Star Search: Hollywood’s Tropicana Bar

In a once-shabby neighborhood, the landmark Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is now part of a building renaissance. Across from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and along the Walk of Fame, it was the site of the first Academy Awards. Today, its Tropicana Bar, which opened in June, is the hottest hot spot in town for spotting pop stars and actors. Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, Kirsten Dunst, Jake Gyllenhaal, Mariah Carey, Eva Mendes, Ben Stiller, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie and Tobey Maguire hang out here.

Co-owner Amanda Scheer Demme says, “L.A. has a very segregated party scene, but I put them all in one place.” About 500 people a night belly up to the bar with their pierced bellies. Singers/actresses Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan sometimes book the Marilyn Monroe suite for $2,500 a night — so they won’t have to wait in line to get in.

Named after President Theodore Roosevelt, the Hollywood Roosevelt was financed by investors like Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Louis B. Mayer and Charlie Chaplin. It held its grand opening on May 16, 1927. Built at the then staggering cost of $2.5 million, it quickly became known as  “The Home of the Stars”.  The first Academy Awards presentation was held in its Blossom Room on May 16, 1929. Its elegant lobby has always been a favorite location for feature films and TV shows, from “Beverly Hills Cop II” (with Eddie Murphy), to “Knot’s Landing” and “Moonlighting”.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood. Los Angeles, CA. Tel: 323-466-7000. Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel