The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel: The Story of an L.A. Icon

The landmark Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel opened on May 15, 1927, financed by a group that included Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford and Sid Grauman. Named for President Theodore Roosevelt, the hotel has welcomed generations of VIPs, from legends of Hollywood’s Golden Age to today’s hottest stars. At the time, it cost $2.5 million to complete the 12-story building, which holds 300 rooms and suites. In 1991, the Hollywood Roosevelt was designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 545.

From the moment you step into the hotel’s Spanish Colonial style lobby, you’re surrounded by Hollywood history. The first Academy Awards were presented at a private dinner in the hotel’s Blossom Ballroom - winners were announced three months before the ceremony, which took just 15 minutes. Clark Gable and Carole Lombard carried on their infamous affair in the Penthouse, which cost $5 a night.

Marilyn Monroe lived at the hotel for two years as her modeling career began to take off - she was staying in one of the vintage 1950s Cabanas at the time of her first professional magazine shoot, which took place at the Hollywood Roosevelt pool.

Throughout the property, Hollywood’s Golden Age meets contemporary design in warm tones and rich textures. Accommodations range from King Superior rooms to Cabanas and the Marilyn Suite.

The Gable & Lombard Penthouse is a 3,200 square-foot duplex with an outdoor deck that’s tucked beneath the Roosevelt’s iconic sign and boasts spectacular views of the Hollywood Hills and the iconic Hollywood Sign.

Named for the temperature between a medium-rare and well-done hamburger, 25 Degrees is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The stylish interior features tufted leather booths, crystal chandeliers, and walls clad in classic diner-style quilted stainless steel.

You can build your own burger from a variety of ingredients, or choose from signatures like the ever-popular No. 1 Burger: caramelized onion, crescenza, prelibato gorgonzola, bacon, arugula and Thousand Island dressing.

Spiked shakes include the Bananas Foster (Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Banana Giffard, banana) and the Salty Caramel, made with Wild Turkey Bourbon, Butterscotch Schnapps and caramel.

Tucked into a corner of the Roosevelt’s elegant lobby, The Barish is the first new restaurant from legendary LA chef Nancy Silverton since the opening of chi SPACCA in 2013. Named for Silverton’s paternal grandmother’s family, the warm and inviting Italian steakhouse is centered around an open hearth. The rustic menu features simply-grilled steaks, fish and poultry, and SoCal's seasonal local flavors.

The Barish offers a three-course prix fixe menu on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday for those attending a show at the nearby Hollywood Bowl or Pantages Theatre.

Located on the Roosevelt’s Mezzanine level, The Spare Room is a handsome cocktail lounge and gaming parlor, featuring custom-made wooden board games like chess and Jenga. Sip a craft cocktail, or share a punch bowl with friends, then lace up a pair of George Esquivel shoes and bowl a few frames on the vintage bowling lanes. Be sure to snap a few pics in the hidden photo booth.

A true oasis in the heart of Hollywood, the Tropicana Pool & Bar overlooks the celebrated David Hockney pool, surrounded by lush foliage and the hotel’s exclusive Cabana rooms. This seductive retreat plays host to Hollywood’s in-crowd both day and night with DJ parties, and intimate gatherings around glowing fire rings.

Tucked behind the Tropicana Pool and shaded by lush palms, the Rosy Café is a stylish poolside eatery offering al fresco breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rosé all day and nosh on Gulf shrimp ceviche, gluten-free almond flour pancakes, and smoked Scottish salmon tartare.

Originally opened in 1936, the famed Cinegrill Theater became a hotspot for Golden Age Hollywood. In September 2022, the Roosevelt resurrected the Cinegrill with a stunning design that evokes its celebrated history. Hidden behind a bookcase in the lower lobby, the intimate theater features velvet lounge-style sofas and a gilded stage with red curtains and gold accents.

Events at the Cinegrill include Classic Cinema Nights, hosted by film critic and winemaker José Ignacio Cuenca; and The Roosevelt Shindig, an evening of stand-up comedy. Check the Hollywood Roosevelt Calendar for upcoming events.

Teddy’s is an unmarked celebrity haunt, hidden away between the Roosevelt’s lobby and bustling Hollywood Boulevard. Vaulted ceilings, warm, seductive lighting highlighted by a cascading crystal chandelier, and sophisticated leather accoutrements make Teddy’s a Hollywood hotspot to remember.

The Hollywood Roosevelt
7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 856-1970
www.thehollywoodroosevelt.com