It is in this neo-Gothic hotel, perched on the heights of Sunset Boulevard that Jean Harlow and Clark Gable lived a torrid passion, James Dean landed his role in The Fury of Living breaking into director Nicholas Ray’s bedroom and actor John Belushi tragically died of a drug overdose. The seven-story residence is also known for its memorable posh parties, from Leonardo DiCaprio’s birthday party for his 21st spring in 1995 to the one orchestrated by couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z after the Oscars in 2020.

If the establishment prides itself on sorting out its customers, protecting their secrets against all odds, it is about to become even more exclusive, its owner, Andre Balazs, told AFP. The Chateau Marmont will this year become a private hotel offering a range of services, including a private dining room and staff dedicated to a handful of members holding shares in the hotel.

“It’s like a super yacht… You can only offer these kinds of services – and have people on deck – if they are carefully selected”, explains Mr. Balazs, who was once the fiancé of American actress Uma Thurman.

No information has yet been released on the cost of membership …