The Millennium Biltrmore Hotel In Los Angeles California from Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

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The Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles

The historic Millennium Biltmore hotel in Los Angeles has seen in its 80 years such visitors as presidents, kings and queens, and Hollywood celebrities. The hotel opened in 1923, and was for many years the home of the Academy Awards, honoring those that were the best in newest technology of the time — movies.

	Above: The Main Galleria. Below: Fifth Street Entrance. Above: The former Music Room is now the Lobby. Below: The Rendesvouz Court is a great spot for relaxing.

The Millennium Biltmore is more like a Romanesque museum than a hotel, located in the heart of the business and financial district. If it were a wax museum, there would be likenesses of many of its famous guests, such as Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, John F. Kennedy, Harry Truman, Bill Clinton, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, The Duke of Kent, Eleanor Roosevelt, Howard Hughes, J. Paul Getty, John Wayne, Casey Stengel, Barbara Streisand, Placido Domingo, and the Beatles.

When entering on Fifth Street the Galleria Room serves as a grand promenade, running the entire length of the hotel. The Main Galleria connects with the South Galleria and the Biltmore Bowl (home of the Academy Awards, complete with the original stage), the Regency and Heinbergen Rooms are also offshoots of the Galleria; the Health Club and the Grand Avenue Sports Bar are accessed by a connecting parquet corridor. The Lobby, Gift Shops, Gallery Bar, and guest room elevators also open on to the main Galleria.

A focal point for the hotel is the lobby, serving as the main entrance from the port-cochere from Grand Avenue. The concierge desk has a commanding presence for arranging tours, restaurants or dinner theater packages. The lobby is always the busiest area of any hotel, but I think I could actually sleep in the Millennium Biltmore’s lobby. The colorful rugs and deep sinking and plush and velvety lounge chairs are masterpieces of craftsmanship. Marble lion sculptures surround a tinkling fountain, adding to a refreshing ambience as world travelers rush in and away from the reception desk. JFK’s 1960 West Coast campaign headquarters were in the Music Room, which is now the lobby. Many of the guests lounging around are the beautiful Malaysian Airlines flight attendants who make the hotel their stopover home.

The 11-story Millennium Biltmore was designed by the New York architectural firm of Schultze and Weaver, which also designed the Waldorf Astoria and Park Lane Hotels in New York City. The Spanish Italianate Renaissance hotel was completed in 1923 and declared a Historical Cultural Landmark in 1969.

It is believed that the name Biltmore was suggested by Cornelius Vanderbilt, a friend of John McEntire Bowman, president of the Biltmore Company who coined the name for the family estate in North Carolina. Bowman also developed other Biltmore’s in the USA and Cuba.

Touted as the “Host of the Coast”, the Biltmore was the home of high society, and film czars and stars. The founding banquet of the Academy Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences was held here on May 27, 1927, where the concept and design of the “Oscar” was revealed. A statue was sketched on a napkin in the Crystal Ballroom marking the occasion.

The 1937 Academy Awards dinner in the Biltmore Bowl. Can you spot Cecil B. DeMille, Roy Disney, Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda, Spencer Tracey, and other stars?

The original Biltmore Bowl caught fire in the 1990s, but a $3 million renovation blends state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment while maintaining period detail. On a visit with the Food and Beverage Manager I was warned about the ghosts: “One of our employees reported seeing a waiter in attire that we have not been using for fifty years.” One of the two original escalators still works, bringing new passengers into a more stately era. With plush and quieting carpets the Biltmore Bowl is redesigned for a wide range of groups, including performers and music executives who celebrate with after-parties of the Grammy Awards. The Biltmore Bowl's modern enhancements include 75 audio speakers, video and computer projection, programmable lighting, theatrical lighting, and gold leaf ceilings, wood columns, and bright colorful carpets.

	Above: The Biltmore Bowl. Below: The Crystal Ballroom. Below: The Emerald Ballroom.

During the Big Band era famous composers, bands, and musicians performed at tea parties, dances, and parties in the Ballroom. But the Crystal Ballroom still retains its former glory and it is the hotel’s pride and joy; dance on hardwood floors under Austrian chandeliers and cathedral-like 30-foot ceilings that were hand-painted by Italian artist Giovanni Smeraldi of White House and Vatican fame; one of the hotel’s restaurants is named after the artist. Glittering mirrors and draperies enhance this beautiful, festive room, still offering romantic, cozy balconies. In 1977 Bob Hope was the Master of Ceremonies for the Academy’s 50^th anniversary in the Crystal Ballroom.

I am surprised on how hilly downtown Los Angeles is. A short walk around the hotel finds me puffing for air and thinking of a subdued version of San Francisco. I am within walking distance or short cab ride to West Coast culture, including the Ahmanson Theater, California Science Center, Chinatown, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the Flower Market, the Garment District, Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Japanese American National Museum, The Jewelry District, Little Tokyo, LA Zoo, Mark Taper Forum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Our Lady Queen of Angels Cathedral, and the LA County Museum. The new Walt Disney Concert Hall is not far away, the home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic. A beautiful LA County library is right across the street on Grand Avenue.

The Biltmore’s Sports Bar is rated the best downtown by locals, so I can not leave out nearby sporting venues, such as the Brookside Golf Course, Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and the Staples Center, home of the Lakers. The Sports Bar offers happy hour specials and Sierra Nevada pitchers for under $11. Try snappy sounding drinks such as the Two Point Conversion, The Grand Slam, A Day At The Ball Park, or the upbeat Cheerleader.

Sip a Black Dahlia at the Gallery Bar and Cognac Room.

For more elegant apertifs and drinks try the hotel’s Gallery Bar and Cognac Room, near the lobby, an elegant lounge offering fine wine, exclusive liqueurs, and signature drinks, such as the Black Dahlia. The Black Dahlia Martini is named after actress Elizabeth Short who disappeared after she was last seen catching a cab by a doorman at the Biltmore in 1947. She was later found murdered, unsolved to this day.

The Black Dahlia was invented by Greg Guzelian, the hotel’s winner of the award, “Downtown’s Bartender Of The Year” in 2003. The $14 Black Dahlia is comprised of Citron Vodka, Kahlua, and Chambord, and the result is a purple brown drink that tastes like chocolate. It is served in a martini glass with an orange rind. Phone the Gallery Bar, at 213/624-1011 to find out about the jazz artists that play Thursday and Saturday nights.

With striking elegance and grand ambience the dining choices at the Millennium Biltmore are a mélange of culinary delights.

	Sai Sai Japanese Restaurant is voted the "Best Downtown".

Sai Sai, the famous Janapense restaurant, has a Peruvian Chef, Ricardo Zarate, who specializes in Japanese cuisine, even throughout his Latin America career. Enjoy the small plates and pan fried oysters with jalapeño chilies and Shishito peppers with tomato salsa and lemon dressing, or his Ceviche with orange panzu coriander juice and yuzu dressing. Or try the kaki shihito — a single deep fried Kumamato oyster dressed in the shell, with tomato yuzu salsa and charred Shishito pepper. Sai Sai lunch and dinner menus feature popular dishes, including sushi, sashimi, Robata grill, tempuras, Kobe beef, shellfish, and vegetarian dishes, and infused South American pan fried oysters. Dinner for two runs about $65. Sai Sai is open Monday thru Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and for dinner Monday thru Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Sai Sai reservations: 213/624 1100.

Smeraldi’s Restaurant is where I dined for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it offers a more California - style cuisine in a casual atmosphere that suits my every need. The two level restaurant is a splash of glowing gold and frescos and painted clouds on the high carved wooden ceilings. The Mediterranean tile floors are bright. I had the dining rights to the floor-to-ceiling window seat on the upper level for evening dinner so that I could watch the famous LA dusk descend over Grand Avenue and Pershing Square across the street. A vintage menu from the hotel’s archives is featured monthly at Smeraldi's. I opted for the lighter fare of Salmon Salad, grilled to perfection, with baby greens, cucumber, tomatoes, avocado, and roasted shallot and balsamic vinaigrette. My waiter, from

Mexico,

has been serving hotel guests for over 25 years. I was the only diner in the restaurant, but it soon fills up with artists, writers, and loyal locals. Smeraldi's reservations: 213/612-1562.

The Rendesvouz Court, adjacent to Smeraldi’s, offers light snacks, cocktails, and traditional afternoon tea in an ornate Rococo surrounding. High tea is served in the Rendezvous Court from 2-5 p.m., with a selection of exotic teas, sandwiches, traditional scones with Devonshire cream, and desserts.

Suites and Rooms

Above: Club Floor Suite. Below: Club Floor Lounge. Above: A Classic Suite. Below: Classic Suite Bedroom.

There are many added amenities at the Millennium Biltmore at the Club Level on the 10^th and 11^th floors, catering to the business and leisure traveler.

Accommodations are spacious and luxurious and feature rich color schemes of gold and blues, custom designed carpets and mahogany armoires. A spiral staircase and antique elevator connect with the bedrooms on the 10^th floor. My master bedroom features a king-sized bed, a divan, and an expansive boudoir, writing desk, and two marble bathrooms. Other suites feature spacious walk-in closets and three telephone lines (The Presidential Suite is the choice for royalty and executives.).

Relax in the Club Lounge for continental breakfasts, beverages, or hors d’ oeuvres. I didn’t have one of the personalized butlers, so I ironed my own shirt and pants ensuite, but the Concierge and Club Service Coordinator can arrange anything. Fax machines, computers, and backgammon games are available for Club guests.

The Millennium Biltmore has 27 suites that include 1-3 bedrooms and 28 executive suites. Each suite is distinctive in style and boasts such features as a grand piano, a spiral staircase, or an antique private elevator.

The hotel also offers 683 elegant “Classic” guest rooms on floors 3-9. The Classic Rooms are appointed with warm cream and ivory tones, rich woods, plush drapery, and stately furniture. Some rooms are equipped for the physically challenged, while others are non-smoking; some floors are completely non-smoking. The rooms have two telephone lines, window side sitting area with occasional chair and side table, art deco armoire with color cable TV with remote. Touch tone icons gain easy access to hotel services. All rooms and suites have internet access. I check my going-to-the-theater attire in the full length mirror. The bathrooms in the rooms and suites are floor-to-ceiling marble, with wonderful fragrant bath amenities.

I am going to have to pen some lyrics to stay in the Music Suite. Why do world renowned musicians, composers, and conductors stay here? The spacious two-bedroom suite harbors a beautiful black grand piano and antique music stand in the living room. A decorative fireplace offers romance. There is a view of Pershing Square, home to summer jazz events. The Music Room's dining room is appointed as an executive boardroom and seats ten. The living room, dining room, and foyer combine to accommodate up to 75 for receptions and parties, with service by an adjoining butler’s pantry.

Other unique suites include The Biltmore Suite, with a full-service kitchen and pantry, a separate dining area, a lavish hospitality/wet bar, and a decorative fireplace. The Baldwin Suite is a one bedroom suite with living and dining area and master bedroom with king-size bed. The suite can be combined with a connecting guestroom to create a two-bedroom suite.

The Millennium Biltmore Meeting Rooms

While poking around on the 10^th floor I discover that the hotel has its own helicopter pad. A short hop up a flight of stairs and guests are whisked away from the rooftop, and this is probably how the Beatles arrived when staying at the hotel, avoiding the mob of fans. No doubt busy executives arrive by this route while attending functions at the hotel’s fabulous meeting rooms.

	Above: The Gold Room. Below: The Tiffany Room. Above: The Board Room. Below: The pool table in the Board Room. The Art Deco Pool.

With 70,000 square feet of meeting, banquet, and exhibit space, beauty salon, and quick valet parking, the Millennium Biltmore continues to rank as the preferred downtown LA hotel.

The meeting rooms are no less ornate than the Main Galleria or the Lobby. Since 1998, the hotel has been awarded the prestigious Pinnacle Award by Successful Meetings Magazine. Executives can rent cell phones or digital cameras for their meetings (for rentals call 213/624-1011 ext. 8220).

The Gold Room is exquisite, built on two levels separated by a curving balustrade. The lower level serves as an intimate foyer, reception or break areas for meetings and receptions; dancing space is on the upper level.

The hand-painted ceiling motifs of harvest and hunt in the Emerald Room reflect the origins of the hotel’s original dining room. Rounded faux travertine columns and mighty bronze chandeliers create a stately and charming setting for conferences and banquets.

The Tiffany Room reminds me of the main room in a Argentinian estancia or Spanish manor house. The beautiful wood vaulted ceiling and graceful colonnades make the dark, rich woods look almost like leather. On the north wall friezes depict Columbus and Queen Isabella plotting a voyage to the New World.

The Millennium Boardroom is actually five spaces in one, allowing for business meetings, dining, and privacy. These rooms reveal a billiards room with antique pool table, dining area, private bathrooms, and a living room with service entrance, and a working fireplace; walk on polished hardwood floors. The Boardroom has high speed internet lines, separate telephone lines, DVD equipment, surround sound theater, and video conferencing.

The Regency Room is below the Biltmore Bowl with nearly 17,000 square feet of exhibit space near the hotel’s loading dock. The Regency Room is carpeted wall-to-wall and brightly lit with florescent lighting. A staircase and elevator connect the Regency room to the Biltmore Bowl.

Art Deco Pool

One of the most unique aspects of the hotel is the basement pool, saunas, and exercise equipment area. While sweating in the dry sauna the huge picture window never fogs up my views of the vintage era art deco pool, complete with the original scale for weight checking. The pool is designed to recall the days of Pompeii, with blue and cream Italian faience tile under a polished brass ceiling. It is a throwback into time, and it is easy to image the countless movies that have been filmed here, and the stars that once splashed in the private, Men’s Club pool. Now the pool offers co-ed memberships to locals as well as free use for guests.

The Millennium Biltmore is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and it is placed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Relive the Biltmore’s star-studded past in the newly opened Historical Corridor off the main lobby. Ask the multi-lingual concierge staff about the LA Historical Society’s walking tours of the area.

One last thought on the services of a wonderful stay at the Millennium Biltmore — always trust your concierge. Upon checking out the concierge gave me such exact information on the best route to Beverly Hills that when I stop for gas the locals ask me for directions.

— By Kriss Hammond, Editor, Jetsetters Magazine.