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This 12-story Hollywood landmark is located on an unabashedly touristy but no longer seedy section of Hollywood Boulevard -- across from Grauman's Chinese Theatre and along the Walk of Fame. Host to the first Academy Awards in 1929 -- not to mention a few famous-name ghosts -- this national landmark is Hollywood's only historic hotel still in operation today. It celebrated its 75th anniversary with a $15 million renovation that has harmoniously melded the Roosevelt's historical highlights with modern hotel luxuries. Much of the 1927 Spanish-influenced sunken lobby remains the same -- the hand-crafted columns and dramatic arches are magnificent -- but the guest rooms have been completely -- and tastefully -- renovated with colorful extralarge bathrooms, dark-wood platform beds with luxurious Frette linens, and all the latest high-tech accessories. Rooms on the upper floors have unbeatable skyline views, while cabana rooms have a balcony or patio overlooking the Olympic-size pool, whose mural was originally painted by David Hockney. Theodore's Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, and the poolside Tropicana Bar is your new best friend, offering refreshing cocktails and great brick-oven pizzas. Also here is Feinstein's at the Cinegrill, a cool, dark, tier-leveled supper club hosted by celebrity performer Michael Feinstein. Tip: Request the Steven Spielberg room on the ninth floor -- the view of Hollywood Boulevard is fantastic.

Facilities: Asian-fusion restaurant; cocktail lounge; Feinstein's at the Cinegrill cabaret and nightclub; outdoor pool and Jacuzzi; spa and fitness center; concierge; activities desk; room service (6am-11pm); babysitting; laundry service; dry-cleaning service; executive-level rooms.

© 2005, Wiley Publishing, Inc.