Travel LA's Historic Hotels Guide

Even the first Spanish explorer who laid foot in this area needed a place to rest his head. There aren't many places from that time still around, but those who think LA is a wasteland of modernity and McMansions might be surprised to learn of the history and elegance to be found in the city's classic hotels. Major restorations have recently helped many to recapture their original beauty.

The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena

Originally opened as the Hotel Wentworth, this bastion of elegance was a retreat for wealthy entertainers, writers and politicians. It houses California's first Olympic-sized pool and America's only covered "picture bridge," which depicts some of California's pastoral treasures.

Beverly Hills Hotel

The "Pink Palace" has hosted royalty, presidents and celebrities through the years. Bungalow 11 was Marlene Dietrich's; Humphrey Bogart knocked back drinks at The Polo Lounge; Katharine Hepburn once dove fully clothed into the pool after a tennis game. Prince and Cindy Crawford have since called it their home away from home. Separately, that is.

Millennium Biltmore Hotel

Dubbed a historical landmark in 1969, this cathedral-like hotel (don’t forget to look up when inside), has had its pillows fluffed for former presidents Ronald Reagan, George Bush and Bill Clinton. Vertigo and Austin Powers in Goldmember shot scenes here, too.

The Culver Hotel

When this six-story hotel opened, it was called a skyscraper. The hotel later became infamous for the raucous parties thrown by the actors who played munchkins in The Wizard of Oz. Clark Gable, Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford all had part-time residences here, and John Wayne owned the hotel for several years.

Figueroa Hotel

This former YWCA got a Moorish makeover and became one of the best budget hotels in the city. Its look is more Tangiers than LA, but that's why it attracts celebs like Mandy Moore, who had her 21st birthday bash there.

Shutters on the Beach

The colorful architecture of this Santa Monica hotel is reminiscent of the beach resorts and cottages that dotted the California coast during the '20s and '30s.

Hotel Casa del Mar

After alternate lives as a military hospital and drug treatment center—and major renovations in 1999—this luxurious hotel has regained its high-class rep with the beachside elite.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

Like a reality show star, this historic hotel got a face-lift—a multimillion-dollar redo—while the cameras rolled on The Style Network. The final look is a modern throwback to its heyday.

Hilton Checkers Los Angeles

A sort of scaled-down Biltmore, this hotel isn't one of the modern-day hipster hangouts that dot the new Downtown scene, but it's appreciated for its more obscure charm.

10.

Sunset Tower Hotel

Originally and once again known as the Sunset Tower, the Art Deco landmark recently known as the Argyle was home to Marilyn Monroe, Howard Hughes, John Wayne and gangster Bugsy Siegel. The building was saved from demolition in the '80s, and renovated to its former hipster glory. Now, after almost $20 million spent on further fluffing-up, the hotel's as sleek, chic and elegant as ever.

11.

Chateau Marmont

Rock stars and Republicans alike converge here for the impeccable, unblinking service from the seen-it-all staff. Its name is synonymous with infamy: Jim Belushi died here; Jim Morrison leapt from a balcony; Scarlett Johansson got in post-Oscar trouble with Benicio Del Toro in an elevator; a pre-Federlined Britney Spears got busted smooching Colin Farrell.

12.

Georgian Hotel

During prohibition, this was home to one of LA's first speakeasies, which soon became a hangout for celebrities like Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. Back then, the oceanfront veranda was the place to be for martinis and jazz; now it's a place for martinis and sunsets.

13.

Travel