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“Hotel California” is a song by American rock band Eagles, released as the title track and second single from their 1976 album Hotel California. Written by Don Felder, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey, the song became one of the band’s biggest hits and is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
Background
The song was conceived by guitarist Don Felder, who developed the instrumental demo. Don Henley and Glenn Frey then crafted the lyrics, which use the metaphor of a luxurious hotel to explore themes of excess, hedonism, and the darker side of the American Dream, particularly in 1970s California.
Henley has described Hotel California as “our interpretation of the high life in Los Angeles” and “a song about the journey from innocence to experience.”
Musical style
Hotel California is a mid-tempo rock song combining elements of soft rock and Latin-inspired rhythms. The iconic 12-string acoustic intro, harmonized guitar lines, and extended electric guitar solo—performed by Don Felder and Joe Walsh—are central to the song’s signature sound.
The arrangement is built around lush instrumentation, smooth vocal harmonies, and a gradual build-up that peaks in the famous dual-guitar outro, regarded as one of rock’s greatest solos.
Lyrical analysis
The lyrics tell the story of a weary traveler who checks into a glamorous hotel, only to realize that it is a trap from which he cannot escape. Memorable lines like “You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave” have been widely interpreted as metaphors for addiction, materialism, and the emptiness of excess.
The hotel itself serves as a symbol of disillusionment, and the song invites multiple layers of interpretation, contributing to its enduring mystique.
Chart performance
In the United States, Hotel California reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1977.
In the UK, it peaked at No. 8.
The song was a hit worldwide and earned the Eagles the 1978 Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
Live performances
Hotel California has been a staple of Eagles’ live performances since its release. It typically serves as a highlight of their concerts, featuring the full extended guitar solo. The song appears on several live albums, including Eagles Live (1980) and Hell Freezes Over (1994), the latter of which features an acclaimed acoustic arrangement.
Personnel
Don Henley – lead vocals, drums
Don Felder – 12-string acoustic guitar, electric guitar
Joe Walsh – electric guitar, backing vocals
Glenn Frey – keyboards, backing vocals
Randy Meisner – bass guitar, backing vocals
Reception
Hotel California has received widespread critical acclaim and is frequently ranked among the greatest rock songs of all time. Its guitar solo was voted the best in history by Guitarist magazine readers in 1998. The song’s combination of musical craftsmanship and lyrical depth has secured its place as a cultural and musical landmark.
The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2003.
Trivia
The famous hotel featured on the album cover is the Beverly Hills Hotel, though the song’s lyrics describe a fictional place.
The twin guitar solo, performed by Felder and Walsh, has become one of the most celebrated duets in rock history.
The song's mysterious lyrics have led to numerous urban legends and interpretations, though the band has consistently explained it as a commentary on the American lifestyle and its excesses.
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