This 62-room Melrose hotel mixes old world hospitality with Old Hollywood glamour. What it lacks in contemporary amenities (there’s no pool or restaurant) it makes up for in classic charm, ritzy atmosphere, and unparalleled neighborhood attractions.
Given its name—and its nearness to iconic LA locales like Larchmont Village, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and Paramount Studios—it’s no surprise that the Hollywood Historic Hotel oozes old world class. Established in 1927, the Tudor-style estate (which achieved National Landmark status in 1992) has been a home-away- from-home for nearly a century’s worth of CEOs, dignitaries and celebrities. You’ll feel like you’re getting the royal treatment too, from the gilded doors and antique chandelier in the lobby to the guest rooms’ carved wooden headboards and rich red textiles. More modern amenities include standards like air conditioning, coffee stations and free wifi; the old-school atmosphere means that there’s no pool, gym or mini bar. That being said, Melrose Avenue is so densely populated with things to do that you probably wouldn’t want to linger on a hotel treadmill, anyway.
Location: The hotel’s location is extremely walkable by LA standards, with dining, shops and more along Melrose Avenue and Larchmont Boulevard. The going can get a little gritty if you head east, but if you walk west, you’ll find yourself in Hancock Park, one of LA’s oldest and toniest neighborhoods. A bit further, and you’ll hit unparalleled shopping and nightlife on mid-city Melrose.
Nearby:
Osteria la Buca: Across the street from the Hollywood Historic Hotel sits one of LA’s best casual Italian restaurants. Considering Osteria la Buca’s friendly neighborhood vibe, a deftly curated wine list and an off-duty celebrity fan base, we won’t judge if you show up for both dinner and brunch.
Go Get Em Tiger: In keeping with its name, this Larchmont coffee shop slings highly motivating caffeinated beverages like hair-bending cold brew, subtly sweet flavored lattes, and the house milkshake, which combines a scoop of Strauss vanilla ice cream with four (yes, four) shots of espresso.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery: Picnic amongst LA’s lates and greats like Rudolph Valentino and Cecil B. DeMille in the city’s most breathtaking historic cemetery. If you visit in summer, you’re likely to stumble into a free screening of cult classic films, complimentary of local film nonprofit Cinespia.
Griffith Observatory: Locals and tourists alike flock to the historic observatory to burn calories, take in the views, and explore the hilltop planetarium.
Good for: While the Hollywood Historic’s atmosphere might prove too stuffy for young families, the hotel makes for a luxurious romantic getaway for couples who want a little more flair than the average Hollywood hotel.
Amenities: Free wifi, laundry service, concierge
Time Out tip: If you’re a dedicated sightseer, ask for a front-facing room—on a clear day, you can make out the Hollywood sign in the northern hills.