Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood

After a $30-million renovation, this venerable, 12-story landmark became the place to stay in Hollywood, though lately competition has increased with the openings of the Redbury and the W. But this is the only one of the three with style, exclusivity, models-slash-actresses serving cocktails at the poolside bar, a raucous nightlife scene, and history. Host to the first Academy Awards in 1929 -- not to mention a few famous-name ghosts -- this national landmark is Hollywood's only historic hotel still in operation today. Much of the 1927 Spanish-influenced sunken lobby remains the same -- the handcrafted columns and dramatic arches are magnificent -- but the guest rooms have been completely (and tastefully) renovated with extra-large bathrooms, dark-wood platform beds with luxurious Frette linens, and all the latest high-tech accessories. Rooms on the upper floors have skyline views, while the 60 Rat Pack-style cabana rooms have a balcony or terrace overlooking the Olympic-size pool (whose mural, by the way, was originally painted by David Hockney). The hotel's main restaurant is eclectic Public Kitchen and Bar (I loved the diver scallops app, and the steak frites for $19 is a great deal), plus there's also a popular late-night retro-chic burger bar called 25 Degrees. You'll like the location as well: smack-dab in the touristy section of Hollywood Boulevard, across from Grauman's Chinese Theatre, along the Walk of Fame, and a short cab ride to hot clubs, though there's plenty of nightlife action onsite. The Roosevelt is a playground for the young, hot Hollywood set, with antics from the poolside Tropicana bar, Beacher's Madhouse theater-like space, and the exclusive Teddy's lounge getting as much press as Lindsay Lohan on a bender. The Spare Room, playfully named for its two bowling allies, is also popular for board games like Scrabble. For more low-key libations, Library Bar is known for mixology-style cocktails.

Facilities:
2 restaurants; 5 bars; concierge; executive-level rooms; exercise room; Jacuzzi; Olympic-size outdoor pool; 24-hr. room service; spa

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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