Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood

Part of the Thompson hotel group, The Roosevelt boasts an impressive pool and bar area with well appointed rooms in the main hotel or 'cabana rooms' overlooking the pool.

This hotel is in one of the best locations for those on a first time visit to LA.  Across the road is the Chinese Theatre, Walk of Fame and Madam Tussauds.  A short stroll down the street is  El Capitan Theatre and The Roosevelt is also in prime position for access to the subway and the Hop on Hop off bus routes. This is a great selling point as you can pop in and out of the hotel whilst sightseeing throughout the day.

The history and glamour of the hotel is undeniable, but this is not a pretentious property, the staff are friendly, service is that great mix of always having your needs met without feeling that staff are over attentive or intrusive.

The pool are of this hotel is a standout. With fire-pits, the Tropicana Pool Bar, comfy lounges and fabulous lighting it is definitely the place to be.  

The rooms were large with refined decor, pay tv and comfortable beds.  Whilst the bathroom was a little cramped, we were so busy sightseeing and spending time in other areas of the hotel that it was quite adequate and we found this to be a value for money property given the standard of the property and its proximity to attractions - you could also bump into a celebrity (we saw John Travolta and Joaquin Phoenix on our 2004 visit).

It seems the restaurant (which had great food when we visited in 2004) has recently been replaced by The Spare Room which opened in February 2011 and is a modern day gaming parlor and cocktail lounge with a great selection of drinks.

The bar out front of the hotel (25 Degrees) has a decent range of drinks and  also has a great burger menu at very reasonable prices.  The restaurant has been heralded twice by The Los Angeles Times as one of the best burgers in Los Angeles and you really cant beat happy hour at this place, not only were the drinks cheaper, but the sides were on special too. 

Large rooms, 24 hour fitness centre, amazing pool area, unbeatable location and late checkout mean this hotel is our choice when visiting LA.