Eerie Elegance

This is another epinions review I wrote about the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel. Definitely a place I recommend visiting if you can.

Pros: Hollywood history and mythology.
Cons: You won't hear one coming from me.
The Bottom Line: The Hollywood Roosevelt is right in the heart of Hollywood. It is filled with mystery, charm and splendor. The rooms are truly unique. It's NOT a run-of-the-mill hotel.

kharriso's Full Review: Roosevelt Hotel Hollywood

Marilyn's presence is felt here even if you don't see her reflection in the full-length mirror that was moved from the cabana room in which she frequently stayed. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel reeks of Hollywood's regal and glorious history. As mentioned in an earlier review, it's rumored that the spirits of Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift still walk the halls here. The ballroom which played host to the very first Academy Awards ceremony has an atmosphere thick enough to slice with a knife. I must tell you of a truly unique experience we had while there this April.

When we checked in, late one night last month, we asked for a room on a "lower floor" because my wife does not like to ride elevators. So, we were given a room on the 3rd floor. Little did we know that you couldn't get to ANY guest floor without taking the elevator. At least not without going through "Employee Only" entrances and back staircases. Not even the employees knew how to get to the 3rd floor without taking the elevator.

Thanks to a street-wise bellman from The Bronx (Hi Kenny!), we were taken through a maze of hallways, obviously not meant for public eyes. Through a laundry room, by the kitchen, past Marilyn's mirror to an employee entrance that looked as if it were rarely, if ever, used. The doorway led to a balcony hallway overlooking the grand ballroom... the haunted one... the one that was host to the first Academy Awards. It was spooky. And spectacular... There was one spotlight shining on a mural of Frank Sinatra... and no other lights. The ballroom doors were closed from the lobby entrance which made our bird's eye view even more spectacular. Perhaps, given the time of night, "bat's eye view" would be more accurate, although extremely corny.

I took the kids late at night to walk the haunted hallways outside Monty's room 928 and Marilyn's room 1200. They loved it. We scared ourselves into a fit of nervous laughter and we ran to the elevators as we imagined we heard Monty blowing his bugle and getting closer and closer. Now, to speak of "real" things like rooms, beds, cleanliness, food, room service, friendly staff members... give this hotel a five-star rating. I read an earlier review that gave the food a very poor rating, but I can tell you, quite definitely, the food is extraordinary. The room service is catered by none other than Wolfgang Puck! How can that possibly be bad?

It is also rumored that Bojangles first taught Shirley Temple their famous stair dance right here on the staircase leading from the mezzanine to the lobby.

If you love the "idea" of Hollywood, if you love the movies, if the mystique of stardom intrigues you or you have a fascination with the supernatural, stay at the Hollywood Roosevelt. You will not be disappointed.

Recommended:Yes