News Summary
The Hollywood Premiere Motel in Los Angeles may soon become the city’s first historic landmark motel, with a City Council vote on the horizon. Established in the 1960s, this motel represents a rare example of Midcentury Modern architecture and serves as a nostalgic reminder of an era shaped by automobile tourism. Despite its low Trip Advisor rating, advocates highlight the motel’s cultural significance and authenticity in a changing landscape dominated by corporate chains. If approved, the landmark status would help preserve its unique character for future generations.
Los Angeles is set to potentially see the Hollywood Premiere Motel become its first historic landmark motel after a vote by the Los Angeles City Council scheduled for Wednesday. This motel, a staple for tourists since the 1960s, is renowned for its vibrant neon-colored sign and budget-friendly rates, offering affordable accommodation near popular attractions such as the Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory.
Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez has referred to the Hollywood Premiere Motel as a “survivor” amidst the significant changes occurring in Hollywood. The motel has remained one of the few independent establishments in a landscape increasingly dominated by corporate chains. Despite a troubling rating of 1.7 on Trip Advisor, it is emphasized that landmark status evaluations are not based solely on customer reviews.
A report from the Cultural Heritage Commission has classified the motel as a “highly intact and rare example” of a 1960s motel that embodies the evolution of automobile tourism in post-World War II America. This period was marked by significant increases in car ownership, leading to the rise of motels designed specifically to cater to travelers. The Hollywood Premiere Motel, built in 1960 and featuring 42 units, exemplifies the Midcentury Modern style and retains much of its original architecture with minimal alterations.
The building was designed by architect Joyce Miller, notable for her accomplishments in a predominantly male-dominated field. The motel’s layout includes a two-story structure with convenient parking near guest rooms and a swimming pool, though the original coffee shop on the premises currently stands unused. Over the years, the motel has also gained recognition in popular culture, appearing in several TV shows and music videos, including “Twin Peaks,” “Fargo,” and Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling.”
Bonnie Xi, who has owned the Hollywood Premiere Motel for the past 40 years, has expressed intentions to preserve its authenticity and maintain the distinct style representative of the 1960s. If the landmark status is granted, the motel would join over 1,300 Historic-Cultural Monuments in Los Angeles, which often highlight critical aspects of the city’s diverse cultural heritage. The historic designation is expected to mandate a city review for any proposed structural changes, although it does not impose immediate restrictions on the building.
The process towards landmark status has gained notable momentum after the Cultural Heritage Commission’s approval, which paves the way for a site inspection and another City Council vote planned for May. Preservationist James Dastoli, who nominated the motel, believes it serves as an outstanding illustration of the Midcentury Modern aesthetic.
While prominent nearby motels such as the Harvard House Motel (built in 1947) and Hollywood Downtowner Motel (built in 1956) have established their cultural significance, the Hollywood Premiere Motel stands out as one of the last remaining independent motels of its kind. The trend towards corporate branding in the motel industry has resulted in a gradual disappearance of unique, independent lodgings, emphasizing the importance of preserving places like the Hollywood Premiere.
The potential recognition of the Hollywood Premiere Motel as a historic landmark would be a significant acknowledgment of the impact motels have had on Los Angeles’ travel culture and history. As the city continues to evolve, the motel’s landmark status could also coincide with Xi’s plans for retirement, marking a new chapter for this iconic location.
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Additional Resources
- NBC Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Times
- ABC7
- Idobi
- Los Angeles Magazine
- Wikipedia: Hollywood Premiere Motel
- Google Search: Hollywood Premiere Motel
- Google Scholar: Hollywood Premiere Motel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hollywood Premiere Motel
- Google News: Hollywood Premiere Motel
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
