5162 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, California, United States | (888) 989-6591
Architecturally interesting historic hotel that is a short drive from Hollywood
Nue Studio and Cafe, a hair salon and restaurant, is in the same building
Large rooms -- albeit with outdated furnishings -- include mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers
Some rooms have views of the Hollywood sign
Freebies include Wi-Fi, outgoing fax service, and parking in a lot behind the hotel
24-hour front desk service and a vending machine in lobby
Near metro bus stops
Down the street from Paramount Pictures
Slightly shabby, outdated furniture and decor in rooms and common areas
Not within walking distance to Hollywood's Walk of Fame or nightlife
Guests complain about the cleanliness of rooms and bathrooms
No room service or ice machine
No restaurant, fitness center, or pool
The 62-room Hollywood Historic Hotel has 1920s architectural features that are reminiscent of the black-and-white film era. It is a short drive to the bright lights of Hollywood Boulevard, but guests will find more budget than luxury, especially in the rooms, where guests complain about worn carpeting and furnishings and outdated furniture. Budget-conscious couples and single travelers will likely appreciate the value, though, but there are no on-site features besides a vending machine.
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Scene
Historic, slightly dilapidated hotel with European and 1920s old Hollywood flair
The exterior flair created by S. Charles Lee in 1927 includes a flashy, ornate red-and-gold street door that looks like an old Hollywood theater entrance with a marquee that reads "Luxury Rooms." But passerssby on Melrose Avenue are likely to notice the Edmon's Gallery Furniture store on the bottom floor before they take note of the brick hotel rooms on the second floor with their European-style peaked rooftop. The interior of the hotel is a mix of charming and modern decor: Lovely black-and-white old movie photos mix with the apartment-style drab hallways and the rather garish dark red walls and gold fixtures. There is, though, a nicely designed sitting area that gets a lot of natural light and 1920s touches near the hotel’s private entrance to the Nue Studio and Cafe.
Location
Conveniently located on the outskirts of Hollywood on an urban and rather desolate street
Melrose Avenue is known for its hip vibe and trendy shops and restaurants, but the Hollywood Historic Hotel is farther east of the happening strip, which is a 10-minute drive away. The location is near a gas station and collision repair shop. But with a car it is easy to reach all the Hollywood attractions and Los Angeles sights. The Walk of Fame, Hollywood and Highland shopping center, Ripley's Believe It or Not, and Madame Tussauds wax museum are all about a 12-minute drive away, barring the city's usual traffic that gets especially congested in that touristy area. The hotel is about a 10-minute walk to the Metro Red Line, where guests can catch L.A.'s subway to Universal Studios in about 30 minutes. Los Angeles International Airport is a 40 minute drive, without traffic.
Rooms
Outdated, large rooms with old-fashioned furnishings, flat-screen TVs, and mini-refrigerators
Hollywood Historic Hotel offers large rooms with adequate natural light -- albeit with outdated and slightly worn furnishings -- mini-refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Some offer views of the Hollywood sign. Staying on the same design page as the lobby, the rooms are decorated with red carpeting, heavy red-and-white draperies, with some gold accents such as a long mirror fixed to the wall. Some rooms on the third floor have views of the Hollywood sign. Suites come with a small dining table with two chairs.
Features
Free on-site parking and access to the next door cafe
Parking in this area of Los Angeles can be difficult to come by, making the free parking lot behind the hotel all the more of an attractive feature. There's also free Wi-Fi and outgoing fax service. The Nue Studio and Cafe, which is a hair salon and restaurant, is in the same building and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at budget-friendly prices. The menu offers traditional American and Mexican fare.
