During the 50s, the Georgian Hotel served as a summer retreat for Rose Kennedy. It was a popular venue for Los Angeles’s first speakeasies and was nicknamed “The Lady” in honor of the hotel’s owner, George Borde’s mother. However, the hotel closed in the early 1970s, and its storied past was not restored. Today, the Georgian is being reborn. Initially designed by Durfee, it will be renovated and restored and will offer two private meeting and dining spaces.
Rose Kennedy spent summers at the hotel during the 50s
Despite its quaint name, the Georgian Hotel is a prestigious landmark in the Santa Monica community. Designed by M. Eugene Durfee, it was one of the first significant buildings along the famed seaside boulevard. It was also home to a speakeasy during Prohibition. The hotel is not exactly a home run.
While the Georgian is not precisely a family-friendly establishment, it does boast a well-appointed spa and wellness center, as well as a plethora of amenities and services. The hotel is also close to many of the area’s more notable attractions, such as Santa Monica’s renowned zoo and aquarium, the historic Santa Monica Pier, and the Santa Monica Art Center.
It was home to one of Los Angeles’s first speakeasies
During the Prohibition era, The Georgian Hotel was home to one of the first speakeasies in Los Angeles. The speakeasy was located in the basement of the hotel. It was a secret place, and the owners of the speakeasy built a private wine cellar, a custom camouflaged door, and a bar that had a button to drop a liquor bottle.
The Georgian was a favorite haunt of Al Capone, Clark Gable, Fatty Arbuckle, and Charlie Chaplin. The speakeasy was so popular that it attracted the infamous Bugsy Siegel.
Durfee designed it
Located on the oceanfront of Santa Monica, California, The Georgian has a long history. In fact, it was one of the first skyscrapers built on Ocean Avenue. It was designed by Eugene Durfee, who also designed the Central Tower Building in downtown Los Angeles.
The Georgian was constructed in the 1930s, and it opened in 1933. During prohibition, it served as a speakeasy. A basement restaurant hosted Bugsy Siegel, Fatty Arbuckle, and Carole Lombard. A posh establishment in Art Deco style, it was a destination for wealthy and stylish clients.
It was demolished in the early 1970s
During its heyday, the Georgian Hotel was a prominent destination for the rich and famous. Hollywood’s elite traveled to the hotel, which was also nicknamed “The Lady,” after owner Rosamond Borde. Some of these guests included Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, and Carole Lombard.
When the Georgian Hotel first opened in 1940, the building was a three-story Colonial Revival-style hotel. It was designed by Joseph J. DeBrita, who also designed the nearby Congress Hotel.
It was also one of the first skyscrapers along Ocean Avenue. After the hotel was demolished, the property was converted into a residential condominium. The building contained 102 rooms.
It will be home to two private meeting and dining spaces.
Located in Santa Monica, California, The Georgian is a historic property that once attracted Hollywood stars. It was built in the 1930s and featured turquoise blue Art Deco detailing. Today, The Georgian is owned by local developer BLVD Hospitality, which plans to renovate the property. It will be home to 28 suites, including two private dining and meeting spaces. The hotel’s interiors will feature ornate lighting and Italian marble. BLVD plans to restore the property to its former glory.
The Georgian has been a longtime favorite haunt of many Hollywood stars. Regular guests include Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, and Charlie Chaplin. It was also home to a speakeasy during Prohibition. The hotel’s interior design features ornate lighting, Italian marble, and custom Art Deco furniture.
