The History
The Chateau Marmont opened in 1929, modeled after the Château d'Amboise in France's Loire Valley. Perched on a hill above Sunset Boulevard, the Gothic Revival tower quickly became Hollywood's most legendary hotel. Its discretion was legendary — Columbia Pictures chief Harry Cohn reportedly told his stars: "If you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont."
The hotel has been the setting for some of Hollywood's most infamous stories: James Dean jumped through a window to audition for "Rebel Without a Cause," Jim Morrison dangled from a drainpipe, Led Zeppelin rode motorcycles through the lobby, and countless movie deals were struck by its pool. Sofia Coppola's film "Somewhere" was set and filmed entirely at the hotel.
What Happened
By early 1982, John Belushi was at the peak of his fame and the depths of his addiction. The "Saturday Night Live" and "Blues Brothers" star had been on a days-long binge of cocaine and heroin. He checked into Bungalow 3 at the Chateau Marmont, where he entertained visitors including Robin Williams and Robert De Niro.
In the early morning hours of March 5, 1982, Cathy Smith, a backup singer and drug dealer, injected Belushi with a "speedball" — a mixture of cocaine and heroin. Belushi went to sleep and never woke up. His personal trainer, Bill Wallace, found him unresponsive at 12:30 p.m. He was 33 years old.
Cathy Smith later confessed in a National Enquirer interview and was charged with first-degree murder, eventually pleading no contest to involuntary manslaughter. She served 15 months in prison.
Key Facts
Last Night Alive
Robin Williams and Robert De Niro both visited Belushi in Bungalow 3 the night before his death. Williams later said the experience terrified him into getting sober.
Bungalow 3
The bungalow where Belushi died is still available for rent at the Chateau Marmont. The hotel has never officially acknowledged the connection, but it remains one of the most requested rooms.
His Legacy
Belushi's death at 33 made him a symbol of the dangers of Hollywood excess. He was buried on Martha's Vineyard. His tombstone reads: "I may be gone, but rock and roll lives on."
What's There Now
Visit the Chateau Marmont
Address: 8221 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA
Status: Still operating as a luxury hotel, now converted to a members-only private club under owner André Balazs.
Highlights: The exterior and lobby maintain their original 1929 Gothic Revival character. The bungalows are tucked behind the main building among lush gardens.
Tip: Non-members can sometimes access the restaurant and bar. Bungalow 3, where Belushi died, can still be booked.
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