The glitz and glam of Hollywood first made its mark on Los Angeles in 1910. It was a time of extravagant clothes and chrome-finished muscle cars. So it’s no surprise that Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles’ elegant beginnings in 1923 were anything but humble.
The arrival of the opulent hotel catapulted downtown Los Angeles into the spotlight and solidified the city’s reputation as the epicenter of the theatre and entertainment industry. And of course, the opening party was every bit as elaborate. Three thousand guests indulged in a seven-course dinner among the serenades of seven orchestras dotted around the hotel’s glimmering ballrooms. It really was one for the books.
And that was far from the last big party hosted by Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles. Between 1931 and 1942, the hotel hosted the Academy Awards (also known as the Oscars) eight times. Revered actors, directors and starlets of the era came together in the Biltmore Bowl to celebrate a year in Hollywood’s Golden Era. Over the years, this glamorous room saw Clark Gable, Walt Disney and Spencer Tracy deliver their winning Oscar speeches. But every corner of the hotel has the Hollywood touch in some way or other. Some people even say that the first Oscar statue was sketched on one of the hotel’s linen napkins in the Crystal Ballroom. How about that for a local legend?
In 95 years, Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles has been the backdrop for Hollywood in more ways than one. As well as hosting local celebrity events, you wouldn’t believe how many prominent movies were filmed in the hotel’s lavish interior. In 1984, Eddie Murphy’s character from Beverly Hills Cop checked into the hotel in the Rendezvous Court, amid the marble water fountain and gorgeous Renaissance decor. The same year, the fearless scientists from Ghostbusters responded to call a made from the hotel’s grand lobby. When Rocky III was filmed in the striking Crystal Ballroom, the film crew even set up a full-size boxing under the chandeliers.
The hotel has also hosted its fair share of maestros. Recently, Taylor Swift filmed the music video for her song ‘Delicate’ at Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles. You might have seen her dancing barefoot on the check-in desk and skipping down the Galleria. A few years ago, Ed Sheeran honored the Crystal Ballroom with his dulcet tones and (surprisingly) great moves for ‘Thinking out Loud’. In fact, for her song ‘Overprotected’, the queen of pop herself Britney Spears strutted her stuff through the hotel lobby and danced in the hotel elevator. What an icon.
Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles’ legacy is clearly tied to Hollywood. And with some of today’s biggest stars continuing to grace it with their presence, the glory days are alive and well in its glittering rooms.
