| Hollywood has always been about illusion, and there's | | | | the adjoining complex. There's also a spa, swimming |
| more than enough here to go around. From the Marilyn | | | | pool, and fitness center. |
| Monroe impersonators in front of the Kodak Theater | | | | The first Oscars, held in 1929, took place at the |
| to the statues in front of Mann's Chinese Theater, all | | | | Roosevelt Hotel, so it has quite a pedigree. In fact, it's a |
| that glitters here is not gold. | | | | national historic landmark. A recent $30 million |
| It's not nearly as glamorous as most people expect it | | | | renovation made the 12-story hotel the best in town |
| to be. But if you take a stroll along the Walk of Stars, | | | | with Spanish tiles, fountains, archways, columns, and |
| stand in Jean Harlow's footprint, and have your picture | | | | painted ceilings from the 1920s. Cabana rooms that |
| taken with Batman, you'll have something to tell the | | | | have balconies overlooking the swimming pool are the |
| folks back home. | | | | most desirable, and the pool-side bar is hopping until |
| The intersection of Hollywood and Highland is the heart | | | | very late. Stay away if you're a light sleeper. And |
| of the action. That's where the Kodak Theater - | | | | rooms are nicely outfitted with cool electronics, Frette |
| where they give out the Academy Awards - and | | | | linens, and platform beds. Dakota Steak House and 25 |
| Mann's Chinese Theater are. There's also a complex | | | | Degrees burger bar are popular dining options. The |
| with lots of shops and restaurants. | | | | Hollywood Roosevelt has the most atmosphere of |
| The neighborhood is really buzzing after dark. And | | | | any of the Hollywood hotels. |
| several Hollywood hotels are just steps away. | | | | Located a few blocks from the Kodak, The Magic |
| The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, which opened in | | | | Castle Hotel is a converted apartment building with |
| 2001, has 635 rooms and suites. It's part of the | | | | good-size rooms, a nice heated swimming pool that's |
| Hollywood & Highland development. Many of the | | | | surrounded by gardens, and friendly service. But the |
| actors nominated for Academy Awards have rooms | | | | best thing about staying here is that guests can attend |
| here on Oscar night - though they usually move on | | | | a performance at the Magic Castle, a private club for |
| after the ceremony. From the rooms on the upper | | | | professional magicians and their invited guests. The |
| floors, you can see all the way to the Pacific. There | | | | castle is a 1908 mansion and people dress to the nines |
| are several restaurants in the hotel, and even more in | | | | for dinner and a show there. |