Hollywood Hotel: Decoding the Name From LA to Ireland

If you’ve searched for “Hollywood Hotel” and found results pointing to a vanished LA landmark, a budget motel on Vermont Avenue, an Irish seaside resort, and even a property in Bosnia, you’re not alone. This article unpacks the confusion by tracing the original Hollywood Hotel at Hollywood & Highland, its Irish name-twins, and the celebrity hotels of Dublin that now carry the star-powered torch.

Last checked: 2026-06-30

Property name: Hollywood Hotel (multiple interpretations) · Locations identified: Los Angeles, CA; Hollywood, Ireland; Sarajevo, Bosnia · Top search result (LA): The Hollywood Hotel (thehollywoodhotel.com) · Top search result (Ireland): Holyrood Hotel Bundoran (holyroodhotel.com)

Where was the original Hollywood Hotel?

The original Hollywood Hotel opened in December 1902 on an unpaved road then called Prospect Avenue, later renamed Hollywood Boulevard in 1910 when Hollywood was annexed by Los Angeles (Water and Power Associates). Developer H.J. Whitley—“Father of Hollywood”—built it as a society venue and real‑estate lure for buyers arriving by trolley from downtown LA. The two‑story Mission Revival structure stood at the northwest corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, with broad verandas and manicured lawns that eventually stretched to Orchid Avenue. It housed early film stars and became a social nucleus for the nascent movie industry.

By the 1950s the hotel had fallen into disrepair. In August 1956 it was demolished to make way for a twelve‑story First Federal Savings and Loan building and a shopping center (Martin Turnbull blog). That building later gave way to the Hollywood & Highland complex and the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. The bottom line: the original Hollywood Hotel no longer exists; its site is now dominated by a shopping mall and Oscar venue.

Where is Hollywood located in Ireland?

Hollywood is a small village in County Wicklow, about 40 km south of Dublin, nestled in the Wicklow Mountains. Its name derives from “Holy Wood,” associated with the early Christian saint Kevin (IrishCentral Facebook post).

Confusion often arises because a separate town called Holywood (with an “o”) lies near Belfast in Northern Ireland—a completely different place. The Irish legend that a man named Thomas Guirke from Hollywood, Co. Wicklow, named Hollywood, California is not substantiated by primary records. The first documented use of the name “Hollywood” in California appears on Harvey Wilcox’s 1887 land deed, according to local histories (The Hollywood Hotel blog). The pattern: the Irish connection remains a charming story, not a verified fact.

Inside Ariana Grande’s Irish stay: five‑star hotel, vintage shopping

When pop star Ariana Grande toured Ireland, she reportedly stayed at a five‑star hotel in Dublin—though the specific property is not named in available sources. Websites such as Celebrity-Hotels.com list Powerscourt Hotel, The Merrion, and Number 31 as luxury Dublin hotels with past celebrity guests. Meanwhile, Taylor Swift’s Dublin hotel during her 2023 Eras Tour stop was widely rumored to be the five‑star InterContinental Dublin, though we found no official confirmation in our research.

Short‑form video content has highlighted Ballyfin in County Laois as a private luxury retreat favored by Kim Kardashian and others (TikTok). These properties reflect a broader trend: Dublin and the surrounding countryside offer discreet high‑end stays that appeal to celebrities seeking privacy. What this means for travelers: if you’re hoping for a celebrity sighting, your best bet is one of Dublin’s top‑tier hotels near St Stephen’s Green or the Merrion Square area.

Is Hollywood Hotel nice?

That depends entirely on which property you mean. The modern “Hollywood Hotel” at 1160 North Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles is a no‑frills budget motel—rated 3 stars on TripAdvisor with mixed reviews about cleanliness and noise. It is affordable (rates around $100–$150/night) and convenient to the Metro Red Line, but it lacks the glamour its name suggests.

The Loews Hollywood Hotel at 1755 N Highland Avenue, by contrast, is a modern luxury property rated 4.5 stars on booking platforms, with room rates starting around £300/night. It sits directly at the historic intersection and offers views of the Hollywood sign and Walk of Fame. The separate Holyrood Hotel in Bundoran, Ireland—often conflated with “Hollywood”—is a family‑friendly seaside resort with an on‑site spa, known for its cliff‑top setting. The trade‑off: your experience will vary enormously based on which “Hollywood Hotel” you book.

13 best hotels in West Hollywood – deals from £168/night

West Hollywood (“WeHo”) is a distinct city within Los Angeles County, separate from Hollywood proper. KAYAK lists West Hollywood hotel deals starting at approximately £168 per night for 2026 (KAYAK). Popular options include the Sunset Marquis, The London West Hollywood, and the Mondrian—all within walking distance of the Sunset Strip. Unlike the original Hollywood Hotel site, West Hollywood hotels tend to be mid‑to‑upscale and cater to nightlife and entertainment crowds.

Price comparison data from Booking.com shows that standard rooms in West Hollywood generally range £168–£450/night, with suites exceeding £800/night. Budget travelers may find better rates in the Hollywood (proper) area, but WeHo offers a more curated boutique experience. The bottom line: if you’re price‑sensitive, look at the Hollywood Hotel on Vermont Avenue or chains further east; if you want scene and style, West Hollywood is your lane.

Comparing the top “Hollywood Hotel” properties

Best for different traveler types

• Families visiting Ireland: Holyrood Hotel in Bundoran offers a water‑play area, spa, and direct beach access. Rates are family‑friendly.
• Couples seeking romance: Loews Hollywood Hotel with its rooftop pool and city views, or a five‑star Dublin property like The Merrion.
• Budget travelers: Hollywood Hotel on Vermont Avenue (LA) or Hollywood Hotel Sarajevo – both under $150/night with basic amenities.
• History enthusiasts: Stay at Loews Hollywood Hotel and walk across the street to the Dolby Theatre site, knowing you’re standing where the original Hollywood Hotel once hosted silent‑film stars.

Pricing bands

Based on data from KAYAK, Booking.com, and hotel websites:

• Budget (€50–$100/night): Hollywood Hotel Sarajevo, Hollywood Hotel Vermont Ave (LA).
• Mid‑range (€80–€200/night): Holyrood Hotel Bundoran, some West Hollywood boutique hotels off‑peak.
• Premium (£168–£600/night): West Hollywood hotels (Sunset Marquis, London West Hollywood) and Loews Hollywood Hotel.

Location and getting there

Los Angeles: The original Hollywood Hotel site is at Hollywood Blvd & Highland Ave, now the Hollywood & Highland complex. The modern Hollywood Hotel (Vermont) is 2.5 miles east. Loews Hollywood Hotel is a 5‑minute walk from the Metro Red Line station at Hollywood/Highland.

Ireland: Hollywood, Co. Wicklow, is a 40‑minute drive from Dublin via the N11/M11. Holyrood Hotel in Bundoran is a 3‑hour drive from Dublin in County Donegal.

Sarajevo: Hollywood Hotel Bosnia is in the city centre, about 15 minutes from Sarajevo International Airport.

Our pick: who should book which?

For those curious about Ireland’s growing role in film production, West Cork Film Studios offers a fascinating look at how a former furniture warehouse in Skibbereen has become a new Hollywood hub.

Frequently asked questions