Los Angeles History - Historic Hotels

**LOS ANGELES HISTORY - HISTORIC HOTELS**
This is not a complete list - but a lot of nice Hotels of History still in business are found below. I've only stayed at about half of them, but often the best deal in America is being able to hang out in the lobby of a nice hotel for free and buy a cheap beverage at a bar inside (make sure to patronize these places in some way). You get 70% of the ambiance for very little money. Isn't the 14th amendment great. They have to treat Bohemians like me the same as normal people!

They don't make 'em like this anymore. The Hotel Hollywood at the corner of Highland and Hollywood Blvd. - Gone but not forgotten. Courtesy of Bronwen B.
The Alta Cienega Motel, 1005 N. La Cienega Blvd., Room 32, West Hollywood	I mention this place solely for the history. I have no idea what it is like inside. This place, especially room 32, is known for being a motel where Jim Morrison used to stay with some frequency. It was near the Doors' commercial office at 8512 Santa Monica Blvd. and thus, a good place for Jim to hit the sack without driving (which was not one of his strong points!).
The Argyle Hotel (St. James Club/Sunset Towers - Leland A. Bryant 1929), 8358 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, 800-225-2637 323-654-7100 More Information on this Art Deco Hotel The Sunset Towers before restoration as the Argyle Hotel [photo by E. Shamie] The Argyle Hotel Today - Photo by Christie	The Argyle Hotel (once Sunset Towers), a beautifully preserved Art Deco exterior (zig zag moderne) hotel. You can see it in the movie "Murder My Sweet" (1948) with Dick Powell as Philip Marlowe (or was it Fairwell, My Lovely?). This movie, along with "The Long Goodbye" by Robert Altman (1973), were, in my humble opinion, the best Raymond Chandler adaptations. While the lobby, bar and lounge are a pleasant generic upscale club design, it is hardly worthy of the incredible exterior. Gone is the old art deco lobby. What corporate genius in this day and age did not know how treasured original art deco interiors are. Oh, well. It's thirteen or fifteen stories, depending on who you ask. John Wayne supposedly kept a cow on his balcony for fresh milk here. Benjamin Siegel and Howard Hughes (that guy really got around) also lived here. Other films made here include the Player and Get Shorty. Not far from the Mondrian Hotel (Skybar), the Standard West Hollywood, the Chateau Marmont, the Rainbow Bar & Grill, Duke's and the Bel Age.
Aztec Hotel, 311 W. Foothill Blvd., Monrovia, CA 91016 ( Robert Stacy-Judd 1925-26) 626-358-3231	Along Rt. 66 in Monrovia, this place is a real treasure, inside and out . The creation of Robert Stacy-Judd, an Englishman, he became fired up on Central American design by the book "Incidents of Traveling in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatan" by Frederick Catherwood. Not far from the Derby restaurant. While the style is Mayan, for some reason they called it Aztec. Apparently Stacy-Judd believed that the American public would be more familiar with the Aztecs. Not far from the Derby Restaurant and Rod's Grill.
Belage (Wyndham) Hotel – 1020 N San Vicente Blvd West Hollywood, CA Phone: (310) 854-1111	The Belage is not a time machine, but it is one of the best values in a hotel in Los Angeles and a great base camp for exploring the places I list on this site. Check deals on Travelocity or Travelscape (whatever they are called now).This was once an ultra-luxurious hotel. Now it’s just very, very nice (and half the price). I was once witness to a minor paparazzi incident at the pool on the roof (which on a clear day has a fabulous view of all of Los Angeles).
Bel Air Hotel, 701 Stone Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 9007 310-472-1211 T T T The entrance to the Bel Air neighborhood. You have to almost squint to see the sign. Those who pass through these gates are lucky indeed!	Emboldened by my positive experiences at the Beverly Hills Hotel, I decided to dare to enter Bel Air and check out this famous five star hotel of the rich and famous. It may be obvious that I grew up with a lot of stereotypes of upper class society, including the myth that all rich people were snobs. I come from several branches of families that were once sort of self-made affluent, who then lost it all and did a stint in poverty, only to creep their way back to the middle class. One of my grandfathers worked his way up from door to door salesman of encyclopedias to being Corporate President of Collier's Encyclopedia (a feat not to be repeated I'll bet). Due to his origins however, he never felt comfortable among his colleagues. In any event, Bohemian that I am, I drove up to the Valet here in my beat up, less than immaculate Ford F-150 long bed work series truck. Amazingly, I was treated like the Sultan of Brunei. I was given careful instructions (upon my request) on where to find self-parking (free!). When I returned the Valet very respectfully and sincerely asked me if I had any other questions or anything else he could help me with. Talk about great service. And for the price of a drink at the bar, you get to see this really beautiful hotel, with lavish, verdant grounds. The bar had great service as well (with nice bar snacks, although not quite as good as the Beverly Hills Hotel). On a Sunday afternoon, the bar was very serene, dark and peaceful. A nice place to think over the meaning of life (as long as you mix it with a visit to skid row I guess). Anyway, although I'll never afford a room here, I highly recommend the place. This is a classy joint!
Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Blvd. Beverly Hills 310-887-2777 (Mission Revival Architecture - since 1912) T T The Coffee Shop (above) - very reasonable prices.	This hotel, probably more than any other, comes to mind worldwide when people think of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. It was constructed by Burton Green in 1912 and helped jump start the fame of glamorous Beverly Hills. I believe it is now the property of the Sultan of Brunei, who makes Bill Gates look impoverished. He acquired the property in 1987 at a cost of $185 million. Once the happy hunting grounds of people like Howard Hughes, John F. Kennedy and John Lennon. It was not too long ago the Beverly Hills Hotel did a two year restoration, but many nice original elements remain. I have a confession to make here. For twenty-five some years I always wanted to visit this place, but being the Bohemian I am, I was sure the minute I stepped in someone with a pompous attitude would rush over and ask in a cynical voice "Can I help you sir?" No matter how I dress, people seem to instantly know I'm a red neck from Maryland. It was only in desperation (I'm running low on old sites to include on this site) that I got up the nerve to call and see what hours the Polo Lounge was open. I was greeted with a cheerful and helpful voice that allayed some of my fear. As I drove up, I had the temerity to ask the valet if there was free self parking. He cheerfully said there was. As I walked in, each staff member cheerfully greeted me and answered questions, even volunteering to take some pictures of my friends who were with me. Man was I wrong about this place. As an additional treat, I had a perfect milkshake in the coffee shop, and as my friends and I were enjoying it, a very famous movie star sat down next to us. Now I know you long time Angelinos scoff at such things, but it made my day! See the Polo Lounge on my bar page. Not far from the Rainbow Bar and Grill, Duke's, the Mondrian, the Bel Age, the Argyle Hotel, Mel's Drive-In (Ben Frank's), the Chateau Marmont, Greenblatt's Deli, Myagi's (Players), the sites of the former Trocadero Cafe, the Mocambo , and La Rue
(The Regent) Beverly-Wilshire Hotel, 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills (310) 275-5200 (baroque, Beaux-Arts and Italian Renaissance - Walker and Eisen -since around 1926-1928)	The original owner was Hernando Courtright. I had not been in here for many years until recently. Last time I was in there, my son saw Tommy Lasorda there, who was very nice and took the time to talk to him. The hotel was featured in the movies "Pretty Woman", Clueless and Beverly Hills Cop. Located on the site of the former Los Angeles Speedway where Barney Oldfield drove. Not far from Nate 'n Al's and the former site of the Beverly Hills Brown Derby and Romanoff's former site.
Biltmore Hotel, 506 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 213-624-1011 (Italian-Spanish Churriguereque Renaissance theme and Beaux Arts - Shultze and Weaver- since 1923) T T T T T	So well known, it almost does not need to be mentioned. The hotel was owned and operated in Hollywood's Golden Years by Baron Long (see the restaurateur page). It originally cost $10,000,000 to build. The Academy awards were held here in the early days in the room known as the "Biltmore Bowl" ( for a few years with gaps between 1931 and 1942 with other intervening sites) Setting for literally countless movies such as Chinatown, and Beverly Hills Cop. This may be the most filmed interior in the world. What many might not have seen is the incredible tiled indoor pool several floors underground in the health spa. It is pristine 1920’s Great Gatsby style. You can see the pool in the movie Bugsy during an argument between Bugsy and Micky Cohen. In the past, they have let me take people in for a quick peek, upon a polite request to the people at the Spa Desk (no promises!). The pool alone is a good reason to stay at the Biltmore (especially in the winter). The last time I stayed there, they were so nice, they left a book of Biltmore history on my bed for me to keep. Unlike many other historic hotels on this page, prices here are often very reasonable (depending on season and events in town). The ceiling paintings were done by Giovanni Smeraldi, as well as some of the sculptures. Walking distance during the day to Casey's, the Yorkshire Grill, Clifton's Cafeteria, the Original Pantry Cafe, Cicada and Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet.
Chateau Marmont Hotel, 8221 Marmont Ln (or Sunset Blvd). (323) 656-1010 (opened Feb. 2, 1929) T T T T T See the "Buildings" page for more pictures	This may be the ultimate Hollywood experience for those into movie star history. As the name suggests, this place looks like a castle in France. This is truly the most historic hotel in Hollywood history (originally it was an apartment building). In its early days virtually everyone important in the film industry stayed or partied there. In later years, all the greats of rock and roll hung out here including John Lennon and Jim Morrison. If you want to really splurge it’s a great place to stay (not cheap!) and hang out by the pool. Everywhere you go in the hotel you hear people pitching their movie scripts to others. Several complete books have been written about this hotel. Last time I stayed there it was wonderfully un-remodeled (although the room numbers have changed so you can’t figure out which stars lived in which rooms). Of course I have to mention, John Belushi died here, but don’t hassle the staff in asking which bungalow it was. That would be telling! I just revisited the place and it is still in great shape. The hotel has been bought by the owner of the Standard Hotel, which means it is in good hands. Unlike the staff of the two Standard Hotels who are generally warm, hip and friendly, here they seem to have trained the staff here to be professional but emotionally cool. Not my preference but I guess that appeals to Hollywood types (or perhaps I got that reception for being a nobody). Despite that, I recommend getting a fairly expensive drink in the hotel lobby (where they automatically include a 15% tip - my server just told me the price without mentioning this. I discovered it when I went back another day and charged it and got a receipt). Despite the mild negatives - you get a big bang for your buck in time machine ambiance and history. They only begrudgingly seem to allow non-hotel guests in the lobby and restaurant (hopefully me letting you know won't end up in non-hotel guests being completely barred). Probably best to go on a slow week night. Enter through the garage entrance. Curiously, of late they have a cat that shows up in the lobby which apparently lives fairly far away. It seems to be lavished with love, hence fostering its daily return. I suspect it may be Howard Hughes reincarnated and returning to his old haunts (no - I don't really believe that!). The person holding the cat did not find my remark funny either. Not far from Duke's, the Mondrian Hotel, Myagi's Restaurant (formerly Player's), Mel's Drive-in (formerly Ben Frank's) and the Rainbow Bar and Grill, as well as the former sites of Ciro's, La Rue, the Trocadero, the Mocambo, and Scandia Restaurant.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Blvd. (323) 466 7000 (Opened either 1927 or 1929) The above interior pictures are pre-remodel. This is the type of respect historic landmarks get in Hollywood (yes, I know it's not permanent). Perhaps they should place a similar ad for Versace on the Los Angeles City Hall Building (may even save taxpayers money!). Up until the recent remodel, the Hollywood Roosevelt pool area was almost pristine 1940's. Now it is just a nice contemporary upscale sort of vibe.	Extremely historic place for Hollywood buffs. Spanish Revival style. Opened in 1929 with owners including Louis B. Meyer, Douglas Fairbanks, and Mary Pickford. The first academy awards were held here in 1928 or 1929 (then called the "Merit Awards") in the "Blossom Room". The set for the TV show "This is Your Life" was located here. John R. tells me their great photo exhibition on the second floor of Hollywood history is gone. You'll just have to buy the book "Out with the Stars" - it's the next best thing (especially for pictures of the Brown Derby). The pool is one of the best pool time machines (along with Chateau Marmont and the Biltmore) right out of the 1940’s (recently seen on "The Hills" - but see update below). The pool was at one point painted by David Hockney, but apparently his art was accidentally destroyed while cleaning the pool. There are new squiggles in the pool painted by I don't know whom. The Cinegrill was a famous 1940s nightclub still existing inside. Marilyn Monroe used to stay here and her ghost is said to still haunt the halls (hey - it helps business). Reasonable rates, but rooms facing Hollywood Blvd may be a bit noisier. A must see. You can see the hotel in the films Beverly Hills Cop II and Charlie's Angels 2. UPDATE:: I'm hearing bad rumors. Jordan Y. , a well known travel writer, reports a very substantial remodel, including the beautiful old lobby. This on top of the ad covering the exterior. I guess if the place was not commercially viable prior to remodel, we only have ourselves to blame, but this is a big loss to the type of people who like Time Machines. I'm just praying they left the pool alone! I saw it on "the Hills" show but couldn't make it out well. UPDATE II: Finally took a visit. The lobby is still somewhat nostalgic, but everything else including the pool is now modern "upscale". Nice place, but not a time machine. Near the Power House bar, Musso and Frank Grill, Boardner's bar, the Frolic Room bar, Miceli's Italian Restaurant, the Chinese Theater, the Egyptian theater and the El Capitan theater.
The Los Angeles Athletic Club, 431 West Seventh St. Los Angeles, CA 90014, 213-625-2211 (1912 Beaux Arts - John Parkinson and Edwin Bergstrom) More Information on this old school hotel T T T	Many may not realize that this club is also a hotel. If you are not a member, being a hotel guest is the only way you will normally get in. The club and hotel retain much of the original interior details. The rooms have a homey feel with a patina of well worn use. The bathrooms are sort of mid-century modern with filtered neon light. It has a large indoor pool (the first place historically to put an indoor pool on an upper floor rather than a basement - quite an engineering achievement for a 100 foot pool back in those days!) and extensive exercise facilities. This place is an excellent bargain and the restaurant, while not cheap, serves excellent food (I'll spare you a futile attempt to sound as if I know about cuisine - all I can tell you is everything is very satisfying) Old original wooden bar. Charlie Chaplin's favorite room has a plaque outside. The people who hang out here are generally rather affluent and upper crust, but surprisingly unpretentious and friendly. The parking is a very reasonable price for downtown hotels as well. And they throw in a really great free buffet breakfast (which unfortunately starts too late for me to enjoy it most days). See their website for an interesting review of the club's history. Right across the street from Cicada Restaurant and walking distance (during the day) to Clifton's Cafeteria, Casey's bar, Hank's Bar, Cole's Buffet French Dipped Sandwiches, the Biltmore Hotel and the Yorkshire Grill.
Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 310-435-3511 T T T T T Photo generously provided by Virginia See the buildings page for an extensive collection of pictures (don't ask me why a ship is on the buildings page!).	Despite it’s tourist trap reputation, the interiors here are some of the best preserved Art Deco around, including a very well preserved bar. The tours into the interior are actually worth it, to see the abandoned pool and main ball room, among other things. The rooms are very well preserved, and in my experience the claims of being haunted may not be entirely bogus. While staying in a room there, the phone kept ringing with no one on the line and my son mysteriously fell (or was pushed!) out of his bed. Something he has never done before or after our stay. Understandably, my son never wanted to go back, so it may be a while before some interior shots. Head over to Long Beach with Clancy's bar and restaurant, the V Room bar or Joe Jost's.
The Standard Hotel, 550 S. Flower St. Los Angeles 90071, 213-892-8686 and 8300 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 323-650-9090 T T T T - but for retro-future effect Downtown Standard Hotel Downtown Restaurant Downtown lobby. West Hollywood Standard Hotel	The Standard (downtown and West Hollywood) is undoubtedly a unique hotel chain. While some places obviously try desperately to be hip, this hotel achieves it with little effort. Much creativity has gone into these hotels (perhaps without spending a ridiculous amount of money). Remember time machines go forward and backward. These hotels are I guess are either retro-future or future-retro (sort of mid-century modern). I think it is best described as sort of the image of the future you find in the movie "2001" or "Clockwork Orange" or the TV series "The Prisoner" (one of the best TV series ever, along with "Rumpole of the Bailey"). A 1960's vision of our present day. The pool/bar areas have a great view. It's an ideal hotel to take visitors who want to experience the ultimate in Los Angeles pop culture. Both locations have nice restaurants which although not cheap have very good food and are open 24 hours. As I understand, the interiors of the Standard Hotels (in LA and other cities) were designed by Shawn Hausman. Given that Los Angeles is the cutting edge of the world and the Standard Hotels are the cutting edge of Los Angeles, I don't think it's a stretch to say that Shawn Hausman may well be the world leader in interior design. His interiors may well come to symbolize this decade's interior style just as much as Art Deco symbolized the 20's and 30's interior design. The downtown hotel is in walking distance during the day to Cicada, Yorkshire Grill, Casey's, Clifton's Cafeteria and Cole's Pacific Electric Buffet. The West Hollywood branch is in walking distance to the Mondrian Hotel, the Chateau Marmont Hotel, Mel's Drive-in (Ben Franks) , the Bel Age Hotel, the Sunset Towers (Argyle) Hotels and the former sites of the Trocadero, Scandia Restaurant , Ciro's, the Mocambo and La Rue.
Wigwam Motel, 2728 W Foothill Blvd, Rialto, CA 92376 909-875-3005	Classic Rt. 66 stop, still going strong. I've never stayed here, so I can't tell you what it's like, but it's obviously a unique place. Rt. 66 after you leave Needles up to San Bernardino has plenty of hidden gems for Rt. 66 enthusiasts. But for me, the most interesting part of this stretch of Rt. 66 is San Bernardino, Rialto and Fontana. Since the area has not become upscale like Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont, etc. it has retained much of its original flavor.