The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel built in 1926 has always been a real favorite with not only myself but many of the older CHIC members as well. CHIC held many club Christmas party’s at the hotel starting about 25 years ago in the Academy Room where the very first Motion Picture Academy Awards Gala was held in 1929.
We eventually moved the party to the 3200 sq ft. Gable / Lombard Suite on the top floor where Clarke Gable and his future wife Carol Lombard met in secret. They were awkwardly married to others at the time.
The hotel has an elegant entrance on Hollywood Boulevard across from the Chinese theater.
The hotel is on Hollywood Boulevard across from Mann’s Chinese Theater originally know as Grauman’s Chinese Theater which, is part of what determined its location.
Sid Grauman partnered with actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks Sr. along with Louie B. Mayer to build the hotel in 1926. Louis B. Mayer is the M in the MGM Entertainment giant then known as Metro Goldwyn Mayer.
Three years later the first Academy Awards Ceremony was held in the hotel in what is now known as the Academy Room.
The famous walk of fame stars in front of the hotel and a bronze letter box from a bygone era. The picture below in the hotel lobby was taken during the weekend trip I took there to see the Magic Castle a couple of blocks away.
The Shirley Brasserie pictured below is located on the lobby level of the hotel and although updated over the years the open fire broiler is an original. It is one of only two located in Los Angeles County that are allowed to operate. The other broiler is at the also famous Musso and Frank’s Grill just down the street. They were given an exception to the building and safety codes because the codes were written long after the restaurants opened.
The picture below does not do the wood burning broiler behind the chef justice because it isn’t running. When it is huge flames are visible when the broil steaks. Note the wood on the right.
Throughout the years, there have been rumors of haunting and ghosts at the hotel. Some involve celebrities who previously stayed at the hotel, such as Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift, and Errol Flynn.
Meet friends for craft cocktails and Hollywood fun in the Spare Room pictured below. Hollywood Roosevelt’s best-kept secret, this prohibition era-style cocktail lounge features a vintage two-lane bowling alley and custom-made wooden board games.
CINEGRILL THEATER
Cinegrill originally opened in 1936 and was once a playground for mid-century starlets. The opulent room is located on lower lobby and hidden behind a bookcase, and once your inside the design nodes to Old Hollywood throughout. The luxurious theater has a stunning gilded stage with big red curtains and gold accents, and tufted velvet lounge-style sofas. This historic Hollywood venue is perfect for intimate performances and there was a comedy club operating thee when I last went.
There is also a pool area of the hotel with its own bar but I have never ventured there. It was taken over by the Paris Hilton groupies years ago and was chaos.
The entire hotel and Hollywood in general are very trans friendly but not as safe as it once was. As always be safe where ever you go.