolside cabanas date back to the 1950s and feature midcentury furnishings. They're often quite lively on weekends when afternoon pool parties set the tone. The Marilyn Monroe Suite is named for the hotel's most famous resident, who lived at the Roosevelt for two years near the start of her career.
The Roosevelt attracts everyone from celebrities who book a night in its three-level 3,200-square-foot Gable and Lombard Penthouse to travelers who want to be at the center of the city. Here, you'll find several bars and restaurants, such as the speakeasy-style Spare Room (best known for its craft cocktails and a vintage, two-lane bowling alley) along with 25 Degrees, a 24-hour gourmet burger joint. What's more, it's now home to Nancy Silverton's first hotel restaurant The Barish. The hotel's also rumored to be haunted by several well-known spirits, including that of actor Montgomery Clift, who's known to play a trick or two on guests in room 928, where he stayed while filming From Here to Eternity.
Those wanting to "see and be seen," as well as business travelers looking for an alternative to your standard chain hotels, and anyone hoping for an authentic Hollywood experience. Cabanas rooms can be loud on the weekends (and are adult-only) but truly embrace that Hollywood party vibe.
Those not especially interested in Hollywood history or who'd prefer to steer clear of Hollywood Boulevard may find The Hollywood Roosevelt a little too much for their tastes. Also, budget travelers looking to save money on things like parking and wifi can find more viable options elsewhere.
With its famous David Hockney mural, the oversized Tropicana pool is complete with platform day beds and a 1960s-style cafe and bar for sipping cocktails beneath the palm trees. It's open to hotel guests and Tropicana Swim Society members only.
Rooms are equipped with Maison Margiela Replica amenities, bathrobes, and Smart TVs with in-room casting for your apps. Guests have complimentary access to the pool and its weekend afternoon pool parties. There's also free outdoor yoga on Saturday mornings. The hotel often hosts occasional pop-up events and has a Massage Garden (massage services cost extra), a 24-hour onsite gym, and 24-hour room service.
There's a surcharge for wifi in both rooms and public spaces, and the hotel offers 24-hour valet parking at the cost of $45 per night plus tax. Hotel events — which range from a classic New Year's Eve party to weekly magic shows — are not included in the typical hotel rate. Pets are welcome for a one-time $100 cleaning fee.
Schedule a visit during LA's shoulder seasons (September through November or March through May) outside of school vacations like spring break. Also, the property's "Get It All" package includes a deluxe room for its best available rate plus $6, daily continental breakfast for two, and value parking. Tip: book at least two weeks ahead to score a 15% discount on the best available rate, as well as upgraded wifi.
Located on Hollywood Boulevard right across from the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre, The Hollywood Roosevelt is a perfect hub for celebrity spotting, dining out at Hollywood's oldest restaurant, Musso & Frank Grill, or strolling along the renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame. Even the iconic clubs of the Sunset Strip are an easy Lyft ride away. While widely underutilized, the LA Metro's Red Line runs between Union Station and North Hollywood, with a stop at Hollywood and Vine. There are 24-hour parking garages in the neighborhood that are often a better deal than valet parking.
Burbank's Bob Hope Airport is less than eight miles from The Hollywood Roosevelt via North Hollywood Way. LAX is about 15 miles away. From here, travelers can catch the FlyAway Bus from LAX to Hollywood and Vine.
For the full Hollywood experience, The Hollywood Roosevelt is your place.