The Hollywood Roosevelt – Los Angeles, California

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel Review

Last Updated: February 24, 2026

Historic Luxury Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard
Opened in 1927 and located directly on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, The Hollywood Roosevelt blends cinematic history with contemporary boutique energy. Ideal for travelers who appreciate Old Hollywood heritage paired with a vibrant social scene, the property remains one of Los Angeles’ most storied addresses. I stayed for two nights in late January, checking into a Cabana Poolside Room overlooking the David Hockney–painted Tropicana Pool.

Location & Setting

Positioned at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive, the hotel sits directly across from the TCL Chinese Theatre and steps from the Dolby Theatre. While the boulevard outside is energetic and tourist-heavy, the moment you enter the Spanish Colonial–style lobby, the atmosphere shifts to dark wood beams, wrought-iron chandeliers, and patterned tile floors that evoke 1920s glamour.

Despite its central location, interior-facing rooms and the Cabana Tower offer surprising insulation from street noise. The pool courtyard becomes the dominant soundscape — low music, water movement, and evening conversation.

Rooms & Towers

My Cabana Poolside Room featured direct access to the Tropicana Pool deck, with sliding doors opening to a semi-private terrace just steps from the water. Interiors balanced vintage character with modern updates — hardwood floors, leather headboards, brass fixtures, and curated black-and-white Hollywood photography.

The marble bathroom included a glass-enclosed rainfall shower and single vanity with generous counter space. Lighting was warm and intentionally moody, consistent with the hotel’s nightlife-forward identity.

For guests seeking greater quiet and elevated views, the 12-story Tower rooms offer panoramic sightlines over Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills. Suites in the historic main building preserve original architectural details, including arched doorways and exposed wood beams.

Dining & Nightlife

25 Degrees

The hotel’s street-level restaurant, 25 Degrees, serves elevated burgers and late-night fare in a retro-inspired setting. It operates well beyond standard dining hours, making it a reliable option after evening events.

Tropicana Pool Café

Poolside dining centers around light California fare and cocktails. The David Hockney–designed bottom of the Tropicana Pool remains one of the hotel’s defining visual features, visible clearly from second-floor cabanas and surrounding balconies.

The Spare Room

Upstairs, The Spare Room combines a vintage bowling alley with craft cocktails in an intimate lounge setting. Wood-paneled walls and curated art pieces give the space the feel of a private club rather than a hotel bar.

Hollywood History

The Hollywood Roosevelt hosted the first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929 within its Blossom Ballroom. Over the decades, the property has welcomed countless film stars, directors, and industry icons. Marilyn Monroe famously resided at the hotel early in her career, and her image remains closely associated with its legacy.

Walking through the lobby and corridors, original architectural details — hand-painted ceilings, Spanish tile, carved wood — reinforce the hotel’s nearly century-long presence in Hollywood history.

Famous Stories of Yesteryear

Marylin Monroe lived at the hotel during the 1940s. Her room overlooking the Tropicana Pool on the 2nd floor is commemorated today as the Marilyn Suite.

Clarke Gable and Carole Lombard often frequented a penthouse on the hotel's 12th floor.

Shirley Temple also took her first tap-dancing lessons with the great Bill “Bojangles” Robinsons at The Hollywood Roosevelt.

Celebrity Sightings

Rumored celebrity sightings include Miley Cyrus, Liam Hemsworth, Kelly Osbourne, Joe Jonas, Demi Lovato, Jessica Beil, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Jake Gyllenhall, Jeremy Piven, Mischa Barton, Kate Bosworth, Penélope Cruz, Orlando Bloom, Ryan Phillippe, Brody Jenner, Frankie Delgado, JC Chasez, Cameron Diaz, Hayden Panettiere, Zachary Quinto, Zac Efron, and Vanessa Hudgens.

Service Experience

Service during my stay was efficient and polished. Valet coordinated arrivals seamlessly despite heavy boulevard traffic, and front desk staff provided room orientation with clear explanation of tower versus cabana access. Evening turndown was not automatic but available upon request — consistent with the property’s boutique positioning.

Staff presence around the pool remained attentive without being intrusive, particularly during afternoon peak hours.

Who Should Stay Here

The Hollywood Roosevelt is best suited for travelers who appreciate historic architecture, nightlife access, and proximity to major Hollywood landmarks. Couples, entertainment professionals, and culture-focused visitors will find the location especially convenient. Those seeking quiet resort-style seclusion may prefer Beverly Hills or coastal properties.

Pros & Considerations

Pros: Iconic Hollywood history, prime Walk of Fame location, distinctive pool design, vibrant nightlife scene.
Considerations: Street activity outside can be busy; atmosphere leans social rather than tranquil.

Pet Policy

The Hollywood Roosevelt is pet-friendly and welcomes dogs up to a specified weight limit (policies subject to change). A non-refundable pet fee typically applies per stay. Pets must remain leashed in public areas, and additional cleaning fees may apply if necessary.

Final Verdict

The Hollywood Roosevelt succeeds because it does not attempt to modernize away its past. Instead, it leans into its cinematic heritage while maintaining contemporary relevance. For travelers seeking immersive Hollywood atmosphere with authentic architectural character, it remains one of Los Angeles’ most culturally significant hotel experiences.