The
Millennium Biltmore enjoys the reputation as one of Los Angeles'
most beautiful hotels. Built in 1923, the 11-story Spanish-Italian
Renaissance structure was designed by the New York architecture
firm of Schultze & Weaver, also known for its designs of the Waldorf=Astoria
and Park Lane hotels in New York. The cathedral-like ceilings of
the Rendezvous Court, the Crystal Ballroom and other public rooms
throughout the hotel, were hand-painted by Italian artist Giovanni
Smeraldi of White House and Vatican fame. With such a grand setting
to offer, the Biltmore hosted the founding banquet of the Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and the concept and design
for the Oscar® statuette was sketched there on a dinner napkin.
