34 Facts About Cecil Hotel Los Angeles

The History of Cecil Hotel

The Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles has a long, storied history. Known for its eerie past, the hotel has become a subject of fascination.

1. Opened in 1924, the Cecil Hotel was originally designed as a destination for business travelers and tourists.
2. The hotel has 700 rooms, making it one of the largest hotels in Los Angeles at the time of its opening.
3. During the Great Depression, the hotel fell on hard times, becoming a residence for long-term tenants.
4. The Cecil Hotel is located in Downtown Los Angeles, near Skid Row, an area known for its high crime rate.
5. The hotel was renamed "Stay on Main" in 2011 in an attempt to distance itself from its dark history.

Notorious Incidents

The Cecil Hotel has been the site of numerous tragic and mysterious events, contributing to its infamous reputation.

6. In 1931, a guest named W.K. Norton was found dead in his room after ingesting poison.
7. Elizabeth Short, known as the "Black Dahlia," was reportedly seen at the Cecil Hotel before her infamous murder in 1947.
8. In 1962, Pauline Otton jumped from her ninth-floor window, killing herself and a pedestrian below.
9. The hotel was home to serial killer Richard Ramirez, also known as the "Night Stalker," in 1985.
10. Another serial killer, Jack Unterweger, stayed at the Cecil Hotel in 1991 while committing murders in Los Angeles.

Paranormal Activity

Many believe the Cecil Hotel is haunted due to its tragic past and numerous deaths.

11. Guests have reported seeing ghostly apparitions in the hallways and rooms.
12. Strange noises, such as footsteps and whispers, are often heard throughout the hotel.
13. Some visitors claim to have felt sudden drops in temperature, indicating a paranormal presence.
14. The elevator video of Elisa Lam, who died under mysterious circumstances in 2013, has fueled ghost stories about the hotel.
15. Paranormal investigators frequently visit the hotel to explore its haunted reputation.

Elisa Lam Case

The mysterious death of Elisa Lam in 2013 brought renewed attention to the Cecil Hotel.

16. Elisa Lam was a 21-year-old Canadian student who was staying at the hotel when she disappeared.
17. Her body was found in a water tank on the hotel's roof after guests complained about the water's taste and color.
18. The elevator surveillance footage showing Lam's bizarre behavior before her death went viral, sparking numerous theories.
19. The case was ruled an accidental drowning, but many questions remain unanswered.
20. The Elisa Lam case has been the subject of documentaries and true crime shows.

Pop Culture and Media

The Cecil Hotel has inspired various works of fiction and media coverage.

21. The hotel was the inspiration for the fifth season of the TV show "American Horror Story," titled "Hotel."
22. Numerous documentaries and podcasts have explored the hotel's dark history and mysterious events.
23. The Cecil Hotel has been featured in several books about haunted locations and true crime.
24. The hotel's eerie reputation has made it a popular destination for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers.
25. The Cecil Hotel's history has been covered by major news outlets, including CNN and the Los Angeles Times.

Renovations and Future Plans

Despite its dark past, efforts have been made to revitalize the Cecil Hotel.

26. In 2007, the hotel underwent a $1.5 million renovation to modernize its facilities.
27. The rebranding to "Stay on Main" aimed to attract a younger, more budget-conscious clientele.
28. Plans have been proposed to convert part of the hotel into affordable housing units.
29. The hotel was designated a historic-cultural monument by the Los Angeles City Council in 2017.
30. Despite its history, the Cecil Hotel remains a functioning hotel, attracting curious visitors from around the world.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond its dark history, the Cecil Hotel has some lesser-known, intriguing facts.

31. The hotel was designed by Loy Lester Smith, a renowned architect of the time.
32. The Cecil Hotel's lobby features marble floors, stained-glass windows, and an ornate staircase.
33. The hotel has been a filming location for various movies and TV shows due to its vintage aesthetic.
34. Despite its reputation, some guests have reported pleasant stays, praising the hotel's historic charm and central location.

Final Glimpse at Cecil Hotel

The Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles is more than just a place to stay; it's a building with a storied past. From its glamorous beginnings in the 1920s to its dark chapters involving crime and mystery, the Cecil has seen it all. Its infamous reputation has made it a fascinating subject for documentaries and ghost stories alike. Whether you're drawn to its historical significance or its eerie tales, the Cecil Hotel continues to captivate the imagination. As you ponder these 34 facts, remember that every corner of this hotel holds a piece of history. Next time you find yourself in Los Angeles, maybe take a moment to walk by the Cecil and think about the many stories its walls could tell.