Tucked at the crossroads of Culver Boulevard and Main Street in Culver City, The Culver Hotel doesn’t so much announce itself as it charms you into noticing. Rising six stories in elegant brick and ivy, this 1924 flatiron beauty seems to tilt its hat and tip you a wink as you pass by. It’s the kind of place that feels like it remembers more than it tells. Stepping through the door, there’s a sense that this is a bit more than a hotel. 100 years in the making, it’s a story that’s still unfolding.
Originally built in 1924 by Harry Culver, the city’s founder, The Culver Hotel quickly became the unofficial clubhouse for the movie industry’s brightest—and wildest—stars. Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, even the legendary Munchkins from The Wizard of Oz reportedly bunked here. This region, after all, was once the heart of Tinsel Town, and across the plaza is the former Culver Studios (now Amazon MGM Studios). Today, the landmark hotel maintains a hint of cinematic magic, with homages to its former Hollywood star guests, here and there, along with nightly projections of classic black and white movies in The Grand Lobby, and a monthly screening series in partnership with The Culver Theater.
Over the years, the hotel passed through various hands, including those of John Wayne—who, according to rumor, won it in a poker game. Like so much of Hollywood lore, the truth is probably somewhere between cocktail napkin myth and civic record. What is true is that The Culver Hotel, after a period of decline, was painstakingly restored and now gleams with Gatsby-esque glamour and 21st-century ease. Vintage fans will feel right at home; think crystal chandeliers, rich velvets, tasseled tie-back silk curtains, and antique finds that current proprietor Maya Mallick personally sources via her international travels. Mallick fully restored the hotel in 2007, and her efforts have made it a treasured local institution.
There are just 46 rooms, which adds to an air of intimacy—each styled with a “Prohibition Meets Paris” vibe, and each featuring a blend of French-inspired decor with contemporary amenities. Each is cozy, yet you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable—and elegant—stay: in-room coffee, filtered water, crystal chandeliers, windows that open to sea breezes, plenty of storage space, and a welcome plate of fresh fruit. Bathrooms are appointed with white subway tiles, Carrera marble vanities with chrome fixtures, and luxurious Aesop bath products.
Downstairs, The Culver Hotel Bar & Restaurant is part salon, part time machine. By day, it’s a place for meetings over cappuccinos, or laptops and lemonade. Come evening, it transforms; the crowd is a blend of neighborhood regulars and travelers who’ve either stumbled upon this gem or booked intentionally. The menu, which was recently updated as part of the hotel’s Centennial celebration, brings a fresh take on classic Hollywood dishes, elevating iconic staples like Crab Louie and Steak Frites with a distinctly Californian flair and tableside touches, including a roving brass martini cart. Don’t miss the Spicy Rigatoni, and make sure to save room for dessert. The Culver Mess is a glorious (and Instagram-worthy) mélange of hazelnuts, chocolate ganache and whipped meringue.
Guests can enjoy dining inside or al fresco on the Parisian-style garden terrace out back. This whimsical, twinkle-lit floral wonderland behind the hotel is enchanting. If visiting on a Friday and Saturday night, don’t miss a peek at the upstairs The Velvet Lounge. This sultry, speakeasy-inspired space features cozy vintage décor and is a great date night spot. Come morning, enjoy complimentary housemade pastries (including an absolutely delicious chocolate chip muffin) and coffee.
The Culver Hotel doesn’t compete with the new—it dances alongside it. Around the corner, bustling restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops keep the neighborhood humming. But here, inside these walls, an enveloping timelessness creates a welcoming air of calm. Whether enjoying a crafted cocktail under the chandeliers, jiving to a jazz set in the lobby, or celebrating a special occasion, The Culver Hotel is more than just a place to spend the night. It’s a lovely little slice of living history.
Photos courtesy of The Culver Hotel, unless otherwise noted
9400 Culver Blvd., Culver City, CA