A long long time ago (think of the 70’s) every one who was anyone, Led Zeppelin, the fictional band Still Water *Almost Famous plug* The Doors, etc. stayed at the Continental Hyatt House, renamed by the rockstars themselves the Riot House housed many of the rock and roll talented, drug and sex loving classic rockers of our time.
1.) Pheonex Hotel: The Phoenix met those requirements, and more. A two-story, 1950’s motor lodge near the Tenderloin district, it has a restaurant-bar, an open-air courtyard and an endorsement from Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers as “the most sexually, intellectually and culturally stimulating hotel in San Francisco.”
2.) Chetaeu Marmont: Rock bands and hotels have a long and checkered history, one that has tended to involve property damage. There is the oft-told story about the members of Led Zeppelin riding motorcycles through the lobby of the Chateau Marmont. Keith Moon, drummer for the Who and the subject of many hotel stories, is said to have once nailed his room furniture to the ceiling. And there are numerous tales involving less creative hijinks, like smashing television sets and leaving rooms looking as if a band of Huns had passed through.
3.) Continental Hyatt House: Another famed rock ‘n’ roll hotel is the Continental Hyatt House on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, which also had its heyday in the 70’s when bands like Led Zeppelin stayed there. Nicknamed the Riot House, it was close to clubs like the Whiskey A Go-Go and the Roxy and blessed with a staff that took a lax attitude toward things like guests’ hurling television sets from windows. These days, it’s called the Hyatt West Hollywood and has recently received a makeover.
Images via New York Times
