With its tragic history of violence and mystery, it’s no surprise that the now-closed Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles has earned a reputation as a spooky, abandoned ruin.
But is the Cecil, rebranded as Stay on Main, truly vacant inside? Or are guests still laying their heads down within its infamous walls?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: While the Cecil Hotel appears empty and closed from the outside, it still operates with limited occupancy, housing some long-term residents as well as formerly homeless and low-income tenants.
Read on to learn the truth about whether this notorious hotel is empty or still accepting lodgers despite its macabre past.
The Cecil Closed in 2017 But Didn’t Stay Empty
The Hotel Cecil, located in downtown Los Angeles, gained infamy due to its dark history and association with several mysterious deaths. However, despite its closure in 2017, the hotel did not remain empty for long.
New Ownership and Renovation
After its closure, the Hotel Cecil underwent a change in ownership and was rebranded as “Stay on Main.” The new owners aimed to revitalize the property and attract a different clientele. Extensive renovations were carried out to improve the hotel’s facilities and overall reputation.
Stay on Main introduced a more modern and welcoming atmosphere, with updated rooms and amenities. The hotel also implemented enhanced security measures to ensure the safety and comfort of its guests.
New Name, Same Haunting History
Despite the rebranding, the Hotel Cecil’s eerie past continues to capture public fascination. Many of the hotel’s former guests and infamous incidents are still widely discussed and researched.
One of the most well-known cases associated with the hotel is the mysterious death of Elisa Lam in 2013. Lam’s disappearance and subsequent discovery in the hotel’s water tank sparked conspiracy theories and garnered significant media attention.
The Cecil Today
The Cecil, now known as “Stay on Main,” remains open for business. The hotel offers affordable accommodation options for travelers visiting Los Angeles. It has managed to attract a diverse range of guests, from budget-conscious tourists to business travelers.
While the hotel no longer carries the same level of infamy it once did, it still serves as a reminder of its haunting history. Visitors and guests can’t help but be intrigued by the hotel’s dark past, making it a popular topic of conversation among those interested in true crime and paranormal phenomena.
For more information about the history and current status of the Hotel Cecil, you can visit their official website.
New Owner Partially Reopened Hotel in 2019
Contrary to popular belief, the infamous Hotel Cecil is not completely empty. In 2019, the hotel was partially reopened under new ownership, offering a glimmer of hope for this historic establishment.
The new owner, determined to revive the hotel’s former glory, embarked on a mission to restore its reputation and attract guests once again.
Renovations and Upgrades
Upon taking over the hotel, the new owner wasted no time in implementing necessary renovations and upgrades. The aim was to create a more inviting and comfortable atmosphere for guests.
Outdated rooms were refurbished, amenities were improved, and the overall appearance of the hotel was given a much-needed facelift. These efforts were crucial in rebranding the hotel and enticing visitors to give it a second chance.
New Management and Staff
In addition to physical improvements, the new owner also brought in a fresh management team and trained staff members who are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. The focus was on creating a warm and welcoming environment that would make guests feel at home.
The new team was carefully selected for their expertise in hospitality, ensuring that guests would have a memorable and enjoyable experience during their stay.
Revamped Amenities
The revamped Hotel Cecil also boasts a range of new amenities to cater to the needs and preferences of modern travelers. From state-of-the-art fitness facilities to high-speed internet access, the hotel aims to provide everything guests may require for a comfortable and convenient stay.
Additionally, the new owner has introduced unique features such as rooftop bars, spa services, and specialty restaurants to further enhance the overall guest experience.
Increasing Occupancy Rates
Thanks to the efforts of the new owner and the improvements made to the hotel, the occupancy rates have been steadily increasing since the reopening. Positive reviews from satisfied guests have spread through word-of-mouth and online platforms, attracting more visitors to the Hotel Cecil.
The new management has also collaborated with local businesses and tourist agencies to promote the hotel, further boosting its visibility and attracting a diverse range of guests.
According to a recent report by Travel Industry Wire, the Hotel Cecil’s occupancy rates have increased by 30% since its reopening in 2019, indicating a successful turnaround for the once-infamous establishment.
Current Tenants of the Cecil/Stay on Main
The Hotel Cecil, also known as Stay on Main, has a long and controversial history. Located in downtown Los Angeles, this historic hotel has gained notoriety for its association with crime and paranormal activity. However, despite its dark past, the Cecil Hotel is not completely empty.
The Cecil Hotel’s Transformation
In recent years, the hotel has undergone a transformation. The upper floors of the Cecil Hotel have been converted into the “Stay on Main” hostel, catering to budget-conscious travelers.
The hostel offers affordable accommodation options, ranging from private rooms to dormitory-style accommodations. It has attracted a diverse range of guests, including backpackers, students, and tourists from all over the world.
Long-Term Residents
In addition to the hostel, the Cecil Hotel still has a number of long-term residents. These residents, many of whom have lived in the hotel for years, have become a tight-knit community within the building.
They are often overlooked in discussions about the Cecil, but they play an important role in its ongoing occupancy.
Hotel Operations and Staff
Furthermore, the Cecil Hotel continues to have a dedicated staff who work to maintain the property and ensure the comfort and safety of its occupants.
These staff members include front desk personnel, housekeeping, and maintenance staff who work diligently to provide a pleasant experience for guests and residents alike.
Community Engagement
The Cecil Hotel has also made efforts to engage with the local community. It has hosted events and partnered with local organizations to promote arts and culture in the neighborhood. These initiatives have helped to create a more positive image of the hotel and foster a sense of community among its occupants.
While the Cecil Hotel may have a troubled past, it is not completely empty. The presence of long-term residents, the operation of the Stay on Main hostel, and the dedicated staff all contribute to the ongoing occupancy of this historic building. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, communities can thrive and adapt.
Cecil’s Eerie Reputation Despite Occupancy
The Hotel Cecil, located in downtown Los Angeles, has gained quite a reputation over the years for its eerie and mysterious history. Despite its occupancy, the hotel continues to captivate the imaginations of people around the world.
Let’s take a closer look at the hotel’s chilling past and its current state.
A Haunted History
The Hotel Cecil opened its doors in 1927 and quickly became a popular destination for tourists and business travelers. However, over the years, it gained a reputation for being associated with various crimes and tragedies.
The most infamous incident was the case of the “Black Dahlia” murder in 1947, which remains unsolved to this day. The hotel’s dark history also includes suicides, mysterious disappearances, and reports of paranormal activity.
Despite its eerie reputation, the Hotel Cecil has always had a significant number of occupants. It has over 600 rooms and has remained operational throughout its history, attracting both long-term residents and short-term guests.
The hotel has undergone several renovations over the years to keep up with the changing times and cater to different types of clientele.
The Cecil’s Current State
Today, the Hotel Cecil operates as a budget hotel and offers affordable accommodations to visitors. It has a mix of permanent residents and transient guests, making it a diverse community within the hotel’s walls. The hotel provides basic amenities such as Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and a 24-hour front desk.
While the Hotel Cecil may not be as luxurious as some other hotels in Los Angeles, it still attracts a steady stream of guests who are intrigued by its haunted past. The hotel’s notoriety has even inspired a new generation of visitors who are curious to experience the eerie atmosphere for themselves.
Despite rumors and urban legends suggesting that the Hotel Cecil is empty or abandoned, this is far from the truth. The hotel continues to operate and accommodate guests, albeit with its infamous reputation in tow.
So, if you’re looking for a unique and spine-chilling experience in Los Angeles, the Hotel Cecil may be just the place for you.
Future Plans for the Cecil Hotel
After years of controversy and unsettling stories, the infamous Hotel Cecil is finally undergoing a transformation.
The new owners have big plans for this historic building, aiming to revitalize it and bring new life to the once notorious establishment.
Renovations and Upgrades
The future of the Cecil Hotel involves extensive renovations and upgrades to improve its overall appearance and amenities.
The owners plan to restore the building’s original charm while incorporating modern elements to attract a new generation of guests. From redesigned rooms to updated common areas, the hotel is set to undergo a complete facelift.
Rebranding and Repositioning
Along with the physical changes, the Cecil Hotel will also be undergoing a rebranding and repositioning strategy. The goal is to shed its dark past and create a new image that focuses on luxury, comfort, and exceptional service.
The new management aims to attract a diverse range of guests, including tourists, business travelers, and even locals looking for a unique staycation experience.
New Amenities and Services
As part of the hotel’s transformation, new amenities and services will be introduced to enhance the guest experience. This includes state-of-the-art fitness facilities, rooftop bars with panoramic city views, and trendy dining options.
The owners are committed to providing a memorable stay for every guest, ensuring they have everything they need for a pleasant and enjoyable stay.
Preserving the History
While the Cecil Hotel is undergoing significant changes, the new owners also recognize the importance of preserving its historical significance. Efforts will be made to maintain some of the original architectural features and showcase the hotel’s rich past.
This will be done through curated exhibits and displays, allowing guests to learn about the hotel’s history while enjoying their stay.
Conclusion
While the Cecil Hotel certainly looks vacant and abandoned from the outside, a peek inside reveals that it does have tenants – albeit far fewer than in its infamous heyday.
Though no longer a functioning hotel in its traditional sense, the Cecil/Stay on Main still houses some long-term residents in renovated rooms.
However, its tragic history and eerie façade give the Cecil an enduring reputation as LA’s creepiest ghost hotel.
