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The original Standard hotel, a beloved celebrity hotspot on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, has announced that it is closing today after 22 years in operation.

Opened by hotelier Andre Balazs in 1999, the hotel, its bar, and its restaurant became a favorite haunt for a host of stars including Jennifer Lopez, Uma Thurman, and Leonardo DiCaprio, one of the original investors.

However, celebrity support has dwindled in recent months amid strict restrictions put in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and coupled with an increase in rent, the hotel has been left unable to sustain itself, revealing in a statement that it is now ‘impossible’ to remain open.   

Shuttered: The Standard in West Hollywood announced that it is closing as of today, blaming a ‘significant increase to its lease, which makes operating the property impossible’

Star power: Opened by hotelier Andre Balazs (right) in 1999, the hotel, its bar, and its restaurant became a major favorite of stars

Cool scene: The hotel, which used to be the Thunderbird Motel and a retirement home, is sure to be missed

Leonardo DiCaprio (left, at The Standard) and Cameron Diaz (right, at The Standard in 2012) were among the investors

‘It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the closure of The Standard, Hollywood, which will shut its doors indefinitely on Friday, January 22nd,’ reads a statement on the hotel’s website.

Upscale: The hotel group also owns the Chateau Marmont Hotel in LA

‘Despite 22 years of unconditional love for our hotel, our guests, our team and our community, the hotel was unable to prevent a significant increase to its lease, which makes operating the property impossible.’

A representative for the hotel group told the Los Angeles Times that Ferrado Group, a real estate investment firm that owns their lease, raised the lease price in 2019. It had become too expensive, despite attempted renegotiations.

‘Alive with personality and personalities, and the backdrop of countless legendary tales, Hollywood was the birthplace of The Standard’s culture,’ the statement continued.

‘It came to life through its timeless design, live music performances at Desert Nights, blue Astroturf pool scene, living art in “The Box,” and the many late, hazy nights at our nightclub incarnations: Purple Lounge, Mmhmmm and Giorgio’s. 

Pictured: The Cactus Lounge, one of several spots stars could be found at over the years

Chic: The interiors were designed by film set designer Shawn Hausman

But no more! Its pool deck was the home of countless parties

‘While there are and will be more Standard hotels, there will never be another Standard, Hollywood. And though it is painful to say goodbye, we know that the community we inspired will live on. Thank you for everything. We are eternally grateful.’ 

Standard International, the parent company that owns the hotel, also owns other outposts of The Standard in New York, Miami, and London, though Hollywood’s was the first. 

Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, and Benicio del Toro were all investors in the Hollywood location.

Standard International, from which Balazs stepped down as chairman in 2017, also owns the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles and Chiltern Firehouse in London.

Hotspot: Countless stars have stopped by over the years, including Fergie, pictured outside the hotel on Halloween in 2001

Iconic: Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie celebrated their reality TV show The Simple Life at the hotel in 2003

The fame! Johnny Depp is pictured signing autographs outside the hotel in 2001

Lisa Rinna attended an event at the Standard Hotel on October 15, 2013

Hobnobbing: Owen Wilson is pictured with Hugh Hefner at the hotel in 2002 — while Girls Next Door star Holly Madison pops up int he background

Flashback: Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale attended one of Gwen’s album release parties there in 2004 

The hotel, which used to be the Thunderbird Motel and a retirement home, is sure to be missed.

Its pool deck, Cactus Lounge, and 24/7 Croft Alley restaurant helmed by Chef Phuong Tran were all favorites of Hollywood movers and shakers.

Over the years, The Standard has been patronized by Johnny Depp, Mark Wahlberg, Alyssa Milano, Selma Blair, Nichole Richie, Paris and Nicky Hilton, Owen Wilson, Matt Dillon, Rose McGowan, Matthew Perry, Bob Saget, Gloria Estefan, Heather Graham, Daryl Hannah, Hilary Duff, Portia de Rossi, Oscar Isaac, Liv Tyler, Olivia Palermo, Christoph Waltz, Lisa Rinna, and Tinsley Mortimer.

Others stars photographer there include Fergie, Hugh Hefner, Dennis Rodman, Kristy Swanson, Rod Stewart and his daughter Kimberly Stewart, Tyson Beckford, James Van der Beek, Eve, Dave Grohl, Tara Reid, Fred Durst, Rob Schneider, Adam Lambert, Victoria Justice, Quentin Tarantino, and Jeremy Piven. 

On TV! The hotel has also served as a film set on several locations, and appears in two episodes of Sex and the City

Tuning in: The girls stay there in two season three episodes that aired in 2000: ‘Escape from New York’ and ‘Sex and Another City’

Carrie-approved! Carrie and Samantha are pictured lounging by The Standard’s famous rooftop pool

The silver screen: Brad Pitt name drops the hotel in 2004’s Ocean’s 12

In 2006, the cast of Entourage stopped by for the season three episode ‘Wanna Be Sedated’

The Standard was also frequently used as a television and movie set over the years thanks to its star-beloved status — as well as the fact that its interiors were designed by film set designer Shawn Hausman.  

The ladies from Sex and the City were at The Standard in Hollywood in two season three episodes that aired in 2000: ‘Escape from New York’ and ‘Sex and Another City’

Brad Pitt name drops the hotel in 2004’s Ocean’s 12, and in 2006, the cast of Entourage stopped by for the season three episode ‘Wanna Be Sedated.’

Seth Rogen partied there in 2011’s Green Hornet, and it was also featured in the 2015 films Knight of Cups and Mortdecai. 

Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk

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