The Ambassador Hotel was designed by renowned architect Myron Hunt and opened for business in 1921. It occupied 23.7 acres at 3400 Wilshire Boulevard, bordered by 8th Street, Catalina Street, and nearly to Mariposa Avenue. The hotel served as the stomping grounds for a staggering list of Hollywood legends, heads of state, and an endless list of famous personalities from the 20th Century. It was also home of The Cocoanut Grove nightclub, which was 'the' West Coast hot spot for live entertainment where people like Bing Crosby and Barbra Streisand got their start, and Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and many others came to perform. It is said that as many as seven U.S. Presidents stayed at the Ambassador, from Hoover to Nixon, along with heads of state from around the world. A pivotal moment in world history happened in 1968, when Robert F. Kennedy was shot in a pantry off of the Embassy Room (and died 25 hours later), following his California Primary victory speech. The death of RFK coincided with the beginning of the hotel's demise. The Schine family had owned the Ambassador for about 50 years, until its doors were closed on January 3, 1989 after 68 years of service, selling for $64 million. The landmark hotel was eventually demolished between late 2005 and early 2006. Visitors take a last look and say goodbye to the landmark Ambassador Hotel on January 3, 1989. Robert F. Kennedy admirer Eric Jacobson wasn't allowed to lay a tribute at the spot where Kennedy was shot in the hotel. Here he is seen carrying flowers and Kennedy's book, "To Seek a Newer World."
Ambassador Hotel Hotels--California--Los Angeles Men--California--Los Angeles Parking lots--California--Los Angeles Automobiles--California--Los Angeles Lost architecture--California--Los Angeles Los Angeles Herald-Examiner photographs Herald-Examiner Collection photographs Hunt, Myron,1868-1952
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