Hotel Hollywood

Gazing up at the Hotel Hollywood, ever wonder about its past? It stands on the corner of Foster and Hunt Streets in Surry Hills. The Hotel Hollywood isn’t just any pub. It’s a piece of Sydney’s history, etched in the Art Deco style of the Inter-War Functionalist period. It’s one of only five hotels built in this style in Sydney between 1938 and 1942. The Australian, the Civic, the Kegroom Tavern, and Sutherlands are the others. The Hotel Hollywood has remained remarkably untouched, both inside and out, a true testament to its heritage. It even earned a spot on the Sydney Local Environmental Plan’s heritage list in 2012. Originally known as the Nevada, and owned by Tooth & Co, the hotel got its current name in 1940. This was a nod to its proximity to Sydney’s cinema industry. The Hotel Hollywood was also ahead of its time. It welcomed women into its bars as early as the 1950s. But it was Doris Goddard, actress and publican, who truly made the Hotel Hollywood legendary. She bought the hotel in 1978 for $178,000. She ran it for 42 years, until her passing in 2019. The Hotel Hollywood became known for its unpretentious charm, its spinning mirror ball, and of course, Doris herself. In 2021, the Petersen Group bought the building for over $9 million. The Hotel Hollywood has also had its moments of fame on screen. Scenes from the movie “Tim” and “Erskineville Kings” were filmed there. Even the music video for “Boots” featured Doris Goddard singing and playing guitar within the hotel’s walls. Television shows like “Blue Murder,” “Brides of Christ,” and “Water Rats” also chose the Hotel Hollywood as a backdrop. The Hotel Hollywood represents more than just a pub. It represents resilience and a sense of community. It is a symbol of a bygone era, where stories were shared, music filled the air, and everyone was welcome.