Beautiful Historic Hotel Frequented by Gangsters, Movie Stars, and Previous Location of an Illegal Speakeasy

The Georgian Hotel is a luxurious hideaway favorite among Los Angeles high society since its inception in 1933. Originally designed as an upscale apartment complex, it quickly transformed into a hotel that catered to Hollywood's elite.

The Hotel's eight stories were considered a 'skyscraper' when it first opened, and its unique Art Deco architecture with bold geometric shapes and stylized motifs quickly made it a popular destination for Hollywood's elite. In fact, it still remains a favorite location among filmmakers, filming TV shows and movies like Beverly Hills 90210, Get Shorty, and The Opposite of Sex.

The Hotel has an intriguing history and was initially designed as an intimate hideaway, attracting celebrities who sought seclusion from the bright lights and cameras. The oceanfront veranda became a stage for lively evenings filled with martinis, jazz, and even the presence of notorious gangster figures like Bugsy Siegel and Al Capone. Bugsy was a mobster who constructed and opened the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas for crime syndicate bosses. 

During the Prohibition era, the Georgian Hotel was home to one of Los Angeles' first illegal speakeasies with hidden doorways and unmarked entrances. Located in the hotel's basement, this secret bar provided a clandestine atmosphere for patrons to enjoy illegal drinks and socialize discreetly during prohibition. 

Prohibition lasted from 1920 to 1933 and was a nationwide ban on t alcoholic beverages. While its intent was to reduce crime and improve social conditions, it inadvertently led to an increase in organized crime and the rise of speakeasies.

These speakeasies, like the one found in the Georgian Hotel, were the secret social gathering places of the time. Hidden behind closed doors, in basements, and back rooms of establishments, they attracted celebrities, intellectuals, and other affluent individuals who enjoyed the thrill of breaking the law. To gain entry, patrons had to speak quietly or "speak easy" to avoid detection by the authorities.

As you explore the Georgian Hotel, you'll discover its rich past and the famous faces that have graced its halls. Celebrities like Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Al Capone, and even Rose Kennedy and her son Bobby have all stayed here, seeking refuge from the public eye.

But it's not just the celebrities who have been drawn to this historic landmark. Nick Gabaldon, one of the first documented African-American surfers in the world, frequented nearby Inkwell Beach and even spent time at the Georgian Hotel. His story is a testament to the diverse and inclusive nature of this seaside community.

If you wander through the Georgian Hotel, keep your senses sharp for any ghostly encounters. Staff and guests have reported strange phenomena in the hotel's speakeasy restaurant, including disembodied voices and the sound of running footsteps when no one is around. It has earned the reputation as one of Santa Monica's most haunted spots.