Vogue: August 2018
3 Newly Renovated Historic Hotels Celebrate
L.A.’s Eclectic Past
Written by: Rachel Marlowe
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Villa Carlotta
Hollywood history was literally written in this former apartment building in the heart of Hollywood's Franklin Village. Built by the first major Hollywood studio head Thomas Ince and his wife Eleanor, and designed by Arthur E. Harvey—also architect of the chateau-inspired Scientology Celebrity Center across the street—Villa Carlotta played home to a host of Hollywood icons including David O. Selznick, Marion Davies, Montgomery Clift, and gossip columnist Louella Parsons, whose write-ups were delivered to a courier from her apartment window. Legend also has it that William Randolph Hearst financed the building, which was completed in 1926, after he accidentally shot and killed Ince on his yacht in 1924 (the bullet was apparently intended for Charlie Chaplin, whom Hearst believed was having an affair with his mistress Davies). Now this ornate Churrigueresque-style historic landmark has been restored—with oversight from the Hollywood Heritage Museum and the Los Angeles Office of Historic Resources—and reborn as an extended stay “residential hotel.” No two units share the same layout, and almost all original moldings, cabinetry, sinks, doors, and windows have been preserved, a painstaking process for development company CGI. The 50 units range from studios to two bedrooms, many with Juliet balconies, wrought-iron window grilles, and views of the Hollywood sign, all with kitchens (although guests should eat breakfast at The Oaks Gourmet Market, dinner at French institution La Poubelle and have drinks at the retro-glam MiniBar like current locals Kristen Stewart, Amanda Seyfried, and Dakota Johnson). Upon its construction back in the day, the Los Angeles Times declared Villa Carlotta “the last word on luxury,” and with its 24-hour concierge, and roof terrace with sweeping views of Hollywood where guests can host dinner parties, the same can still be said today.