The Secret Romance in Venice Beach

As this Valentine’s Day approaches, Time Out Magazine, with a circulation of over 7.4 million readers, has named The Venice Beach House “No. 4” of the “Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels” in Los Angeles. Though romance is most discreet, there are romantic tales well known to Venice historians. One of the hideaway suites with a private entrance is named for celebrated Venice evangelist, Aimee Semple McPherson. A hundred years ago, for the better part of two decades, Sister Aimee, as she was known, preached her version of the gospel to huge and adoring Venice Beach crowds...until on one particular day, the prophet vanished. She disappeared. No one checked with The Venice Beach House.

After disappearance led to a large-scale search and investigation, Sister Aimee reappeared, with the fantastic tale she’d been kidnapped, taken to Mexico, and held against her will until she escaped through the desert. A grand jury investigation was convened to look into the rumors she secretly found a romantic hideaway to hide out with a lover. No one ever was given access to the guest register of The Venice Beach House. Pete Seager memorialized the runaway couple with song: “They found a cottage with a breakfast nook, a folding bed with a worn-out look. The slats were busted and the springs were loose, and the dents in the mattress fitted Aimee's caboose.” In the end, the grand jury never concluded where Aimee had been or with whom. And in honor of those private days, the private rear McPherson Suite still has its private entrance, away from prying eyes. So, if this Valentine’s Day you are looking to slip away for a little romance, at one of the most romantic venues in Los Angeles, then perhaps The Venice Beach House is perfect for your escape with...well, your secret’s safe with us.