Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

"Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel"
7000 Hollywood Boulevard,
Hollywood. Los Angeles.
Tel:-(323)-466-7000.

Named after President Theodore Roosevelt, the "Hollywood Roosevelt" was financed by the Hollywood Holding Company whose investors included Mary Pickford; Douglas Fairbanks; Louis B. Mayer and. Charlie Chaplin. Headed by property developer Charles Toberman, who had previously created and supervised the building of many Hollywood landmarks, including:- Graumans Chinese Theater, the Egyptian Theater, the Pantage Theater and the Hollywood Bowl. "The Hollywood Roosevelt" had its grand opening on May 16, 1927. Its opening ceremony being attended by Hollywood celebrities such as Louis B. Mayer, Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford, Will Rogers, Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, Clara Bow, Greta Garbo and Gloria Swanson. It was built at the then staggering cost of $2.5 million and quickly became known as "The Home of the Stars". The first Academy Awards presentation was held in the Hotel Roosevelt's "Blossom Room" on May 16, 1929. The awards were originally called Merit Awards, and were given for performances and work covering a two year period. This was also the shortest Academy Awards ceremony ever, lasting just fifteen minutes, as Douglas Fairbanks and Al Jolson gave away the awards including Janet Gaynor - Best Actress, Emil Jennings - Best Actor, and to "Wings" starring Buddy Rogers, as Best Picture.
"The Hollywood Roosevelt's" elegant lobby, is like stepping into Hollywood's glamorous past. A pianist plays a baby grand, guests sip cocktails beneath chandeliers in the sunken Spanish lobby, surrounded by potted palms, a bubbling fountain and a giant wrought-iron chandelier. Climb the tiled stairway to the upstairs mezzanine that encircles the lobby, and you will find an exhibit dedicated to "Hollywood". Historic photos line the walls, the original camera used to film "Gone With The Wind", as well as framed Hollywood memorabilia, photos of Hollywood landmarks - past and present are all on display. Rudy Vallee, legendary motion picture star named the "Hollywood Roosevelt" in his estate as a trustee of his personal and professional mementos.

From the its beginning the "Hollywood Roosevelt" has been a favorite "location" site for feature films & television shows including "Internal Affairs" (with Richard Gere), "Beverly Hills Cop II" (with Eddie Murphy), and numerous TV shows such as "Knot's Landing" "Moonlighting", "Almost Famous", "The Dorothy Dandridge Story" etc. The exterior of the hotel appeared in the 1998 film "Mighty Joe Young." Look for it in the scene where the giant gorilla rampages down Hollywood Boulevard then climbs the roof of Mann's Chinese Theatre, with police helicopters circling over the Cinegrill sign.

Each time that the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce honors a Hollywood celebrity, by placing their star on the Walk of Fame, a gala reception is held at the "Hollywood Roosevelt" immediately afterwards for the inductee.

At the northern entrance to the hotel you'll find the "Cinegrill", a restaurant & cabaret nightclub, opened by the Roosevelt in the early 30's, when jazz was the latest rage.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway and Salvador Dali were among the creative customers who gathered in the "Cinegrill" to talk shop.

Legendary Broadway musical star, Mary Martin made her debut at the "Cinegrill". When she couldn't find a baby sitter, she would often bring her infant son along, his name being Larry Hagman who later found fame as "JR" in the TV series "Dallas".

Shirley Temple took her first tap-dancing lesson from Bill "Bojangles" Robinson on the hotel's ornate tile stairway.

During Prohibition, Errol Flynn mixed his notorious gin recipe in the back of the hotel barbershop.

David Niven roomed in the Roosevelt's servants' quarters when he first came to Hollywood,

"This is Your Life" the popular TV show that ran for 12 years in the 1950's and 60's gave the week's "surprise" guests a gala reception in the "Blossom Room" at the "Roosevelt Hotel".

Linda Goodman, world famous astrologer and author, wrote her best selling books, "Sun Signs" and "Love Signs" in suite 1207 at the "Hollywood Roosevelt".

Marilyn Monroe posed for her first ad - for suntan lotion - on the diving board of the "Hotel Roosevelt's" pool. Marilyn often stayed at the "Roosevelt Hotel" over the years.

Julio Inglesias chose to have his star placed on the Walk of Fame directly in front of the hotel and a lavish reception was held in his honor in the Roosevelt's posh Gable & Lombard Suite.

"Hollywood Roosevelt" Haunted 9th Floor Corridor.
While filming the movie "From Here To Eternity" in 1952, Montgomery Clift stayed in room 928, which is located on the 9th floor. Whilst occupying the room, Clift practiced playing the bugle. (His character in the film, Private Pruitt, was the company bugler). Clift also paced up and down the corridor practicing his lines. Many guests residing in the room have since reported hearing a bugle and the sound of footsteps pacing corridor. In November, 1992, a guest felt an invisible hand pat her shoulder while she was in bed.

Marilyn's Haunted Mirror.
The hotel's most famous haunting concerns a mirror which sits outside the elevators on the lower floor. Hundreds of tourists pass the full length mirror each day without knowing its strange history. The mirror was originally part of the furnishings in room 246 which was frequently used by Marilyn Monroe. Hotel staff and guests have reported seeing the tragic actresses image reflected in the glass of this particular mirror.

The "Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel" went through a major restoration in 1986, and now features 320 beautifully appointed rooms, including 20 luxury themed suites. Among the suites are a "Grand Suite", the "Celebrity Suite," ten movie "Themed" suites, and nine- three-room "Hollywood" suites. Tropical garden views adorn the 65 Cabana rooms. These guest rooms surround a beautiful, bright, open-aired courtyard and swimming pool. Artist David Hockny designed the images on the bottom of the swimming pool. Up on the 12th floor is the "Gable & Lombard" suite where Carole Lombard and Clark Gable used to come and have secret rendezvous'. Needless to say, this particular suite is very exclusive & pricey. The sidewalk in front of the hotel has the walk of fame stars for the Maureen O'Hara, Ed McMahon, Julio Inglesias, Errol Flynn, Natalie Wood, Gene Autry, Cybill Shepard and Eddie Murphy.

The "Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel" is perhaps the most famous hotel in Hollywood, frequented by many celebrities and steeped in History. Its location on Hollywood Boulevard opposite Mann's Chinese make it the ideal choice for your stay in Hollywood. Most Hollywood attractions are within walking distance and the recently opened Hollywood Metro station, opposite the hotel, can whisk you to Universal Studios within minutes for example. An ideal base for non driving visitors who not only wish to explore Hollywood but Los Angeles as well. Despite its grand decor and themed suites the majority of the Roosevelt Hotel rooms cater for the tourist and are not as expensive as you think. Rooms may be booked direct and are also featured in many travel brochures.

"Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel"

"Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel its story and history since its grand opening in 1927."