The Castle on Sunset

Life, Death, Love, Art, and Scandal at Hollywood's Chateau Marmont

By: Shawn Levy

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

The definitive—and salacious—history of the iconic hotel that Hollywood stars have called a home away from home for almost a century.

“Fascinating, dishy, and glimmering with insight.... This is the definitive book about Hollywood’s most storied hotel.” —Cheryl Strayed, bestselling author of Wild

Since 1929, Hollywood’s brightest stars have flocked to the Chateau Marmont as if it were a second home. An apartment building-turned-hotel, the Chateau has been the backdrop for generations of gossip and folklore: where director Nicholas Ray slept with his sixteen-year-old Rebel Without a Cause star Natalie Wood; Jim Morrison swung from the balconies; John Belushi suffered a fatal overdose; and Lindsay Lohan got the boot after racking up nearly $50,000 in charges in less than two months.

But despite its mythic reputation, much of what has happened inside the Chateau’s walls has eluded the public eye—until now. With wit and insight, Shawn Levy recounts the wild revelries and scandalous liaisons, the creative breakthroughs and marital breakdowns, the births and deaths to which the hotel has been a party. Vivid, salacious, and richly informed, The Castle on Sunset is a glittering tribute to Hollywood as seen from inside the walls of its most hallowed hotel.

I could not stop listening!!!

The book as fascinating. Fun and full of juicy tidbits. I’m a sucker for a bit of Hollywood gossip mixed in with just enough facts.

Great history

Loved it. Narrator has a pleasant voice really made me feel like I was there. Highly recommend if you like historical info.

A little long, but enjoyed it!

This was very interesting, but it was way too long in parts and found myself fast forwarding. Sometimes the author gave much more info than needed, but overall, I really enjoyed it! A great story about an amazing place.

Very Interesting Book Full of Great History

This is a great book to read if you enjoy Hollywood history, because the Chateau Marmont basically witnessed a good deal of it. The book goes from the Chateau's founding in the 1920's all the way to (pretty much) present day, and along the way, goes over interesting incidents in the lives of actors, actresses, musicians, rockers, directors, producers, etc. that all occurred on its property. The narrator is clear and concise, and easy to listen to. Overall, a great read and worthwhile purchase.

Fun history

I grew up in So Cal. My parents did a lot of charity work that involved movie stars. The book and narrator kept me listening right to the end.