Chateau Marmont sits along the freeway on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. Many Angelinos who drive past it every day are unsure of what the strange castle-like building is. What began as an odd apartment complex became one of the most infamous hotels in Hollywood history and a hiding place for deeds better done in privacy. It also became a location where musicians and actors gathered, some working together to create masterpieces of film and music, and still others would lose their lives there.
Shawn Levy’s new book, The Castle on Sunset: Life, Death, Love, Art and Scandal at Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont, acts as a biography of a building, but so much more. The detailed history covers the very beginning of Chateau Marmont, all the way to its resurgence in recent times thanks to a secret party held by Jay-Z and Beyonce. Levy takes great care in retelling the secrets and stories of the hotel, but also makes sure to point out where something might not be exactly credible. He compares the hotel to the popularity of the Garden of Allah Hotel, formerly across the street, and how other popular locations played into the lives of the Chateau’s clientele. The Castle on Sunset takes care to be respectful, but at the same time reading the book almost feels like a family member telling you the secret stories behind their day jobs.
The Castle on Sunset is one of those rare histories that stays interesting and relevant all the way through. Only during the most recent history did I find myself losing my concentration, but that is more my personal interests rather than a flaw with the book. If you love reading about old Hollywood, this is a definite must read or a great gift for someone who thinks they know it all about the playground of movie stars.
The Castle on Sunset is available May 7, 2019 from Doubleday Books, but is available for preorder now.
