There’s something about a hotel with history. The feeling you get when you’re walking the halls – like something has happened here. We did some digging and rounded up 8 of our hotel partners that have a particularly storied past.
From ghosts haunting rooms to rock stars rioting, see which hotels made our list.
The Hollywood Roosevelt
If walls could talk, The Hollywood Roosevelt would have more juice than a tabloid. Built in 1927, this hotel has acted as a hideout for the Hollywood elite for generations. The first Academy Awards were hosted here. Silver screen stars Clark Gable and Carole Lombard carried out their infamous affair in the Penthouse. There’s even a rumor that Marilyn Monroe, who once resided at the hotel, haunts the storied halls. Ghost hunt for yourself at the Hollywood institution. Day Passes start at $40.
Avalon Hotel & Bungalows
Martinis flowed as movie stars, mafia and moguls all mingled under one roof at the Avalon Hotel & Bungalows. Originally built in 1929, this Palm Springs getaway once served as an easy escape for the Hollywood elite. Red carpets were rolled out for stars entering their casitas – Joan Crawford famously demanded french bread and 7 packs of cigarettes in her room. Get a taste of old Hollywood glamour, starting at $30.
Andaz West Hollywood
As the first hotel on the Sunset Strip, the Andaz West Hollywood is chock-full of history, once hosting the most legendary musicians of the 1960s. Bands like The Doors, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Led Zeppelin frequented the hotel, affectionately named “The Riot House” in the era of rock n’ roll. Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones and Keith Moon of The Who famously threw TVs out of their hotel windows. John Bonham of Led Zeppelin reportedly took rides on his Harley Davidson inside of the hotel. A riot, indeed. Soak it all up for the day, starting at $15.
Hotel Californian
Things haven’t always been easy for the Hotel Californian, an oceanside resort on Santa Barbara’s famed State Street. The hotel was originally built in 1925, just before a devastating earthquake completely destroyed it. The hotel was repaired, but faded and lost its luster over the years. By 2012, the hotel was torn down and the new owners began the painstaking and meticulous process of restoring the original property. The façade of the original Hotel Californian, designs of the original awnings, and more distinct touches, are all apparent across the brand new hotel. Check out the new charmer, starting at $40.
Royal Palms
The grounds at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa really are meant to be explored. Originally built as an estate by a New York couple in the 1920s, the property was converted into a hotel in 1948 when the new owner predicted a boom in tourism following World War II. 15 casitas were built in addition to the estate, and the main house was converted into several more guest rooms, a reception area, and a dining room. Now, this resort is loaded with amenities and yours to enjoy for $25.
The LINE Austin
You’ll find something interesting at every turn in Austin, Texas, and The LINE Austin is no exception. Originally opened in 1965 as The Crest Inn, the hotel served as a hotspot for the city’s jazz scene. Club Seville, the hotel’s live jazz club, even broadcast regularly live on local radio. There are nods to the hotel’s past all throughout the current property – the cherry on top is restaurant Dean’s One Trick Pony, named after an old hotel performer from the ’60s. Visit today, minus the blues. Starting at $25.
The Don CeSar
The Don CeSar, affectionately known as “The Pink Palace”, first opened its doors in the Gatsby Era in 1928. The hotel began its history as playground for high society, with guests including the likes of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Clarence Darrow. In 1942, the U.S. Army purchased the hotel to be used as a sub-base hospital, then a place for airmen to stay after returning from their WWII tour. In 1973, The Pink Palace re-opened its doors for guests and was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Since then, it’s appeared in movies, music videos, and countless Instagrams. Your day at The Pink Palace starts at just $40.
The Confidante Miami Beach
Originally completed in 1940, The Confidante was the first modern skyscraper on Miami Beach. The swanky Art Deco hotel offered every amenity to its elite guests, even reportedly installing a radio tower on the rooftop to receive messages from the airport that VIP guests were on their way. Now, The Confidante features plenty of colorful nods to its original iteration and Miami’s Golden Era. Stay for the day, starting at $40.
Learning about history can be cool. Soak it all up by the pool here.