Iconic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Continues to Reinvent Itself

Opened in 1927, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel houses years of Tinseltown history and is celebrating it’s 90th anniversary this year. For decades, showbiz royalty have frequented the infamous resort including stars Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Marilyn Monroe and more recently Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie among many others.

Hollywood views from Tower rooms

The venue hosted the very first Academy Awards celebration in 1929. The 12-story hotel has kept much of its rich history, including the massive lobby’s original Spanish tiles, tiered fountain, painted beam ceiling and dark Hollywood atmosphere. Its also reinvented and resurrected itself into a stylish hip destination with a bowling alley, redesigned guestrooms and new restaurants and bars.

The 298 rooms and suites have been newly renovated to include a modern stylish décor. Sixty Cabana Rooms around the famous Tropicana Pool were updated in and now feature fabric headboards, vintage blown glass elements, dark wood floors and cow-skin rugs. In 2014, the Tower Rooms underwent a major renovation resulting in luxurious comfy beds, lush sofas, huge showers with rainfall heads, large work desks, big flat screen televisions and outstanding views of the Hollywood sign and city below.

Also new is the Rosy Oyster pop-up wine and oyster bar. Open through October 2017, the 35-seat venue is located adjacent to the David Hockey painted outdoor pool and serves rose, champagne and wine varietals paired with the freshest selection of oysters for guests to enjoy during the peak months of LA’s pool season.

Two restaurants and four bars can be found in the landmark hotel. Directly adjoining the lobby is 25 Degrees, a 24-hour diner style eatery with crystal chandeliers and cozy leather booths. The menu is comfort American fare featuring burgers, sandwiches, salads and shakes.

On the other side of the lobby lies the American brasserie Public Kitchen and Bar. Reminiscent of an old dining room in a wealthly Beverly Hills mansion, the restaurant exudes vintage Tinseltown with dark walnut tables, huge tufted leather booths, grand brass chandeliers and a long wooden bar. Dishes include foie gras terrine, roasted bone marrow, rigatoni Bolognese, roasted monkfish and pork chop with cheddar grits.

The Tropicana Café features a selection of all-day brunch dishes ranging from healthy to indulgent. Menu items include California kale salad, cinnamon French toast and a short rib grilled cheese.

Guests can head to the intimate Library Bar for locally sourced custom cocktails. Mixologists create one of a kind drinks based on guest’s choices from a wide range of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs. The mezzanine level Spare Room houses a two land vintage bowling alley adjacent to a dimly lit cocktail lounge and game parlour. Whether you visit for the trendy Tropicana pool atmosphere, laid back lobby vibe or old Hollywood charm, the Roosevelt delivers.