The most noticeable alteration is a return to the original tiling in the grand upstairs lobby (just off Hollywood Boulevard). Theodore's, the house restaurant, now sports a bold but inviting new look. The decadently tranquil pool area has been spruced up with new lounges, and the original pool painting by David Hockney has been restored. With the departure of Teddy's, the poolside Tropicana bar will be The Roosevelt's primary watering hole until an expanded new lobby bar reopens later this summer.

The Roosevelt's new rooms include a number of suites (The Marilyn Monroe Suite, Clarke Gable and Carol Lombard Suite, and others). All rooms and suites come with in-room stereos, and high-speed Internet connections. The pool area is wired for wireless connectivity. The new room décor is a mélange of modern styles that does a serviceable job of modernizing the appearance without being too slick, or Hollywood flavor of the month. Room renovations have clearly centered on décor, user amenities, and not on such fine points as resurfacing aged or damaged walls and woodwork. Because of this the rooms and hallways still feel a bit rough. You'll either appreciate the quaintness, or it'll feel a bit drab around the edges.

The renown Feinstein's at the Cinegrill has been moved downstairs, and will resume its full performance schedule in June. Re-opening night is June 8th. Should you decide to make your night at the Cinegrill a full on "dinner and a show" evening, main dishes, catered by Wolfgang Puck, run between $14 and $26. A full bar is also available. Be aware that table service is suspended during performances.

Top all of this off with high-end service and you'll realize that, like all lasting beauties, The Roosevelt's best quality is an internal style, class, and atmosphere that go much deeper than the new makeover.