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The landmark Georgian Hotel commemorated its 80^th anniversary with a gala Old Hollywood-themed event benefiting the Conservancy on Wednesday, October 16, 2013. During this celebration, the hotel launched a unique fundraiser encouraging hotel guests to contribute to the preservation of historic properties in Santa Monica and raised $7200.

“We wanted to celebrate the 80^th Anniversary of the Georgian Hotel with more than just a party and we felt that the important work being done by the Santa Monica Conservancy needed to be celebrated as well,” explains Juan Viramontes, general manager of the Georgian Hotel.

Guests were transported back in time with a nostalgic 1930s-style cocktail hour.  The party continued downstairs in the Georgian’s authentic prohibition-era speakeasy, where it is said that Bugsy Siegel, Al Capone, Clark Gable, Carol Lombard and “Fatty” Arbuckle once sought out exclusivity and seclusion.

About the Georgian Hotel:  The Georgian’s story began as the coastal expansion of the late 1920s was reaching its peak.  Business woman Rosamond Borde hired architect Eugene Durfee to create a posh resort as an intimate hideaway catering to Los Angeles’ high society.  The Georgian, an art deco masterpiece completed in 1933, was one of the tallest and most prominent buildings in Santa Monica for decades. The oceanfront veranda provided a stage for martinis and jazz. The hotel was considered to be one of the most modern facilities of the time, featuring a beauty parlor, barber shop, playground and dining room.

The Georgian remained a favorite vacation residence after prohibition ended. Rose Kennedy spent several summers there in the 1960s entertaining Hollywood royalty, politicians and journalists. It continues to attract Hollywood celebrities such as Oliver Stone and Robert DeNiro.

The hotel was designated a City of Santa Monica landmark in 1995 and is featured on the Conservancy’s historic walking tour of Downtown Santa Monica.

 

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