The Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles has a dark and mysterious past filled with unsolved crimes and tragic deaths.
If you’re short on time, here’s the key takeaway: The Cecil Hotel’s room rates varied over time, starting from $2.50 to $5 per night in the 1920s and $60-$80 per night in the 2000s.
If you’re wondering what it cost to stay at this notorious hotel back in its heyday, read on to learn all about the room rates and pricing at the Cecil throughout its history.
About the Cecil Hotel & Its Infamous Reputation
The Cecil Hotel, located in downtown Los Angeles, has gained notoriety over the years for its dark history and mysterious occurrences.
Originally built in 1924, the hotel was intended to cater to businessmen and tourists visiting the city. However, over time, it became associated with a series of tragic events that have cemented its reputation as one of the most infamous hotels in the world.
Brief history of the hotel
The Cecil Hotel was initially designed as a grand establishment, boasting luxurious features such as marble floors and ornate fixtures.
However, as the Great Depression hit in the late 1920s, the area surrounding the hotel began to decline, leading to a change in clientele. The hotel gradually transformed into a budget accommodation, attracting a less affluent crowd.
Throughout the years, the Cecil Hotel became known for its run-down appearance and dubious reputation. It became a haven for drug dealers, prostitutes, and individuals seeking a cheap place to stay. This decline in reputation only added to the hotel’s aura of darkness and intrigue.
Overview of notable deaths, murders & mysteries
The Cecil Hotel has been the site of numerous deaths, murders, and mysterious incidents, contributing to its macabre reputation.
One of the most well-known cases was the disappearance and subsequent death of Elisa Lam in 2013. Lam’s strange behavior captured worldwide attention when elevator surveillance footage showed her acting erratically shortly before her disappearance. Her body was found weeks later in the hotel’s water tank.
In addition to Lam’s tragic case, the Cecil Hotel has seen its fair share of other criminal activities. Notable serial killers, such as Richard Ramirez, also known as the Night Stalker, and Jack Unterweger, have been rumored to have stayed at the hotel during their killing sprees. These incidents have only fueled the hotel’s dark reputation.
While the Cecil Hotel has undergone changes in ownership and renovations in recent years, its past cannot be erased.
The hotel’s eerie history and associations with crime and tragedy continue to capture the public’s imagination, making it a subject of fascination for those interested in the darker side of Los Angeles.
For more information on the Cecil Hotel and its infamous reputation, you can visit the Haunted Rooms website, which provides detailed insights into the hotel’s history and its paranormal activity.
Room Rates & Pricing Over the Decades
Rates in the 1920s – 1950s
During the 1920s to 1950s, the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles was a popular choice for travelers seeking affordable accommodation. Room rates during this time period were relatively low compared to other hotels in the city.
The average price for a standard room ranged from $1.50 to $3.00 per night, depending on the amenities and the size of the room. It’s important to note that these rates were adjusted for inflation and are approximate values based on historical records.
Rates in the 1960s and 1970s
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Cecil Hotel experienced a decline in popularity due to various factors, including the surrounding neighborhood becoming more crime-ridden. As a result, room rates were even lower than in previous decades.
Guests could find rooms for as low as $1.00 per night, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers. However, it’s worth mentioning that the hotel’s reputation began to suffer during this time, with reports of criminal activity and incidents occurring within its walls.
Rates in the 1980s and 1990s
By the 1980s and 1990s, the Cecil Hotel’s reputation had further deteriorated, and the rates reflected this decline. Room rates remained relatively low, with prices ranging from $20 to $40 per night.
Despite the affordability, the hotel struggled to attract guests due to its association with crime and other unsavory incidents. It became a place where transient individuals and those down on their luck sought refuge, further contributing to its negative image.
Rates in the 2000s before closing
In the early 2000s, the Cecil Hotel attempted to rebrand itself and attract a different clientele. Room rates were increased slightly, with prices ranging from $60 to $80 per night.
The hotel underwent renovations in an effort to improve its facilities and appeal to a more upscale market. However, these efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and the hotel closed its doors in 2017.
For more information about the history and rates of the Cecil Hotel, you can visit the official website of the Los Angeles Department of City Planning.
Amenities & Features Included in the Room Rate
Basic room furnishings
When staying at the infamous Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles, guests could expect basic room furnishings that provided comfort during their stay.
Each room was equipped with a cozy bed, clean linens, and a small table and chair for added convenience. The rooms may not have been luxurious, but they offered a comfortable space for guests to relax after a long day of exploring the city.
Shared bathrooms on most floors
One unique feature of the Cecil Hotel was the shared bathrooms located on most floors. While some travelers may prefer the convenience of a private bathroom, the shared facilities at the Cecil Hotel allowed guests to interact and connect with other visitors.
This communal aspect of the hotel created a vibrant atmosphere where guests could share their travel experiences and make new friends.
No air conditioning
One important thing to note about the rooms at the Cecil Hotel was the absence of air conditioning. As the hotel was built in the early 20th century, modern amenities like air conditioning were not available at that time.
However, the hotel did provide fans in each room to ensure guests stayed comfortable during their stay, especially during the warmer months.
Access to the Cecil Hotel bar
One of the perks of staying at the Cecil Hotel was the easy access to the hotel’s bar. This provided guests with a convenient place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring Los Angeles.
The bar featured a variety of drinks and often hosted live music or other entertainment, creating a lively atmosphere for guests to enjoy.
How the Cecil Compared to Other Downtown LA Hotels
More affordable nightly rates
The Cecil offered some of the most budget-friendly rates in downtown LA, with nightly room prices as low as $14 in the 1920s. This allowed the hotel to attract a mix of long-term residents and transients who were looking for an inexpensive place to stay.
According to research, room rates at the Cecil in the 1950s and 1960s could be up to 30-40% lower than comparable hotels in the same downtown area.
Lower-end amenities and older building
Unlike newer hotels that were renovated in downtown LA during the early 20th century, the Cecil Hotel did not undergo any major upgrades for decades. As a result, the amenities and room features were very basic and outdated compared to competing hotels.
While the exterior and main lobby retained some of the Cecil’s original elegant Victorian design, the interior rooms and shared spaces became rundown as the building aged. The hotel was showing its wear by the 1950s,leading it to be considered a lower-end downtown option.
Attracted transients and long-term residents
With its rock-bottom room rates and sparse amenities, the Cecil naturally attracted transients. Temporary guests often included drifters, immigrants, and working-class people staying a night or two.
It also became home to some long-term residents who rented rooms for weeks or months at a time. In the 1930s and onward, the Cecil had more of a residential feel compared to the more transient populations at upscale hotels like the Biltmore Hotel downtown.
The Cecil in Pop Culture
The Cecil Hotel, located in downtown Los Angeles, has gained a notorious reputation over the years. Its dark history has made it a popular subject in popular culture, with numerous movies, TV shows, books, and music drawing inspiration from its eerie past.
Featured in movies and TV shows
The Cecil Hotel has been featured in several movies and TV shows, often serving as a backdrop for thrilling and mysterious storylines. One notable example is the hit TV series “American Horror Story: Hotel,” where the hotel’s eerie atmosphere and dark history are central to the plot.
Another notable mention is the 2015 movie “The Night Stalker,” which is based on the true story of Richard Ramirez, a serial killer who stayed at the Cecil Hotel during his crime spree in the 1980s.
Inspiration for books and music
The Cecil Hotel’s eerie reputation has also inspired authors and musicians to create captivating works. Several books have been written that draw inspiration from the hotel’s dark past, exploring themes of mystery, horror, and crime.
Additionally, musicians have been fascinated by the hotel’s history and have incorporated it into their music. From haunting melodies to chilling lyrics, the Cecil Hotel has left a lasting impact on the artistic world.
Focus of documentary series
The Cecil Hotel has been the focus of a critically acclaimed documentary series that delves deep into its dark history. The series explores the various mysteries and crime cases associated with the hotel, shedding light on the eerie events that have occurred within its walls.
It provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the hotel’s past, offering viewers a glimpse into the haunting reality of the Cecil Hotel.
Conclusion
The Cecil Hotel offered cheap overnight accommodations in downtown LA for nearly 100 years.
During its prime in the 1920s through the 1960s, rooms could be booked for as little as $1 per night. Rates slowly increased over the decades but remained affordable compared to fancier hotels downtown.
With its dark history and now-demolished architecture, the Cecil is remembered as an important, albeit ominous, part of Los Angeles’ past.
