Here are even more hotel rooms that are known for their notorious reputations:
Room 1220 – Westin Hotel, San Francisco, CA
Room 1220 was the scene of one of the saddest Hollywood downfalls ever – that of comedian Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle. Back in the 20’s, Arbuckle was raking in a million a year at Paramount, making him one of the biggest stars of the day. However, on September 3, 1921, actress Virginia Rappe became ill in his hotel room, eventually dying of peritonitis. Arbuckle was charged with rape and although he was acquitted, the media grabbed a hold of the story and his career was ruined. Arbuckle died ten years later, on the verge of a comeback, at the age of 46. This room must have really bad karma – entertainer Al Jolson died in this same room in 1950.
Room 105 – Hollywood Landmark Hotel (now the Highland Gardens), Hollywood, CA
For only $150, you can stay in the same room where rocker Janis Joplin died of a heroin/alcohol overdose in 1970, allowing us to add her name to the Forever 27 club. Thirty-seven years after her death, people still request this room.
Room 727 – Vista International (now the Wyndham), Washington, D.C.
Well, you would think an infamous Washington, D.C. hotel room would involve a political scandal and you would be right! This room was there one where the FBI caught then D.C. Mayor Marion Berry smoking crack in 1990. If you think America isn’t the land of second chances, you would be wrong. After serving six months in prison, Berry was elected to the city council in 1992, and then elected mayor again in 1994, serving two terms. He now serves on the Council of the District of Columbia.
Room 501 – Sheraton Plaza La Reina (now the Sheraton Gateway), Los Angeles, CA
Speaking of FBI drug busts, one took place in this hotel room as well when the FBI busted carmaker John DeLorean in October 1982 for cocaine. However, DeLorean beat the wrap when his lawyer convinced the jury that he was entrapped by the FBI.
Tomorrow will be my final installment of infamous hotel rooms!