This is my final blog about infamous hotel rooms – rooms in which something so legendary happened, the people often ask for this specific room. Actually, a few of the rooms I will mention in this blog are a little less notorious and more just places fans love to visit.
Room 203 – Ramada Inn Union Square, San Francisco, CA
It was in room 203 that jazz singer Billie Holiday was busted by the police for possession of opium in January 1949. She was acquitted later that year when her lawyer convinced the jury she had been framed. There is a plaque and artwork placed in honor to Billie in the lobby of the hotel.
Room 8 – The Joshua Tree Inn, Joshua Tree, CA
Musician Gram Parsons had become fascinated with the Joshua trees, spending much of his time at the Joshua Tree National Monument. But, on September 18, 1973, his drug use caught up with him as he died in room 8 of an overdose. The bedroom mirror that was in the room the night Parsons died still remains there.
If you are in the mood for a more romantic hotel room setting, check out the Honeymoon Suite Oatman Hotel in Oatman, AZ. It was there on the night of March 29, 1939 that newlyweds Clark Gable and Carole Lombard stopped on their honeymoon back to Hollywood. Of course, Lombard was killed in a plane crash three years later, devastating Gable. People report seeing the ghosts of Gable and Lombard there, perhaps because the couple was so happy when they stayed at the hotel.
Another romantic spot is room #10 of the Tides Inn, Port Townsend, WA. It was here were many of the love scenes between Debra Winger and Richard Gere were filmed for An Officer and a Gentleman. If you want to stay in a room fit for a king, check out the Best Western Trade Winds Courtyard Inn in Clinton, OK. Room 215 was where Elvis Presley stayed while traveling throughout the Sixties. The room still contains some Elvis memorabilia.
Now, I know I said this was my last infamous hotel rooms blog, but guess what? I lied. Okay, I didn’t lie, but unintentionally forgot that I plan to do a blog on infamous international hotel rooms.