Tropicana Bar

The Roosevelt Hotel's Tropicana bar isn't necessarily all that different from other poolside bars in LA, but there's something about it that keeps people coming back week after week. The drinks are expensive, but nothing this crowd of socialites, celebrities and LA scenesters can't afford. The door is guarded tightly and there's usually a wait, but once you're in you'll be glad you stuck it out. Tropicana is known for its event called Nightswim, where photographers for the Cobrasnake have been known to snap pictures of partygoers. The event takes place most notably on Tuesday nights during the summer, and was also introduced to Thursday nights last year. Nightswim is an almost guaranteed good time, but if you're expecting a pool party, you might be disappointed. The pool is filled with more inflatable toys than people, and there's usually a 5:1 girl to guy ratio. It's the area around the pool is what makes Tropicana so enjoyable. The lounge chairs and couches around the pool are surrounded by heat lamps, making for a cozy atmosphere where people can sit and chat. If you don't feel like sitting around, there will always be someone to join you on the dance floor next to the DJ booth. One tip to keep in mind if you're thinking about checking Tropicana out - it's generally not a place to go meet people. Patrons, for the most part, stick with the group of people they came with throughout the night. It's a nice place to catch up with old friends, but not to make new ones.

I've always thought Tropicana was one of LA's classic gems. The crowd changes based on the night, but I know I can always rely on it when I'm looking for a low key (usually) time. If you bring your own friends, it's nice to get a few drinks and lounge under the stars and christmas-light lit palm trees--especially on a warm summer night. The crowd can range from super mainstream and touristy to incredibly hipster and artsy, and the music doesn't necessarily facilitate a "rager," but if you're looking for casual fun and a nice place to hang, this is the spot.

If your like your pool parties with a side of rhinestone hats, ultra-tatted and steroided dudes, oversized glasses, and clear heels - you'll probably love a good amount of the pool parties at Tropicana. The setting itself is great. Big open space, decent sized pool, pool side bar and grill. It's just that the clientele is a tad on the douchey side. And I forgot the plethora of trucker hats. Food and drinks are a little pricey as well. It's best to get here early on the weekends while the rest of the hotel is still sleeping and stake your claim to some tables and chairs. Otherwise you'll find yourself standing around, looking like a vulture and hoping someone will give you some room.

After a leisurely Saturday celebrity-hunting on Rodeo drive, cruising around Bel-Air, and exploring the gardens at The Getty Center, a group of us decided to get dolled up and hit the town. Some friends suggested The Roosevelt, so we made ourselves look pretty and made our way to the Tropicana Bar. When I think of a hotel bar from now on, this will be what I'll picture: Glowing fluorescent lights, lounge chairs, and a wood paneled counter with brick pillars that is somehow both comforting and sleek. The pool shines like a beacon in the night, as do the twinkling lights wrapped around the palm trees. It makes it hard not to smile with all of that light surrounding you. The bartender was very friendly, joking about the price of the drinks with us, which was the only real drawback of the place. Ten dollars for the size vodka and pineapples I ordered seemed a bit much, but Andrew was sure to make them strong. One of my friends got a pretty-looking cocktail, which seemed fitting for the occasion, and even the beer bottles were of the shiny variety. It's all about appearances, am I right? The atmosphere was a relaxed one. Sitting on the poolside chairs, making light conversation, I could perfectly imagine doing the same thing during the day. Just add sunscreen and switch out my dress and heels for a bikini and flip-flops. I'd love to come back and see how the Tropicana seamlessly transitions from day to night. Hours flew by, and my friends and I hopped into a cab and headed home. It was a short ride from the Hollywood hot spot, and we chatted with our driver about our successful night. We'll definitely be going back soon.