The Hollywood Roosevelt
30 August 2017
Words: Andrew Nagy
Sitting majestically opposite TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Mann’s) on 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, The Hollywood Roosevelt hosted the first ever Academy Awards ceremony, counted Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable and Charlie Chaplin as regulars and was where Errol Flyn is rumoured to have created his recipe for bootleg gin. It’s as much a part of Hollywood legend as the sign up in the hills.
Not that they’re trading on history alone. Feeling the full force of a recent US$25m refurb, the rooms and suites play on the Spanish Colonial Revival style, with nice contemporary touches, loads of room and cool, cabana-style living.
In the morning, head to the Tropicana pool – starring famed David Hockney mural at the bottom – and enjoy free coffee. Spend your day on the Walk of Fame outside before heading back for lunch at 25 Degrees, their upmarket take on a classic burger joint.
End the evening at prohibition-style speakeasy The Spare Room, for drinks, bowling – they have a two-lane alley – and sore heads. Their famous former patrons would heartily approve.
thehollywoodroosevelt.com