The story
The Chateau Marmont has been Hollywood's darkest secret keeper since 1929. Built to resemble a French castle, it became the place where celebrities misbehaved away from prying eyes. Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures famously told actors: "If you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont."
On March 5, 1982, John Belushi was found dead in Bungalow 3 from a speedball overdose, administered by Cathy Smith. He was 33. The hotel's reputation for discretion meant staff noticed nothing unusual until it was too late.
The list of scandals is endless: James Dean jumped through a window to audition for a director, Led Zeppelin rode motorcycles through the lobby, and Jim Morrison nearly died falling from a drainpipe.
What's There Now
Still operating as an exclusive hotel. Bungalow 3 was renumbered after Belushi's death. Rooms start at $500/night.
Everything that was here
- 1929–present · still open
Chateau Marmont (John Belushi Death Site)Historic Hotel
John Belushi died in Bungalow 3. Led Zeppelin rode motorcycles through the lobby. And the hotel owner once told Lindsay Lohan to leave.
See the map in 1930 →
Connected places
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Nearby history
Barney's Beanery
Highland Gardens Hotel (formerly Landmark Motor Hotel)
Grauman's Chinese Theatre
Canter's Deli
Hollywood Hotel
The Viper Room
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