|
Little Sign Little Place I love the name of our Palm Springs hotel.  The little oasis behind the wall, was really more of a motel, than a hotel. Retro Motel? The 1-story inn had just a handful of rooms, looking out on a rectangular pool. That's how I remember cozy motels, from my childhood.  But this pool was filled with saltwater and there was soothing music playing. The view included rustling palms and the Santa Rosa Mountains. Not exactly like my midwest motel memories from the 1960s. Desert Knight in 1968 Maybe the hotel is older than 57 years, but what I learned goes back to 1968, when Eadie Adams opened up the hotel. This came after her career in singing and acting. She left Hollywood and moved to Palm Springs to start a career in real estate. In 1968, she opened up The Desert Knight... now Little Paradise.  Long before the 1960s, Hollywood stars began coming to Palm Springs in search of relaxation and privacy. Eadie did some real estate work with stars like Natalie Wood, William Holden and Steve McQueen. However those clients weren't guests at her resort. Desert Knight catered to women only, for 30 years. Desert Knight Celebrities? The Desert Knight was Palm Springs' first lesbian friendly hotel. The only Hollywood celeb known to frequent Eadie's hotel was Gloria Swanson. The star of one of my favorite movies!  Gloria was about 50 when she portrayed Norma, an aged silent film star in the film, Sunset Boulevard. She was about my age (68) when she began to frequent the Desert Knight. Swanson had 6 husbands and her sexuality is up for debate. But she evidently felt comfortable at the cozy little hotel. Queen of Hearts Resort 15 years ago, Little Paradise had yet another name.  The little Palm Springs getaway continued as resort for women. In recent years, it changed hands again. Spiffed Up! Today Little Paradise welcomes all kinds of folks... except kids and pets.  The layout remains the same but the rooms and pool area have been remodeled beautifully. Lucky 7 We checked into the little office with our gracious host, who was wearing a festive shirt with palm leaves. He seemed pleased to announce he was putting us in Lucky Number 7.  All 8 rooms had their own little front patio, with cushioned seats and curtains for shade. Spacious and Bright Our large and light unit had been recently remodeled. I appreciated the decor, especially all the symmetry. Mostly because that means Don and I "get our own". We each had a comfy chair and our own bedside table, with mirror and hanging lamp.  The cushioned headboard and linens, were very comfy too.  The graffiti inspired wallpaper was fun. At least it looked a bit like respectful graffiti. It reminded me of the wall that surrounds Graceland.  The art in the sitting area was appealing also. Weather was too warm to try out the fireplace, but the curved TV was pretty impressive. Symmetry Again Once again I was pleased we had TWO sinks, TWO drawers and TWO plush robes in the closet! The towels were deliciously soft!
The "Hedonistic Shower" was pretty wild. It took me a minute to figure that thing out!  The light fixture above the sinks had a dimmer switch. It became a dramatic nightlight, after dark. Kitchen We hardly needed a kitchen for our 1-night stay. But it was a nice setup with fridge, stove top, Kuerig and plenty of dishes.  There was a cute, tall table with 2 chairs. One had a view of the back patio. The other looked towards a mounted wall TV. Mountain View Our room didn't have a mountain view, but there was seating all around the pool, with great views.  By about 5, the lounge chairs were almost filled. Some couples relaxed with books, other floated on noodles and blowup mattresses. Some chatted with each other quietly. Very zen. Fire Pit Nook The weather on April 29 was just about 80.  There was a cozy space under an awning, with couches and a fire pit.  It was too warm for a fire, but there was nice shade over the comfy couches. Staying Put It would have been fun to explore the nearby restaurants.  But Don and I were content to stay put. We made lots of use of our cozy sitting area. Hummingbird Entertainment We spent quite a bit of time admiring a nearby mama hummingbird, tending to her babies. The nest was above a lightbulb, just between our room and the next.  We got to know our next door neighbors through this mama bird. Our bird discussions led to talk of travel and grandkids and mutual appreciation for our sweet little hotel. Empty Around the Pool While we chatted, we noticed guests beginning to vacate the pool area.  Quietly towels and pool "toys" were gathered and put away. Every umbrella was lowered and every lounge chair straightened. At first I thought I'd missed a strict memo with pool rules. We pondered with our neighbors and concluded this was just a nice place, with gracious guests... leaving the pool as they found it. . Pool to Ourselves Our neighbors departed and Don and I had the place to ourselves. I took advantage of the tidied pool deck and took photos.  What a calm setting to spend the evening... when in truth, Don and I were on edge. Pizza on the Patio We were scared to wander off to dinner where we might miss a text or call.  We ordered pizza and salad delivery and sat on the patio, waiting for the next bit of news. Why Anxious? Our daughter-in-law and son had been in the hospital for 2 days awaiting the birth of their first baby.  Don and I were over halfway from Houston to Sacramento. We had aimed to be in Sac a week before Baby Nora's due date. Nora's Moon By 7:50 pm I looked up above the mountains and saw the perfect little smile of a moon. I decided that must be Nora's Moon. A good sign.  We got an update in the wee hours. By 4:51 she was born! The sun was glowing by 6:15, on the morning of April 30. We grabbed bananas from the big bowl in the hotel office and hit the road for Sacramento.  By 5:30 we were in the hospital.  Sweet Baby Nora! What's Notable? Our gracious little hotel really was a tiny bit of paradise, tucked into a quiet neighborhood. I love what it has become and I also appreciate the history. Wish I knew more.  Besides the pretty pool area, the stunning mountain view and the lovely room, we enjoyed the people. The host and guests all seemed friendly and courteous.
Mostly though, I'll remember how excited and happily anxious Don and I were. It was the perfect calming place to be, on the night before our granddaughter was born.
0 Comments
Storybook House from 1944 This charming cottage caught my eye, when searching on VRBO. But the (often called) Hobbit House was out of our price range.  But... Don and I weren't looking for just ourselves. We were planning a long weekend celebration in Sacramento and we needed a space that would sleep 5! We had good reason to spend more for this historic Storybook-style home.  Our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter would be staying with us! What 4-year-old wouldn't be delighted to stay in a house that appears to be right out of a fairytale? We booked! Welcome! Don and I arrived first, on a sunny afternoon in early March. The curvy shake roof with moss and vines, delighted me.  The wood door surrounded by triple arches, had curious surprises! The mail slot was easy to miss. The slot's (low!) location would make even a young mail carrier wince. The mysterious door-knocker/peep-hole was placed comically high. I didn't notice the teeny knocker at first.  I eventually spotted the peep hole, on the inside of the door. No hobbit could see out of that high hole! I could though, if I got up on my toes.  The entryway itself, was storybook perfect. The brick, tile & iron stairway made me picture Cinderella, minus the ballgown. I could imagine her heading up, with a wooden bucket and broom. First Glimpse To the right of the entry, we moved into a spacious living area. It was even more inviting than the website photos. Or my photos.  There was much to take in at first glance, but my eyes were quickly drawn to the loft above. Was that an image of Carr Jones, staring down from the brick wall? I'd read about Mr. Jones, the gifted architect who designed the home in 1944. Carr Jones... Steve Jobs? A closer look showed me it was Thomas Edison. This promotional "Think Different" poster from 1997, was part of a campaign created by Apple.  It was a odd piece of art for the storybook cottage. However, there was an interesting connection between inventor/investor Steve Jobs and architect Carr Jones. The Carr & Steve Connection On the coffee table, I found some books for guests to enjoy. I read just a bit and learned that Storybook houses became a thing in California, in the '20s and '30s.  Carr Jones was one of the leading architects using this whimsical style. I'm guessing he never met Steve Jobs, since the architect died in 1965, when young Steve was just 10. But Jobs became a big fan of Carr Jones and bought one of his house creations, in Palo Alto. Sustainable Home Stepping into the front living area, we were surrounded by wood, brick and tile.  Carr Jones was ahead of his time when he crafted this home 8 decades ago. All of the building materials were reused and recycled. Bricks were repurposed, from buildings that were destroyed in the 1908 San Francisco earthquake.  Much of the wood came from old ships. I read that old anchor chains provided metal...  ...which made me wonder about the iron banister. Eerie Iron There was quite a display of iron around the fireplace, at the far end of the living area. This iron did not come from anchors.  There were about 8 ankle shackles, chained to the brick around the fireplace. This was jolting to see. I was only slightly relieved to know they were related to a prison, not slavery.  Carr Jones was known for the whimsical details he added to his designs. But we can assume this creepy surprise was not his idea. Folsom Prison Warden This home was originally commissioned by a warden of Folsom Prison. I could find no info on the warden who lived here. Why the prison decor? Was this a humorous attempt to use recycled materials? I had questions.  Did the warden put these in later, or did he ask Jones to install them? And what about these peep holes and sliding metal doors, built into the cabinet doors? I tried not to visualize the cells where they'd once been used.
I slid open one of unlocked rectangles and spotted boxed games. I opened one of the narrow doors and found puzzles and other things, for guests to enjoy. I was glad our 4-year-old granddaughter was too young to ask about any of this. Changing Focus with Chairs Luckily the prison accents were confined to that corner. There was lots of positive stuff to focus on, like all the furnishings. I love unusual chairs!  These are just a few of the unique styles. Like Goldilocks, I tried them all! I think the red chair is my favorite! Cooking Options Instead of lounging in chairs, we could been productive and cooked up some feasts in the kitchen space. 
I did scramble some eggs one morning, since our thoughtful host had kindly left us eggs and butter! There have been kitchen updates obviously, but the island with built in stove, is Jones' original design. He was ahead of his time when he embraced that idea. Pool Table.... Warm Floor Oddly, there was a pool table, where you'd expect to find a dining table. That worked fine for us, since we were having our meals elsewhere. Besides bar stools, there was an inviting patio table. But it was a little chilly out there.  If we'd been sitting around a dining table instead of standing around shooting pool, (in stocking feet) I might not have noticed the warm floors! Radiant heated floors! That's another perk of a Carr Jones house. Curious Corner The back corner had quite a fun set up, if you had plans for a cocktail party. Which is rarely allowed in house rentals.  I was curious about the horse, that took up some of the bar space. The horse was one of many unusual animals and characters displayed around the home. The pelican was my favorite.  I'm guessing these decorations came to live at the house, in later years. I so wish I could find photos of the original decor. Gnome or Hobbit? I found quite a few gnome figures. At least they look like gnomes. More elf like, than J.J.R. Tolkien's Hobbits.  There were a few bearded fellows behind the bar. There were 3 more on the mantle, in one of the guest rooms.  The cozy cottage is nicknamed Hobbit House, but maybe it should have been called Gnome Home. I got curious about the difference and Googled. Hobbits have rounded ears. Gnomes have pointy ears, like elves. Both are small and human-like... Sleeping Loft I think both hobbits and gnomes live in underground homes. So I doubt either would have wanted to hike up our staircase to our sleeping loft.
The charming staircase was an adventure for sure! Luckily there was proper lighting. The Loft! I'd seen photos, but still felt surprised by all the details of this magical sleeping space beneath the roof!  Don and I slept in the cozy loft and woke before dawn each morning. I loved our "alarm clock" of muffled whispers, rising up to our open loft. Our granddaughter Charlie was on Texas time. Raring to go bright and early!  The loft space was charming. Luckily Don fit through the arched doorway. At over 6 feet, he was more in danger of falling over the edge of the low railing, than little Charlie.  That didn't mean we weren't stressed over her gleeful attempt to look over the rail, after climbing the stairs. She was only allowed to come up with an adult. In the Loft At the top of the stairs there was a funny wooden door that opened to the bathroom.  Clearly there's been a remodel since the '40s, but the white brick and wood ceiling helped me imagine the original look. I loved the curved window, inside the half arch of brick. It looked (and sounded) like a very old window. The wind and outdoor sounds blew through cracks and rattled the frosted panes.
The primitive door cracked me up. I presume, the unique peg-on-a-string once locked the door. Now it acts as a wedge, to keep the door from swinging open.
There was a lot going on with the corner tub. 2 shower heads and lots of whirlpool jets! Charlie was pretty excited when she had her turn in the funny little swimming pool tub. My photo doesn't show just how tricky it was for anyone of my height or shorter, to climb into that thing! Read and Write and Sleep Just past the bathroom, was a little lounge space with 2 chairs.  One for reading and one to hold your dress clothes, while you wrote a letter maybe. The king bed was amazingly comfy. There was a TV sitting on a nearby ledge.  Beside the TV shelf, there was a piece of art that totally delighted me. The sweet faces of Madonna & Child brought back memories. I tried to explain to Don how phenomenal this was. "This is my all time favorite Madonna portrait!" I don't think he believed me.  I tried to explain that I saw about a million Madonna portraits in Italy, when I was a kid with my family. My siblings and I each had our favorite Madonna portraits. This one, (by Bartolome Murillo) was my favorite. I bought a postcard, so I wouldn't forget. I was happy to have these two in our sleeping loft. More Stuff The long loft had one more sitting area, at the other end. Thomas Edison wasn't the only historic figure occupying that corner.
Chief Tawonka, gazed outward. The words below his feet read, "We were free until we stopped fighting, now no one has freedom." Hmmm... Looking Down & Going Down Mr. Edison & The Chief seemed to be keeping an eye on the loft AND the lower level. They could observe the front door activity. They could study the thick chains and wonder along with me, Are those chains really holding the loft up?
I was upstairs in the loft when Charlie, Heidi & Jamie first arrived. I dashed down those stairs, eager to greet. Charlie stepped inside and looked around grinning. After hugs and greetings she admitted she didn't ever know Gramma & Pop Pop had another house! I so wish. The Back House After exploring the Hobbit House, it was time to show the others where they'd be sleeping. The Hobbit House is a 2 house set up! We headed for one of the doors in the glass wall.  Both houses have huge windows and glass doors, looking out towards the courtyard and pool.  We stepped out the covered area with the patio table.  We walked around the edge of the pool, towards the 1-story building. The building looked more like a '60s ranch house. But once inside, the brick, wood & tile details seemed to match the era of the 2-story cottage.  The cozy guest room felt open and bright with floor to ceiling glass and views of the courtyard.  A door near the fireplace, led to a colorful bathroom. The red painted brick and sloped wood ceiling, could have made the bathroom a little claustrophobic. But frosted glass windows over the sink, brought in lots of light.
The mirror over the toilet made me chuckle. Shaving or hair-drying could be a little more challenging. But adjusting routine is part of the fun of travel! Sitting Room I loved the sitting room, between the bath and the other bedroom. A fireplace with vintage red seating!
An entire wall of windows on one side and a mirrored wall on the other. Plus an electric keyboard, which Charlie and I enjoyed! Sideways Shotgun From the sitting area, there a hall space with storage, that led to another guest room and half-bath.
 This sweet room (with dog lamp and kitty plate) is where Charlie slept. What a curious set up, with side-by-side rooms. I've been in a few shotgun houses, but none like this! The Courtyard Oh how I wish we'd had more time and some summery weather, to make use of this little oasis.  The landscaping was just about ready to come to life with spring growth. A water fountain trickled nearby, inviting a few birds. The water was too cold for swimming, but we did make a some use of the patio seating, in the afternoon.
The patio table had chairs for 8...  ... and party lights. What a perfect set up for summer gatherings. Communication We never met our host Julie, but she was quick to respond when we had an issue with the hot water heater. All was quickly fixed while we were out. We found a nice surprise waiting, when we returned. Apple Tart!  Julie was also quick to answer, when Don asked for permission to invite more family to the house. We got our okay and also got a huge congratulations, when Julie learned we were expecting another grandchild! The Reason We Gathered This image hints at what our focus was about during our weekend stay. Our son and daughter-in-law who live in Sacramento, are expecting in May!  Our weekend was full of celebrating! After gathering with others for baby showers and meals, it was a treat to bring family back to the Hobbit House. Cozy Warm We only had a few days, so we couldn't make use of everything. We didn't try out the steam room or the hot tub or pool.  But we made use of the fireplace a couple of nights. Sharing a Notable Night of Two Since becoming empty nesters, (nearly 2 decades ago) Don and I have enjoyed some unusual hotels and inns. The kids are always happy to hear our amusing stories, about the odd or creepy, mysterious or comical places that we've discovered. It was fun to enjoy a few notable nights, along with the kids this time. What a treat to share the experience, not just the stories. What's Notable? Our 4 nights in the Storybook House felt magical. The unique history behind the architect and even the first owner, all added to the flavor of our stay.  Sleeping in cozy house, in a cozy old Sacramento neighborhood was nice enough. Enjoying the curious place along with family, made it even more special. I hope to do it again!
"Laguna Surf Lodge" When Don booked our seaside hotel, it was still called Laguna Riviera Beach Resort.  When we arrived last October, a new name greeted us on a temporary sign. Since 1948 The old name conjures up a ritzy image. In 1948, Harry & Lillian Willits had some European resort ideas, when they named their California hotel. They had been inspired, by earlier travels, to both the Italian and French rivieras.  I've been to neither of the glam resort areas, but my photo of "Laguna Riviera" (from across the Coast Highway) looks a tad more Floridian. Which totally delights me! It reminds me of roadside motor inns that my family enjoyed when I was kid. Hints of the Past Don and I were newlyweds when we lived in Laguna Beach, in the '80s. We were in our twenties and much younger than The Riviera, but I was fond of the hotel's throwback charm, even then.
I remember the car-port-style entrance, on the left. I remember peeking through the glass to see the pool, beneath the futuristic cone structure. Today, you can still see some of the beachy colors, on the yet to be renovated side. Spiffed Up! We knew about new ownership and renovation before arriving. When we pulled in through the opening, the old homey Riviera Hotel had bright new surprises.  Over the years, the family friendly resort attracted lots of happy return guests. Even when it became a bit worn and aged. Some renovation was still in progress during our stay, but Laguna Surf Lodge had a relaxed, yet classy boutique hotel vibe. We were greeted by a charming valet guy, named Gabe. He offered us some refreshing flavored water, in eco-friendly metal cups. What's in Back? Before moving towards the office, I let my eyes follow the arrow on the brick drive. I could quickly see what made this hotel such a magnet, for over 7 decades. The 1-acre property has amazing views!  This photo shows just a glimpse of the 5-level property, with stairs and pathways heading down to the beach! And surfers! We saw many, so the new name fits. Friendly Check In We found the temporary office in a welcoming space, with glass doors opening off to the pool area.  An upbeat young woman named Rynn, checked us in. She seemed excited that we'd be staying in her favorite room. "It's one of the original rooms!" I loved her enthusiasm about the hotel's history. It first opened with only 12 rooms, then expanded to 41. Beverage Corner Rynn pointed out a corner of the lobby, where we could help ourselves to coffee and water. Right away I noticed the beautiful green glasses and colorful mugs.  Rynn explained a little about the hotel's, new SCP ownership and its Holistic Hospitality approach. No paper cups here! "Soul Community Planet" The SCP stands for Soul Community Planet. There are currently at least 10 of these properties, mostly in the west.  Here's a quick description I stole from their website: "Soul Community Planet (SCP) was founded on the core values of wellness (Soul), kindness (Community) and sustainability (Planet). We provide hand-crafted venues comprising hotels, coworking, restaurants, and fitness. For those who believe in the power of healthy living, kindness towards others and compassion for the planet." Family Run 1948- 2018 I do love a family run hotel. This is how the Riviera looked when the Willats family owned the hotel. They not only ran the hotel, but lived in it. Harry's son Bruce, took over in the 80's and evidently had good stories about growing up at the Riviera.  There were stories of famous guests, like author Pearl S. Buck. She and her family came for annual 3-month stays. Did Bruce play with her kids? Not sure. It was 1952, when Richard Nixon's family stayed at the Riviera. The Nixon girls were pretty young, when they were seen tossing a ball with their dad on the beach. It was the weekend before Nixon was elected vice president. Meeting Jimmy During our stay, we didn't get to meet any politicians, or writers, or any members of the Willats family. But we felt delighted to meet Jimmy Bray in the office on the second day.
I'm still not sure about Jimmy's title. He was way too gracious and fun and laid back, to introduce himself as "owner". But he was an absolute delight as we swapped stories about our shared love of historic hotels. Jimmy has played a big role in renovations of many properties around the country. His enthusiasm for Laguna Surf Lodge was contagious. His upbeat energy was shared with guests and staff alike. He introduced us to Mari, who had just tidied our room that day! Fun Cars After raving with Jimmy about how pleased we were with the renovated hotel and the top notch staff, I had to let him know how much I loved the fun vehicles!
If we'd had more time and more money, we could have taken off in the 1967 Land Rover, with a guide and surfboards. The lodge offers a very cool "Dawn Patrol" adventure package, that involves a day of surfing and beach dining. Ship Shape! While checking in, Gabe effortlessly made 2 trips with luggage to our room. By the time we headed down the pathway, I'd fallen in love with the hotel.  With all the time we've spent in Laguna Beach over the years, we've never seen more than a street view of the hotel. It was exciting to finally stroll down the zig-zag pathway. Looking up at the structure, the balconies and windows made me think of some kind of whimsical ship! Or maybe a humongous houseboat! Room 101 Luckily when Don booked, he made sure we had an ocean view room with a balcony. That was enough to thrill me.
Since the rooms are all very unique, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was excited to learn we were staying in one of the original 12 rooms. It took us a while to reach it, at the lowest level. But it was still high above the beach. "Peaceful Room" We never saw another room, but I can see why Rhnn thought this room was the best! The whole front of the room was glass.  It was considered one of their "peaceful rooms", with lots of light and airy space in the front portion. A modern table with four chairs, sat beside a wall of white brick. A little reminder of the old structure!
There was a great wet bar, with fridge and sink and I loved the framed photo... hugging a surfboard! Sit a Spell At the foot of the bed, we had a comfy couch and a sweet table made from a slice of tree.  We could lounge and enjoy the view out the glass doors, or we could enjoy some nearby nature, right in the room! Green In the center of all those tree rings, there were 2 tiny pots. Those miniature succulents sort of delighted me!
On a nearby wall, there was a circular piece of art. It looks flat in my photo, but the soft moss and feathery fronds, were growing right out of the circle. Ahh! Peaceful Sleep! The bed itself was luxurious, with an avocado green mattress. A first for me. But the bed was also surrounded with comforting features.  I love an adjustable lamp with plug-in options. Above the wood headboard was another piece of calming art. Did it flutter when the ceiling fan was turned on? Forgot to check. Sounds and Scents On one table, there was a round "Yogasleep" machine, that offered up soothing sounds or music! In fact there was a dreamy melody playing, when we entered the guest room!  On the other table there was an essential oil diffuser, with the most lovely and subtle aroma. A bottle of pillow spray was handy as well. Brand New I love a retro bathroom with pink tile, but there was nothing mid-century modern about our bathroom.  I was more than happy to give up the 1950s look for this lovely space. We had everything from double sinks to illuminated mirror. An enormous shower and even a fabric steamer, for wrinkled clothes. No TV Part of the Peaceful Room approach meant no TV. It was actually a treat to not have the option.  There was a generous space beside the bed. Just right for a little stretching or yoga time. There was even a mediation pillow.  I found a yoga mat in the closet and a "Well-Being Play Book" nearby. The enormous mirror could have helped me perfect some yoga poses...or ballet... or photos! The mirror came in handy in the evening, before Don and I headed off for tiki drinks at Royal Hawaiian.  We did an "Old People Selfie" with the mirror. I hoped to spotlight Don's bird of paradise shirt and my flamingo dress, but mostly I captured the nice floors! The Deck! I was thrilled to have a private deck, but never did I expect a 2-level set-up! We opened our glass doors to an upper balcony.
A set of stairs led down to a spacious deck, with an L-shaped couch and a massive umbrella.  And a view that never got old!  We made sure to catch sunset on the first evening.
In late October, that happened around 6. Then off to dinner. In the morning we grabbed complimentary coffee from the lobby and returned to enjoy our view. The coffee was delicious, btw! From a local brewing co.
We enjoyed breakfast treats from Orange Inn, just a block away. For lunch we had tacos from a nearby cafe, along with Sangria flavored soda!
The deck lured us back in the afternoon for a little tea and some reading... very curious Laguna Beach history! Surfers and Sunset On the second night, we made sure to stop back at the hotel, for another sunset on the deck.
The waves were minimal, but the surfers were still entertaining to watch.  They used every last bit of sunlight to catch the last waves of the evening.   I realize I posted 16 photos related to our deck and view. I don't have to tell you, that we were in love with that glorious deck. No matter what time of day! What Else? We had only 2 nights and the time went fast. We didn't make use of the little shared space, tucked into the property about halfway up from the beach.  We could have played corn hole or enjoyed fire pits in the evening. 1950s? In this old postcard, you can see folks gathering in the same area. How I love the webbed lawn chairs and fringed umbrellas!  If we'd visited in a busier season, we might have met some other guests as we gazed out at the sea. To the Beach The railings and views, made it seem like we were enjoying a vacation on a cruise ship!  But we weren't trapped cruisers! We could easily follow the walkway down to the beach.  On my first trip down, I was amused by the maze-like journey. Even though there was only one way up and one way down.  The lush growth created a wall, beside the white railing. It was exciting to see what was around each corner. A sweet little table for 2, surprised me at one point. A little platform just off the path, offered a perfect sunset view.
Before reaching the gate to the beach, there was a long narrow deck with about 10 rocking chairs. So many options for enjoying the view!  I saved the rockers for later. I had to get my feet on the sand. Before opening the gate, I checked out a collection of beach supplies, that guests were welcome to use. There were beach chairs and boogie boards, umbrellas and sand toys! I took nothing, but left my sandals behind.  I so wanted to step back far enough to photograph the complicated structure of the hotel. Impossible. I'd have to swim a long way out, to really see the whole thing. So I walked along the beach instead.  I headed north and found myself at Laguna's lively Main Beach. The Pool! With a gorgeous beach, I hardly needed pool time. But I wanted the whole Riviera experience!  Another postcard image gave me an idea of how the pool looked... maybe in 1957? Just guessing that date. That was a good year. My birth year.
Don and I were the only guests who were drawn to the pool that day. I did a little posing before I got in the water. The pool area hasn't had the full remodel yet.  That meant I could sit in the flower-shaped hot tub and imagine the day when swim caps were required. But those gals in the postcard image weren't wearing caps! Maybe they had different rules in California.  I remember Florida pools in the '60s. Oh how I hated the women's cap rule... regardless of hair length!  Don was reading in a chair and I didn't have any lady friends to gab with, so I leaned my head back and studied the umbrella-like structure above me. I really do love that thing! Did it have glass at one time? I should have asked Jimmy how they plan to refurbish this area. Please don't remove this retro thing! Nighttime The hotel had a whole different feel when the sky was dark. There is always something magical about being near an ocean at night.
I will never forget the sound of the waves as we wandered up and down the walkway. Daytime But I absolutely loved the light, bright feel of our hotel in the daylight!  Even with fog in the morning, the views were the best!  The surfers were out at 7 am. I think most were high school age, heading to school soon.  Even though the water was unusually calm, we spotted surfers at all hours! Location! What a treat to be able to walk to restaurants and shops, without grabbing the car. It was a fun walk on the sand, to Main Beach and further north to Heisler Park. Returning along the Coast Highway, offered up good people watching, shops and restaurants. What's Notable? A classy seaside boutique inn, with a mid century vibe! The room with its balcony was above and beyond, in every way. The hotel's location was just right. And in the future there will be a restaurant/bar and spa, a plunge pool and much more on site.
We felt like we'd hit the jackpot with our accommodations, as well as our service. I must say, that Jimmy and the welcoming staff, played a big part in making our stay so extra special. It's rare to see such an eager staff working together. It was hard to leave this little bit of paradise. But Jimmy gave us hugs and begged us to stay in touch. So I guess that means we'll have to return!
Kitschy Signs We stayed at a Hollywood hotel, with a sign that looked like it was from 1960s Disneyland.
Before we headed up the drive we passed a green & gold sign. This sign & lion combo, remind me a bit of 1960s Las Vegas. Magic Castle The whole entrance off of Franklin Avenue, just amused me! There were signs & lions on both sides. Go left and the drive led to the hotel.  Go right and the drive heads up to the Magic Castle... which we did later. Our Bright Yellow Hotel Our hotel wasn't quite as grand as the castle, but it was bright and welcoming.  This happy midcentury beauty was originally built as apartments. In 1950 it had nothing to do with the "mansion" next door, which later became The Magic Castle Club. Today the 2 are affiliated, but with different owners. Magic Castle? The Magic Castle Club was the whole reason we were staying at the Magic Castle Hotel!  The exclusive club, sits halfway up the hill, looking a little like something you might see at 1970s Disney World! (I love dates and Disney comparisons!) Over a Century Old But the castle is much older than the 1970s.  The mansion on the hill, was built as a private residence, back in 1909. It didn't become an exclusive club until 1963. It's still owned by the Academy of Magical Arts, a group of magicians and fans of magic. A Sunny Tuesday in October Don and I arrived before 1:00 on a pretty afternoon. More lions greeted us at the fountain.  Don waited in the car and I zipped up the stairs to inquire about early check in. Lobby There was no Hollywood Glam to be seen, but moments after I stepped inside the quiet lobby, I was enjoying the hotel's welcoming, playful vibe.  Gina greeted me at a widow, near the courtyard door. She couldn't have been more welcoming. I told her that we learned about the hotel (and its connection to Magic Castle) from a news piece on CBS Sunday Morning. She laughed. We weren't the only ones who called for reservations on the day the show aired. Champagne at 1! Gina said our room was ready and we could park in the garage below the building. (a fee, but worth it) I ran out to grab Don because Andrea suddenly popped out with a tray holding 2 glasses of champagne.  Was that a regular thing? Or was it because I had mentioned we were spending a couple days in Hollywood celebrating our 45th anniversary? Not sure, but it was a fun welcoming!  It was just plain fun to sip our champagne (next to our pile of bags) and gab with Gina and Andrea about how excited we were to stay at the Magic Castle Hotel. Perks We made reservations a few months before, after learning that hotel guests are able to acquire vouchers for an evening at the (Members Only!) Magic Castle. We paid extra to get a package deal, that covered our room, gave us vouchers for the Magic Castle Club, plus a $200. dinner gift card.
There were so many fun perks that came with our stay at the happy yellow hotel. One was free snacks! Next to the lobby window, there was a list of all the goodies available. The staff insisted we not be shy about asking for treats whenever we wanted! It's all part of the fun! The fun that the staff sincerely seems to encourage! A Yellow Ship Oh what I would have given to have stayed here as a kid! The hotel seemed to be built around the swimming pool.  Terraced stairs led up to the rooms, which formed a ring around the central courtyard and pool. It felt like a big ship, with all the fun in the middle! Family Friendly Most of the 43 rooms are apartment-sized and have full kitchens and pullout sofas. So the place attracts a lot of families.  The above photo was taken during a rare moment, when the pool was empty. The pool is heated year round and open (I believe) 24/7. The guests seemed as pleasant as the staff, so it was pleasantly entertaining watching families (many with Australian accents) enjoying the pool! Tropical Retro The levels and stairs were a bit confusing. And also hard to navigate with a lot of luggage. (Staff was more than happy to help) I loved the retro design of the place.
I got a little lost looking for our room, #108. It was not on the first floor, but up a level and around to the back. When I made a wrong turn, I discovered a complimentary laundry room for guests.  The rooms with balconies and pool views would have been fun, but we'd paid an extra chunk, for our evening at the Magic Castle. We booked a lower cost room. Room 108 No pool view, but we got a lot of space for our buck! We had numerous windows in our 1-bedroom apartment. None of the windows had decent views, so we kept shades mostly closed.  We hardly needed the kitchen, but we had a decent one. The fridge had a lock, which was odd. It's a family hotel and there were beverages inside, unsuitable for the kiddies. There was a cute stove/oven and a tea kettle...  ... a toaster and microwave! There was a large separate bedroom with a king bed.  We should have brought more family! There was lots of floor space for sleeping bags and a sofa bed in the other room! Getting Ready I appreciated the non-1950s bathroom. And I was happy to have a real tub.
We had Magic Castle robes! Very handy when you need to start your beautification, for an evening at Magic Castle. Mirror Photo The mirrored sliding doors to the closet, gave us an opportunity for a photo shoot, before heading to the Magic Castle.  And why is Don wearing a hideous wig and feather tie? What's with my boa and cigarette holder? Costumes in October Formal dress is always required for members and guests, visiting the Magic Castle. Except for a couple of weeks every October, when costumes are encouraged.  Gina took our photo in the lobby before we headed over to The Club. Not all hotel guests take advantage of the opportunity to visit Magic Castle. But many do and the staff had fun with those guests who were headed that way. They even offered to drive us, but we opted to walk. Photo Stop We walked down the drive and paused to ham it up in front of the sign.
Don and I didn't exactly go all out with costumes. We were a little nervous, not knowing how many guests really dressed up for Halloween. We played it safe with a wig and feather boa, which could be stashed into my bag if we changed our minds. Waiting The Castle opened at 5, but we arrived about a half hour later. We'd made reservations months before and had chosen an 8:00 dinner seating, so no worries. But there was a line, that was a bit surprising. And slow moving.  We stood in line nearly an hour before getting in. I'm still not sure why. We seemed to be standing with a lot of people who had chosen formal dress over costumes. They also seemed to be "guests" like us. They weren't being ushered to the front of the line, like arriving members. These guests were not all from our hotel? I wanted to ask how they all got invites. I hear it's tricky. Celebs I saw a few people glancing at Don's attractive wig, trying to determine whether he was in costume or not. Who wouldn't want to wear that thing daily?  People watching became entertaining, when more costumed guests began to arrive. As we got closer to the entrance it was fun watching fancy cars pull up. Club members were ushered to the door, quickly. I didn't exactly recognize any famous people, but back in the day there was some well known members of the Academy. Johnny Carson, Cary Grant and Steve Martin... The process was odd and slow, but we eventually got inside. Magic Castle Evening There are very strict No Photo rules, inside. Phone cameras had to be put away as soon as you left the tiny lobby. Once inside, we said "Open Sesame" to an owl, wearing a pirate hat. The door opened to the club and its complicated multi-leveled maze of rooms and passages. A grand night of dining and drinking, while we observed talented magicians, performing in cozy parlors and watching some incredible acts in an intimate theatre. Night at the Hotel After many hours of magical entertainment, we headed back to our little hotel next door!  At 11 pm, we spotted one family happily (and quietly) playing in the pool. Morning I stepped out of the room around 7 the next morning.  I headed down the steps and got to see the pool without any guests.  The little movie screen glowed above the patio area. Cartoons! Breakfast in the Lobby The lobby had a nice set up, with real dishes and silverware.  I grabbed some yogurt and packaged pastries, while I checked out the old photos on the wall.  There were some vintage photos from the Hollywood area. I wish they'd had a few showing the hotel, back in its apartment days. Coffee and Movie I liked the coffee options! And I appreciated the large plastic trays that helped me carry the food and drink back to the room.
I was tempted for a moment to text Don to join me on the patio. All the tables were vacant and there and a movie with a train was playing! That could have been a fun start to our day. But I took our tiny breakfast upstairs.  I promise we didn't eat M&Ms or Snickers, with our light breakfast! On the Patio After a while we headed down for more coffee and enjoyed the friendly atmosphere. There kids playing board games as they ate their cereal.  We spotted a man in a vest and tie, entertaining a family with magic tricks. Alfonso We were pretty excited when Alfonso came to our table and did a few card and coin tricks! He was good! An Australian family joined our table for a bit and Alfonzo really surprised the kids when some Australian coins appeared.  I told Alfonso how much fun it was to watch the kids' faces when he performed. He said the kids are the best. "They're so genuinely surprised!" Hanging Out We had about an hour before we needed to hit the road.  We didn't have time to work on the popsicle puzzle. Popsicles are a big thing at Magic Castle Hotel! More Sweets! I made sure to indulge in every freebie I could find. Help yourself to the soda machine!
I grabbed a cone and had some fun with some swirly ice cream!  I didn't just pose with the cone. I ate the whole thing. Hotline Time! This is what I was most excited about!
24-Hour Popsicle Hotline! Right next to the pool. They answered right away and I made sure to sound very needy. "Hello! I am in need of a popsicle right away please!"  Look hard and you can see my server is wearing white gloves (and jeans) and he has an assortment of flavor options on a little silver tray! The man behind me didn't seem to need a popsicle that morning! Actually a frozen treat might have put him in a better mood. Pack Up I hated to leave this fun, playful place. But we needed to head off to Joshua Tree National Park. We packed up.  Don's suitcase was a little lighter. He left his wig behind for the housekeeper's amusement. (I turned the light off, to avoid wig fires!) What's Notable? Our hotel stay was more enjoyable than we expected! We'd book a room basically to give us the privilege of getting guest passes to the Magic Castle.  We did enjoy the evening of magic, just a short walk from the hotel. But our little yellow oasis will almost be more memorable. The staff and the set up (with all the funny gimmicks) created an atmosphere that was laid back and comfy and homey and playful. I would love to come back with our kids and grandkids someday!
Celebrating at the Roosevelt Don and I don't usually need excuses or reasons for celebrating.  But our 45th anniversary was in October. We were going to be on the road in California, anyway...  Why not celebrate our anniversary in an epic hotel, that has hosted movie stars for nearly a century? Hollywood Roosevelt Since 1927 I was giddy as we approached the 12-story hotel, from North Orange Drive. Somewhere up near the bold sign, Clark Gable & Carol Lombard had their own private penthouse.  In 1927, the Hollywood Roosevelt opened its doors, right on Hollywood Boulevard. It wasn't just named for the street. The hotel was built by prominent Hollywood film industry professionals. (Fairbanks, Pickford, Grauman and Mayer!) Academy Awards in Blossom Room The iconic hotel has endless connections to the film world. Just two years after opening, the Roosevelt hosted the first ever Academy Awards.  This vintage photo shows the Blossom Room, where the awards took place. It was evidently packed and the awards only lasted 20 minutes. Academy Room & Oscar Room We weren't able to get inside the Blossom Room, but it's still used for star-packed events today. Most recently, the 96th Academy Awards Viewing Gala was held in the Blossom Room.  We did find other event spaces though. The Academy Room was formerly the office of the Motion Picture Academy. Rats. The door was locked of course. Monday Arrival It was sunny and 70 degrees when we arrived, mid October. We parked in a nearby garage, for half the valet price and headed for the entrance on Hollywood Boulevard.
I paused to look up and wondered about all the stars who have been guests over the years. From Charlie Chaplin and Bette Davis, to Leo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt. It's hard to believe this beautiful building was in danger of being torn down in the 1980s. Walk of Fame The Roosevelt is one of the few historic buildings that sit right on the touristy sidewalk. Today there are over 2,700 brass & terrazzo stars, embedded into Hollywood's Walk of Fame.  The Walk of Fame project started with just 5 stars, in 1958. Burt Lancaster was one of those original stars. (the only name I recognize) Check In We checked in for our room in a newer lobby, in the lowest level. I was a tiny bit disappointed that the modern space gave no hints of the Golden Era of Hollywood.  But the staff was very knowledgeable and welcoming. We were given a room upgrade right away. Maybe it was the giddy comments I made during booking. I was downright silly over the phone, with my "We're going to Hollywood!" kind of enthusiasm. Famous Stairs? Just steps from the lobby desk, was a striking set of stairs over an illuminated pool.  The stairs were stunning, leading up to the original lobby above. We were headed with our bags for the elevator, but I had to take a quick peek at the gorgeous tile stairs from the front.  Many famous folks have walked up these stairs, but it was a different set of stairs that I was most excited to see. More on that later. Mystery Library On the was to the elevators. I paused to look at these velvet curtains and the bookcase.  Was this some kind of Speakeasy entrance? Cinegrill Today I learned from a staff member, that a section of the bookcase opens up and serves as the entrance to a small theatre.  Sadly I couldn't get a peek inside, but found this photo online. I also found a schedule of shows and movies. We were just a week off from being able to see Hitchcock's classic, Psycho in that glitzy theatre! The Old Cinegrill We didn't see the theatre, but we saw the Cinegrill sign, as we approached from the parking garage. I assumed the modern-sounding Cinegrill, was a new addition to the hotel. But Cinegrill actually opened in 1936. It was a film-themed restaurant and cabaret nightclub, that featured top entertainers.  Originally it was located near the north entrance, but was moved to an interior space. Back in Time I wish I could have watched Mary Martin (the original Peter Pan!) when she got her singing career started at Cinegrill. Her infant, (Larry Hagman!) would often sleep in her dressing room.  It was a disappointment that the theatre was closed on a Monday night. But more than anything, I wish I could have slipped back in time to see the Cinegrill Lounge, back when a glass of wine was 25 cents. I wish I could have seen Humphrey Bogart or Clark Gabel at the bar. Or Marilyn, tucked back into a corner. Her preference.  But there were also celebrities who weren't screen stars, who frequented the lounge. F. Scott Fitzgerald and Hemingway and director Elia Kazan, to name a few.  Supposedly it was at Cinegrill where Marilyn Monroe was introduced to Arthur Miller for the first time. He had come to Hollywood to discuss movie possibilities with Kazan... who happened to be seeing Marilyn at the time. Stars in Photos The only stars we saw at the Roosevelt, were in framed photos like these.  Their images greeted us, when the elevator door opened to the 8th floor. Long Hall We headed down the hall in search of #805. We were just below the floor where Montgomery Cliff stayed during the filming of, From Here to Eternity.
Some claim they have seen his ghost, in the hall. It's been said that Montgomery spent a lot of time pacing the halls, while memorizing lines. Nothing Scary There was nothing eerie about our room on the 8th floor. There was a ton of space and lots of windows.  We couldn't have been more thrilled, with a comfy couch and chair and a large desk.  We were sort of amused (and somewhat confused) by the artwork on both sides of the sliding barn door, that led to a huge closet. Odd Art Was the red artwork backwards? If you're good at reading the mirror image, it says West Coast. It looked like a frame held together with masking tape, hooked on the wall, backwards. Maybe I'm too old to understand this art?
I felt like my humor was being tested when I saw the tiny frame above the pillow on Don's side of the bed. Yep. I gave him the artsy side of the bed. I need to get with it in 2024, because I'm not up with these decorating trends! Ahhh! I didn't make use of the huge desk/table. But the cushioned bench came in handy.  Nice size TV! Although we spent so little time in the room, we hardly needed it.
There were some very expensive goodies in the bar. Even some Roosevelt flip-flops for sale. The cute metal water bottles were complimentary! Views The biggest treat was the view of Hollywood Boulevard and Grauman's Theatre!
Best of all, behind the Dolby Theatre, high on the hill, was the famous sign! Bathing & Lounging The bathroom was narrow, but quite lovely.
I was totally delighted with the hypnotic tile floor design!  And cheers for a cozy robe! I accidentally covered my robe's HR logo, that matched with the water bottle. The Promenade In 1950 the Roosevelt opened a new wing, named The Promenade. We found a retro stairway to the mid-century tropical paradise. Pool, gardens, bar, cafe and 60 bungalows suites.
I paused in the garden area, just outside the pool. I needed to have a moment with one of my all time favorites. Charlie Chaplin attended the very first Academy Awards, held at the Roosevelt in 1929. Tropicana Pool & Bar On a Monday afternoon in October, we were surprised to see so many guests. There wasn't a poolside chair available.  No worries. We were only peeking around anyway.  The bartender at the Tropicana Bar told us Marilyn Monroe lived in a suite right above the bar. I read she was there for 2 years in the 1940s, when she was just modeling. Confused, since I read the pool opened in '50! Palms! As a kid living in Iowa, I had romantic ideas of what Hollywood was. Besides movie stars like Paul Newman and Liz Taylor, this is what I pictured when someone said Hollywood.  Palm trees have always pleased me. Hollywood palms are the best! From the walkway above, I could get a good view of the palms and the space above Tropicana Bar sign. Was that really where Marilyn stayed so many years ago?  Only a few people were actually in the pool. I wonder if any of them knew the pool trivia I'd read. For the grand opening in 1950, a few stewardesses were given the task of pouring small bottles of water into the pool... water gathered from all the oceans around the world. Love it! Stars at the Pool I'm guessing most of the guests sitting around the pool all knew about Marilyn's connection to the Tropicana Pool. But did they know that an I Love Lucy episode was filmed at the pool? Did they know that the pool became a wild LA party scene for young celebrities like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan in the early 2000s?  There is no diving board today, but Marilyn posed on the board for a suntan lotion ad, back in the day. The dates confuse me, but all seem to agree she lived in one of the bungalows when she was just starting out. Artist in the Pool And then there's a celebrity artist, who painted the pool in 1988! British painter, David Hockney used a broom stick with a brush attached, to paint curvy dashes on the bottom and sides of the pool.  It was fun to see the underwater art moving, when the water rippled.  It must have been a pretty tricky job a few years ago, when they had to drain the pool and restore Hockney's art. The Lobby! I loved the lit palms in this hall, leading to the original lobby.  The shiny tile floors and arched entrance... And more arches, surrounding the 2-story lobby space.
What a grand slice of old Hollywood!  The Spanish Colonial Revival style, with its trickling fountain, felt like a fabulous old hacienda. Sea Foam Green? As I stood on the tile floor, my eyes were drawn upward, to the gorgeous painted ceilings and the wrought iron chandelier.  Oddly, that chandelier was removed years ago. In the 1950s, the hotel went into decline and odd renovations took place. The chandelier was taken down and the dramatic arches were removed. The gorgeous colorful beams were painted over. The entire interior was covered in sea foam green paint! Ugh! I've searched the internet for photos of the hotel during that ugly period. No luck.  Luckily in 2005, the hotel underwent a 30-million-dollar renovation and brought the interior back its original classy style. The gorgeous chandelier was discovered in the basement! Exploring Above It was fun going up to the mezzanine level to peer down into the lobby.  It also allowed for a close up view of some amazing designs.
I can't even imagine how this was covered up with paint!  Don and I did find some time to enjoy the Lobby Bar eventually. What a comfy and charming area to relax with a glass of wine. More Exploring Besides the lobby, there was lots more to explore. But we met up with locked doors.  I really wanted to check out the Ladies Room on the mezzanine. But the door was locked. The Mens Room had a great sign! Floors I was intrigued by the tile everywhere! I loved all the designs, even the chips and flaws that spotlighted the age.  At one point, we thought we found the secret stairs we'd read about. But the doors were locked. We never found the secret passages either. Supposedly the passages connected to Grauman's Theatre. Oh those sneaky theatre people! Shirley Stairs & Spooky Mirror! I believe these are the stairs where Shirley Temple and Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, practiced their tap-dance routine. (Famous scene in The Little Colonel).  Halfway up the stairs, we spotted Marilyn's Mirror. There's a little spooky history to that mirror, which was used by Marilyn Monroe, when it was located in her poolside cabana. Over the years many have claimed to have seen her image in the mirror. Maybe I should have paused longer. Maybe I could have spotted a double image, of Shirley AND Marilyn, together! Odd to think Marilyn was born 2 years before Shirley. Dining at The Roosevelt We did some searching for dinner options. Located on the lobby level, facing Hollywood Boulevard, we found a burger joint named 25 Degrees.  It actually looked pretty cute, with mahogany leather booths and retro counter dining. A bit like some of the old photos of Cinegrill. But we wanted more than a burger meal on our anniversary. The friendly guy behind the counter was chatty, but he had no idea about the history. I wondered if the burger place had once been a coffee shop or part of Cinegrill? He didn't know, but he told me about a customer who recognized the tile floors, from when he worked at the hotel in the 1940s! Cool!
From the Walk of Fame, I could see the 2-story arched windows that I'd seen from inside the burger place. The set of red doors that opened to 25 Degrees, looked very retro. Cute place. We'll try another time. Shirley Brasserie Sadly, the hotel's grandest dining room, was closed on Monday. It made me sulk like a 6-year-old, that I couldn't dine in the restaurant named for Shirley Temple.  I became a fan of Shirley Temple when I was 6 and watched her play Heidi. But I wasn't as big a fan as my mom. When she was little, she saw Shirley's movies at the Picture Show. Oh how I wish I could have dined in Shirley Brasserie, with my mom. I would love to hear her stories once again, of coming to Hollywood when she was 6. I kind of think I recall her saying they stayed at the Roosevelt! Mom in Hollywood This is Mom at age 6 on her California trip, with her mom. Shirley was Mom's idol, since they were the same age. Mom so hoped she would see the child star on their visit. Surely... there was no chance of seeing Shirley!  But Mom lucked out and happened to be in a shoe store, when Shirley's limo pulled up. My starry eyed mom gasped and watched the tiny movie star try on a pair of white, hightop shoes. She was gone in a flash, but Mom talked her mother into buying the same pair. My grandmother tried to reason. "I know you're the same age, but those are baby shoes. Only Shirley Temple wears shoes like that." And here's a photo of Mom with the shoes that she begged to own. Her expression looks like she's having second thoughts about those shoes. Another Shirley Fan While on this crazy tangent, I must admit I was missing another special Shirley fan.  My 3-year-old granddaughter begs to watch this very scene from The Little Colonel, every time Don and I babysit. I can no longer hope to dine at Shirley Brasserie with Mom, but someday, maybe Charlie and I will do just that! A Dash to Yamashiro So we couldn't do the anniversary thing at Shirley's, but I talked Don into a quick adventure to the iconic Yamashiro Mountain Palace. Just a half mile from Roosevelt, but a steep climb. We Ubered.
Japanese martinis with a gorgeous sunset over Hollywood. I mention this, because the Roosevelt's location is one of its many perks! There's so much nearby! Nighttime at The Roosevelt After sunset, Don and I hiked back down the hill. No Uber needed.  It was a treat to return to Hollywood Boulevard and spot the hotel with its glowing signs... and fewer tourists! Tropicana It was only about 9:00 when we wandered back. We headed over to check on the vibe near Tropicana Bar.  The palms near the Charlie Chaplin bench were glowing. The pool was closed, so we could enjoy the blue designs beneath the still water.
Of course I posed.  The temps were dropping, but there was a fireplace with seating near the bar. We opted for seats at the bar, where we shared a glass of wine and a plate of sliders. That's right we shared bar food on our anniversary, All good! There wasn't time for a big sit down meal on our 1 night!
Our very chatty bartender Adam, took our photo. He handed me an extra glass to pose with. Spare Room By 10:00, the Prohibition-style cocktail lounge was finally open. Some man in dark clothes let us in the unmarked door. Sort of a speakeasy?  A few people were bowling on the 2 vintage lanes.  We sat in a the lounge area to the left of the bowling alley.  I heard the Spare Room is a popular spot for celebrities. But we didn't see Jay-Z or Leonardo DiCaprio or LeBron James, with their bowling balls. That's because they usually rent the whole place out.  We sat in one of the cozy booths and enjoyed some great people watching. I decided to go for one of their fancy Mocktails. I mentioned to our server that I was tempted to get a Shirley Temple, but decided against the famous coke & cherry kiddie cocktail. I once heard an NPR interview with the adult Shirley Temple Black. She never cared for the drink that was invented in the 1930s and carried her name without permission. More trivia for you! Morning! Before 8, Don and I were dressed and ready for some al fresco dining, at Rosy Cafe.  The interior of the little cafe, was charming, but the weather outside was too perfect!
We spotted a table tucked behind palms and beneath a bright umbrella! We couldn't resist!  Don's breakfast burrito was a hefty, tasty thing. My croissant was just right with coffee. 9 am Swim Time The pool looked heavenly after breakfast. Tidy rolled towels were placed on perfectly lined lounge chairs.  I came prepared, with my suit beneath my clothes. I stripped down and added a pink bathing cap and cat eye sunglasses to help me enjoy the mid-century vibe.  60 years ago, I detested those plastic caps that girls were required to wear! (Even if you had a pixie cut, shorter than your brother's hair!) I still hate caps, but I enjoyed playing dress up, in the pool where Marilyn most likely wore a cap herself!  After a little pool time, we headed back to enjoy the room before checking out. After 12, we carried our bags back to the car, parked in the garage.  We gave ourselves a little more time to take in the area before moving on. Around Hollywood Boulevard The area around the hotel is hard to explain. It's touristy and a little annoying. But it's all part of the fun package that comes with staying at the Roosevelt. I wish I'd gotten more photos of the vendors and tourists. Honestly they are as entertaining as studying the handprints and stars on the walks! What's Notable? The Hollywood Roosevelt felt like an enormous, oasis in the noisy, oddball bustling area of Hollywood.  For less than $300. we booked a lovely room with a view of all the activity on the famous street. Within the hotel we could travel from place to place having mini adventures, in different kinds of spaces. If all the dining/bar options had been open, we would have needed 2 nights.
Our stay was full of fun surprises that made our visit even more memorable than expected. Not sure when we'll ever get back to Hollywood, but in the meantime, I need to see a few movies that were filmed here. “A Star is Born” and “Catch Me if You Can" and many more! |
Ninety Notable
Nights My New Year's Resolution for 2014 was to start documenting some of the memorable overnights I've had in some very odd and curious motels and hotels. Like the adventures in my Dining Blog, I have learned to enjoy the surprises that happen when you step out of the comfort zone, far away from the well-known chains. I began with a few entries recalling my very first home away from home memories from my youth. Then, I started sharing about some of the quirky and unforgettable motels, hotels and inns that my husband and I have discovered in recent years. The best part about this challenge was making some lists with Don and getting on the road in search of new overnight adventures. I gave myself a 2-year goal to write up 90 stories and the goal was met. Now we just keep on adding! Archives
May 2025
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed