The iconic landmark regained its status as the unofficial epicenter of Hollywood when hotelier Jeff Klein purchased the building in 2004, enlisting designer Paul Fortune to revive the propertys classic art deco style- pairing old world charm with the modern conveniences of a luxury hotel. I friggin love this place. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a bar and a gym. Designed in 1929 by architect Leland A. Bryant, opened in 1931, it is considered one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the Los Angeles area. Gab Doppelt serves as Tower Bars elegant Maitred. There have been reports of ghosts in several areas of City Hall; the most famous is a nattily-dressed, old-fashioned gentleman who likes to disrupt City Council meetings and bother officials in . Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant. 8358 W Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles Area, USA. He poured his lifes blood into a new theaterthe largest on Hollywood Boulevard and the first built for sound. In the six years since Klein, following a suggestion from the designer Tom Ford, rescued Dmitrov from a fading career at drearily elegant places like a local Russian restaurant that featured a harpist, ice swans and a caviar menu, he has become a Hollywood institution. A $155 bottle of Pinot Noir is uncorked here, chilled oysters delivered there and a bow given every now and then. The Terrace at the famous Sunset Tower Hotel debuted a new look in May of 2018, featuring a refreshed outdoor dining experience with updated furnishings and an elegant new bar. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Sunset Tower is a Hollywood landmark. [25] Klein hired designer Paul Fortune to renovate the hotel, adding more modern amenities, and restored its original name. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated how much of the tower Peter Krulewitch owned when he sold his stake to ER Hollywood in 2015. We had booked a deluxe king - there was a small balcony but you could not step out onto it. Best Haunted Houses in Brea, CA - Dark Harvest, Escape Room Era, The 17th Door Haunt Experience, Perdition Home, Twisted Dreams Haunt, Corona Haunt, Hollenbeck House Haunt, Sinister Pointe Haunted Attraction, Maniac Mansion, Coffin Creek Haunted Village The Sunset Tower Hotel, previously known as The St. James's Club and The Argyle, is a historic building and hotel located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California. both Townhouse Suites (the suite I was upgraded into and the hotels second largest and most expensive suite), to the bathroom sinks which dont drain, light fixtures that dont work, lack of a mini bar, worn and chipped paint on walls and railings, discolored bath towels, room service trays which are left to sit in the hallway all day and into the evening even after the housekeeping staff has cleaned the room (both times it happened I called room service to let them know), and just the overall lack of polish to the room and amenities, it just wasnt at all what I either want or expect from a luxury hotel stay, particularly one booked through Fine Hotels & Resorts. Due to the age of the building, the single pane glass windows do not keep out the wind or street noise and I finally resorted to ear plugs and that helped us get a good sleep. Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. The Sunset Tower embodied these aspirations, counting among its former residents Howard Hughes, John Wayne, Billie Burke, Marilyn Monroe, Errol Flynn, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Paulette Goddard, Zasu Pitts, and even gangster Bugsy Siegel. In 1936, William "Billy" Wilkerson created a beautiful office for his newspaper, the Hollywood Reporter, on Sunset Boulevard. 8225 Sunset Strip West Hollywood, CA 90046 Hollywood Hills West Get directions Edit business info Amenities and More Accepts Credit Cards Outdoor Seating Classy Full Bar 2 More Attributes About the Business The West Hollywood Haunted Pub Crawl is a walking tour of the Sunset Strip's scariest watering holes, haunted hotels and infamous hideouts. Was she the inspiration for the apocryphal "ghostly hitchhiker"? Dear tuckero484, Thank you for the wonderful review! We take great pride in our service and appreciate your glowing reviews of Eva and Angel. Built in 1876, the Municipal Pier in Santa Monica is one of LAs oldest, most famous attractions. Again, the mood and feel are spot on. Sam planned the spectacular opening for their film in Hollywood, but construction delays forced the brothers to open The Jazz Singer in New York. My smoked salmon Benedict was on point, as was my wife's omelette. The 40-by-20-foot pool has a peaceful and elegantly designed deck with clear views of downtown L.A., plus food and drink service from the poolside Terrace restaurant. The hotel has had its deadly moments too. Just as they were satisfied that it was nothing, they heard footsteps above them in Wilkersons office. He stood frozen, watching as the chair glided effortlessly three feet, ten feet, twenty. Cheers, Ben Palmer Hotel Manager, West Hollywood is my favorite area and deciding between hotels can be daunting as there are so many options. Neither Raft nor Solloway was arrested. The 81-room Sunset Tower Hotel opened in 1931, and designed by Leland Bryant, the architect behind some of the most beautiful vintage apartment buildings in the Los Angeles area, including the historic Colonial House in Hollywood. This was the 32nd room my boyfriend and I have done and we absolutely loved it! During the 60s, it attracted all kinds of bohemianswriters, musicians, beach combers, hippies, and a faction who would be influential in L.A.s art scene. Klein embarked on a refresh of the hotel and common areas with his personal touch; with the goal of restoring its heart and soul while not compromising the character of such an iconic building. And i'm. As soon as he unlocked the door, the noise stopped. When we returned from dinner out, discovered a chocolate tower in the room. Dear Ontheroadagain3400, Thank you for the wonderful review! Engineers actually picked up the voice of someone who was not visible on the stage. The unfortunate young woman who died in the theater may have been an aspiring singer whod come to see one of the musicals so popular in the early 30s. Mexican. From checkin to checkout I enjoyed everything about this hotel. Guests at the Roosevelt Hotel are entertained by a plethora of paranormal activity from the hotels past: children playing in the hallways; a pianist wearing a white suit and very old shoes tinkling the ivories on the mezzanine; guests swimming in the pool after hoursnone of whom was of the flesh and blood variety. Ranging from Studio Suites to The Townhouse and Penthouse Apartments, you'll find the added comfort of a separate living room with seating grouping and dining table, airy open floor plans and luxurious master bathrooms with designer fixtures and amenities. There are more places to choose from in the, sunset hotel west hollywood, sunset tower hotel, Frequently Asked Questions about Sunset Tower Hotel. SUNSET TOWER HOTEL - Updated 2023 Prices & Reviews (West Hollywood, CA) United States California (CA) West Hollywood West Hollywood Hotels Sunset Tower Hotel 1,382 reviews #5 of 21 hotels in West Hollywood Review Save Share 8358 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 Check In / / Check Out / / Guests Harry, a former electrician from the Blackouts, is a prankster. For weeks, an employee heard buzzers in his upstairs office. Thank you, Ben Palmer Hotel Manager. Obviously, I have nothing but kind words for this place and next year, I will back with my family. Flo died of a broken heart after her fianc was shot to death by a drunken stranger on a cold December morning. It offers a swank lounge, bar and an al fresco dining experience. Boom!no easy feat, as the ceiling was nine feet high. Bottom line, Sunset Tower has no business being included amongst that company. [30][31][32] Dmitri Dmitrov, a 60-year-old Macedonian immigrant with Rudolph Valentino hair, is the Tower Bar's matre d'htel. And the theater has a resident ghost, Fritz. Looking forward to getting back as soon as possible. Show map of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, List of Registered Historic Places in Los Angeles County, California, "Fate of Old Buildings Has No Certainty: Glamorous Past Doesn't Prevent Neglect, Razing", "New Day Dawns for Sunset Tower as a St. James's Club: First in U. S. to Open This Week in W. Hollywood", "A Hollywood Anachronism, Serving Stars but Never Gossip", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sunset_Tower&oldid=1100031499, This page was last edited on 23 July 2022, at 22:04. A very swank hangout is the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, which used to be the place gangster Bugsy Siegel called home, and saw Capote gleefully report its salacious scandals. Suddenly a television set. A source told Curbed that renovations should start within the next 12 months, and will include upgrading rooms in keeping with the classic style of the hotel. Stay on the fourth floor if youre curious, andif youre really braveroom 418. These stays have a mysterious air about them, perfect for those who dare to interact with the afterlife. Seconds later, he turned around to find 40 chairs silently piled center stage, ten feet away. Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection, most beautiful vintage apartment buildings, Surprise! [12][21] David Gray's firm handled the restoration, and in 1988 the Los Angeles Conservancy gave the owners an award for their work in preserving the Sunset Tower. Cheers, Ben Palmer Hotel Manager. Everybody knows him and no one is frightened. No one was in the room. and Eisner loved the idea of a massive hotel tower functioning as the park weenie. Just listen. What are some restaurants close to Sunset Tower Hotel? Review collected in partnership with this hotel. Shaved ice, smoothies, and teas fuel conversation in the ramshackle rooms, long corridors, and strange walkways. High above on the catwalks, he enjoys tying cable in knots or taking tools. Only an hour away fromYosemite National Park, theNational Hotel and Restauranthas one guest that never fully departed. #15 Best Value of 2,511 places to stay in Los Angeles. LA is housing its homeless in hotel rooms. "Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is a little out of place when you first enter it. Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests. I narrowed my choices down to Sunset Tower, Andaz, and Mondrian and due to favorable reviews, I chose Sunset Tower Hotel and moving forward, this will be my choice hotel when visiting LA. If, like me, youre a fan of Tower Bar and youre drawn to the history and glamour of Sunset Tower as a landmark, do yourself a favor and leave the mystery intact. He clearly heard footsteps walking in front of him the whole way. Do yourself a favor, as I will, and stay at any of the other true luxury hotels in LA and make a reservation for Tower Bar. It may not be the biggest box office blockbuster anymore, but the movie Titanic is still top of the pops at the ocean liner-shaped Caf Jack, a tribute to the 1997 weepie, which looks like it has run aground right in the middle of the Koreatown neighborhood. The film version of that novel, Murder, My Sweet, released four years later, was its first screen reference. The hotel is also used for exterior shots of LUX in the series Lucifer. Much like the iconic movie stars themselves that used to call the tower home, Sunset Tower Hotel is best admired from a distance. Sunset Tower Hotel. The King Edward Hotel opened over 100 years ago, but its King Eddy Saloon has always taken the spotlight for both good and bad. The Haunted Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, L.A. 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA. Why then is it so surprising that hed put in an offer on the hotel? The style throughout is subtle, chic, understated and elegant, and Tower Bar continues to be known as the chicest yet most welcoming room in town. In its early years, it was the residence of many Hollywood celebrities, including John Wayne and Howard Hughes. Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and a banquet room during their stay. "[29] Other celebrities visiting the Tower Bar include Sean Penn, Victoria Beckham, Tom Cruise and Jennifer Lopez. One of the young women would open the room, light candles, arrange tables and leave. He flipped on the light. In 2005, the hotel opened as it is today (though it was renovated again in 2018), a Sunset Strip landmark with a glamorous and buzzing bar, gorgeous pool with city views, and a full spa. Yes, paid private parking on-site, secured parking, and valet parking are available to guests. As he turned to leave, he heard it againsomeone deliberately banging the keys of the piano. Dimitri Dimitrov is Hollywood's most famous matre d', filling the Sunset Tower Hotel's bar with A-listers like Sean Penn, John Mayer, and Tom Ford. The most popular rendezvous, Ciro's, opened in 1940. As the remodeling progressed, even the grand staircase was removed, leaving an elevator as the only access to the second floor. It opened in 1909 and is now a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts. Siegel and Smiley later pleaded guilty, paid $250 fines. [3] When it was completed in August 1931 at a cost of $750,000, the Los Angeles Times reported: "What is described to be the tallest apartment-house in Los Angeles County, rising 15 stories or 195 feet, was completed last week at Kings Road and Sunset Boulevard by W.I. Assistants in the outer office know hes approaching when the room fills with the smell of cigarette smokewhich Hughes despised. The staff have also been pleasant, ensuring safety and a great time. He thought it was an errant office intercom. It was so unique and very thought out. Don't skip the bar, you'll definitely miss a good drink, if not the occasional A-lister. Definitely a go to every October!! Own or manage this property? Disney Imagineers struck gold when they combined humor and horror on Haunted Mansion. The staff were incredibly nice and extremely efficient at their jobs. Klein himself is more host than traditional hotelier and this is reflected in how at home the great and good of Hollywood feel in situ at the hotel, bar and restaurant. And shes lost her stage fright: her voice has been picked up on microphone on stage and carried over the monitor during a live performance. Some of the waitresses had already reported odd occurrences in therepranks, really. His work was predominantly in Period Revival, but with this building he proved that he was equally adept with the then contemporary Deco style. The Sunset Strip hotel is selling to hotelier Jeff Klein, who already owned a roughly 20-percent stake in the property, The Real Deal reports. The sale is expected to close escrow in 90 days. He sticks close to room 928, his home for several months in 1952 while filming From Here to Eternity. It was a typical upscale 1930s hotel, with bold geometric shapes and a. For his last of four theaters, Sid Grauman planned something so unique and magnificent inside and out that it would outshine all other theaters in Los Angeles. Most of the time, he dismissed it as some trick of the light. Klein unexpectedly exercised a right of first offer to buy the remaining 80-percent stake in the Sunset Tower that was previously owned by ER Hollywood, says TRD. Im very familiar with the city and its hotels, having stayed at a number of them, and after dining at Tower Bar and The Terrace countless times, I decided this trip to try the hotel. Small intimate environment made for a very relaxing stay. Dear msquin, Thank you for the amazing review! March 2, 2014. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. In less than a year and a half, he murdered no fewer than 38 people, ages 9 to 83, in a killing spree that spread all the way from Orange County to San Francisco. Offers may be subject to change without notice. These are the best haunted houses for kids in Brea, CA: See more haunted houses for kids in Brea, CA. He hid buzzers near lamps in the lobby to signal people inside to open the secret panel. All rights reserved. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Designed in 1929 by architect Leland A. Bryant, the Sunset Tower (as it was originally called) was a trendsetter from the moment it opened. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Back in 1932, a female patron died in the mezzanine during a show. Dear Mr. Byrne, Thank you for the extrodinary review! The wallpaper is NICE!!! Can it all be explained away by samplings of the spirits available at The Tam? They had no clues as to who their ghostly visitor might be, but this was not an isolated incident. Today, Hughes is seen time and again in the executive offices and his footsteps are heard throughout the building. So, back he comes to the theater he loved so much to finish what hed started. "[11], The building was saved from deterioration and possible demolition when it was purchased in 1985 from architect David Lawrence Gray, FAIA by Peter de Savary who promised to "lovingly restore" the building to its former glory by spending $25 million to convert the building into the first American branch of his luxury hotel chain, the St. James's Club. He and then-business partner Peter Krulewitch bought a share of the property in 2004, paying $18.5 million. Toast spooky season with a stay you wont soon forget. And those in Sams old offices are quite familiar with him moving chairs and scratching at the door. Photo courtesy of Yellowstone National Park Lodges. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Sadly, these rooms have long been sealed and all buzzers disconnected; but for some, that doesnt matter. 1.5 miles from Sunset Boulevard. Many places in L.A. boast that "X, Y, or Z stayed here," but at the Stowell Hotel it's really true. By 1982, a plan to convert the building to condominiums failed, and construction was halted abruptly with residents still living there. Yes, it is 0.2 miles away from the center of West Hollywood. By Danielle Walsh. Location - a short drive to the walk of fame, not too far from seeing the Hollywood sign or going to the Griffith observatory. Boom! Cheers, Ben Palmer Hotel Manager. Adorned in Art Deco grandeur, guests can sleep surrounded by the original wood paneling and portholes as its guests did when it first crossed the Atlantic on its maiden voyage in 1932. In 1942, a new owner changed the name and, as the El Capitan, the house set a record for the longest-running variety revue in the history of legitimate theater, Ken Murrays Blackouts. Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness center, and a sauna during their stay. The Sunset Tower Hotel, previously known as The St. James's Club and The Argyle, is a historic building and hotel located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California. An Art Deco masterpiece, its still considered one of the most beautiful theaters in the world. Late one night, architect Ted Powell was in Wilkersons office with a woman from the L.A. Weekly. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future! Photo: Courtesy of Hotel del Coronado. It was such a pleasure having you stay with and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future! Dmitrov is a sphinxlike figure who knows everything and says nothing. so scary. Though the hotel is currently closed for restoration and has been since the start of the pandemic, itd be impossible to write this list without mentioning what has been dubbed by some as the most haunted hotel in America. The Sunset Strip hotel is selling to hotelier Jeff Klein, who already owned a roughly 20-percent stake in the property, The Real Deal reports. The Reporter moved to larger quarters in 1992. Inside the Hippodrome is one of the best-preserved all-wood carousels in the country. Get fresh recipes, wine pairings, weekend getaway ideas, regional gardening tips, home design inspiration, and more. The Pantages Theater, Hollywoods last glorious movie palace, opened June 4, 1930, near the fabled corner of Hollywood and Vine. "We went on this. The Hollywood Roosevelt is L.A,'s longest operating hotel, and for good reason. Brother Sam Warner, in particular, was at the forefront in the development of sound. The building had deteriorated and was described as "like something from a war-ravaged land. After some time passed, when the auditorium was dark and quiet, the voice of a woman could be heard singingsometimes in the day, other times late at night after everyone had gone home. Today it's the El Dorado apartments and also Le Petit Paris, a grand French restaurant with great eggs Benedict! Marilyn Monroe stayed at the Roosevelt so often that she purchased a full-length antique mirror for her favorite suite above the pool. While waiting for my friend, I complimented Eva on her accent and I found out she is from Kenya. Grab a Tower Smash cocktail in the terrace bar (Siegel's old room), and look discretely for celebrities before checking out the view. She emerged from Harvey Lembeck's Comedy Improv Workshop, where she worked for years with classmates like Robin Williams, John Larroquette and John Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The hotel was situated between the studio for G-Force Records and the Hollywood Hills Amphitheatre while visibly nearby the Hollywood Sign. Sleep quality was very good - no disturbances, comfortable bed. This venue, known by a variety of names throughout the years, opened as the Hollywood Playhouse in 1927, one of four legitimate theaters in Hollywood. Valet parking- the entrance is very small and the staff did a remarkable job of keeping the area moving. Theres a cold spot up there and daytime employees reported a womens blood-curdling scream from there. 8358 Sunset BoulevardWest Hollywood, CA 90069info@sunsettowerhotel.comFront Desk +323.654.7100Tower Bar +323.848.6677, AccessibilityHotel PoliciesLost & FoundPrivacy StatementCareer OpportunitiesGift Cards, Select Photography by Dewey NicksIllustrations by Donald RobertsonWebsite by Amy Risley SmallFilm directed by Matt Hranek, Produced by WM Brown Project, INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK 2021 JK Hotel Group. Klein "unexpectedly exercised a right of first. Moffett, general contractor, for E.M. Fleming, owner. "[28] The New York Times also reported on the transformation of the hotel: "The striped silk-and-walnut Tower Bar restaurant is already a retro clubhouse for the mature Hollywood set (think Brian Grazer and Barbara Walters), complete with $13 martinis and the octogenarian former Sinatra pianist Page Cavanaugh tickling the ivories. Clark heard the piano on numerous other occasions. The St. James's Club operated an upscale hotel for several years, popular with celebrities, including David Bowie. It is nice. CHECK AVAILABILITY. The decor, service and atmosphere here is truly unique and I couldnt recommend any stronger. David Pann, pier maintenance supervisor for 20 years, remembers the scant details of ghostly sounds heard after the parties were over told to him by former tenants. Located at the historic Sunset Tower Hotel, The Spa by Joanna Vargas is founded by esthetician Joanna Vargas, known for her celebrity-loved facials. There was never anyone to be seen in the roomjust a playful spirit with a tin ear having a laugh. The Sunset Strip has long been known as the playground of the stars. Sunset Tower Hotel. He looked back at the figure; it was gone. 532 $$$ Pricey Hotels. The room was once the operating room of Dr. James Minot, who had a practice in the inn during the Revolutionary War. Sunset Tower Hotel is located close to Sunset Strip, and provides a terrace, a hair salon, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Expert advice on how to deal with slow repairs and weird move-out notices. 8221 W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046. . During the 1950s and 60s it was often the backdrop for TV specials and variety shows. Moments later, the jilted lover climbed to the catwalks and threw himself onto the stage, dying in front of the gal who done him wrong. During the construction, Brake was often in the building alone. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult individual encyclopedia entries about the topics. There were modern conveniences, like outlets in every bathroom for electric shavers, and the windows were made larger to take advantage of the spectacular views. If all you do is wake up in your curved-wall suite, lounge by the Hollywood Hills-view pool all day, and then wander down to your table at the famed Tower Bar for dinner . Klein, along with a partner, now owns the whole thing. A very swank hangout is the Sunset Tower Hotel in West Hollywood, which used to be the place gangster Bugsy Siegel called home, and saw Capote gleefully report its salacious scandals. As long as they have been there, the elevator has gone up and down by itself. Even local residents have glimpsed Sam through the entry doors, pacing the lobby near where his brothers hung a plaque dedicating the theater to his memory. No trip to LA can be compete without a stay or at least a dinner stop to the Sunset Tower. Copyright 2023 S Media International Corporation. Thats where Grauman displayed his most ingenious ideaconcrete blocks with the hand and foot prints of the stars. Nearby attractions include Comedy Store (0.1 miles), Mondrian's Skybar (0.1 miles), and Fred Segal (0.3 miles). This experience was a first for me, having never had these sorts of issues in a hotel of this caliber. [15] Also at Smiley's apartment that day were A-list actor George Raft and Siegel's sister's husband, Sol Solloway. Conveniently located restaurants include Carney's Restaurant, The Terrace, and Katana LA. Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Still another night, he went to the rear of the empty stage to turn off a light. The reality up close and personal is bound to disappoint. That would elicit some blood-curdling screams, all right. The History of the building is incredibly interesting and once you know the people who stayed there when it was apartments you almost feel inadequate to be a guest. Sadly, so many of these types of haunts don't seem to have enough monsters or proper lighting aligned with a nice startle. "[4], Marketing the building to Hollywood celebrities, an advertisement in the February 1938 issue of the Screen Actors Guild magazine read: "Faultless in Appointment-The Ultimate in Privacy . While San Diego is indeed a Southern California dream, for some, it induces nightmares. Step into the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle with the suites at Sunset Tower. Inventors and Inventions of the Industrial Revolution, 25 Decade-Defining Events in U.S. History, https://www.britannica.com/list/8-hollywood-haunts-that-are-seriously-haunted. [2] Originally operated as a luxury apartment hotel, it was one of the first high-rise reinforced concrete buildings in California.