Cecil Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles Listed for Sale Amid Controversial History

The Cecil Hotel, a notable landmark in downtown Los Angeles with a deeply troubling history, has been officially listed for sale. Opened in 1924 and located at 640 S. Main Street, the hotel has been shrouded in controversy, largely due to its location near Skid Row and its current function as an affordable housing complex for those experiencing homelessness in the area.

Over the years, the Cecil Hotel has been linked to as many as 16 deaths since its inception, a grim statistic that contributed to its notoriety. This unsettling legacy was further highlighted in a 2021 Netflix documentary, which focused on the mysterious disappearance and tragic death of Elisa Lam, a Canadian woman whose body was found in the hotel’s rooftop water tank in 2013. The miniseries also explored the hotel’s dark past, revealing that at least two serial killers, including Richard Ramirez, known as “The Night Stalker,” once resided there.

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, potential buyers interested in the property will not be purchasing the building outright. Instead, they would take over a 99-year ground lease, which governs its ongoing use and development within the city. Current listings on online platforms like LoopNet and The Real Deal do not disclose a sale price, adding an element of mystery to the transaction.

The Cecil Hotel’s troubled reputation continues to draw interest, making it a focal point for discussions about urban development, crime, and community challenges in Los Angeles.