Marilyn Monroe - Follow the Footsteps of a Hollywood Icon with Booking.com
This August 5th marks the 55th anniversary of the death of one of the most celebrated and iconic actresses of all time - Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn (who was born with the name Norma Jean) became famous for her iconic look and style and shot to fame in movies such as Some Like it Hot, The Seven Year Itch and Niagara.
Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, is celebrating this Hollywood icon by looking at some of the destinations where she made a name for herself as well as some great accommodations to stay in to feel like a movie star. From that iconic subway grate shot in New York City to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Booking.com invites you to follow in the footsteps of a true Hollywood icon.
New York
On the southwest corner of Lexington Avenue and 52nd street is perhaps the most famous subway grate in the world. It was here that, in 1954, Marilyn Monroe’s iconic ‘flying skirt’ image was captured by photographer Sam Shaw during filming of the Seven Year Itch. It was also in New York that Marilyn sang one of the most memorable Happy Birthdays of all time, to the president John F Kennedy at Madison Square Garden. New York is endorsed by Booking.com travellers for shopping, sightseeing and museums. The top nationalities that visited last year were English, French and Italian and the top types of accommodation booked were hotels, hostels and apartments.
Where to stay: Oakwood at the Nash apartments are only a mile away from where Marilyn’s iconic subway grate photo was taken. Just 450 yards from Grand Central Station, this is a great base for exploring the city and these stylish apartments offer self-catering accommodation with a fitness centre.
Or if you fancy being closer to Madison Square Garden, try Langham Place, New York, Fifth Avenue Suites, nestled in the city's most coveted district, located in Midtown Manhattan, between Bryant Park and the Empire State Building and offering guests access to onsite Michelin Star restaurant Ai Fiori.
London
Marilyn was in London filming The Prince and the Showgirl where her famous interview with Marie Claire Editor George Belmond controversially revealed what she wore to bed – “I wear Chanel no 5”, which earned her a campaign with the perfume brand 50 years after her death. For those travelling to London, the top endorsements from Booking.com travellers are shopping, sightseeing and museums. The top nationalities that visited in 2016 were French, Italian and German and the top types of accommodation booked were hotels, hostels and apartments.
Where to stay: Stay in the heart of London at the Hyde Park Maisonette and Garden Flat, very close to Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall, great shopping and transport links for exploring all London has to offer. The flats offer a kitchen, private bathrooms and some come with a terrace and /or patio with lovely garden views.
Hollywood
You’ll find Marilyn Monroe’s star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, located on the 6700 block of Hollywood Boulevard and visitors can also discover Marilyn’s handprints in front of Graumans Chinese Theatre right in the heart of Hollywood. The Hollywood Museum pays tribute to the actress with an incredible collection that includes photographs and wardrobe from her life and films. Fans can pay their respects at her final resting place in Westwood Village Memorial Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Where to stay: The Hollywood Roosevelt is located just one minutes' walk from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This modern hotel features an Olympic sized outdoor heated pool, restaurant, cocktail bar and a massage garden. What’s more you can even stay in the Marilyn suite, named after Monroe herself, this vintage suite offers a loft-like open floor plan and wrap around balcony overlooking the pool.
Or if you fancy a more luxury stay try The Redbury @ Hollywood and Vine which offers guests beautiful, artistic rooms and delicious gourmet food. This design hotel is just three minutes from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and one block from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Niagara Falls, Canada
The 1953 thriller Niagara, starring Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotton, tells the story of a couple on their delayed honeymoon in Niagara Falls. They befriend another couple and before long find themselves in the midst of a shocking tale! Aside from this being the set of the film, Niagara Canada is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world and one of the most incredible sights, whether watching them on a boat tour, in caves, the observation tower or even a helicopter! For those travelling to Niagara Falls, the top endorsements from Booking.com travellers are water falls, sightseeing and scenery.
Where to stay: Blue Gables Bed and Breakfast is a cosy B&B and great base to stay in for visiting the incredible Niagara Falls. Guests can start the day with a tasty breakfast, before taking a trip to the falls and Queen Victoria Park is just 3.2km away which offers amazing views.
San Diego
One of Marilyn’s most famous films and popular comedy Some Like It Hot features that iconic scene of Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis cross-dressing at a luxury hotel on the beach to win Marilyn’s affections. Even though it’s meant to be set in Florida this was actually filmed in San Diego, at the Hotel del Coronado. If you’re taking a trip to San Diego make sure you spend time sunning on the beaches, visit the famous San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. For those travelling to San Diego, the top endorsements from Booking.com travellers are beach, warm weather and relaxation.
Where to stay: Guests can visit the actual set of the movie Some Like It Hot at the historic Hotel del Coronado. This Victorian hotel opened in 1988 and has attracted celebrities all over the world since. It’s perfectly located right on the beach and offers guest luxury accommodation, a spacious outdoor pool, massages and beach to bar service.