The Rose Hotel, designed by Abbot Kinney in 1908, first earned notoriety as a debauched haven for his east coast cohorts against the vibrant backdrop of a stirring city teeming with eager exploration, menacing speculation and impending prohibition (think “Boardwalk Empire” meets “Chinatown”). Its reputation endured, with Charlie Chaplin, Jim Morrison and Dennis Hopper known to drop in over the years.
Today, Venice Beach still brims with the same opportunistic dynamism; a fairground for hipsters/skaters/surfers, and an artist and music/film industry hotbed. Together with a charming canal district, lively boardwalk and soft-sanded beaches, it creates an indescribably unique experience right in the heart of Venice.