"LA Bizarro" by Tony Lovett and Matt Maranian
Tony Lovett shares the frontal view of hotel in 1980s.
Tony Lovett shares the aerial view of the hotel, shot from Gaylord in 1980s.
Tony Lovett shares sights of the construction of Central Los Angeles New Learning Center, shot from Gaylord in February 2008.
Tony Lovett documents the construction of Central Los Angeles New Learning Center in February 2008.
113 — "LA Bizarro" co-author Tony Lovett reminisces his adventures living across the hotel in the mid-eighties. He is currently working on a new edition of the book, which will continue to feature the hotel as a part of the bizarro landscape.

I lived across the street from the Ambassador (at the Gaylord) from 1982 to 1987. When friends and relatives came to visit, they stayed at The Ambassador. I can't remember how many wedding receptions, college gatherings, and other events I snuck into over the years (that tux was the best investment I ever made). I fondly remember drinking in the bar off of the lobby, and attending the porn awards at the Cocoanut Grove. I ate breakfast in the coffee shop, mailed my packages from the USPS there, and sat on the vast lawn and played with my cat. I loved that area of Los Angeles, and it was the crown jewel.

It broke my heart that it could not be saved.



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