Knickerbocker Hotel

Originally conceived as a luxury apartment project, the building was converted into a hotel and officially opened in 1929. In the 1930s, its Lido Room was a popular hangout for celebrities including director D.W. Griffith and entertainers like Elvis Presley, Bette Davis, and Cary Grant. Italian actor Rudolph Valentino was often seen dancing tango there, and on Halloween in 1936, Bess Houdini conducted a séance from the roof in an attempt to communicate with her deceased husband, Harry Houdini. Marilyn Monroe used to sneak through the kitchen to the hotel bar for dates with her future husband, Joe DiMaggio. The two later honeymooned at the hotel in 1954.