Ambassador Hotel (Los Angeles)

Ambassador Hotel (Los Angeles)
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Name	Ambassador Hotel
Caption	The Ambassador Hotel in the 1920s.
Location	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Opening date	1921
Closing date	1989
Developer	Robert A. Rowan
Architect	Myron Hunt
Number of rooms	Over 500

Ambassador Hotel (Los Angeles). The Ambassador Hotel was a landmark luxury hotel and major social hub in Los Angeles, operating from 1921 until its closure in 1989. Designed by architect Myron Hunt, the complex on Wilshire Boulevard was famed for its expansive gardens, the Cocoanut Grove nightclub, and as the site of the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Its history encapsulates the glamour of Old Hollywood, pivotal political events, and the city's ongoing urban redevelopment.

History

The hotel was developed by Robert A. Rowan on the site of the former Rancho La Brea land grant, opening its doors to immediate acclaim. It quickly became a preferred destination for celebrities, business magnates, and politicians throughout the Roaring Twenties and the subsequent decades. During World War II, the hotel was utilized for military-related functions, housing personnel from the nearby War Department. Ownership changed hands several times, including a period under the Hilton Hotels chain, before facing declining fortunes in the latter part of the 20th century. The final years of operation were marked by financial struggles and a loss of its former prestige, leading to its eventual shuttering.

Architecture and grounds

Architect Myron Hunt, known for his work on the Rose Bowl and Occidental College, designed the hotel in a Mediterranean Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival style. The sprawling campus featured a central tower, ornate archways, and lush, park-like grounds that included tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a renowned Paul Williams-designed golf course. The interior public spaces, such as the grand lobby and the Empire Room, were opulently decorated, while the famous Cocoanut Grove was designed to evoke a tropical fantasy with its iconic faux palm trees. The overall design created a self-contained resort atmosphere within the growing Mid-Wilshire district.

Notable events and cultural significance

The Ambassador Hotel was a central venue for the Academy Awards during the 1930s and 1940s, hosting ceremonies where winners like *Gone with the Wind* and *Casablanca* were celebrated. Its Cocoanut Grove hosted performances by legends such as Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and The Supremes. The hotel's most tragic and historically significant event was the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in the hotel's pantry on June 5, 1968, following his victory in the California Democratic primary. This event forever linked the hotel to a pivotal moment in American political history. It also regularly hosted other notable figures, including Charles Lindbergh, Richard Nixon, and numerous stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Closure and redevelopment

After closing in 1989, the hotel entered a long period of decay and contentious debate over its future. Preservationists, including the Los Angeles Conservancy, fought to save the historic structure, particularly the pantry area associated with Robert F. Kennedy. After a protracted legal and political battle, a compromise was reached to demolish most of the complex while preserving key elements. The site was redeveloped into the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools, a Los Angeles Unified School District campus, which opened in 2010. The school's design incorporates salvaged architectural features, and a memorial dedicated to Robert F. Kennedy is maintained on the grounds, serving as the primary physical legacy of the hotel.

In popular culture

The hotel's iconic status has led to numerous appearances in film and television. It served as a filming location for movies such as *The Graduate*, Beverly Hills Cop, and The Fabulous Baker Boys. Its glamorous reputation made it a frequent backdrop in classic Hollywood cinema and later in period pieces seeking to evoke mid-20th century Los Angeles. The hotel and its Cocoanut Grove have been referenced or depicted in television series including Mad Men and American Horror Story. The cultural memory of the hotel, especially surrounding the Cocoanut Grove, continues to symbolize the zenith of Los Angeles's historic glamour and sophistication.

Category:Hotels in Los Angeles Category:Defunct hotels in California Category:Buildings and structures in Los Angeles