Bunker Hill Hotels: Vendome Hotel, 1900-1963

 

1939, Looking north on Hill Street with the Vendome Hotel on the left advertising rooms for $1.00 a day or $3.00 a week for a clean, well-ventilated stay.  Photo by Dick Whittington.  

1947, Street view of the Vendome Hotel, located on the west side of Hill Street between Second and 3rd Streets.  The Victorian-style structure features a shoe shine parlor at street level with pedestrians adding life to the scene.  Photo by Arnold Hyden.

HISTORICAL NOTES

The Vendome Hotel, located at 231 South Hill Street in Los Angeles, was a 3-story Victorian structure built in 1900 and designed by architect Charles H. Brinkhoff for the Barr Realty Company.  Notable for its architectural features, including fire escapes, balconies, and bay windows, the hotel stood as a striking example of the period's design until its demolition in 1963.  

1950, A view of the bay-windowed and columned Vendome Hotel at 231 South Hill Street, just north of 3rd Street. A man walks past the building, while a billboard advertising Dash Dog Food is visible near its left side. Photo by Arnold Hyle. 

1958, A view of the bay-windowed and columned Vendome Hotel at 231 South Hill Street, with two men lounging on its porch. In the foreground, a phone booth, fire hydrant, and shoeshine stand are visible. The Hotel Astoria is seen in the left background. Photo by Arnold Hylen.

1960, A view of the Vendome Hotel at 231 South Hill Street, located at the foot of Bunker Hill. A man relaxes on the porch, likely waiting for a phone call (note the phone booth in front of the building). The Victorian-style hotel, built in 1900, features distinctive columns and bay windows, with a sign above the porch reading, "SPECIAL RATES TO SERVICEMEN." The Vendome stood until 1963 when the redevelopment of Bunker Hill began. Today, the site is occupied by a parking structure. Photo by Arnold Hyden.  Thank you to Jack Feldman.

1960, Front view of the Vendome Hotel at 231 South Hill Street, a three-story Victorian structure featuring fire escapes, balconies, and bay windows. A sign reading 'Special Rates to Servicemen' is visible on the left. Photo by William Reagh