[NoHo Arts District, CA] – This month’s Active World Journeys’ travel blog: Rock-n-Roll Oasis in L.A.
Tucked away in a quiet unassuming area of West Hollywood, just off the famous Sunset Strip, lies four acres of music industry ecology; providing fertile ground and habitat for rock stars, writers, actors, and supermodels since 1963.
It’s the Sunset Marquis hotel, and I took refuge there (got a tour) one perfect subtropical afternoon recently to discover this legendary property.
Initially, the property was built for the performers and guests at the nearby Playboy Club, Hugh Heffner’s nightclub. The 70s saw the Marquis being home to punk and new wave bands – The Clash, Blondie, The Runaways, and The Ramones (no other hotels in the area wanted them to stay in their establishment, so the Sunset Marquis took the chance and welcomed the punkers and rockers).
Soon Elton John and Bruce Springsteen set up camp, and then the hotel became ground zero for the metal scene in the 80s for bands like Metallica, Kiss, Guns ‘N Roses, Aerosmith, and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
The 90s ushered in Dave Grohl, Green Day, Usher, and Kings of Leon, all who found their way to the Sunset Marquis.
On the upside, stars like George Clooney, Owen Wilson, Jennifer Anniston, and Billy Bob Thornton became regulars.
One of the coolest features of this property is that it has its own state-of-the-art recording studio in the basement called “Nightbird”. Many of the industry’s A-List artists have recorded, mixed, and overdubbed in Studio A, B, or C. Just picture Madonna’s limo pulling up to its private/secret garage and her getting out and walking directly into the studio area to finish a new song while she’s on tour.
The grounds of the property are verdant, charming, and offer respite. As I walked around seeing the 154 suites and villas, private driveways, spa area and swimming pools – I could just imagine David Bowie running into Mick Jagger and talking about where they thought the music scene would be heading in the next decade.
But just know that you don’t have to be a rock star or a supermodel to either stay at the Sunset Marquis, stop in for a drink at Bar 1200, or have a meal at the Cavatina restaurant. It’s an ideal oasis for anybody or anyone that’s seeking relaxation, fun, or perhaps just a little bit of LA / music industry nostalgia on the caravan of life.
Cheers,
Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach
Individuals / Groups / Corporate
310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main
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