Hollywood, California, is in the northern Greater Los Angeles area, and a popular destination for tourists who enjoy the fabulous and glitzy lives of celebrities. While catching a glimpse of an actual movie star may not occur, the Hollywood area has sites that cater to film enthusiasts, such as the hand imprints of movie stars in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater and vintage hotels from the early 20th century that pay homage to the town's film heritage.
The historic Hotel Roosevelt is in the heart of central Hollywood. The hotel was built in 1927 and received the status of Hollywood landmark when it became the site of the first Academy Awards ceremony in the late 1920s. According to Prairie Ghost, rumors abound of this hotel being haunted by the ghosts of famed celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe. The guest rooms have vintage West Coast furniture, complimentary bathrobes and some of the suites have two bedrooms. The Bridge, the hotel's restaurant, is a fine dining establishment that serves lunch and dinner, and it overlooks the outdoor "David Hockney" swimming pool.
The Hollywood and Highland Center is within walking distance of the hotel, and features trendy shopping and dining experiences. The hotel is also a 10-minute walk from the Hollywood Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts rock music and classical music concerts throughout the year. The classic Hollywood movie theater, the El Capitan, is within walking distance of the hotel. This theater has hosted movie premiers over the years, and offers early viewings of movies before they are released in other markets.
Situated in southeastern Hollywood, the Hollywood Historic Hotel is near the corner of Melrose Avenue and Wilton Place, approximately 10 minutes from the center of Hollywood. This historic hotel was built in 1927, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to the "Larchmont Chronicle," each of the 62 guest rooms have original bathtubs and sinks, while the lobby area's arched stained-glass window has been restored. Also, many of the guest rooms offer views of the iconic, hillside Hollywood sign.
The hotel is within five minutes of the historic Raleigh Studios and Paramount Studios. The studios offer guided tours of the studios' facilities, which offer insight into the filmmaking process. Larchmont Village, in between Beverly Boulevard and Third Street, is only a five-minute drive from the hotel, and features cafe-style restaurants, wine stores and boutique shops on Larchmont Boulevard.
Situated in eastern Hollywood, the Hotel Hollywood is a boutique accommodation that was founded in 1927 as the Oban Hotel, but underwent a massive renovation in 2005 and was renamed. This hotel features classic Hollywood-style mirror in the guest rooms bathrooms, while modern furniture and ceiling fans are in the bedrooms. Like other sites in Hollywood, this hotel is reputed to be haunted.
The hotel is only a short walk from the Pantages Theater, which hosts Broadway-style musicals and plays throughout the year. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, which features stars with celebrities' names on the sidewalk pavement, is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel. A possible day excursion from the hotel is a hike through Runyan Canyon, which is only 15 minutes from the hotel. The trail in Runyan Canyon leads up the Griffith Park Observatory, a mountainside site that offers sweeping views of Los Angeles and was the filming spot for the classic Hollywood movie, "Rebel Without a Cause."
