A Short History of the Manor
Built as a luxury hotel/apartment house in 1929 by Eleanor Ince, widow of Thomas H. Ince, the highly successful pioneer silent film producer, The Manor Hotel (originally the Chateau Elysée) was the most impressive of all the Hollywood chateaux built during the booming 1920’s.
Designed by eminent architect Arthur E. Harvey, the Manor Hotel is a prominent seven story replica of a 17th Century French-Normandy castle.
When construction started in 1927, a new era for Hollywood was dawning. The first talking picture The Jazz Singer, with Al Jolson, was released that year.
In a spirit echoing her husband’s contributions in the formative period of the film industry, Mrs. Ince provided a home for many of the artists that were now being drawn to Hollywood.
Residents of the Manor included some of the most famous names of the 1930’s and 40’s. The list includes: Bette Davis, Errol Flynn (room 211), Edward G. Robinson (room 216), Carol Lombard (room 305), Edgar Rice Burroughs (room 408), Humphrey Bogart (room 603), Clark Gable (room 604), Ginger Rogers (room 705), Ed Sullivan (room 501), Gracie Allen and George Burns (room 609), Katherine Hepburn, George Gershwin and Cary Grant.
As the center of the film world’s “chateau life” in the 1930’s, the Manor was often the scene of glamorous parties and saw frequent visits by Hollywood nobility dwelling in nearby estates.
In 1992, the buildings and grounds were exquisitely restored to a level that exceeds its original design.
Come in for a free tour and experience the glory of Hollywood! 9am to 10pm daily. Visit the Four-Star Renaissance Restaurant located on the ground floor of the historical Manor Hotel and you will see an original Chateau Elysee dinner menu from 1937. Would you like to know what foods and favorites were enjoyed by the likes of George Burns, Gracie Allen, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable and Ginger Rogers? A piece of history itself, this original menu was right out of the golden era of Hollywood.
Located on 5930 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028. Phone (323) 960-3100
Out of town?
- Take a Virtual Reality Tour.
- Exterior picture gallery
- Interior picture gallery
