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Visiting Hollywood Hotels By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
July 14, 2004
When I say Hollywood Hotels I'm not literally referencing hotels found in Hollywood, but something slightly different. I'm talking about places where those Hollywood folk have descended to make a movie--or at the very least, to shoot a few scenes.
Admit it or not, you're fascinated by pop-culture. You may not buy the celebrity rags every week, or not that you'd admit, but you can't help following movie news, especially where your favorite stars are concerned. Who doesn't want a window into the celebrity world? I can help give you a glimpse. These are but a few Hollywood hotels where you can walk through the very same doorways, stroll the very same grounds, and take a dip in the very same pools where some Hollywood heavies have done the same.
Close to home for many a star is the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, located in Los Angeles. It has a rich history with celebs. It even has a helipad on the roof, which probably came in hand during the filming of TRUE LIES starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Many other films shot at the Millennium include: STARSKY & HUTCH, HEARTBREAKERS, and AUSTIN POWERS: GOLDMEMBER. Also in Los Angeles is the Regent Beverly Wilshire, which provided the unforgettable backdrop for much of PRETTY WOMAN starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.
On the opposite coast, The Fairmont's Plaza Hotel boasts many a film credit as well. Some of them are legendary greats including: GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT (dating back to 1947), BAREFOOT IN THE PARK and FUNNY GIRL (both big hits in the late 60s), MIDNIGHT COWBOY, THE WAY WE WERE, ARTHUR, ANNIE, SCENT OF A WOMAN, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE, and MISSION IMPOSSIBLE. MAID IN MANHATTAN was shot in New York at The Waldorf Astoria and the Roosevelt Hotel.
Up North, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the location where some of DOCTOR ZHIVAGO was filmed. AMERICA'S SWEETHEART with Julia Roberts, John Cusack, and Catherine Zeta-Jones was shot at the deluxe Hyatt Lake Las Vegas.
Florida can also boast about a lot of movie business. STUCK ON YOU, a recent film by the Farrelly Brothers, starring Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear, and Cher, was partially filmed at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood, Florida. ALI, the epic that was based on the life of Mohammed Ali, was partially filmed at The Shubert Motel in Fort Lauderdale. ANY GIVEN SUNDAY was shot at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale. UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL was partially filmed at the Radisson Bahia Mar Resort, also in Fort Lauderdale. The Yankee Clipper Beach Hotel in Fort Lauderdale was where ANALYZE THIS, starring Robert DeNiro, Billy Crystal, and Lisa Kudrow shot.
Searching for movie settings is a pretty cool way to see a place. And it doesn't have to be all about the hotels. A personal favorite of mine is the Washington Square Park Arch in New York City, famous for its role in WHEN HARRY MET SALLY. Along the same lines, I thought some of you would want to know about the golf course where CADDYSHACK was filmed. It was formerly known as the Rolling Hills Golf & Tennis Club in Davie, Florida, but following a massive renovation it's now the Grande Oaks Golf Club.
Take a trip – there is so much scene-ry on the road for you to see. Don't forget to drop me a postcard with your favorites!
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