Discover the L.A. Hotels that are a must-visit for pop culture fanatics!
Los Angeles, the epicenter of celebrity culture, has garnered both glowing praise and negative headlines throughout its history. This mixed reputation is reflected in the city’s famous hotels, some of which are frequented by stars, offering guests the chance to encounter their favorite celebrities. Read on to discover which famous L.A. hotels you can still visit and what makes them so legendary.
SEE ALSO: 15 Celebrities With The Most Expensive Houses
The Beverly Hills Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel, affectionately known as the “Pink Palace,” opened its doors in 1912 and has remained an iconic landmark in Los Angeles ever since. This luxurious hotel has hosted Hollywood royalty, glamorous parties, and whirlwind romances throughout the years, continuing to epitomize luxury and five-star service.
Hotel Bel-Air
Secluded and elegant, the Hotel Bel-Air, nestled on a 12-acre property, will enchant anyone who stays there. This famous L.A. hotel has been captivating movie stars and socialites since its opening in 1946 and continues to thrive. Its lush beauty and “non-hotel” atmosphere make it a beloved destination.
The Georgian Santa Monica
While it may look like a creation of Wes Anderson, the Georgian is not a fictional hotel. This boutique hotel opened its doors in 1933 and has welcomed iconic socialites and Old Hollywood royalty like Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and Rose Kennedy. Even if you don’t stay at this one-of-a-kind waterfront gem, stop by for a stiff cocktail and enjoy the people-watching.
Sunset Tower Hotel
Due to its landmark status, this iconic L.A. hotel still looks the same as it did when it was built in 1929. Designed by architect Leland A. Bryant, the Sunset Tower Hotel has been featured in numerous classic films and was a favorite among Hollywood elite like Marilyn Monroe, Howard Hughes, Elizabeth Taylor, and Frank Sinatra. John Wayne even lived in the penthouse suite for a while, though his estate denies the rumor that he kept a cow in his apartment
The Millennium Biltmore
The Millennium Biltmore, the site of the first Academy Awards, is a true Los Angeles institution. But that’s not all. This iconic 1923-built hotel has been featured in numerous popular movies, including Ocean’s Eleven, Wedding Crashers, and Spider-Man. It also holds a significant place in history as the location where John F. Kennedy was chosen as the presidential nominee in 1960 at the Democratic National Convention.
Chateau Marmont
Originally built as an apartment building, Chateau Marmont transitioned into a hotel during the Great Depression. This famous L.A. hotel has served as both a long- and short-term residence for iconic figures and visitors. From F. Scott Fitzgerald to Anthony Bourdain to Lana Del Rey, the landmark has witnessed countless stories unfold within its walls. The Gothic-inspired architecture and many original historical details have been preserved, even as the building continues to be modernized.
The Hollywood Roosevelt
The Hollywood Roosevelt, a timeless symbol of Old Hollywood glamour, opened its doors in 1927. This iconic Los Angeles hotel has hosted legendary figures like Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, and Marilyn Monroe, and it continues to thrive today. The interior is adorned with old-world elegance and historical details, making it a captivating destination. Even the hotel’s pool holds historical significance, as it was the site of Marilyn Monroe’s first professional magazine shoot.
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Visiting this famous L.A. hotel might feel familiar, as it has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including an episode of Entourage and the 1946 film The Blue Dahlia. The Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, situated on five acres overlooking the Pacific, offers many private spaces, making it a popular retreat for celebrities. Originally built in the 19th century, this estate has welcomed numerous famous faces since it opened as a resort hotel.
Hotel Figueroa
Hotel Figueroa played a significant role in the women’s movement of the 1920s. As the largest commercial building funded by women for women, it allowed solo female travelers to book rooms without a male chaperone, a groundbreaking practice at the time. The hotel, along with its attached coffee shop and salons, became a creative hub and safe space for women, hosting political rallies and press conferences. In 2018, the hotel reopened to the public after restoring its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
Hotel Normandie
Built by Albert R. Walker and Percy A. Eisen in 1926, the Hotel Normandie quickly gained notoriety among Hollywood’s elite as famous guests, like English author Malcolm Lowry, began staying there. Although the hotel has undergone several renovations to modernize it, many of its beloved original features remain, such as the famous Cassell’s Hamburgers, which opened in 1948, and the beautiful terrazzo floors in the lobby.
Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel
This historic hotel, featured in Julia Roberts’s Pretty Woman, has hosted countless Hollywood A-listers since its opening in 1928, including Elvis Presley and Warren Beatty. Overlooking the iconic Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Wilshire recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation, transforming this already grand hotel into an even more luxurious and ornate getaway.
Hotel Casa Del Mar
Located directly on Silicon Beach, the Hotel Casa Del Mar is a luxury hotel originally built in 1926. The interior and exterior are both stunning, with exquisite Mediterranean vibes and opulent details throughout the building. Interior designer Michael S. Smith recently renovated the ocean-view lobby and Terrazza Lounge, adding a refreshing, modern contrast to the Italian Renaissance exterior.
Hotel Per La
The stunning Hotel Per La is in the old Giannini Building in downtown Los Angeles, which was once the headquarters of the Bank of Italy. This famous L.A. hotel was built in 1922, and though many of the Neoclassical details have been preserved in the public areas—marble floors, Doric columns, and the ornate golden ceilings—new designs have been introduced to create a wabi-sabi aesthetic to reflect the eclectic population of the city.
READ MORE: ELLE Is Launching Its First-Ever Residential Tower in Miami
For more irreverent design ideas with a vintage twist, don’t forget to follow Essential Home on Pinterest and Instagram. Subscribe to our newsletters here!
