Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel - Los Angeles, California - Hotel with a Role in Hollywood History

Positioned just off Hollywood Boulevard, the 12-story, Spanish-style Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has been a local landmark since 1927. This was where the very first Academy Awards were held in 1929. It once served as the playground for such famed celebrities as Errol Flynn, Montgomery Clift, and Marilyn Monroe. And today it continues its tradition of offering elegance and privacy to discriminating travelers under the stewardship of Thompson Hotels.

Indeed, when Thompson Hotels took over ownership in 2005 and announced a sweeping redesign of the property, many were concerned that the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel would lose its allure as a Hollywood icon. But Dodd Mitchell's treatment of the hotel's 302 guestrooms has given the interior a sleek mid-century modern style while retaining its historic ambiance, including such touches as old photographs on the walls and, of course, the famed Spanish fountain in the lobby.

The newly renovated Gable & Lombard Penthouse is a fine example of the hotel's dedication to privacy and comfort. It is a three-story refuge named after Carole Lombard and Clark Gable, who used to rendezvous at the Roosevelt as they pursued their rather public private affair. The Penthouse now sports a 1,000-square-foot private rooftop deck. Its arched windows stretch from floor to ceiling; its chairs were crafted by Mies Van der Rohe; and, as a strictly modern touch, it features three plasma televisions.

All of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's well appointed rooms and suites have been finished with chocolate-hued wood and creamy white upholstery, and blown glass elements have been used as accents. The draped-fabric headboards are reminiscent of Roman shades. Luxurious bed and bath linens by Sferra come standard, as do bath products by Kiehl's. There are pantries stocked with Dean and Deluca snacks, too.

Lower-floor units feature patios that open onto the pool. Rooms on the upper floors have balconies with tables and chairs. The tower block's east-facing double rooms overlooking Grauman's Chinese Theater are said to offer the best view.

Business guests will appreciate the availability of hotel-wide high-speed WiFi access, and the audio/visual equipment is state-of-the-art. There are also a number of spacious banquet and conference rooms, in addition to the historic Blossom Room main ballroom, allowing hosting of groups for meetings and events from 15 to 1,500 persons.

One of the enduring features of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is its David Hockney-designed swimming pool, which is surrounded by elegant chaise lounges and private cabanas. It was created as an oasis for the glitterati, where they could enjoy the warm California sun unencumbered by the madding crowds.

Wrapped around the pool is the ever-glamorous Tropicana Bar. After dark, it transforms itself into a sultry lounge, which has attracted the attention of Hollywood's younger crowd and made it a romantic highlight of the L.A. night scene.

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel's signature restaurant is the Dakota, a steakhouse open from 6pm to 10:30pm Sunday through Thursday, and from 6:30pm until 11pm on Friday and Saturday. Another on-premise choice for dining is 25 Degrees, a burger bar with leather seats and plenty of style. And for drinks, there is Teddy's Lounge, a glamorous bar till the velvet ropes go up late in the evening and it becomes one of Hollywood's hottest clubs.

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is located just minutes from the Bob Hope and Los Angeles International airports at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard., Los Angeles, California 90028. It is adjacent to Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and just a short stroll from Hollywood & Highland Center, where the Kodak Theatre, Lucky Strike Lanes, and dozens of shops and restaurants can be found.