Curiosities
A Bygone Era Lives On Inside Roosevelt Hotel
By Raymond Fernandez
The Roosevelt Hotel is one of the most beautiful art deco buildings in downtown Hollywood, a snapshot of Tinsel Town’s illustrious glamour.
It was at the Roosevelt on May 16th, 1929, that the first American Academy Award Ceremonies were held. The hotel was financed by a group of Hollywood elites: Douglas Fairbanks, Mary Pickford and Luis B. Mayer.
At night the Hotel ushers in the aura of Hollywood, of yesteryear. The spirits of Montgomery Cliff and Marilyn Monroe frequent the hotel. It is said that Monroe has been seen lounging beside the pool and Cliff still saunters down the hallways.
Over the decades super stars such as Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor to Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton, have been swept away with its romantic history. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel can still bring in the Hollywood’s ‘A’ list. The Roosevelt has been featured in many films such as Beverly Hills Cop, Catch Me If You Can and Charlie’s Angels, to name a few.
The Hotel is really quite a marvel. The next time you find yourself in Hollywood, stop by the Cinegrill Bar and supper club, like a mysterious scene from a classic film-noir, sit in plush velvet seats underneath gilded chandeliers and have yourself drink.
