Pool Time at the Roosevelt

With temperatures in the 70s now, this 1956 image showing famous pool at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel seems appropriate. Both the hotel and the pool have been designated Historic-Cultural Monuments by the City's Cultural Heritage Commission. In 1988, famed British painter David Hockney completed a multi-million dollar mural on the bottom of the Tropicana Pool. Unfortunately, none of the photos in today’s post show that mural. Instead, you see three chaps lounging by the life-ring hanging on a palm tree. I wonder how often it got tossed into the pool during a drunken revel?



Another circa 1950’s shot of the pool, same angle:



These two ladies were kind enough to pose for the camera before they began soaking up some of that Hollywood sunshine.



A view of the pool taken during my first stay at the Roosevelt in 2008:



Like so many other Hotels in Hollywood, claims to have had the likes of Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin, Errol Flynn, Montgomery Clift, and other movie legends walk its historic halls. One thing that is verifiable is that the Hotel played host to the very first Academy Awards Ceremony in its Blossom Room on May 16, 1929.

See more Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel photos at my main website.

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel: Location, Location, Location

Last week I was able to attend a semi-sneak preview of Pixar’s latest genius creation, “Up” at the El Capitan in Hollywood. Those who know me know that without a nap, there is a 99.99% chance of me falling asleep during a movie. Add in the fact that the movie didn’t start until 11pm, and heck...I might as well just bring a pillow and blanket along!

Thanks to the Hollywood Roosevelt, crisis averted! Located about a block away from the El Cap, The Roosevelt is the perfect blend of history and hip. Many of the lobby and mezzanine areas hark back to the bygone days of Hollywood, while still maintaining a clean and contemporary feel.











Before my required pre-movie nap, I ate a DELICIOUS dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants, 25 Degrees. The caprese salad with watermelon slices melted in my mouth...and the cheese used sure beat the typical rubbery slices of mozzarella that one finds when dining out. As the Roosevelt states on their website, the decor is "bordello meets burger bar.” Be sure to try the #2 burger...pesto, tomato, and premium beef...wow...I was in a happy food coma shortly thereafter!







My one regret about my stay was having to leave at 6am the next day to get back in time for work. So much for lounging at the pool! See more Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel photos at my website.