Hotels made famous by historical events, tragedies and scandals
Some people travel for the destination, some for the local foods, some for the sea and some for trekking [...]
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Some people travel for the destination, some for the local foods, some for the sea and some for mountain trekking. But there are also travelers who are determined to pursue an experience, even if it is just staying in an unconventional hotel.
For example, there are in the world Hotels that have become famous for historical events, tragedies and scandals. What are they? Let's find out together.
Hotel Chelsea, New York
The legendary Chelsea hotels in Manhattan was reopened in early 2022 after major renovation work. The real novelty? The Lobby Bar, which is also open to those not staying in its rooms. So now, anyone can visit this legendary place so dear to Mark Twain, Jackson Pollock, Arthur Miller, Bob Dylan, and Madonna. The work was also an opportunity to demolish the room number 100, where she was stabbed on October 12, 1978. Nancy Spungen. A star of the British punk scene, her boyfriend was convicted of her murder, Sid Vicious, who died of an overdose before the trial could take place.
Watergate Hotel, Washington
The Watergate Hotel is probably the best known of the hotels that have become famous for historical events, tragedies and scandals. In fact, it gave its name to the Watergate Scandal, which broke out in the U.S. in 1972 due to the discovery of some illegal wiretapping and culminated in the resignation of Richard Nixon in 1974. Room 214, later dubbed the "Scandal Room," is where the Watergate orchestrators kept in touch via radio with their accomplices at the Democratic National Committee (located across the street). The room was renovated in 2017 by "Scandal" costume designer Lyn Paolo and is now an elegant homage to the 1970s and America's greatest political upheaval. Inside are binoculars, an old typewriter, a reel-to-reel tape recorder, and a collection of curated books from the Scandal Suite.
Cliveden House & Spa, Berkshire, England
A stately five-star hotel located on British National Trust land, the Cliveden House & Spa of Berkshire proudly declares on its website, "Our history is made up of more than 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs." The most famous affair? The Profumo scandal. In 1963, a story came out about an affair between Secretary of State for War John Profumo and model Christine Keeler, who was also the mistress of an alleged Soviet spy. The two met at the very Cliveden swimming pool. Coming to more recent times, Meghan Markle spent the night before her wedding to Prince Harry here.
Malca House, Tulum
Mexico, Tulum House is undoubtedly to be counted among the hotels that have become famous for historical events, tragedies and scandals. An elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Tulum, a resort dear to tourists, it is full of contemporary artworks: its owner is art dealer Lio Malca. Why is it "notorious"? Because it is believed that, at one time, the villa in which the hotel stands was owned by a very, very famous drug dealer: Pablo Escobar. Today it is simply a luxury hotel in which to relax and enjoy the sea.
Ritz Paris, Paris
Few hotels in the world boast the history of the Ritz Paris. Lady Diana consumed his last meal in the Imperial Suite, Marcel Proust wrote several pages of his epic work "In search of lost time" in his rooms. It is even said that King Edward VII got stuck in a too-small bathtub with his lover. And when Paris was occupied by the Germans during World War II, the hotel was occupied by high-ranking members of the Nazi party, including Hitler's second in command, Hermann Goering. Not to mention. Coco Chanel lived inside the Ritz for a full 34 years, starting in 1937. Staying here is like being immersed in history, literally.
Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles
The history of the Chateau Marmont is kind of the story of Hollywood. Or at least part of it. Jean Harlow, sex symbol of American cinema in the 1930s, moved there in 1933. The actor from "Psycho" Anthony Perkins and her fiancé Tab Hunter lived out their relationship here, away from prying eyes. However, at an affair especially this hotel in Los Angeles is related: the overdose death of John Belushi. Today, things are a bit quieter, barring Lindsay Lohan's check-in after her arrest for drunk driving in 2007. However, the Chateau Marmont remains beloved by the movies, as evidenced by its appearances in "La La Land," "A Star Is Born" and "Somewhere."
Casa Casuarina, Miami
This luxurious $1,000-plus-a-night boutique hotel on Ocean Drive in Miami was, until 1997, the home of fashion designer Gianni Versace. Right here, on the front steps, he was shot to death by Andrew Cunanan. Guests can now sleep in Gianni's former bedroom, or in the room that belonged to his sister Donatella. And there is even the suite that Madonna used when she visited her designer friend. Is the price out of the budget? One can simply book a lunch or dinner in his restaurant!
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