Located at the center of Washington, D.C., the Omni Shoreham Hotel boasts a lengthy resume, making its mark as one of the most historic hotels in American history. Its list of accolades are due to extend, as the first-ever UCA National Youth Convention and third Chinese American Convention will be held here. As two societies from separate hemispheres forge into one, how fitting it is that UCA’s conventions take place in such a culturally-rich landmark.
The Omni Shoreham Hotel was opened in 1930 by real estate developer Harry M. Bralove. He sought to build a place of excess and luxury that would host the finest entertainers and politicians. His ambitions came to fruition with a large party – although a snowstorm meddled with some of the party’s plans. Today, the Omni Shoreham stands as Washington, D.C.’s lone resort.
Since 1933, the Omni Shoreham has hosted every single presidential inaugural ball in its esteemed Blue Room, from the inaugurations of Franklin D. Roosevelt to Joe Biden. Although numerous other inaugural balls are held now, incoming presidents are sure to make a stop here.
Washington, D.C. overflows with politically-historic hotels, but none have as significant of a mark on music as the Omni Shoreham Hotel. In 1964, the British rock band, The Beatles, stayed at this hotel ahead of their first concert in America. Taking the U.S. over by storm, Beatlemania essentially began here. In fact, John Lennon’s scribbled set list is proudly displayed in the hotel’s lobby. Additionally, guitarist Jimi Hendrix wrote the song “Bold as Love” on a Shoreham notepad in the early 1970s.
This hotel also has a strong connection to the field of science. During World War II in 1942, military officers gathered at the Omni Shoreham Hotel to test the Lambertsen Amphibious Respiratory Unit (LARU), a device allowing people to breathe underwater without their breaths being visible by recirculating air. The LARU was tested to be used in sea missions against the Axis Powers, and later developed into what is now known as scuba gear.
The Omni Shoreham Hotel boasts a rich history that begs to be added upon. As the Chinese American Convention and UCA National Youth Convention gather here later this week, this list of accolades will hopefully extend.
Thanks for reading this brief, informative piece about the history of the Omni Shoreham Hotel, the location of the first UCA Youth Convention. Read more about the author, Maya Wong, here. Stay tuned for additional articles from the members of the youth UCA organization. You can also submit your own articles here.