Hotel Shangri-La's CEO & Creative Director Tamie Adaya is pleased to announce the famous white streamlined moderne jewel in Santa Monica served as one of the main TV filming locations of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, commemorating the legacy and tragic death of the legendary fashion designer starring Penelope Cruz, Darren Criss, Ricky Martin and Edgar Ramirez.

Beauty, grandeur, mystique epitomizing the glamour and influence of the1930's the Hotel Shangri-La is just what its name signifies – a secret hideaway for a number of celebrities who want to be alone in Los Angeles and pass the word along to one another – the late Gianni Versace being one of them.

During the 1980's Versace – who changed the face of the fashion industry pioneering the use of supermodels such as Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell as well as the celebrity front row -  frequented the Hotel Shangri-La for long sojourns. It also coincided with his good friend, Madonna and Sean Penn who frequently stayed at Hotel Shangri-La during the height of their romance. Renowned for his lavish taste in luxurious exclusive hotels, it was here where he changed the face of the Hotel Shangri-La creating a legacy of his own – being the only a guest allowed to have parties in his penthouse suite and wrap-around terrace with sweeping views of the Pacific.

Tamie Adaya Hotel Shangri-La's CEO and Creative Director said: “Back then parties were a strictly no no. We are a boutique, family owned hotel.  But not for Gianni Versace. He was a genius. He was an icon, but to us he was just Gianni and part of the Shangri-La family.

“There were always lots of famous actors, musicians, writers, a mix of people turning up to his fabulous parties in his penthouse suite, which we kept secret for all these years. Whenever he was with us, he was down to earth, gracious and kind to all.” 

She added: “Versace was a one-off, a visionary, whose love of partying aside, used the laid-back Zen like atmosphere at the hotel to ruminate, create and make history. He loved architecture, particularly Art Deco, which inspires me to this very day with the hotel's interior design. It was a privilege being a part of this series which celebrates his flamboyant life and legacy.”

Overlooking the Pacific since 1939, the hotel is a striking beacon of Art Deco Elegance, a chronicle of the golden era of Hollywood, and a quintessential nexus of culture. With a rich history dating back three-quarters of a century, the beachfront hotel has been the ultimate clandestine retreat for celebrities, Presidents, Royalty and the fashion glitterati.  In the 1940's and 50's it attracted actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood such as Marilyn Monroe, Mae West and Jane Wyman, the future wife of President Ronald Reagan, to its beauty and tranquility. It was also where a close confidant of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's helped conceive the idea of today's modern Navy Seal program just prior to U.S. involvement in World War II. Malcolm Lowry stayed here and wrote Under The Volcano. Chanel, Gucci, Michael Kors, Versace have all used the Shangri-La for fashion shoots.

Offering privacy, discretion, alongside glamour and sophistication in a timeless retreat with a modern twist, it has continued its celebrity appeal throughout the ages entertaining A-listers such as Madonna, Tom Cruise, Diane Keaton, Gene Hackman, Bill Murray, Arnie Schwarzenegger, JFK Jnr, Bill Clinton, the Dalai Lama to Randy Newman (he moved his piano in and shot the video I Love L.A)