If you’ve ever felt like you might have been born in the wrong era, it’s time to plan a trip to the City of Angels. Los Angeles is home to all sorts of vintage and retro haunts — from iconic Old Hollywood landmarks like the TCL Chinese Theatre, to the clubs where musical legends cut their teeth, like Whisky a Go Go. If you wander down the Venice Beach boardwalk, you can almost imagine legendary stars like Jim Morrison dreaming up their next hit record. When you browse through the countless vintage shops, you can adorn yourself in clothing from a different time, and then head to a ’70s-inspired quirky California bar. And if you book a room at The Garland, the nostalgic magic doesn’t have to end when you return to your hotel after a day of sightseeing.
A stay at The Garland will have you feeling as though you’ve traveled back in time — or at least wandered onto the set of “Daisy Jones & The Six.” It’s pure paradise if you’re a fan of the vintage aesthetic and long to experience the 1970s’ counterculture.
Located in North Hollywood, The Garland is a great home base for the perfect 3-day weekend in Los Angeles. The iconic hotel doesn’t just look vintage — it’s a historic gem that’s been favored by musicians, movie stars, and artists since its inception.
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A historic hotel that hasn’t lost its soul
Exterior of The Garland Hotel. – The Garland / Facebook
In the early 1970s, Beverly Garland (a well-known actress) and her husband Fillmore Crank (a developer and builder) purchased seven acres of beautiful land in North Hollywood. They dreamed of creating a relaxing retreat surrounded by nature, and that’s exactly what they did. The hotel was constructed in 1972, and quickly became an iconic destination that was frequented by Hollywood’s elite.
When you stay at the hotel, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of stars. The hotel’s history is legendary. According to Forbes, Dolly Parton once refused the penthouse at The Garland, and opted for a regular room instead. She reportedly told Beverly Garland, “I am just a tiny little thing, I just want a room like anyone else.” An A-list proposal is also part of the hotel’s lore: there’s a lingering rumor that Kurt Cobain proposed to Courtney Love on the property.
It’s been used as a film set by Steven Spielberg. Rock and roll legends like The Eagles and Alice in Chains have made it their home away from home. For more than 50 years The Garland has been offering locals, stars, and tourists a sanctuary in the heart of the bustling City of Angels.
Planning your trip to The Garland
The Front Yard restaurant at The Garland hotel. – thegarland / Instagram
Beverly Garland passed away in 2008 when she was 82 years old, but thanks to her son, James Crank, the Garland hasn’t lost any of its charm. He’s been running the hotel since 2000, and over the last few years he’s made some improvements to the property. The hotel has 257 guest rooms, 14 of which are spacious suites. The Lobby Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a craft cocktail, and The Front Yard restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are some great vegan options, and fresh California-style cuisine. A few standout items on the dinner menu are baked Peruvian scallops, roasted red curry squash, and short rib on the bone.
When you’re not wining and dining, you can relax by the pool and soak up the California sunshine, work out at the hotel gym, or chill out and play games in The Courtyard. If you visit on Thursday or Friday you can enjoy music from a live guitarist. Throughout the week the hotel has fun events like movie nights, happy hours, and games.
You’ll probably have a hard time leaving The Garland, but when you do, you’ll be close to some of the city’s best attractions and plenty of free things to do. The hotel offers a trolley ride to nearby Universal Studios and CityWalk. You’ll also be close to Paramount Studios, Griffith Observatory, the Sunset Strip, the Hollywood Bowl, and many other world-renowned tourist destinations. Rooms at The Garland start at around $230 per night. The property is located under 20 minutes away from Hollywood Burbank Airport, and 45 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport, as long as traffic isn’t backed up.
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Read the original article on Explore.