Hollywood Cocktails & True Crime 3 Drinks Included

Our review of the Hollywood Cocktails & True Crime tour offers a detailed look at this popular experience, designed for those fascinated by Hollywood’s most infamous stories and craving a night of spirited storytelling. If you’re intrigued by the city’s notorious history and enjoy a well-made cocktail, this tour might be just what you’re looking for.

What we love about this experience? First, the knowledgeable guides bring Hollywood’s dark tales vividly to life, blending history with a touch of Hollywood glamour. Second, the three iconic bars chosen for the stops each have their own unique charm and storied past, making each cocktail break a memorable part of the journey.

One potential consideration is the group size, which is limited to just 12 travelers, making the experience intimate but possibly less flexible during busy times. Still, for fans of true crime, history, or simply a different way to explore Hollywood, this tour offers a compelling blend of storytelling, atmosphere, and drinks.

This tour is ideal for true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, night owls, and anyone eager to see Hollywood from a darker, more mysterious angle. Whether you’re alone, with friends, or a partner, this experience offers a mix of storytelling and social fun that’s hard to beat.

Key Points

• Authentic Hollywood locales: Walk the same streets where legendary crimes and scandals unfolded.
• Story-driven experience: Guides provide detailed, engaging narratives, supported by crime scene photos.
• Three iconic bars: Each stop offers a unique ambiance and a chance for a quality cocktail.
• Limited group size: Small groups (up to 12) ensure an intimate experience with personalized attention.
• Value for money: For $105, you get three drinks and a richly entertaining two-and-a-half-hour journey.
• A mix of spooky and glamorous: Perfect for fans of both true crime stories and Hollywood history.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Boardner’s by La Belle

The adventure kicks off at Boardner’s, a historic pub with a past linked to the city’s mob era and notably associated with the Black Dahlia case. This locale isn’t just a bar but a piece of Hollywood’s shadowy past. You’ll sip your first cocktail here, surrounded by vintage charm, and start your storytelling journey. Reviewers mention the setting as “putting you directly into the scene,” with one noting that “the background for some of Hollywood’s ill-fated stories is alive here.”

The Rooftop at Madame Tussauds Hollywood

Next, the tour moves to Madame Tussauds’ rooftop bar, which offers sweeping views of Hollywood and a slightly more glamorous backdrop for tales of fame and infamy. With 45 minutes to soak in the cityscape and enjoy your second drink, you’ll find this stop enhances the overall experience. Guests often remark on how the combination of good drinks and striking scenery makes the stories more vivid, adding to the immersive feeling.

Marilyn Monroe’s Favorite Bar at The Hollywood Roosevelt

The final stop is The Hollywood Roosevelt, a legendary hotel that’s been part of the city’s history since the golden age of film. You’ll sip cocktails where Marilyn Monroe herself was a regular, giving a sense of Hollywood’s glitziest days. The stories here often revolve around Hollywood legends and their darker secrets, making it a fitting finale. Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s storytelling ability, with one saying, “Stephanie’s knowledge made each location come alive.”

Drinks and Atmosphere

All three stops include an alcoholic beverage, with options to opt-out if you prefer non-alcoholic drinks. The drinks are described as tasty, and the stops are steeped in Hollywood ambiance, from mob-era taverns to star-studded hotel bars. The reviews highlight the quality of the cocktails, which elevate the experience beyond just storytelling.

The Role of the Guide

The guides, especially Trevor and Wes, receive high praise for their enthusiasm, charisma, and deep knowledge. According to reviews, they don’t just recite facts but tell stories that keep you engaged and entertained. They also go above and beyond by taking time with each guest, making the experience feel personal and memorable.

Group Size and Duration

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate feel, allowing for more interaction and personalized storytelling. The 2.5-hour duration strikes a good balance—enough time to enjoy three bars and absorb plenty of stories without feeling rushed. Starting at 6 pm, it’s a perfect way to kick off an evening out in Hollywood.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $105 per person, including three drinks and a detailed, story-rich experience, this tour provides solid value—especially for those who appreciate the combination of history, Hollywood glamour, and a touch of the sinister. The reviews consistently mention the excellent storytelling and the fun atmosphere, which suggests you’re paying for a well-curated experience rather than just bar-hopping.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers rave about the guides’ charisma and ability to keep the group engaged. One reviewer states, “Trevor was an incredible guide. He had so much useful and interesting information about Hollywood, and his energy was warm and enthusiastic.” Others have appreciated the historical context, the quality of the cocktails, and the overall fun vibe, making it clear that the experience exceeds many standard pub crawls.

Practical Details

• Booking in advance is recommended, with an average of 23 days ahead.
• The tour is accessible via public transportation, making it easier to reach the starting point.
• The meeting point is conveniently located just a few blocks from the tour’s ending location on Hollywood Blvd.
• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before, so you can plan with confidence.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for people who love true crime stories and Hollywood lore, as well as those looking for a fun, social evening out. It’s also ideal if you want a different perspective on Hollywood—more shadowy and mysterious, with good drinks to accompany the tales. If you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, the small group size makes it a flexible option.

Final Thoughts

The Hollywood Cocktails & True Crime tour offers a brilliant blend of storytelling, history, and atmosphere. It’s far from your average pub crawl—each location is rooted in Hollywood’s darker past, brought to life by guides who are passionate and engaging. The inclusion of three drinks and the small-group setting make it a good value, especially for fans of true crime or Hollywood history.

This tour is perfect for those who enjoy learning about the city’s shadowy side while socializing over well-made cocktails. If you’re curious about Hollywood’s darker stories, want a memorable evening, and love a good storyteller, this tour is well worth considering.

FAQ: Hollywood Cocktails & True Crime Tour

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but since alcohol is served, it’s best suited for guests 21 and older. Check with the provider if you have specific concerns.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including three bar stops and storytelling.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Boardner’s by La Belle and ends about three blocks from the starting point, right on Hollywood Blvd., near public transportation.

Are drinks included?
Yes, each of the three stops includes an alcoholic beverage, with options for non-alcoholic drinks if preferred.

What makes this tour different from a typical pub crawl?
This isn’t just about drinking—it’s a story-driven, immersive experience that takes you through Hollywood’s darkest secrets, supported by historical photos and compelling narratives.

Is group size limited?
Yes, the tour is capped at 12 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.

Who are the guides?
Guides like Trevor and Wes are praised for their charisma, deep knowledge, and ability to make stories come alive, enhancing the overall experience.

Whether you’re a true crime fanatic, a Hollywood history buff, or simply looking for a fun and atmospheric evening, this tour offers something uniquely memorable. It combines a taste of Hollywood’s glamorous past with its darker stories, all served up with a good drink and a storyteller’s flair.