cecil hotel visit

Is the Cecil Hotel still open and can you book a stay?

The Cecil Hotel has a dark past, yet some people are curious if they can spend the night at the notorious LA location

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It's no secret that macabre fame surrounds the Cecil Hotel. 

The historic location in Downtown Los Angeles was the site of Elisa Lam's tragic death, which is the subject of Crime Scene: The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel , part of the best true crime on Netflix lineup. That's but one of many unfortunate scenarios to happen on the property.  

The hotel, which opened in 1924, has an incredibly morbid history, becoming prolific for its numerous murders, suicides and mysterious accidents that have occurred onsite. Now, some believe it is responsible for inexplicable paranormal activity. 

Despite the frightening history and the current potential dangers, there are still plenty of people who are curious if they can book an overnight stay, especially after the true crime doc began streaming in 2021. 

If you're curious to dig into some dark territory, read on.

What happened at the Cecil Hotel?

Following Netflix's deep dive into one of the building's tragedies, everyone's asking " What really happened to Elisa Lam at the Cecil Hotel? "

For those who are unfamiliar with the story, allow us to recap: Lam, a 21-year-old Canadian student, disappeared at the hotel during her stay there in 2013. While searching for Elisa, the Los Angeles Police Department released CCTV footage of her in the hotel's elevator exhibiting bizarre behavior, peering around the doors and apparently speaking to someone—rather conveniently out of sight—before running out into the hallway. Nineteen days later, her naked body was found in a water tank on the roof of the hotel. This discovery came after guests had complained of foul-tasting water.

Elisa's death was eventually ruled an accident, with mentions of her having bipolar disorder, but that hasn't dampened the conspiracy theories. In some ways, it's hardly surprising when you deep dive into the hotel's dark history, and how many murders were committed at the Cecil Hotel .

In 2014, the site rebranded itself as the boutique hostel Stay on Main, but it's done little to temper the fascination around it. The space has remained known as "the most haunted hotel in LA." And yet, there are travelers willing to spend the night in the notorious location.

Is the Cecil Hotel still open?

Ah, the famous question: can you stay at the Cecil Hotel? Well, the answer's complicated.

In 2007, the hotel was sold for $26 million and a section of it was refurbished and renamed the Stay On Main Hotel. The other part of the building remained rented out to long-term tenants from the surrounding Skid Row area.

In 2014, hotelier Richard Born bought the property for $30 million and it continued to remain open. However, in 2017 the building was shut down in order to undergo a complete renovation to add a gym, lounge and rooftop pool. The same year, it was named a historic-cultural monument by the Los Angeles City Council. 

Work on the hotel was completed at the end of 2021 to include affordable housing options, approximately 600 units. Kevin De Leon, La City Council member, announced that the renovations for the housing section were complete.

Allegedlly, the renovations were also set to include around 299 hotel rooms, as part of Born's plan to transition the space into a boutique hotel. The roof, where Elisa's body was found, is reportedly set to be converted into a recreational space for the guests who book a visit. 

However, updates on the building's status are hard to come by. Considering the hotel's website doesn't exist, it's kind of a mystery as to how you can stay the night—and if Hotel on Main has since expanded from affordable housing options to include overnight guests. 

Those who remain curious did some digging. The hotel's Yelp page has reported the building as "closed," and Google will redirect users to other local spots in Los Angeles, but Stay on Main's Agoda page was up and running at the time of publication.

Since news about the hotel is so inaccessible, you'd assume that—and its past—would deter visitors, but those with a taste for true crime stories are continually drawn to the infamous location, even to this day.

How many people have died at the Cecil Hotel?

It has been widely reported that 16 people, including Elisa Lam, have died at the Cecil Hotel since its opening, a shocking figure considering the deaths have either been sudden or shrouded in mystery.

And, if that wasn't enough, there's also the inexplicable case of the Night Stalker at the Cecil Hotel to contend with. Robert "The Night Stalker" Ramirez reportedly stayed there during the height of his murder spree, leaving his bloodied clothes in the parking lot and running up to his room via the fire escape.

The Cecil Hotel on film

It has been widely reported that the Cecil Hotel has served as an inspiration for much of the TV and film world. Most notably, the uncanny resemblance of Hotel Cortez in American Horror Story: Hotel. Let's not forget about the 2021 episode of Ghost Adventures, where the crew went on lockdown inside the space.

Our advice? Seek other travel options if you find yourself in the L.A. area.

Fiona Embleton is a multi-award-winning beauty editor who has tested over 10,000 products in her 10 years +  of writing and shooting beauty stories. For the past four years, she was the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, having previously worked in the role of Beauty Editor at both Stylist and Cosmopolitan. She has recently gone freelance and alongside My Imperfect Life, she has written for titles including ELLE UK, ELLE Canada, Buro 247, Harper's Bazaar Arabia, Vogue Scandinavia, and ES Magazine. Beauty journalism allowed her to marry up her first-class degree in English Literature and Language (she’s a stickler for grammar and a self-confessed ingredients geek) with a passion for make-up and skincare, photography, and catwalk trends. She loves jumping on the latest internet-breaking beauty news, dissecting the best red carpet looks, and having the crème de la crème of dermatologists, make-up artists, and hairstylists on speed dial so she can tap them for the best advice. She’s a discerning beauty shopper and knows it can be confusing trying to navigate what’s hype and what really works. So if she really likes something, you can trust that she has reached that opinion by vetting it against everything else she’s ever tried. Her career highs? Interviewing Cate Blanchett and winning a Jasmine Award for the deeply personal feature  Cancer Stole My Mother’s Scent .   

As a self-proclaimed blush connoisseur, I swear by ILIA's cheek and lip stick and hopefully, when my work is done, you will too.

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The True Story of What Happened to Elisa Lam at the Cecil Hotel

Netflix's new documentary, Crime Scene , acts as an indictment to internet sleuths who cried "conspiracy."

Netflix’s new docuseries, Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel , looks into the case, which became one of the most well-known true crime “mysteries” of the last decade.

Lam had left her belongings behind at the hotel, including her laptop and clothing. There were no signs of forced entry into her room, nor any drug-related paraphernalia. Her last known sighting was on security footage from one of the hotel’s elevators, in which she was seen acting erratically, moving around inside the elevator as if hiding, speaking and motioning as if there is someone else out of sight near the elevator bank. She held the door open. She pressed several buttons. She was found dead on the hotel roof days later.

As journalist Josh Dean puts it in an interview for the Netflix series, “You don’t have to be a conspiracy theorist to say, ‘what the fuck?’”

As the documentary and Dean later make clear, however, there are ways of explaining Lam’s death, even if these explanations prove unsatisfying. Though explicitly chronicling the Elisa Lam investigation, the documentary acts more as a trojan horse for exploring many other features of the case: confirmation bias, fallacies of coincidence found in conspiracy theories (apophenia), urban planning in LA, and mental health.

So while the central question of the series may seem conspiratorial, the answer is actually clear, and it reveals more about those investigating (and obsessing over) Elisa Lam than it does about Lam herself.

What Happened to Elisa Lam?

Crime Scene partakes in a common true crime story structure: withholding key details from the audience until the final episode. While frustrating and baiting, the structure is designed give viewers knowledge only available to the public, allowing them to participate in solving the crime. The structure is particularly effective in the Elisa Lam case, during which internet sleuths obsessed over details of the death. Through the documentary, we become the sleuths.

The sleuths, however, are proven wrong, and the final episode of Crime Scene imitates the kind of jarring awakening many experienced when the case wrapped. In the last episode, in a fusillade of evidence revelation, we are told of many details, which, if revealed earlier in the series and the case, would have led us likely to different conclusions. In short: Lam was not murdered, and it was speculative to have believed so from the start.

“All the background information that’s used to rule [Lam’s death] as an accident is not necessarily made available to the public,” forensic pathologist Dr. Jason Tovar explains in an interview for the series. “For the people on the internet, you really don’t have the full story in front of you. You don’t have all the facts.”

Tim Marcia, a LAPD homicide detective assigned to the case, says in another interview that investigators had information not shared with the public, including knowledge of the severity of Lam’s mental health history.

Lam’s sister had revealed to detectives that Lam had a history of not taking her medication. Among her possessions left at the hotel were several prescription medications, seemingly untouched. Lam had previously been diagnosed with an extreme form of Bipolar Disorder. She had suffered mental breakdowns where she became delusional, fearing someone was chasing her. During one episode, we learn Lam had to be hospitalized.

“Based on the evidence that we have, Elisa looked like she had Bipolar I,” says Dr. Judy Ho, a clinical/forensic neuropsychologist interviewed for the series. An individual with such a disorder could spiral into a psychotic state. “In that state, you have very disorganized thinking, where the logic doesn’t make sense and it’s hard to separate fantasy from reality,” says Ho. “I think that when you look at the reports of her behavior at the hotel [Lam had been disruptive, causing her to be moved into a new room] … and even the infamous elevator video, that, to me, is completely consistent with somebody in the middle of a psychotic episode.”

Ho explains that the elevator is consistent with someone suffering from delusions of paranoia. Lam, she says, may have been having hallucinations consistent with her history of delusions. “The voices can be saying very frightening things,” explains Ho. “That somebody may be out to harm you or that you should go kill yourself. And there’s no way to shut them out.”

Greg Kading, a former LAPD homicide detective interviewed for the series, said Lam’s sister informed detectives Lam would often hide during her episodes. He believes she felt pursued during the night of her disappearance. “She made her way up to the roof,” Kading concludes. “And it would make perfect sense that she saw the water tank as her place to hide.”

Concerns about the lid of the water tank, the fact that Lam was found naked, her access to the hotel’s roof, the dating on the autopsy, the editing of the elevator video—all these concerns expressed by internet sleuths are systematically explained away by evidence presented in the final episode.

Lam, detectives and coroners and psychologists believe, climbed into the tank to escape a perceived threat and then drowned.

What about all the other theories?

The word is “apophenia.” It denotes people’s tendency to falsely perceive meaningful relations or patterns among unrelated things. Think of a person who plays lottery numbers based on “signs” from their day.

In the case of Elisa Lam’s death, many people, missing crucial information about the case, made logical leaps. For instance, they blamed the LAPD and the Cecil Hotel management for conspiring to hide evidence; the lack of connections between events signaled to them a conspiracy. Other connections stood out, including Lam’s name and its supposed link with a tuberculosis test, her death’s similarity with a horror film, and the address she listed at the hotel, which takes google map searchers to a Canadian cemetery. While strange, the phenomena only demonstrate coincidence, not evidence.

Statistics can logically explain away almost any seemingly unbelievable set of phenomena. In the wake of 9/11 conspiracies and a cluster of medically-linked murders, a 2002 article in the New York Times Magazine titled “The Odds of That” gave an explanation for all the supposed “patterns”:

What are the odds? The mathematician will answer that even in the most unbelievable situations, the odds are actually very good. The law of large numbers says that with a large enough denominator—in other words, in a big wide world—stuff will happen, even very weird stuff. “The really unusual day would be one where nothing unusual happens,” explains Persi Diaconis, a Stanford statistician who has spent his career collecting and studying examples of coincidence. Given that there are 280 million people in the United States, he says, ''280 times a day, a one-in-a-million shot is going to occur.”

And that’s what all the patterns and peculiarities of the Elisa Lam case are: coincidences. The “answer” is relatively straight forward. But why do people still insist on calling conspiracy?

Dr. Doug Mungin, a historian of Skid Row interviewed for the documentary, best summarizes the internet’s motivations. “I think that people hope there was a killer, or they hope that their own conspiracy theories would come true, because the reality of it is much sadder.”

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9 chilling facts about the Cecil Hotel, an infamous Los Angeles landmark that inspired Netflix's newest show

• The infamous Cecil Hotel is the focus of a new Netflix true-crime series, premiering February 10. 
• The show focuses on the disappearance of Elisa Lam, whose body was found in the hotel's water tank.
• But numerous other deaths and tragedies have taken place at the Cecil throughout the years. 
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories .

The Cecil Hotel is undoubtedly one of Los Angeles' most notorious landmarks. 

Located in the heart of the city's downtown, a few blocks away from Skid Row (a neighborhood with a large population of homeless people), the Cecil was built in the 1920s. 

Following the onset of the Great Depression a few years later, however, the hotel fell into decline. With its cheap rooms (available for daily or monthly stays) and proximity to Skid Row, the hotel earned a reputation in later years as a haven for drug addicts, sex workers, serial killers, and down-and-out people in Los Angeles. And in the years since, many untimely deaths have occurred at the hotel.

Netflix's new series ,"Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel," examines one of these deaths, which involved Canadian college student Elisa Lam, whose body was later found in one of the hotel's water tanks. 

Lam's death was heartbreaking and unusual, but she's not the only tragedy the hotel has seen. Ahead of the show's February 10 premiere, here are nine chilling facts about the Cecil Hotel. 

Elizabeth Short, also known as the 'Black Dahlia,' was rumored to have visited the Cecil before her grisly 1947 murder

The 22-year-old's body was found in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles several days after she went missing. 

Because of the graphic nature of the crime (Short's corpse was bisected at the waist and severely mutilated, with cuts carved into both sides of her mouth up to her ears), the murder caused a media frenzy and a nationwide search for the killer. 

After Short's death, numerous reports claiming the aspiring actress had been seen at the Cecil Hotel before her murder have proliferated.

However, these reports have been disputed by some , and Short's case remains unsolved to this day. 

Numerous people have died by suicide at the Cecil over the years

The Cecil also saw numerous suicides shortly after it was built. In 1934, an Army Sergeant died by suicide with a straight razor, and in 1937, a member of the Marine Corps leapt from the top of the building . 

During the 1950s, many died by suicide while staying at the hotel, primarily by jumping from the building's windows. 

Helen Gurnee, 50, died by suicide in that manner in 1954, followed by 50-year-old actress Julia Moore and 27-year-old Pauline Otton in 1962 . Otton's suicide caused the death of 65-year-old bystander George Gianni, who was walking underneath the hotel when she jumped. 

A teenage mom murdered her baby there after an unexpected birth

Dorothy Jean Purcell was 19 when she unwittingly gave birth to a baby boy while staying at the hotel with her 38-year-old companion. 

Purcell reportedly didn't know she was pregnant, and, thinking her newborn hadn't survived the birth, threw him out of the hotel's window . She was subsequently arrested , but later admitted to a hospital for psychiatric treatment . 

An eccentric local woman was found sexually assaulted and murdered at the hotel in 1964

The murder of "Pigeon Goldie" Osgood rocked the community after she was found strangled, stabbed, and sexually assaulted in her room at the Cecil in 1964 . 

Osgood was known throughout the neighborhood for feeding the pigeons at Pershing Square nearby, which is how she earned her nickname.

Her case remains unsolved . 

Richard Ramirez famously stayed at the hotel during the height of his killing spree

Over the span of several months in 1984 through 1985, Ramirez sexually assaulted and murdered dozens of people — eventually earning the moniker "The Night Stalker" as his late-night crimes terrorized much of Los Angeles. 

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Before his capture and arrest in August 1985, Ramirez was staying in a room on the top floor of the Cecil for $14 a night .

After killing a victim, he reportedly returned to the hotel, tossed his bloody clothing into the dumpster behind the hotel, and made his way up to his room naked. 

Given the Cecil's colorful array of guests and residents, Ramirez's bizarre behavior largely went unnoticed. 

Another serial killer, Austrian Jack Unterweger, also frequented the Cecil

Unterweger was suspected of killing nearly a dozen women, primarily sex workers, in both Austria and the United States from 1990 to 1991.

His American killing spree reportedly began after he traveled to Los Angeles to write about sex work and crime for an Austrian magazine . 

While he was in California, three sex workers were strangled with their own bras — much like Unterweger's Austrian victims.

Unterweger himself stayed at the Cecil during his trip to Los Angeles, in what some suspect was a macabre tribute to his fellow serial killer, Ramirez . 

The native Austrian was later apprehended in Miami after fleeing law enforcement in both Europe and the United States.

In 1994, he committed suicide in an Austrian prison after being found guilty of nine murders, including the three in Los Angeles . 

Canadian student Elisa Lam's body was found in a water tank on the hotel's roof, after she'd been missing for several weeks

The 21-year-old had traveled to Los Angeles from her native British Columbia, and had stayed at the Cecil Hotel before going missing on January 31, 2013. 

Lam's disappearance sparked an investigation by law enforcement in early February 2013.

During the investigation, it came to light that Lam had been diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder. After not making any progress for several weeks, the Los Angeles Police Department released the now-infamous footage of Lam in the hotel's elevator, behaving erratically and eerily appearing as if she was hiding from someone. 

Lam's body was later discovered in the hotel water tank on February 19 after guests at the Cecil had complained of low water pressure and strange-tasting water.

Despite numerous theories about her disappearance and how she came to be in the tank, authorities ultimately ruled her death an accidental drowning. 

The Discovery channel show 'Ghost Adventures' recently dedicated an episode to the Cecil

Many believe that the hotel is a hotbed for paranormal activity, given the numbers of suicides, murders, and accidental deaths that have occurred there over the years.

And in a special episode that aired January 4, "Ghost Adventures" took a closer look at the Cecil's disturbing past. 

During the episode, a group of paranormal investigators — led by host Zak Bagans — explore the Cecil, including the roof where Lam's body was found, and the room where Ramirez reportedly stayed .

As they delve further into the Cecil's sordid and tragic history, the crew come to believe that the Cecil is filled with paranormal activity, leading to unusual audio and video recordings. They also investigate whether or not Ramirez, who was reportedly a Satanist, may have caused a demonic infestation at the hotel. 

The investigators ultimately conclude that dark energy of the Cecil's past has continued to spread throughout the hotel. 

The Cecil's reputation is so notorious that an entire season of 'American Horror Story' was based on the hotel's dark history

The fifth season of the hit series, which had the subtitle "Hotel," premiered in 2015 and starred Lady Gaga along with Ryan Murphy mainstays Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates, Evan Peters, and Angela Bassett.

It took place at the fictional Hotel Cortez, but it was apparently based on the Cecil Hotel.

While the show focuses on two bloodthirsty vampires and the demonic ghosts, who call the Cortez home, suicides, drug overdoses, and murders are also incorporated into the plot — a clear reference to the real-life tragedies at the Cecil Hotel. 

Disclosure: Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Business Insider's parent company, Axel Springer, is a Netflix board member.

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The True Timeline of the Cecil Hotel's Dark History

The hotel's backstory is examined in Netflix's Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel.

Content warning: references to suicide and murder.

While the docuseries has been criticized for being "exploitative" in its portrayal of Elisa's case, the Cecil Hotel has long been an infamous backdrop in pop culture , serving as an inspiration for the fifth season of American Horror Story, the Coen Brothers' 1991 film Barton Fink, and other film and TV projects.

From the day the Cecil Hotel's doors opened, multiple social and cultural issues have impacted the establishment more than anyone could have ever foreseen. To give you more context, here’s a timeline of significant moments that occurred at the Cecil Hotel over its 94-year history:

1927: The Cecil Hotel opens.

After three years of construction, the Cecil Hotel officially opened in downtown Los Angeles. Decked out with a lavish marble lobby, it was built with the intention of being a comfortable and polished spot for business travelers and Hollywood tourists to enjoy. The United States, however, entered into the Great Depression two years later. Some have attributed the tragedies prompted by the Depression along with the Cecil's proximity to the Skid Row area — the term which, according to the Skid Row Housing Trust , originated during the construction of the railroads in the mid-1800s — to the hotel becoming a spot for violence and crime activity.

1931: The first documented death at the Cecil Hotel occurs.

The first reported death was on November 19, 1931 when a man committed suicide. Since then, over a dozen other deaths — suicides, overdoses, and murders — have taken place at the hotel. Over time, the building was upstaged by nicer hotels in other parts of town, according to CNN .

"This was just a place where people who were really down on their luck were going," Richard Schave, a Los Angeles tour guide, told the outlet.

Eventually, the hotel transitioned into a single-room occupancy operation and long-term tenants would rent their own rooms and share bathrooms with other residents.

Mid-80s/Early 90s: Association with infamous criminals.

Best known as the " Night Stalker ," Richard Ramirez terrorized Los Angeles from June 1984 to August 1985. During this time, the Texas native stayed at the Cecil Hotel on the 14th floor. In summer 1985, Los Angeles residents surrounded him after recognizing him from the newspapers. He was convicted of 13 counts of murder, five attempted murders and 11 sexual assaults.

Then in 1991, serial killer Jack Unterweger checked into the Cecil Hotel — years after he was convicted of murder in 1976 in his native country of Austria. During his stay at the Cecil Hotel, he allegedly killed at least three sex workers. Despite receiving a life sentence, Jack was released on parole in 1990.

In 1994, the government of Austria found him guilty of nine murders, and issued a life sentence.

2013: Elisa Lam dies at the Cecil Hotel.

On January 26, 2013 , 21-year-old Canadian student Elisa Lam checked into the Cecil Hotel. She was originally staying in hostel-style accommodations with other roommates. But when the hotel began getting complaints, she was moved into a room by herself. On January 31 , Elisa was declared missing.

Three weeks later, on February 19 , guests began complaining about the low pressure and the taste of the water in their rooms. Shortly after, Elisa’s body was found floating inside a closed water tank on the hotel’s roof. Her clothes were at the bottom. The coroner declared the death an accidental drowning. Additionally, the autopsy stated that no drugs or alcohol were found in her system and there were no signs of trauma.

A surveillance video of Elisa became an integral part of the case. Wearing a red hoodie and black shorts, she stepped into an elevator and began pressing random buttons. Elisa then goes in and out of the elevator appearing to hide from someone and later on speak to them.

Still, many people aren’t sure what happened to Elisa. After the footage surfaced, several questions were asked: How did she get on the locked roof without triggering the emergency alarm? How did she get into the water tank? How was the water tank lid closed after she got in?

2017: The city of Los Angeles makes the Cecil Hotel a landmark.

Today, the Cecil Hotel is known as Stay on Main after being renamed in 2011. It holds 299 hotel rooms and 301 single-room occupancy residences.

A few years ago, the hotel closed its doors for renovation purposes. Although reports in 2019 indicated that the hotel may reopen in late 2021, it's unclear whether the coronavirus pandemic has delayed the renovation process.

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What happened in the Cecil hotel? History explained

All the events which took place at the Cecil Hotel, featured in Netflix's new docuseries.

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Netflix’s true crime docuseries Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel focuses on the mysterious death of Elisa Lam.

The 21-year-old Canadian student’s body was found in a water tank on top of the LA-based hotel on 19th February 2013, weeks after she went missing on 1st February.

The series also explores the chilling history of the Cecil Hotel, which saw suicides, unexplained deaths and other mysterious events.

From Elisa Lam's death to the case of Dorothy Jean Purcell, read on for everything you need to know about the incidents that have taken place at the hotel or nearby, serial killers who stayed there and whether it's still open today.

What happened in the Cecil Hotel? History explained

Elisa Lam's death

More like this

The most recent of mysterious deaths to take place at the Cecil Hotel is the disappearance and then death of 21-year-old student Elisa Lam, which is the focus of Netflix 's docuseries.

Three weeks after she was reported missing, Elisa Lam was discovered dead in a water tank on the roof of the hotel.

A CCTV video of Elisa shortly before her disappearance went viral on social media. The Elisa Lam video was shared by the police in hopes of gathering evidence.

There are various Elisa Lam theories surrounding the mysterious case, and in June 2013, officials said she had died by “accidental drowning”.

• Read more on What happened to Elisa Lam ?

The Night Stalker Richard Ramirez stayed at the Cecil Hotel

Richard Ramirez - aka The Night Stalker - is known to have stayed at the hotel during his killing spree.

He lived in a room on the top floor of the hotel and paid $14 (£10.12) a night to stay there.

According to reports, Ramirez would throw his bloody clothing into the dumpster of the hotel, and then walk into the lobby either naked or just in his underwear.

There were a number of mysterious incidents

The first known suicide took place at the hotel in 1931. A man named W. K. Norton from Manhattan was discovered dead in his room after ingesting poison capsules.

He had checked into the hotel a week before under the name “James Willys".

One thing that has been noted about many of the suicides which took place at the hotel is people checking in under false names. Many guests who died in this way have been unidentifiable after their deaths, with some still unknown today.

Dorothy Jean Purcell's case

In 1944, 19-year-old Dorothy Jean Purcell checked into the hotel with her 38-year-old boyfriend Ben Levine. According to reports, Dorothy was unaware she was pregnant and one evening when she went to the toilet she gave birth to a baby boy.

Believing her baby was dead, Dorothy then threw the new-born out of the window. She was arrested for murder and at her trial was found guilty by reason of insanity.

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Pauline Otton's suicide led to a second death

One of the most infamous suicides is that of Pauline Otton's as it led to the death of a passer-by. In 1962, Pauline jumped out of a window following an argument with her husband.

She landed on a 65-year-old man named George Gianinni, who happened to walking by at the time.

It was initially thought that the duo had jumped together, however, evidence concluded that George had his hands in his pockets and shoes on, so Pauline must have landed on him.

Elizabeth Short - The Black Dahlia Murder

Elizabeth Short's unsolved murder is the first known killing associated with Cecil Hotel.

In 1947, her body was discovered in two pieces in a nearby park to the accommodation.

Her death remains unsolved to this day, although there have been many suspects and people who claimed to have killed her.

Elizabeth was given the nickname “Black Dahlia” by the media as her death and murder continues to be spoken about, particularly in pop culture. Recently, it was referenced in an episode of American Horror Story .

The murder of “Pigeon Goldie” Osgood

This was another unsolved murder to take place at The Cecil Hotel. In 1964 “Pigeon Goldie” Osgood - a local resident - was discovered dead in her room.

One man named Jacques B. Ehlinger was arrested for her murder because he was seen in the area after wearing bloody clothing, however, he was later released and not charged with her murder.

Jack Unterweger (serial killer) also stayed at the Cecil Hotel

The Cecil Hotel later became the residence of another serial killer - this time Austrian killer Jack Unterweger who murdered between 12 and 15 people.

He was sentenced to life in prison in 1976 for killing an 18-year-old girl. However, a 1985 petition began to have him pardoned, and eventually he was released in 1990.

A year later, he stayed at the Cecil Hotel which he's said to have chosen because of its connection to Ramirez.

Police discovered Unterweger had murdered eight women in Europe who were all killed with their own bras.

Unterweger was eventually caught and charged with 11 murders, including the three that took place in LA.

On the night he was sentenced, Unterweger died by suicide.

Where is Cecil Hotel?

The Cecil Hotel was built in 1920s by Robert H. Schops in Downtown Los Angeles.

With 700 rooms, a marble lobby, palm trees and stained glass windows, the hotel was built with great ambition, however, five years later when the Great Depression started things took a different turn and the hotel started to be known as a meeting place for sex workers and criminals.

In 2011, the hotel was renamed the Stay on Main hotel. Four years later, in 2015, a man's body was found who reportedly died by suicide.

The Cecil Hotel was renamed the Stay on Main hotel

Is Cecil Hotel still open? Can you stay there?

No, Cecil Hotel is not still open.

In 2016, it was announced that the hotel would have a $100 million renovation, although there's been no update on when or if there will be a reopening. It has been reported that the space is being turned into apartments.

The hotel is said to be the inspiration for season five of American Horror Story: Hotel.

Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel is available to stream on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month . Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream .

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Think You Have What It Takes to Spend the Night at the Cecil Hotel?

Feb. 2 2021, Published 9:40 p.m. ET

The hotel that was the inspiration for American Horror Story ’s hotel-themed Season 5 is the subject of Netflix’s new true crime limited series: Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel. This latest crime documentary focuses on the mysterious death of Canadian student Elisa Lam, who disappeared from the hotel the day she was about to check out.

But while Elisa's story is the most recent dark story from the Cecil Hotel, true crime buffs know that the hotel has a much longer dark history that dates back to its opening. 

With its grim and violent past, viewers of Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel are clamoring to know if the Cecil Hotel is still open to visitors. Keep scrolling to find out how to book your stay at this infamous hotel.

Is the Cecil Hotel still open?

Since it first opened in the 1920s, the Cecil Hotel has been the setting of some of Los Angeles’ most violent deaths and crimes. The Cecil has such an infamous reputation that in the trailer for Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel, even the manager of the hotel asks, “Is there a room here that somebody hasn't died in?” 

From robberies to murders to suicides, the Cecil Hotel has a troubling history, to say the least. 

After a brief heyday in the 1920s, the hotel and its surrounding neighborhood fell into shambles when the Great Depression took hold of the country, which led the Cecil to become a hangout for questionable characters.

With rooms for $14 a night, it was popular among the transient residents of Downtown LA’s Skid Row. Even Richard Ramirez , aka the Night Stalker, allegedly lived at the hotel for a time. It was also a favorite haunt of drug users and local sex workers.

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Over the years, along with its sordid reputation, the hotel also fell into physical disrepair until 2007, when it was bought by new owners for $26 million. Against the backdrop of an increasingly gentrified Downtown LA, the group that bought the building aimed to transform it into a boutique budget hotel, renamed the Stay on Main.

The poor, long-term residents of the hotel were pushed out and a $100 million renovation began. 

“We are gutting the entire building,” said Matthew M. Baron, president of Simon Baron Development. “We are going to redevelop it from the doorway to the roof and everything in between.”

But despite the efforts to make the Stay on Main a fresh, new destination, the hotel continued to be plagued by mysterious incidents. In 2013, it gained worldwide notoriety when Elisa Lam went missing and was subsequently found in one of the hotel’s rooftop water tanks. 

In 2016, the Cecil’s owners announced another major renovation and closed its doors once again. But up until 2019, the developers were still gathering permits and securing financing for the project. 

At the time, they expected the work to be completed by October 2021, but given the delays every industry has faced in the past year, the reopening date is bound to be pushed back.

As of now, there’s no official word yet on the Cecil’s reopening.

'The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel' Explores Elisa Lam's Unexplained Disappearance

Jack Unterweger Stayed at the Deadly Cecil Hotel as a Tribute to Another Serial Killer

Serial Killer Richard Ramirez Was Married for 13 Years

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The Story of the Cecil, One of the Creepiest Hotels in the World

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Tucked into downtown Los Angeles is a 19-floor hotel with 700 rooms and an otherwise unremarkable exterior. But within the walls of this structure, nightmarish scenes of humanity's darkness unfolded. It's the Cecil Hotel, an L.A. cultural touchstone, a haunted abyss, and a symbol of opulence riven by urban decay.

"In all my years as a historical journalist, I have never come across a building where so many documented terrible things have happened," emailed Hadley Meares , who also has a podcast called Underbelly L.A. "By far, it is the most cursed space I have ever come across."

It's also the setting of one of the creepiest viral videos of the internet era, an elevator surveillance tape showing the last minutes of Elisa Lam , a Canadian student and former guest of the hotel. A Netflix series explores her disappearance and other mysteries that the hotel spawned.

The Dream and the Nightmare

The night stalker checks in, the mystery of elisa lam.

The Cecil started life very differently. Built in 1924, it was intended to be a jewel of the downtown area, featuring a marble lobby, alabaster statues and gorgeous stained-glass windows.

That dream very quickly became a nightmare.

Just a few years later, the Great Depression began strangling the nation. Vast swaths of L.A. near the hotel degraded into a poverty-stricken area known as Skid Row , where thousands of homeless people gathered.

"The Cecil opened during the boom time days of the Roaring Twenties, and there were high hopes for its success," said Meares, when we spoke to her in 2021. "However, the stock market crash [of 1929] and subsequent depression really hurt downtown Los Angeles, particularly the area where the Cecil was located. The area went further downhill after World War II, and the Cecil became known as a cheap home of last resort for lost souls, criminals and the underserved elderly."

From the 1940s through the 1960s, guest suicides occurred with regularity. Some unfortunate people died within their rooms, from poison, gunshots or razor blades, while others flung themselves from the rooftop. One jumper even landed on – and killed – a pedestrian on the sidewalk below. An unstable woman threw her newborn baby out of the window.

In 1964, hotel resident Goldie "The Pigeon Lady of Pershing Square" Osgood, was brutally murdered and her case was never solved. The retired telephone operator had earned her warm nickname for her habit of feeding birds nearby.

Darker still is the hotel's link to Richard Ramirez, a serial killer who lived at the hotel for weeks during his long and sensational murder spree in the mid-1980s. Known as the "Night Stalker," Ramirez was convicted of 13 murders and other offenses that were noted for their extreme brutality and sadistic twists.

Ramirez was known to prowl among Skid Row residents. According to some sources, after the killings, he'd discard his blood-spattered clothing in the hotel's trash bins without anyone taking much notice.

So casual was Ramirez about his deeds that he'd sometimes lounge around in the homes of his victims, partaking of snacks from the fridge while soaked in their blood. He also burglarized the homes, stealing cash and valuables, and in some instances, even body parts.

"Just thinking of Richard Ramirez, allegedly bringing eyeballs of his victims back into his filthy room at the Cecil chills me to the bone," said Meares. That's exactly what he did after shooting and stabbing Maxine Levenia Zazzara, a 44-year-old woman, in 1985.

After a circus-like trial in which Ramirez reveled in the spotlight, the Night Stalker was sentenced to death. But before he could be executed, he died in 1989 from complications of cancer .

At the Cecil, though, his horrific memory lived on. Just a short time later, another serial killer, Austrian Jack Unterweger , lived at the hotel for a time. Authorities believe he chose the location intentionally as a dark homage of sorts to Ramirez, whose crimes and subsequent celebrity were attractive to Unterweger.

Unterweger was, after all, a man who'd been previously convicted of murder at the age of 23. His life sentence in Austria was shortened to only 15 years, largely because of his writing prowess and intelligence, which he leveraged to convince others of his supposed complete rehabilitation.

Then, he traveled extensively, killing women in other countries, too.

He eventually murdered at least three prostitutes during his time at the Cecil Hotel. He was extradited to Austria and convicted. But the same night he was convicted, he hanged himself in his cell.

All of these grisly details serve as the historical backdrop for 2013, when the hotel became the setting for what's become one of the creepiest unsolved deaths imaginable.

Elisa Lam, a 21-year-old student from Vancouver, was reported missing at the beginning of February 2013. She had been staying at the hotel in a section offering hostel-like accommodations to foreign tourists. (The hotel also had another part with private rooms for regular guests and a third section with low-cost "single room occupancy" and shared bathrooms, for long-term residents.)

By the middle of the month, building occupants had reported instances of low water pressure, as well as discolored and malodorous water dripping from the taps. Maintenance workers opened the hotel's water cistern and found Lam's body inside.

Surveillance video from the elevator, which is still online , seems to portray a young woman in distress. Lam enters the elevator, pressing multiple buttons, peering in and out of the elevator as if she's being pursued, and wildly gesticulates as if she's having an animated conversation with someone.

Could she have ingested too many recreational drugs? Was she being harassed or stalked by a murderer? Or was she having a psychotic breakdown?

To this day, no one knows exactly how Lam's naked body wound up in the water tank. The door to the roof was locked. And no one can explain how the cistern's heavy lid was closed behind her.

"To me, the fact the Lam's phone was never found — or at least the police have never released that it was found — is the most enticing aspect of the case," said Meares. "Think of what that phone could tell us!"

Officially, Lam's case is called an accidental drowning, and her bipolar disorder is sometimes cited as a potential cause of her strange behavior. Experts interviewed for the Netflix series hypothesized, based on a toxicology report, that she'd been taking too little of her medication for her bipolar disorder, experienced a psychotic episode and climbed into the water tank for protection.

With all of the strange and awful incidents that happened there, it's easy to wonder: Is the Cecil Hotel some sort of a magnet for evil that draws out the worst in human nature? Or is it simply that in an area so permeated with suffering and depravity, it was bound to be the scene of countless acts of violence and despair?

The Cecil is known – unsurprisingly — for hauntings and paranormal activity. Ghost hunters have scoured its halls for clues to supernatural events. And its creepy past inspired the fifth season of American Horror Story.

The Cecil closed in 2017 and reopened in December 2021 as a "supportive housing project" open to any Los Angeleno with a government housing voucher. But the Los Angeles Times reported in December 2022 that two-thirds of it was still unoccupied. "Even with solid funding and the best of intentions, the Cecil project has struggled to overcome a system beset with a slow-moving bureaucracy and multiple failure points, and to offer a housing stock that serves a population with myriad needs," the paper said .

In 1987, rock band U2 wanted to make a raucous live music video for their hit song, "Where The Streets Have No Name." The band skirted authorities and filmed in downtown L.A. amidst rowdy fans and Skid Row residents. You can see the Cecil Hotel in the background as they perform.

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Why You Can't Stay At The Cecil Hotel From Crime Scene — Yet

The Cecil is undergoing an overhaul in attempt to scrub its nefarious reputation.

Netflix's new docuseries Crime Scene largely focuses on the mysterious 2013 death of Elisa Lam, but at the heart of the case is the creepy hotel where she vanished: the Cecil, which is located in downtown Los Angeles and has had a notorious reputation practically since its inception. For those obsessed with the macabre, yes, the Cecil Hotel is technically still open , but you can't exactly stay there. At least not yet.

Though the murders and supernatural sightings that have happened at the hotel are so infamous that it served as inspiration for American Horror Story: Hotel , the Cecil is currently closed to all visitors. Developers are hoping to give the site a total overhaul, and the Cecil's doors have been shut for the last few years pending construction. Per Curbed LA, the Cecil attempted to rebrand as Stay on Main, a budget-friendly hostel, in 2011, but its eerie reputation was unearthed again after Lam's mysterious 2013 death . The building was then sold in 2014 to New York real estate developer Richard Born, who owns numerous boutique hotels like the Bowery and the Greenwich. In 2015, Simon Baron Development entered a 99-year lease with the property owner to overhaul the entire building, which has 299 hotel rooms and 301 single-room occupancy residences.

"We are gutting the entire building," president Matthew M. Baron said, per Los Angeles Times . “We are going to redevelop it from the doorway to the roof and everything in between." Their goal was to turn the Cecil into a pricey boutique hotel, while the rest of the building would become 150 to 325 square feet micro rental units.

Construction was supposed to begin in 2017, but according to Curbed LA , Simon Baron Development still hadn't secure funding for the project as of September 2019. On top of all that, Baron's plans to overhaul the building to cater to the increasingly gentrified area has drawn criticism from housing advocates. While the Cecil was originally built in 1924 as a luxury hotel, the Great Depression soon made it a home for those who couldn't afford to stay elsewhere and it has continued to serve as such over the years. Per the LA Times , there was an effort to permanently turn most of the Cecil into housing for those experiencing homelessness, but those plans collapsed after strong opposition from downtown business leaders.

Baron's initial vision for the building was the exact opposite. For example, the firm wanted the building to have guest lecturers and rooftop meals prepared by up-and-coming chefs. The units wouldn't come with kitchens, but for around $1,500 a month they would include Wi-Fi and cable. By 2019, however, the city and developers had agreed that 10 of the units would be kept as affordable Single Room Occupancies (SROs). The rebranded Cecil was projected to open its doors in October 2021, but now it's unclear if and when the building will ever be completed.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Where is the Cecil Hotel, is it still open and can you stay there?

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Netflix’s new series Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel is available to stream from today and lifts the lid on serial killer Richard Ramirez and how his crimes went undetected for so long.

The new four-part documentary takes a look at the mysteries of Cecil Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles, a guest house where Ramirez lived.

Dubbed ‘Hotel Death’, the location is described as a place where serial killers ‘let their hair down’ and one which is known to many as LA’s deadliest hotel.

Ramirez, who would later become known as the Night Stalker, raped, killed and tortured dozens of people around Los Angeles between 1984 and 1985. 

According to confessionals in the show’s trailer, he would walk into the Cecil Hotel ‘covered in blood and no one would bat an eyelid…’

The most chilling event inside the hotel came in 2013, when college student Elisa Lam vanished during her stay.

The case became one of the most-discussed on the internet, and now it’s being examined in more detail.

The series will take a look at Elisa’s case, analysing the last footage of her acting erratically in the hotel’s elevator.

The footage shows her moving her hands around strangely, with someone suggesting she was looking like she could have been ‘conjuring a spirit’.

Is The Cecil Hotel still open and can you stay there?

Based on the edge of a deprived area of LA known as Skid Row, the Cecil Hotel’s sordid past spans decades, with dozens dying while staying there either by suicide, murder or accidental overdose. 

The 19-floor hotel was opened in 1924 by William Banks Hanner, Charles L. Dix and Robert H. Schops.

The three hoteliers invested $2.5million (£1,805,625.00) into the hotel, but five years later the United States sank into the Great Depression.

In the 1940s, the hotel began to decline as the area nearby became populated with the homeless.

In 2007, Cecil Hotel had a refurbishment and in 2011 it was rebranded under the new name of Stay on Main.

In 2014 it was sold for $30million (£21,667,500.00) to hotelier Richard Born. It closed in 2017 for renovation and hasn’t reopened yet…

Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel arrives on Netflix on February 10

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Is The Cecil Hotel Still Standing? Where Is It Located? Who Is Its Owner?

If you’re the kind of person who listens to true-crime podcasts in your free time and often ventures down the YouTube and Reddit rabbit holes of mysteries and fadings, then trust us, Netflix’s ‘Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel’ is the show for you. Chronicling the disappearance of 21-year-old Elisa Lam, a Canadian tourist staying at the Cecil Hotel in Los Angeles during her visit to California, this four-part mini-series examines all the aspects involved in her matter. And because the hotel itself plays quite an important role, let’s find out its current situation, shall we?

Is The Cecil Hotel Still Standing?

Located at 640 S. Main Street in Los Angeles, California, 90014, sitting just off Seventh and Main, the answer to whether the Cecil Hotel is still standing or not is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. The downtown budget hotel, or the Stay On Main Hotel and Hostel, is not currently open or operational. But unlike what most people tend to think, it has nothing to do with its proximity to the Skid Row area or its haunting history. In fact, the 1924 building, established during the boom of LA and Hollywood, which unwittingly garnered a reputation for being a home for transients, is closed for renovations.

The 700-room structure, including single, double, and group occupancy quarters, was opened as a hotel in 1927 as a one-stop-shop for business travelers and tourists alike. But because it couldn’t keep up with the times and became known for its safety issues, it had no choice but to rebrand and try again. Therefore, in 2011, the Cecil Hotel became Stay on Main, complete with a different lobby, a distinct setting, and even a new website. The central aspect of it being a hotel while still having residential units, though, remained the same. But it seems like the hotel officially closed its doors for the public in 2017.

Who Is The Owner of the Cecil Hotel Today?

With a portfolio of successful lodges in New York, Richard Born, boutique hotelier and founder of BD hotels, bought the Cecil Hotel for $30 million in 2014. However, in 2015, another New York-based organization, Simon Baron Development, entered into a 99-year ground lease with the new property owner to independently renovate and operate the Cecil. Towards the end of 2016, the leasing firm revealed its plans of adding a gym, a lounge, and a rooftop pool to the building, all the while preserving its architectural and historical significance.

In February 2017, the Los Angeles City Council deemed the Cecil Hotel a Historic-Cultural landmark. And it was around this same time that it shut down its doors. As per the latest reports, though, all the work within Cecil, guided by Simon Baron Development, is expected to conclude by October 2021. Their proposal outlined a mix of hotel and micro-living units, stating that they wished to rehab 261 residential rooms and build 30 replacement ones at a nearby estate. In simpler words, the Cecil will be a lodge again, so if all goes to plan, it could be open to the general public for business quite soon.

Read More: How Many People Have Died at the Cecil Hotel?

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Inside the Haunted History of the Cecil Hotel

Hidden in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, there is a building that has witnessed a century’s worth of secrets, mysteries, and darkness – the Cecil Hotel.

It’s an iconic building shrouded in a haunting aura. The infamous hotel has become a place of near-supernatural fame. Echoes of names from years past, like the “Night Stalker” or the Black Dahlia, still reverberate through the halls.

It has grand facades and once-luxurious interiors. For decades it beckoned travelers to experience a world of elegance and sophistication. Yet behind the glamor and opulence, this intriguing establishment holds a troubled past that continues to haunt its many rooms.

What gives rise to its sinister reputation? What draws us to its tales of dark events and unsolved mysteries? Ultimately, the truth lies in answering the question: what happened in the Cecil Hotel?

Early Years, Grandeur, and Popularity

In 1924, amidst the vibrant energy of the booming city of Los Angeles, three hoteliers – William Banks Hanner, Charles L. Dix, and Robert H. Schops – had a vision. Together, they joined forces to create the Cecil Hotel.

Their goal was to create a luxurious haven for business travelers and tourists seeking respite in the heart of the city. The hotel was designed by the talented architect Loy Lester Smith in a Beaux-Arts style. And it was constructed under the watchful eye of W. W. Paden.

From the beginning, the Cecil Hotel embodied wealth and opulence. With a price tag of $1.5 million, the Cecil boasted a grand marble lobby. It was adorned with exquisite stained-glass windows and other expensive decor.

In the end, the enterprise would cost about $2.5 million for the hoteliers.

The Cecil Hotel was a sanctuary that welcomed the highest of society. It promised an indulgent and unforgettable experience. When it finally opened its doors a few years later in 1927, it immediately became a destination of choice for many travelers to the city.

The lavish interiors were adorned with gleaming marble. It exuded an air of sophistication and prestige that was tailored for luxury-seeking tourists and business people. In truth, the Cecil catered to an interesting mix of clientele.

However, the hotel’s fortunes began to take a dramatic turn just two years later. It began with the devastating Wall Street Crash of 1929, which plunged the United States into the depths of the Great Depression.

As the economy crumbled, so did the surrounding neighborhood, including the infamous Skid Row. The once-thriving area became synonymous with violence and crime. This cast a shadow over the Cecil and signaled the beginning of a tumultuous journey ahead.

The Cecil’s Decline and Notoriety

As the 1940s unfolded, the Cecil Hotel’s once-glamorous façade began to fade. The tides of change swept through the neighboring area known as Skid Row.

This once-thriving district became an enclave for transients. There was an estimated population of up to 10,000 homeless individuals within a mere four-mile radius.

The hotel’s decline also paralleled the deteriorating conditions of its surroundings. This set the stage for a series of unfortunate events that would forever give its name worldwide notoriety.

You see, through the years, the Cecil Hotel also became a hub for activities society often preferred to keep hidden.

It attracted sex workers seeking clients. It provided a clandestine backdrop for illicit encounters. Adulterous affairs found their meeting place within its walls. This added an extra layer of intrigue to the hotel’s reputation.

The dark underbelly of society seemed to find solace in the Cecil. And the situation would only grow darker and more disturbing. Over time, the Cecil Hotel acquired a haunting notoriety for its association with death and suicide.

Growing Reputation for Dark Events

The first recorded suicide at the Cecil Hotel occurred in 1927 when Percy Ormond Cook tragically ended his life. Consumed by despair after a failed attempt at reconciliation with his family, Cook died of a self-inflicted gunshot inside his hotel room.

Despite efforts to save him, Cook passed away that same evening. This cemented the beginning of the Cecil’s association with tragic endings and death.

Unfortunately, the hotel’s notoriety for suicides only continued to grow. A few years after, in 1931, a guest by the name of W. K. Norton died in his room in the Cecil. He intentionally ingested capsules full of poison.

Many more suicides followed throughout the 1940s and 1950s. No good explanation exists for why the Cecil became such a hub of despair and demise.

In 1964, another horrific incident stained the history of the Cecil Hotel.

Pigeon Goldie Osgood, a retired telephone operator, and beloved long-term resident, met a tragic and violent end. She was discovered in her room. She was a victim of rape, stabbing, and severe beating. Her belongings were strewn about in disarray.

Her murder sent shockwaves through the community. Suspicion initially fell upon Jacques B. Ehlinger, who was found covered in blood near the hotel. However, Ehlinger was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing and was released. The case of Osgood’s murder is unsolved to this day and shrouded in mystery.

Over time, each tragedy that occurred only added more intrigue and fascination around the hotel’s lengthy history. Its growing reputation for death, darkness, and danger fueled its legacy – one that exists to this day.

The echoes of these tales continue to resonate with those who visit. An indescribable energy and haunted feeling now define the Cecil Hotel. However, the history of the Cecil was just beginning.

The “Night Stalker” Connection

Throughout the Cecil Hotel’s history, its name became intertwined with the chilling presence of one of America’s most notorious serial killers: Richard Ramirez. Also known as the “Night Stalker.” During the mid-1980s, there are reports that Ramirez stayed at the hotel, establishing a temporary residence there.

In those years, many believed that “Night Stalker”  committed multiple murders. These murders were also combined with disturbing cases of rape, kidnapping, and even pedophilia. For years, he terrorized communities across the state of California.

Disturbingly, it’s believed that Ramirez carried out the majority, if not all, of his heinous crimes while staying at the Cecil. Accounts suggest that he would discard his blood-soaked clothes in the alley outside the hotel. He would enter through a fire escape and ascend the interior stairs in his blood-stained underwear.

His reign of terror eventually came to an end when vigilant Los Angeles residents apprehended him on the street in 1985. This led to his arrest and subsequent conviction for 13 murders. Ramirez was sentenced to death. He ultimately succumbed to cancer in 2013.

But the Cecil Hotel’s connection to serial killers didn’t end with Richard Ramirez. In the 1990s, the hotel hosted another infamous figure – the Austrian serial killer Jack Unterweger.

It’s speculated that Unterweger may have sought to emulate Ramirez’s crimes during his stay at the Cecil. In a chilling series of events, Unterweger strangled and killed at least three prostitutes. He was eventually convicted of these crimes in Austria.

The presence of such notorious and malevolent individuals within the walls of the Cecil Hotel has long added to its macabre allure. It has cemented its reputation as a place intertwined with darkness and horror.

One particularly perplexing case, however, would eventually outweigh them all.

The Mysterious Case of Elisa Lam

In 2013, the Cecil Hotel captured the public’s attention once more with the perplexing case of Elisa Lam . A surveillance video of the young Canadian student behaving erratically in the hotel’s elevator went viral. This sparked widespread fascination, especially online.

The footage shows Elisa Lam repeatedly pressing buttons. She steps in and out of the elevator. Then, she seemingly attempts to hide from an unseen presence. Shortly after the video was recorded, Lam mysteriously vanished.

Concern grew as the days turned into weeks. Hundreds of theories emerged as to what had happened to the young woman. Was she being followed into the elevator? Was she kidnapped? Could there be another serial killer in the Cecil Hotel?

Weeks later, there were complaints from guests about strange-tasting water and low pressure. Upon inspection, her body was tragically discovered in one of the hotel’s water supply cisterns on the roof.

The circumstances surrounding Elisa Lam’s death raised numerous questions, particularly how she ended up inside the water tank. Authorities were baffled. Further investigation into her case revealed that the floor she stayed on lacked security footage. This left a void of crucial information.

Additionally, her sister informed detectives about Lam’s history of mental health problems. Lam was diagnosed with an extreme form of bipolar disorder. She had apparently exhibited such behavior before, especially when she was not consistently taking her medication.

In fact, several prescription medications were found among her belongings at the hotel, seemingly untouched. As such, the police concluded that her behavior in the elevator was a result of paranoia or a hallucination. They believe that she climbed into the water tank herself, believing she was in danger.

The speculation was that she might have entered the tank when the water level was high enough for her to climb out. However, as guests and residents used the water, the level likely dropped. This would have left her trapped inside.

In the end, the Los Angeles County Coroner ruled that Elisa Lam’s death had been accidental. Still, this explanation was not enough for many people. Many questions still remained and the evidence seemed fragmentary. 

The release of the eerie elevator footage to the public catapulted the Elisa Lam case into a viral Internet sensation. The baffling nature of her actions and subsequent disappearance ignited intense speculation and discussion on various online platforms. Forums, YouTubers, and media pundits dissected the eerie circumstances surrounding her tragic end.

Ultimately, the case of Elisa Lam remains there. It is a chilling and baffling chapter in the dark history of the Cecil Hotel. It adds to its reputation as a haunted, threatening place shrouded in mystery and tragedy.

Modern Renovations and Rebranding

Despite the dozens of murders, suicides, and bewildering disappearances linked to the Cecil Hotel, it has remained open for business. Not without changes, however.

Following a change in ownership in 2008, the Cecil Hotel underwent a partial refurbishment. This signaled a shift in its trajectory.

Then, in 2011, a portion of the hotel was rebranded as “Stay on Main.” Despite the rebranding, the hotel’s official website continued to bear its original name.

The building underwent further redevelopment under new ownership. In 2014, it was sold for $30 million. The hotel continued to change hands in the following years. Finally, in 2017, the hotel temporarily closed its doors for renovation.

However, progress was put on hold indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the interruption, the historical significance of the Cecil Hotel was acknowledged in February 2017. The Los Angeles City Council designated it as a Historic-Cultural Monument.

After several years of transformation and uncertainty, the Cecil Hotel found a new purpose. In 2021, it reopened as an affordable housing complex operated by the Skid Row Housing Trust. It now provides affordable living for approximately 600 low-income residents.

This transition marked a departure from the hotel’s tumultuous past. It offered it a fresh start and a positive contribution to the community.

The Cecil Hotel Today

Today, the Cecil Hotel stands as a testament to its complex history. It still bears the weight of its tumultuous past. The hotel has long been associated with names like the Black Dahlia, the Night Stalker, and dozens of tragedies. However, what remains of the infamous hotel at present?

It was once known for its dark reputation. It was marred by incidents of violence, mysterious deaths, and connections to infamous individuals. But the hotel has undergone significant changes in recent years.

This shift represents a remarkable turnaround for a place that was once synonymous with tragedy and notoriety. With its designation as a Historic-Cultural Monument, the Cecil Hotel has gained recognition for its architectural and historical significance.

The preservation efforts, particularly in restoring the grand lobby, pay tribute to the building’s past. It highlights its role as an early 20th-century American hotel. This blend of historical preservation and contemporary transformation represents a balanced approach to revitalizing the Cecil Hotel.

Yet, of course, as the Cecil Hotel enters this new chapter, it carries with it the stories of the past. It reminds us of the complex web of tragic, disturbing events that have unfolded within its walls.

“The Cecil Hotel and Its Mysteries.” The Yucatan Times, April 5, 2023. https://www.theyucatantimes.com/2023/04/the-cecil-hotel-and-its-mysteries/ .

Harvey-Jenner, Catriona. “The Deaths and Dark History of the Cecil Hotel.” Cosmopolitan, February 17, 2021. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/reports/a35531459/cecil-hotel-deaths/.

Knight, Lewis. “Cecil Hotel’s Dark History – Murder, Horror and Bizarre Elisa Lam Vanishing.” Mirror, January 30, 2021. https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/cecil-hotels-dark-history-murder-23394765 .

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Kelsi Davies

Inside The Cecil Hotel (EXTREMELY HAUNTED)😰 #cecilhotel #elisalam #haunted

Posted: April 22, 2024 | Last updated: April 22, 2024

We got to go inside the Cecil Hotel! Full video coming next Friday!!!w/ @Mackenzie Marie @Joey Official Get the spirit box app I use here:Iphone: <a href="https://apple.co/3l4RzV6Android:">https://apple.co/3l4RzV6Android:</a> <a href="https://bit.ly/3bWz0fAKEL">https://bit.ly/3bWz0fAKEL</a> KATS DISCORD CHAT:https://discord.gg/bCQ324ZeRrFOLLOW KELSI ON SNAPCHAT:@kelsi.davies GET A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM ME:https://v.cameo.com/d52gKRctMjbLISTEN TO MY NEW PODCAST InTALKxicated, available wherever you listen to your podcasts!Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intalkxicated/id1549744512Google">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intalkxicated/id1549744512Google</a> Podcasts: <a href="https://bit.ly/InTALKxicated_GoogleSpotify:">https://bit.ly/InTALKxicated_GoogleSpotify:</a> <a href="https://bit.ly/InTALKxicated_SpotifyAmazon">https://bit.ly/InTALKxicated_SpotifyAmazon</a> Music: <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0057f4c5-9a95-4cfb-acd2-4c9b02b95787/intalkxicatediHeart">https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0057f4c5-9a95-4cfb-acd2-4c9b02b95787/intalkxicatediHeart</a> Radio: <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-intalkxicated-85278266/PLAY">https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-intalkxicated-85278266/PLAY</a> MY NEW GAME FOR FREE:https://www.hibbygames.com/kelsi-davies-haunt-escapeNEW MERCH IS HERE!➡ <a href="https://teespring.com/stores/kelsidaviesFACEBOOK:➡">https://teespring.com/stores/kelsidaviesFACEBOOK:➡</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OfficialKelsiDaviesINSTAGRAM:@kelsiidaviess➡">https://www.facebook.com/OfficialKelsiDaviesINSTAGRAM:@kelsiidaviess➡</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kelsiidaviess/TWITTER:@kelsiidaviess➡">https://www.instagram.com/kelsiidaviess/TWITTER:@kelsiidaviess➡</a> https://www.twitter.com/kelsiidaviess/TIKTOK:https://www.tiktok.com/@kelsiidaviessHELP ME OUT: ➡ <a href="https://paypal.me/kelsidaviesBECOME">https://paypal.me/kelsidaviesBECOME</a> A YOUTUBE CHANNEL MEMBER:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSODi5sR29kV3UZQdHerPtw/membershipCamera Used:Canon Powershot G1X Mark IIIKelsi Davies is not a "paranormal investigator", she just loves the history and experience that comes with going to haunted locations! We like to see what ghost evidence we can capture on camera while having fun adventures! Kelsi has medium/psychic abilities, which run in her family, that she also likes to explore and practice! She also does entertaining vlogs of her life, conspiracy videos, and more! Welcome to the life of Kelsi, Kel Kats!#hauntedhouse #ghost #marilynmonroe

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Novotel Moscow City Reserve now

Lock in a great price for Novotel Moscow City – rated 8.4 by recent guests!

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• Pet friendly
• Air conditioning
• 24-hour front desk
• Key card access
• Daily housekeeping
• Non-smoking rooms

This modern hotel is conveniently located in Moscow City Business Center, a 5-minute walk from ExpoCenter. A spa center, a gym, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour reception are featured at Novotel Moscow City. The spacious, air-conditioned rooms offer pastel-colored interiors and elegant décor. Each room comes with a flat-screen TV, a mini-bar and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. MC Traders Restaurant serves international and Russian cuisine, and MC Traders Lounge Bar offers a variety of drinks and light snacks. Guests are welcome to relax in the Turkish steam bath or sauna, and visit the on-site massage room. Afimall Shopping Center is located in the same building, and Moscow sky deck is located nearby. The Kremlin and the Red Square are 3.1 mi away. Delovoy Tsentr Metro Station is just a minute’s walk from Novotel Moscow City. Belorussky Train Station is 2.8 mi away, and Sheremetyevo International Airport is a 35-minute express train ride from this station.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Private Parking
• Family rooms
• Airport shuttle (free)
• Fitness center
• Excellent Breakfast

Property highlights

Located in the best-rated area in Moscow, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.2

Want a great night's sleep? This hotel was highly-rated for its very comfy beds.

Private parking at the hotel

Loyal Customers

끖 There are more repeat guests here than most other properties.

Saved to 28374 lists

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Property practices

Categories:, see what guests loved the most:.

Hotel area info

Restaurants 1 restaurant on site.

• Cuisine American • Italian • Russian • Local • Asian • European
• Ambience Modern

Amenities of Novotel Moscow City Great facilities! Review score, 8.4

• Live sports events (broadcast)
• Cooking class Additional charge
• Themed dinners Additional charge
• Temporary art galleries
• Fruit Additional charge
• Wine/Champagne Additional charge
• Kid-friendly buffet
• Kids' meals Additional charge
• Special diet meals (on request)
• Breakfast in the room
• Parking garage
• Accessible parking
• Private check-in/out
• ATM on site
• Baggage storage
• Express check-in/out
• Indoor play area
• Board games/Puzzles
• Ironing service Additional charge
• Dry cleaning Additional charge
• Laundry Additional charge
• Fax/Photocopying
• Business center
• Meeting/Banquet facilities Additional charge
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV outside property
• CCTV in common areas
• Smoke alarms
• Security alarm
• 24-hour security
• Shuttle service Additional charge
• Shared lounge/TV area
• Designated smoking area
• Smoke-free property
• Packed lunches
• Soundproof rooms
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Airport shuttle
• Room service
• Bathroom emergency cord
• Lowered sink
• Toilet with grab rails
• Wheelchair accessible
• Locker rooms
• Spa lounge/Relaxation area
• Spa facilities
• Body treatments
• Facial treatments
• Beauty services
• Turkish/Steam Bath

See availability House rules

From 3:00 PM

Until 12:00 PM

Cancellation/ prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 16 and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

The number of cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

There are no extra beds available at this property.

All cribs are subject to availability.

No age restriction

There's no age requirement for check-in

Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.

When booking more than 7 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Accepted payment methods

Cash Novotel Moscow City accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

Billing/invoices

Official invoices (for tax/billing purposes) are available at this property for business travelers.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Please note that according to the hotel's policy the guest who made the booking must be the holder of the credit card provided during the booking and at check-in. An alternative credit card has to be provided otherwise, and cash payment is also available. In case of providing another credit card, the amount of prepayment will be refunded to the credit card used for the booking.

Guests are required to provide a reservation number upon check-in. Otherwise, the reservation might be not found.

All Russian guests who check in a room should provide national passport upon arrival - not only the one who made a booking.

FAQs about Novotel Moscow City

How far is novotel moscow city from the center of moscow.

Novotel Moscow City is 3.1 miles from the center of Moscow. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What type of room can I book at Novotel Moscow City?

Does novotel moscow city have a restaurant on site, how much does it cost to stay at novotel moscow city.

The prices at Novotel Moscow City may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

What is there to do at Novotel Moscow City?

• Themed dinners
• Cooking class

What are the check-in and check-out times at Novotel Moscow City?

Check-in at Novotel Moscow City is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM.

The Best of Moscow

• The Kremlin
• Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
• Lenin Mausoleum
• Saint Basil's Cathedral
• Donskoi Monastery
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Victor Vasnetsov House Museum
• Museum of Traditional Russian Beverages Ochakovo
• State Historical Museum
• Neskuchny Garden
• Zaryadye Park
• Kolomenskoye Park
• Botanical Garden of Academy of Sciences

Popular Areas

• Arbat Street
• Izmaylovsky Kremlin

Shopping Areas

• GUM Shopping Center

Stadiums or Arenas

• Luzhniki Stadium
• VTB Arena - Dinamo Stadium
• Olympic Stadium
• Spartak Stadium
• Sport complex Snezh.com
• Bolshoi Theater

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The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property.

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When guests stay at the property, they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff is, and more.

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After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. We check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our site.

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Novotel Moscow City 4 stars Family friendly Ecocertified

88 88 photos/video

83 83 photos/video

Description

Novotel Moscow City

Hotel that makes every moment matter

The Novotel Moscow City is the only hotel in the famous Moscow City business area of the capital among the highest skyscrapers in Europe, with exciting sky decks and restaurants with panoramic views. The hotel is perfect for business and holiday. Rooms with panoramic windows, a restaurant and a bar, the InBalance welness center, 8 conference rooms, and an underground parking are at guests' disposal.

Novotel Moscow City has a good location within walking distance to the one of the largest Afimall City Shopping and Entertainment Mall, Expocenter, Moscow River Embankment and Krasnaya Presnya Park. The Hotel is also easily accessible by the public transport: several subway and public transport stations, including express to Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo International Airports.

Hospitality and high standards of one of the largest hotel operators in the world Accor in a modern business district of Russia. Novotel Moscow City is perfect for relaxation, ideal for business. Welcome!

Take advantage of the opportunity to book a buffet breakfast on the website for the price of 1,700 rubles per person! The cost of the breakfast when paid at the reception and in the MC Traders restaurant is 1,950 rubles per person.

Hotel extras

Free Wi-Fi, newspapers and maps of Moscow. 5 minutes to the Expo Center.

A minute to the Afimall shopping center with lots of shops, cafes, cinemas.

2 minutes to the highest observation deck in Europe and no-limit ice cream.

4 metro stations and Moscow Central Circle station near the hotel.

15-minutes drive to the Kremlin.

Our accommodation(s)

Page out of

Superior Room with queen-size bed

• 3 pers. max
• 25 m² / 269 sq ft
• Bedding 1 x Double bed(s)
• Views: Courtyard View

From NaN RUB NaN RUB Note  *

Fees and taxes included

1 night | 1 adult

Superior Room with 2 twin beds

• 2 pers. max
• Bedding 2 x Twin bed(s)
• Views: City View

Deluxe room with a double bed

Executive Room with king-size bed.

• 4 pers. max
• 34 m² / 365 sq ft
• Bedding 1 x King size bed(s) and 1 x Double sofa bed(s)

Executive Deluxe Room with double bed and sofa.

• 40 m² / 430 sq ft
• Bedding 1 x King size bed(s) and 1 x Single sofa bed(s)

Deluxe with a double bed for guests with limited mobility

• Accessible room

Executive room for guests with limited mobility with King-size bed

• 33 m² / 355 sq ft

Junior suite for guests with limited mobility with a King-size bed

• 58 m² / 624 sq ft
• Bedding 1 x Double bed(s) and 1 x Double sofa bed(s)

Junior Suite Room with king-size bed and sofa

Suite Room with king-size bed and sofa

• 54 m² / 581 sq ft

City Suite with 1 King-size bed and sofa

• 75 m² / 807 sq ft

Hotel location

Presnenskaya Naberezhnaya, 2, Presnenskaya Naberezhnaya 2, Russia 123112  Moscow Russia

GPS : 55.748069, 37.53685

Contact email [email protected]

Click to copy the email address

Access and transport

Kiev railway station

Railway station

Access: 4.9 km  /  3.04 mi     15 min drive

Tourist attraction

Access: 5.6 km  /  3.48 mi     15 min drive

Historic monument

Access: 6.3 km  /  3.91 mi     15 min drive

TRETYAKOV GALLERY

Access: 7.5 km  /  4.66 mi     20 min drive

Access: 7.5 km  /  4.66 mi     18 min drive

Shuttle on call, Shuttle scheduled

Saint Basil's Cathedral

Access: 7.5 km  /  4.66 mi     15 min drive

BOLSHOI THEATER

Opera/symphony/concert hall

Access: 8.4 km  /  5.22 mi     20 min drive

"Krasnaya Presnya" park

Access: 2.1 km  /  1.3 mi     15 min walk  /  7 min drive

"Afimall City" shopping center

Shopping district

Access: 200 m  /  0.12 mi     5 min walk

Hotel services

Check-in from 03:00 PM - Check out up to 12:00 PM

• Wheelchair accessible

Fitness center

• Air conditioning
• Meeting rooms
• 100% Non Smoking Property
• Room service

MC Traders offers a wide range of delicious international cuisine and cooking classes. The guests can enjoy Early bird breakfast from 4 am; hold a meeting during a business lunch and in the evening relax next to a real fireplace in the bar.

MC TRADERS BAR

Located in the hotel lobby, the MC Traders lounge bar is the ideal place to relax. A wide range of drinks and snacks is available to suit all tastes.

4 options for you to chose from depending on your tastes. A snack at reception from 4AM. A buffet breakfast. For those in a hurry, hot drinks, orange juice and croissants served at the bar. Room service.

At our charming wellness and fitness center, you can enjoy our 2 saunas, 2 hammams (Turkish baths), relaxation rooms and massage treatments. Our mission is to make sure you can enjoy complete relaxation.

Meetings & Events

Our guest reviews

100% genuine reviews from our guests

ALL Rating  4.5/5  2,791 reviews

TripAdvisor Rating  4.5/5  1,821 reviews

Good loacation & Cozy Environment

Customer review rating 5.0/5

Anonymous Business - 3/16/2024 Confirmed reviews ALL

It was my first time staying in this hotel. It was beyond my expectations. In general; the hotel is clean well orginized and pay attention to their guest’s satisfaction.

Dear Burak! Thank you very much for your glowing review regarding your stay at Novotel Moscow City! We are thrilled to hear that you have a great impression about your stay, as well as our hotel team! It is a pleasure for us to bring comfort and positive emotions to our Guests providing courteous, warm and welcoming service. We are glad that you highly evaluated our work! We are looking forward to welcoming you back at our hotel! Warmest regards, Irina Naumova Quality and Attitude Manager.

Wonderful Stay as always !!

TripAdvisor rating 5.0/5

andyrocks_globe 3/5/2024 TripAdvisor review

During my recent stay at Novotel Moscow City from 9th to 22nd February, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception I received from the duty manager Marika. Her friendly demeanor and efficient handling of check-in made me feel welcome and valued as a guest as always. I also want to extend my appreciation to the night manager Maria for her attentiveness and quick response to any requests or concerns I had during my stay. Her professionalism and dedication to ensuring a comfortable experience for guests did not go unnoticed. The F&B Manager Darina and her associate Yulia deserves special recognition for their exceptional service and attention towards the incredible experience. I am extremely glad with the fact that how she is concerned with every details to make the valued guest feel exceptional during the stay. Lastly, I would like to express my deepest gratitude towards Deputy GM Marina for her overall management of the hotel. Her leadership and commitment to guest satisfaction were evident throughout my stay, and I truly felt well taken care of under her supervision.

Dear Andy! Thank you very much for your glowing review regarding your stay at Novotel Moscow City! We are thrilled to hear that you have a great impression about your stay, as well as our hotel team! It is a pleasure for us to bring comfort and positive emotions to our Guests providing courteous, warm and welcoming service. We are glad that you highly evaluated our work! We are looking forward to welcoming you back at our hotel! Warmest regards, Irina Naumova Quality and Attitude Manager.

Fantastic place

Customer review rating 4.5/5

Anonymous Friends - 1/14/2024 Confirmed reviews ALL

Good location, near to a big mall ( 4 minutes of walk ) were everything you need is available.

Dear Saud! Thank you for your kind feedback. We are glad to know that you enjoyed your stay with us. Looking forward to welcoming you back. Sincerely, Irina Naumova Quality and Attitude Manager.

Well located

Customer review rating 4.0/5

Vitaly Y. Business - 12/9/2023 Confirmed reviews ALL

1. Process of lamp light replacement should be managed more effectively. 2. It is too noisy in the inner rooms - noise from events (bad sound isolation) 3. All other aspects are on the good level.

Dear Vitaly! Thank you for your kind feedback. We are glad to know that you enjoyed your stay with us. Looking forward to welcoming you back.

well located, good stay

Davit S. Business - 12/9/2023 Confirmed reviews ALL

Thank you for everything?

Dear Davit! Thank you for your kind feedback. We are glad to know that you enjoyed your stay with us. Looking forward to welcoming you back.

In partnership with  TripAdvisor

Web-users rating

Other web-users rate our hotel

• 868 reviews 9.5/10 Location
• 1,449 reviews 7.5/10 Room
• 1,252 reviews 8.8/10 Service
• 19 reviews 4.2/10 WiFi
• 906 reviews 9.6/10 Breakfast
• 514 reviews 7.7/10 Cleanliness
• 145 reviews 5.6/10 Amenities
• 110 reviews 9.5/10 Location
• 194 reviews 7.1/10 Room
• 170 reviews 9.1/10 Service
• 145 reviews 9.7/10 Breakfast
• 60 reviews 6.9/10 Cleanliness
• 10 reviews 5.3/10 Amenities
• 117 reviews 9.6/10 Location
• 204 reviews 6/10 Room
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• 130 reviews 9.5/10 Breakfast
• 69 reviews 7.4/10 Cleanliness
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• 26 reviews 4.9/10 Amenities
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• 59 reviews 7/10 Room
• 52 reviews 8.7/10 Service
• 34 reviews 9.7/10 Breakfast
• 25 reviews 7.9/10 Cleanliness

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Price from: 1 night for 1 person in the room category identified within the same price range, excluding additional services and breakfast. This refers to the lowest public price, including all taxes ( VAT and tourist tax included) for the accommodation concerned, found on https://all.accor.com/ site today, for a one-night stay in the next 20 days . Varies according to period and availability. The price is only guaranteed at the time of booking. All bookings (foreign) are payable in the local currency where the hotel is situated. Only the amount confirmed during the booking in the hotels local currency is guaranteed. An estimated conversion in your local currency may be given for reference but is not part of the contract. Your bank may charge you bank fees and/or exchange fees at the time of payment.

Novotel Moscow: welcome to the capital of Russia

Browse hotels in moscow.

Moscow is a city of history and culture, a place where Russian traditions come to life. Its iconic Red Square is a must-see, as is the Moscow Kremlin and the beautiful St. Basil's Cathedral. The Bolshoi Theatre offers a world-class performance, and there are plenty of parks and playgrounds where families can relax and enjoy the city. And when it comes to accommodation, Novotel hotels offer the perfect combination of convenience and comfort, with their family-friendly central locations.

Best places to visit in Moscow

Moscow is a city of culture, history and beauty, and Novotel hotels provide the perfect base for exploring. From Novotel Moscow Centre, you’ll be not far from The State Tretyakov Gallery and Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure, both in the city of Moskva. Novotel Moscow City is close to Novodevichy Convent, and a short drive away from Moskovskiy Metropoliten. With Novotel, you’ll be sure to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Family hotels in Moscow

Make your family trip to Moscow one to remember with Novotel. Our 4 hotels in Moscow provide a warm welcome for every family, with special gifts for kids aged 16 and under. We offer discounts for interconnecting rooms, and there’s plenty of fun to be had in our Social Hubs. Plus, kids can enjoy breakfast for free! Whether you’re looking for a city break, a countryside escape or a beach holiday, Novotel has the perfect family-friendly accommodation for you in Moscow. Novotel Moscow Centre offers families the perfect base to explore the city. Just 10 minutes' drive away is the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, while the Moscow Circus on Ice is only 9 minutes away. The hotel is also close to the Moscow Zoo, making it easy to enjoy a day out with the family. For a leisurely stroll, Park Pobedy Na Poklonnoy Gore is just a short drive away from Novotel Moscow City.

Business hotels in Moscow

Novotel hotels in Moscow provide the perfect combination of convenience and comfort for business travelers. Located in the heart of the city, they are just a short walk away from the bustling business district and offer a range of modern amenities to make your stay as productive as possible. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and access to meeting spaces and conference rooms, as well as the expertise of Novotel Ambassadors to ensure your business trip to Moscow is a success. Novotel Moscow Centre is the ideal place for business travelers, conveniently located within 10 minutes' walk of Kitay-Gorod, 10 minutes' drive from Tverskaya Street, and not far by car from Arbat Street. For those looking for a more urban experience, Novotel Moscow City is situated in the heart of the Presnensky District, just 9 minutes' drive away. Both hotels offer spacious meeting rooms, private car parking, and easy access to Moscow's top attractions.

Wellness stays in Moscow

At Novotel, we understand the importance of taking care of yourself. Our wellness hotels in Moscow offer a perfect balance of relaxation and rejuvenation. Enjoy the stunning views of the city from the terrace, or take a dip in our heated pools. With a 24-hour reception and delicious breakfast in the morning, you can focus on getting the most out of your wellness experience and let us take care of the rest. Stay at Novotel Moscow and enjoy the ultimate wellness experience. Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo and Novotel Moscow City offer a range of amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, spa and fitness center. Novotel Moscow Kievskaya and Novotel Moscow Centre are also great options, with their heated indoor pools and state-of-the-art fitness centers. Whether you're looking to relax or stay active, Novotel Moscow has the perfect facilities for you.

Restaurants in Moscow

Experience the best of Moscow dining at Novotel's restaurants. From the vibrant Don Pepe Tex Mex at Core Novotel Moscow Shereme, to the classic international cuisine at Cote Jardin and Cote Azur at Ppoint Novotel Moscow Centre, you'll find something to tantalize your taste buds. All of our restaurants are overseen by experienced chefs, such as Mrs. Anastasia Bogacheva and Ms Olga Merinova, who bring their own unique twist to the dishes. And, of course, all of our restaurants offer a children's menu, so the whole family can enjoy the flavors of Moscow.

Which Moscow hotel is best for family stays?

When it comes to family stays in Moscow, Novotel hotels are the perfect choice. Our hotels offer great deals for families, including free stays and breakfast for two kids under 16, 50% discount on second family rooms, and play areas in our lobbies. Families can explore the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, the Moscow Zoo, Park Pobedy Na Poklonnoy Gore and the Moscow Circus on Ice, all located in the city of Moskva. With Novotel, families can enjoy a fun and comfortable stay in Moscow.

How much is a night at a Moscow hotel?

Novotel hotels in Moscow offer great value for money, with competitive rates for business travelers, families and sightseers alike. Plus, when you book your stay with us, you can be sure you’re getting the best price available. If you find a lower rate within 24 hours of booking, we’ll match it. Check out our rates for your preferred dates and book your stay with us today.

What is the most romantic Novotel hotel in Moscow?

A stay at Novotel Moscow Centre is the perfect romantic getaway. Located in the heart of the city, it is just a few minutes' walk away from the iconic Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral, as well as the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre. Enjoy a romantic evening stroll in the city, and then come back to the hotel for a romantic dinner in one of our restaurants. Our stunning views of the city skyline will make your stay truly unforgettable.

Which area is good for business travellers to Moscow?

Business travellers to Moscow will appreciate the convenience of Novotel's four hotels in the city. Located near Kitay-Gorod in the city of Moscow, Novotel Moscow Centre is just a 10-minute walk away. For those looking to explore the city, Tverskaya Street in the city of Moskva is only a 10-minute drive away, while Arbat Street in the city of Moskva is not far by car. All of our hotels are equipped with modern business facilities and services, making them ideal for business travellers.

Do you offer hotels with meeting rooms?

Yes, all Novotel hotels in Moscow offer meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology and amenities to ensure your event is successful. Our team of professionals will help you organize your event and make it a memorable one.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Kitay-gorod?

The closest Novotel hotel near Kitay-gorod is the Novotel Moscow Centre, located just 10 minutes' walk away.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Tverskaya Street?

The closest Novotel hotel near Tverskaya Street is the Novotel Moscow Centre, located 10 minutes' drive away.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Arbat Street?

The closest Novotel hotel near Arbat Street is the Novotel Moscow Centre, located a short drive away.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Presnensky District?

The closest Novotel hotel near Presnensky District is the Novotel Moscow City, located just 9 minutes' drive away.

Can I stay near Moscow airports?

Yes you can. Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo is just a 1-minute walk away from Sheremetyevo - A.S. Pushkin international airport in the city of Khimki, making it an ideal hotel for travelers. It offers a variety of amenities including a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and a 24-hour front desk. Novotel Moscow Kievskaya is a short drive away from Vnukovo International Airport in the city of Vnukovo, and features a bar, a 24-hour front desk, and a variety of room types. Novotel Moscow Centre is also not far by car from Zhukovsky International Airport in the city of Zhukovskiy and Moscow Domodedovo Mikhail Lomonosov Airport. It offers a restaurant, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Sheremetyevo - A.s. Pushkin International Airport?

The closest Novotel hotel near Sheremetyevo - A.s. Pushkin International Airport is the Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo, which is located just 1 minute's walk away.

Can I stay near Moscow train stations?

Yes, you can. Novotel Moscow City is close to Kiyevsky railway station in the city of Moskva, so you can easily explore the city by train. At Novotel Moscow Centre, you’ll find Kurskaya, Belorussky Station and Kazansky railway station all within a short distance away. Enjoy a comfortable stay with modern amenities and a delicious breakfast, as well as a fitness center and a terrace. With Novotel you can be sure that you’ll always be close to the train station.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Kiyevsky Railway Station?

The closest Novotel hotel near Kiyevsky Railway Station is the Novotel Moscow City. It is located not far from the station.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Kurskaya?

The closest Novotel hotel near Kurskaya is the Novotel Moscow Centre, located close to the station.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Belorussky Station?

The closest Novotel hotel near Belorussky Station is the Novotel Moscow Centre. It is located a short distance away.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Kazansky Railway Station?

The closest Novotel hotel near Kazansky Railway Station is the Novotel Moscow Centre, which is a short distance away.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Moscow Paveletsky Train Station?

The closest Novotel hotel near Moscow Paveletsky Train Station is the Novotel Moscow Centre, located not far away by car.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Komsomolskaya?

The closest Novotel hotel near Komsomolskaya is the Novotel Moscow Centre, located just a few minutes away.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Leningradsky?

The closest Novotel hotel near Leningradsky is the Novotel Moscow Centre, located just a short drive away.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Yaroslavskiy Railway Terminal?

The closest Novotel hotel near Yaroslavskiy Railway Terminal is the Novotel Moscow Centre, which is a short drive away.

What is the closest Novotel hotel near Moscow Rizhsky Railway Station?

The closest Novotel hotel near Moscow Rizhsky Railway Station is the Novotel Moscow Centre, located just a few minutes away.

Do you offer hotels with swimming pool?

Yes, Novotel Moscow Kievskaya and Novotel Moscow Sheremetyevo both offer swimming pools that are perfect for a refreshing dip or a leisurely swim.

Do you offer hotels with spa?

Absolutely! Novotel Moscow City has an extensive spa and wellness center that offers a variety of treatments and services to help you relax and rejuvenate. Whether you are looking for a massage, facial, or body treatment, our spa has something for everyone.

Do you offer hotels with fitness center?

Absolutely! All Novotel hotels in Moscow are equipped with a fitness center to keep you feeling energized during your stay.

Are Moscow Novotel hotels Covid 19-safe?

Taking care of others is at the heart of everything Novotel does. Like all of our hotels, Novotel hotels in Moscow have elevated health and safety measures even further according to the ALLSAFE standards by Accor Live Limitless, developed with and vetted by Bureau Veritas, a world leader in testing, inspections and certification.

THE 10 BEST Downtown Moscow Hotels

Moscow City Centre Hotels

Property types, distance from, neighbourhoods, traveller rating, hotel class.

• Best Value Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveller ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location, as well as personal user preferences and recently viewed hotels.
• Traveller Ranked Highest rated hotels on Tripadvisor, based on traveller reviews.
• Distance to city centre See properties located closest to the centre first with confirmed availability for your dates from our partners

1. Hotel Metropol Moscow

2. Lotte Hotel Moscow

3. Mercure Moscow Paveletskaya

4. Ararat Park Hotel Moscow

5. Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow

6. Swissotel Krasnye Holmy Moscow

7. Hotel De Paris

8. Mercure Arbat Moscow

9. President Hotel

10. Four Seasons Hotel Moscow

11. hotel baltschug kempinski moscow, 12. mercure moscow baumanskaya, 13. garden ring hotel, 14. intercontinental moscow - tverskaya, an ihg hotel, 15. azimut city hotel olympic moscow, 16. crowne plaza moscow - tretyakovskaya, an ihg hotel, 17. kadashevskaya hotel, 18. arbat hotel, 19. plaza garden moscow wtc, 20. mamaison all suites spa hotel pokrovka, 21. novotel moscow city, 22. ibis moscow centre bakhrushina, 23. hotel savoy moscow, 24. bega hotel, 25. katerina city hotel, 26. radisson slavyanskaya hotel & business center, moscow, 27. peter i hotel, 28. golden ring hotel, 29. assambleya nikitskaya, 30. lesnaya by safmar, popular destinations for downtown hotels.

Popular Moscow Categories

Downtown Hotels information

• Hotel Metropol Moscow
• Lotte Hotel Moscow
• Mercure Moscow Paveletskaya
• Ararat Park Hotel Moscow
• Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow
• Swissotel Krasnye Holmy Moscow
• Hotel De Paris
• Mercure Arbat Moscow
• President Hotel
• Four Seasons Hotel Moscow