First opened in 1927, The Hollywood Roosevelt is synonymous with entertainment history. Not only was it opened by industry legends Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks and Sid Grauman, but it played host to the first-ever Academy Awards ceremony in 1929. Over the course of nearly a century of operation, the hotel has seen everything from long-term guests like Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift to poolside DJ sets by Anderson .Paak and contemporary art fair Felix L.A.
It continues to serve as a convenient, but tranquil respite for local revelers and travelers alike. Just around the corner from bustling Hollywood and Highland, the Roosevelt maintains a historic opulence as evidenced by the recent transformation of its two penthouses, The Gable and Lombard Penthouse, named after film icons Clark Cable and Carole Lombard, and The Johnny Grant Apartment, which pays tribute to the TV personality who lived at the hotel in the ‘90s. The former exudes Hollywood elegance through its 20-foot vaulted ceiling with a 1920s mural and retractable 18th-century French tapestry that conceals a theater screen, while the latter is the life of the party and features a dining room for up to 16 guests, a six-seat bar that opens to a private rooftop garden and a private office. Both offer access to a shared 3,000-square-foot entertaining space on the roof.
The Hollywood Roosevelt is ripe with opportunities for a lavish Los Angeles visit, but it is also a suitable playground for locals. Read on for how to spend an entire day at the famed hotel.
With near year-round sun, a day by the pool in Los Angeles is often a prime choice for a day of R & R. You can secure a spot at the Roosevelt’s ‘60s-style Tropicana Pool through Resort Pass and unwind on a daybed with sips of a refreshing drink in between dips into the pool. Additionally, take a respite from the sun by enjoying brunch or breakfast at Rosy Café.
After unwinding in the sun, cool down and extend your relaxation with a spa treatment at the open-air Massage Garden. Just a few steps away from the pool, choose either a deep tissue, Swedish, couples or combination (Swedish, Shiatsu, deep tissue) massage. Whether you opt for a 60 or 90-minute service, you’ll head into the evening with a peaceful mindset. Those looking for an energy kick might prefer instead morning rooftop yoga ahead of their pool visit.
After a post-massage freshening up, kick off the evening portion with a drink at The Lobby. Between sips of a handcrafted cocktail, you’ll marvel at the historic fountain, new fireplace and, possibly, some high-profile guests. Celebrate your day by toasting to the hotel with a Roosevelt-75 (white rum, lo-fi gentian amaro, lime, hibiscus, prosecco) or Hollywood Spritz (St. Germaine, fortified wine, lemongrass, orange bitters, mint, grapefruit).
Fusing the spirit of Hollywood’s Golden Era and refined French cuisine, Shirley Brasserie presents a quintessentially Los Angeles approach to its presentation of a traditional brasserie menu. Accented by local ingredients, savor a feast of escargot, onion soup, the crudo of the day, beef oxtail bourguignon and more. The sticky toffee pudding pairs well with an espresso martini.
True to the spirit of Hollywood, the Roosevelt has a number of shows you can choose from right on site. All taking place at the Cinegrill Theater, live performance lovers will get a thrill from the cabaret show Crimson & Clover, while cinephiles will treasure a Classic Cinema Nights experience. Be sure to peruse the events page for the current lineup to plan your night accordingly. Depending on the schedule, you might also happen upon jazz performances, dance nights or stand-up comedy.
If you like to keep the party going late, head to The Spare Room. The cocktail lounge and gaming parlor will keep your night busy with vintage and handcrafted board games and specialty cocktails. Be sure to prioritize a round of bowling! This one-of-a-kind experience is open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
See also: How To Spend A Day At The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Photography by: Courtesy The Hollywood Roosevelt; Jakob Layman
