The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel: A Blend of Historic Glamour and Modern Vibrancy

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a captivating blend of old Hollywood glamour and contemporary energy, often praised for its iconic status and prime location on Hollywood Boulevard. While guest experiences can vary, the general consensus leans towards a positive and memorable stay, particularly for those seeking a historically rich and lively atmosphere.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for The Hollywood Roosevelt is largely positive, with many guests describing it as a "wonderful" or "fantastic" stay. Review aggregators show ratings in the "Very Good" to "Wonderful" range, often around 8.0 to 9.0 out of 10. Guests are drawn to its unique character, historic charm, and the feeling of being immersed in Hollywood's golden age. However, some experiences highlight inconsistencies, particularly regarding service and room upkeep.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of The Hollywood Roosevelt:

• Location: Situated directly on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it offers unparalleled access to major attractions like the TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, and Hollywood Boulevard. Many appreciate being in the "thick of it" while also feeling like a "little haven in the madness."
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's timeless Art Deco and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, along with its beautifully preserved and updated interiors, are frequently praised. The grand lobby, with its marble columns, ornate painted ceiling, and dramatic chandelier, is often highlighted as a showstopper.
• The Pool & Cabanas: The iconic Tropicana Pool, featuring a David Hockney underwater mural, is a major draw, providing a vibrant and cool California atmosphere. The poolside cabana rooms with direct access are also a popular choice.
• Amenities & Entertainment: The hotel offers a diverse range of amenities, including multiple restaurants and bars, a nightclub, a fitness center, and even a vintage-style bowling alley at The Spare Room. Live shows and unique programming are also noted.

3. Room Quality

The Hollywood Roosevelt offers 300 guest rooms, including suites, across its Tower and Cabana sections.

• Design & Comfort: Rooms have undergone renovations and feature a blend of Spanish Colonial heritage in the Tower and mid-century modernism in the Cabanas. They are generally described as comfortable, with amenities like premium bedding, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and designer toiletries. Some suites boast spacious layouts, separate living areas, and even multiple bathrooms.
• Potential Issues: While many find the rooms clean and well-designed, some guests have mentioned them being smaller than average for Los Angeles. There have also been occasional complaints about cleanliness, with reports of dust and dirt. Rooms facing Hollywood Boulevard can also experience significant street noise, and some recommend requesting a room away from the "tourist madness" for a quieter stay.

4. Dining Experience

The Hollywood Roosevelt provides a wide array of dining and drinking options:

• Shirley Brasserie: This is the hotel's flagship dining venue, serving classic French-American cuisine for dinner. It's praised for its beautiful setting and quality food.
• 25 Degrees: A popular, glamorous burger joint and diner specializing in American cuisine, open from morning to late night, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light fare.
• Tropicana Bar & Rosy Café: Located by the pool, these offer poolside bites, breakfast, brunch, and Californian cuisine in a laid-back, vibrant setting.
• The Spare Room: A speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a two-lane bowling alley, offering drinks and dinner.
• The Library Bar: An intimate venue known for high-end mixed drinks and occasional events.
• The Lobby Bar: Offers classic drinks and dishes from Shirley Brasserie in a stylish, inviting space.
• Breakfast: Cooked-to-order breakfast is available, though it may be a surcharge. During off-peak seasons or holidays, some facilities might have reduced hours or be closed, impacting breakfast options.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is somewhat mixed but often leans positive:

• Many guests describe the staff as "warm and welcoming," "helpful and friendly," and "attentive." Valet and door staff, bartenders, and housekeeping often receive positive mentions.
• However, recurring complaints point to inconsistencies, particularly with front desk staff, who some guests describe as "rude" or difficult to communicate with. There have also been issues reported regarding misleading policies, being charged for supposedly complimentary amenities, and unhelpful management in resolving problems. Pool staff have also been noted for being unprofessional in enforcing rules.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Hollywood Roosevelt boasts an excellent, central location on Hollywood Boulevard.

• Attractions: It's steps away from iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Dolby Theatre. The Hollywood Bowl is also within walking distance.
• Transportation: The hotel offers direct access to Hollywood Metro stations (Hollywood/Highland Station is a 3-minute walk), providing easy travel around Los Angeles. Public buses also run along Hollywood Boulevard. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 14-17 miles away, with Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) being closer at about 7 miles. Taxi service and an onsite car park (with charges) are available.

7. Value & Pricing

The Hollywood Roosevelt is considered a luxury, upscale hotel. Prices for a one-night stay can start from approximately £245.99 (around $310 USD, as of Feb 2026) for two adults, with prices subject to change. Other sources show nightly rates ranging from $227 to $460, including taxes and fees.

• Perceived Value: Many guests feel the hotel offers good value for its location, historic charm, and range of amenities. However, some experiences suggest that the value can be diminished by extra costs like valet parking (around $75 per night) and resort fees, along with perceived issues in service or room quality.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-regarded, several recurring issues are mentioned by guests:

• Noise: Rooms facing Hollywood Boulevard can be noisy due to the bustling street activity, especially at night. The poolside Cabana rooms can also be affected by noise from the Tropicana Bar, which can operate until late.
• Parking Costs: Valet parking is expensive, with a fee of around $75 per night, which can add up for longer stays.
• Inconsistent Service: While many staff members are praised, some guests report rude or unhelpful interactions, particularly with front desk personnel, and issues with management addressing concerns.
• Hidden or Misleading Fees/Policies: Some guests have complained about being charged for amenities they believed were complimentary or about hotel policies being inconsistently enforced.
• Facility Issues: Occasional reports of dirty rooms, broken facilities (like elevators), and limited facilities during off-peak seasons have been noted.

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