Knock! Knock! Room Service! Did anyone order a ghost? The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

Walking back from the Death Museum, I went down Hollywood Boulevard on the Walk of Fame. Across from the Chinese Theatre, hidden around the tourist traps, I noticed a sign that said Roosevelt Hotel. 

The hotel was built in 1926 but would not open until 1927. It was financed by a few important figures in Hollywood, including Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Sid Grauman, and Louis B. Mayer. The hotel was named after the 26th US president, Theodore Roosevelt. 

It was the venue for the first Academy Awards in 1929. A total of 270 guests were in attendance, and awards were given out for movies released from 1927 to 1928. 

During the 1940s, actress Marylin Monroe lived in the hotel as she got various movie deals. Often, she stayed in room 1200. She also posed for her first print ad, which was for toothpaste, at the hotel. The room she stayed in is now dubbed the Marilyn Suite. 

Other famous people who would stay included Montgomery Clift, Shirley Temple, Charlie Chaplin, and Clark Gable. 

The hotel's glitz and glamor took a dive in the 1950s. Until 1985, many owners renovated the hotel without considering the elegant architect. Radisson finally said enough was enough and bought the hotel with the goal of restoring it to its dazzling glory. Fortunately, they did not fail their promise and worked from the original blueprints to make the proper, long-needed renovations.  

Over the years, people started allegedly seeing apparitions, with many of the stories being of celebrities who had stayed at the hotel, most notably Marylin Monroe. Stories emerged that her dazzling apparition would be seen in the mirror that was once in the suite. After many reports emerged of her sighting, the hotel placed the mirror in the hallway. 

Another ghost tooting his own horn—or, I should say, Bugle—is the ghost of Montgomery Clift. It is said he haunts Room 928. People have reported being brushed up against or feeling something on top of them while asleep. 

Another ghost story from the hotel concerns a little girl named Caroline. She is said to be searching for her mother because she is worried about her getting hurt. She has been reported seen skipping and singing in the hallway. 

The building remains a reminder of the once Golden Era of Hollywood. It is one of the places that remains in the hearts of the glamorous classic Hollywood. Everyone, including the spirits, check in regularly. A common thing I’ve noticed with this hotel's ghost stories is that many of the spirits were troubled celebrities and the hotel possibly acted as an escape to their troubles. While I am not sure how accurate the stories of the hauntings are they could also be based on the tragic flipside of Hollywood.  

Someday, if I come back to Hollywood, I hope to stay there. Maybe I can do a follow-up story to this article. Anyway, if you want to check in and have Montogomary serenade you with his trumpet as you sleep, be my guest. 

Link: 

https://www.historichotels.org/us/hotels-resorts/the-hollywood-roosevelt/history.php