Arrival/Check-In: I arrived mid-afternoon on a Sunday after a taxi navigated the infamous Los Angeles traffic from LAX. The guest entrance is located around the back, and the staff was attentive and welcoming to me and other arriving guests. While waiting to check in, I admired a tiled fountain near the reception desk, which added a calming touch to the lobby. Following the sound of lively music down a corridor led me to the Tropicana Café pool area. Because it was the weekend and the weather was pleasant, the pool was bustling with both hotel guests and locals enjoying drinks, conversation and sun. The Tropicana Café pool doubles as a weekend gathering spot and a venue for private parties. After a quick check-in and a complimentary bottle of water, I went up to my room in the Tower section to change into my bathing suit and grab a bite at the pool lounge.
Guest Quarters: The Tower building rises 12 floors, with each hallway decorated by large black-and-white photographs of classic Hollywood. My accommodation, a Superior Tower room, measured approximately 300 square feet and included a queen-sized canopy bed, hardwood floors, a desk, a large flat-screen TV and several comfortable seating options. A handwritten welcome note from guest relations, signed by Nicole, Bryce and Juliana, was left on the desk—a thoughtful personal touch. The room’s hardwood floors, leather furniture and pared-down decor evoked a New York loft vibe. Windows overlooked Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame stars; while an adjacent office building partially blocked the Hollywood sign, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre was clearly visible. I didn’t use the fully stocked minibar, but the Davines bath amenities were excellent. The bathroom layout separated the water closet from the shower, which offered a satisfying rain-shower option.
Services/Amenities: I spent several hours at the Tropicana Café pool on my first day. The menu leans toward American fare—burgers, fries, salads and sandwiches—with a solid selection of brunch cocktails. A cold beer complemented my burger perfectly for a relaxed poolside lunch. Near the pool, tucked behind palms, is the Garden, a smaller outdoor Southern California beer garden. These two outlets are among the hotel’s four restaurants. Each morning I had breakfast at 25 Degrees, which served a hearty combination of eggs, bacon, toast and crisp hash browns. Public Kitchen & Bar, the hotel’s classic American brasserie developed by Tim Goodell, features highlights such as charred Spanish octopus. The hotel’s bar scene is memorable—my favorite spot was the Spare Room, named for the “spares” bowlers leave on its two-lane alley. Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness center and room service, though I did not use the latter during my stay.
Top Takeaways:
◆ The hotel and the multimillion-dollar mural on the bottom of the Tropicana pool are both designated Historic-Cultural Monuments by Los Angeles’ Cultural Heritage Commission.
◆ With so many dining and drinking options on site, it’s easy to forget you’re in the heart of Hollywood until you step outside onto the Walk of Fame.
◆ Marilyn Monroe lived at the hotel for two years early in her career, and lore suggests she may still haunt the property.
THE HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT
7000 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
tel 323 856 1970
thehollywoodroosevelt.com