Los Angeles Art Deco Hotels
Updated on November 18, 2014
Art Deco was one of the most popular design styles of the early 20th century. Following on the heels of the Art Nouveau movement, it flourished in the period between WWI and WWII, and in many ways went hand-in-hand with the joie de vivre of the Jazz Age. Art Deco buildings are sleek in style, often painted in bright colors, with dramatic expressions and geometric motifs. Los Angeles is home to many fine examples of Art Deco, among them these five historic hotels.
Millennium Biltmore
The Millennium Biltmore opened in 1923 and was so popular in its early days that it was commonly referred to as “the Host of the Coast,” despite its Downtown location. Though the building itself is more of a blend of Renaissance Revival and Beaux Arts styles, the basement pool area is very much Deco-inspired, thanks to its ornate, original, hand-laid Italian tile work.
506 S. Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90071//} ?>
Hollywood Roosevelt
The Hollywood Roosevelt is another hotel that, though it was founded during the Art Deco era, favored a more traditional design scheme. In this case, it’s a rather dramatic Spanish Mission style - however, touches like the wrought-iron railings on the stairs are indeed Deco. While on the topic of design, we would be remiss not to mention the David Hockney-painted mural in the hotel’s pool - though it was added much later, it is still significant.
7000 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028//} ?>
Sunset Tower Hotel
This Leland A. Bryant-designed property debuted in 1931, and is the epitome of the Zig Zag Moderne style of the Art Deco era. It’s one of the most dazzling examples of period architecture, and resembles a mini-skyscraper, with its “wedding cake” tiers. Even details down to the guest room windows and frames were created with unique metal encasements and reverse-painted glass.
Georgian Hotel
Opened in 1933, this beautiful, bright-blue hotel looks straight out of South Beach, but is distinctly Southern Californian, with the wavy pattern in the ironwork meant to mirror the Pacific Ocean that's just steps away. Aside from the vibrant hue, the hotel is basically rectangular in form, but certainly with distinct touches, such as the font of the hotel’s name and the moldings on the lower front of the building.
1415 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90401//} ?>
Casa del Mar boasts Art Deco touches and incredible views of the ocean - after all, it's the sister property to the famously luxurious Shutters on the Beach. This 1926 historic landmark hotel in Santa Monica has built a fabled reputation, while its location has drawn high-profile visitors since its debut as a members-only resort. Following a $60-million renovation in 1999, Casa del Mar continues to attract the rich and famous.