Review
Along with the Chinese Theatre just across the road, The Roosevelt is surely one of the most imposing buildings on Hollywood Boulevard. The 12-story, Spanish Colonial and Art Deco-styled hotel opened in 1927 and was named after the 26th president of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt. A super starry proposition in name as well as in construction, it was partially funded by two of the biggest silent movie stars in the world; Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, and was home to the very first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929. That event took place in the Blossom Ballroom, which remains used for industry events to this day. Restored to its original glory after a multi-million dollar revamp in the 1980s, the Roosevelt remains one of the chicest places in the often hectic Hollywood.
To be in the thick of it. If you’re in LA to soak up the Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre and be seconds away from a branch of In-N-Out Burger, then you couldn’t be better situated. It’s by far the classiest joint in this increasingly rough-and-ready neighborhood, but retains an air of old school glamour. Though the rooms on the cheaper end of the scale can be a little basic, the communal areas are what this place is really all about; there’s the fabulous pool, of course, but the grand lobby, with its Spanish tiles, wrought iron chandeliers and fountains, is simply glorious. Rather than gutting the hotel and doing away with its original features, they’ve simply spruced the place up, and it glows. If you’re a sucker for movie history, then you’ll be happy to hear that Marilyn Monroe used to live in suite 229 and her ghost reportedly haunts the hotel.
There are 300 guest rooms, including 63 suites, across the 12 floors, making it a pretty sizable space. If you’ve got cash to splash, then there are cabana suites by the pool and epic penthouse options, including a flash Art Deco-worthy suite named in honour of screen idols Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. Most rooms are ‘superior’, with four poster beds, hardwood floors, bathrooms clad in white 1950s-style tiles and TVs and mini bars—but alas, no coffee machines. Beds are super cozy and there’s fancy Byredo shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the over-tub showers.
There’s a whole host of places to eat and drink at the Roosevelt. The main spot is Shirley Brasserie, with weekend brunch and dinner served every night of the week. I went for brunch and had a fluffy, cheesy omelette alongside some grilled pork belly in the grand, trad dining room. Most guests were getting stuck into potent-looking brunch cocktails. You can also order dishes from the brasserie to eat at the Lobby Bar, if you want to soak up some more of that intoxicating old school atmosphere with a cocktail.
Up front and facing Hollywood Boulevard is 25 Degrees, a more casual diner for burgers and milkshakes, while the Library Bar is where you’ll get high-end mixed drinks, and regular events such as close-up magic nights. Out by the swimming pool there’s a cafe and bar for poolside breakfast and brunch (think healthy and fresh California fare such as shrimp ceviche and salmon tartare) and beachy cocktails. Last but not least, there’s The Spare Room, a bar with a vintage-style bowling alley.
Staff at check-in were friendly and the process seamless. When the brunch item I ordered (chicken and waffles) wasn’t available due to a temporary issue with the waffle machine, I was given a platter of complimentary profiteroles in addition to my main meal, along with some very heartfelt apologies.
The swimming pool at the Roosevelt might be the most famous pool in L.A. That’s thanks to the mural of blue, wave-like forms that pop artist David Hockney painted on its interior walls in 1988. As such, the pool is the hotel’s focal point; there’s a buzzing bar, the Tropicana, as well as a daytime cafe, and regular evening events open to guests and visitors, from movie screenings to nighttime pool parties soundtracked by some of the city’s most interesting record labels. If you’re not a pool person, then there’s a spa, fitness center, and yoga classes for hotel guests.
The hotel is situated right on the Walk of Fame and you’re moments away from from Hollywood's main draws, from cinemas such as the Chinese Theatre and Egyptian Theatre, to classic bar and grill Musso and Frank and an ever-popular branch of In-N-Out Burger, which might be the most important local attraction of the lot for non-locals.
The Roosevelt is also ideally situated for a show at the Hollywood Bowl (it’s just a 20 minute walk away), as well as the vastly underrated Hollywood Heritage Museum, the Magic Castle, or Bond Villain-worthy historic hilltop restaurant Yamashiro. As areas go, Hollywood has reverted to its somewhat sketchy 1970s past, so keep your wits about you when walking around, especially in the evenings.
If you want a taste of real old school Hollywood, this is the only hotel in the neighborhood where you’ll find it without having to venture to the more upscale West Hollywood and the likes of the Sunset Marquis, Sunset Tower and Chateau Marmont. The location can’t be beaten—it’s literally on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Rooms aren’t overly expensive either, making it the perfect base for exploring one of the most famous neighborhoods in America.
DETAILS
Address: 7000 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Price: Rooms start at $241 a night
Closest transport: Hollywood / Highland Metro station and LAX airport
Book now: via Booking.com
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