Flying across the pond and heading to Hollywood can seem a bit daunting. Thankfully, our LA expert Tori Dance has created the ultimate ‘how-to’ for surviving La La Land.
Words Tori Dance
Your Guide to LA
TO GET THERE
The Private SuiteLAX
The Private Suite, an exclusive terminal serving all commercial airlines, transforms Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) into one of the world’s most convenient airports for passengers traveling in premium class. The Private Suite dramatically enhances the LAX experience with a new private terminal offering high-end security and logistics, and five-star services. The Private Suite delivers the most seamless and luxurious approach to airline travel. The Private Suite at LAX, the first-of-its-kind in the U.S., affords members private TSA screening, on-site Customs and Immigration processing, and the convenience of direct transportation across the tarmac to their aircraft in BMW 7-Series sedans.
TO STAY
Dream Hollywood Hotel
Hollywood
The West Coast’s first Dream Hotel has just opened in the heart of Hollywood on Selma and Cahuenga and is on the hotlist for 2018. Designed by the award winning Rockwell Group, the 10-story boutique luxury Dream Hollywood Hotel will feature 179 hyper-chic rooms and suites, unique-to-market dining experiences and a rooftop pool and lounge.
TO DO AND SEE
Grand Central MarketDowntown L.A.
Being an iconic landmark since 1917, Downtown Los Angeles’s thriving foodie hub is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. Grand Central Market brings together the cuisines and cultures of L.A., via a new generation of food and drink vendors. Check out GCM institutions like Eggslut, China Cafe, Roast To Go and Tacos Tumbras A Tomas or sample new fusion flavours and creations.
grandcentralmarket.comHermosa Beach
Downtown L.A.
Hermosa Beach has two miles of beach with a flat strand walkway connecting Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach, which is enjoyed by walkers, joggers, rollerbladers and bikers alike. Hermosa Beach hosts several professional and amateur volleyball tournaments, festivals and concerts. The Hermosa Beach Pier and Pier Avenue are home to many restaurants, bars and shops. The neighbourhood was also home to several iconic scenes from Oscar-nominated film, La La Land featuring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.
TO EAT AND DRINK
Spire 73
Downtown L.A.
A spectacular bar on the 73rd floor at the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, the tallest building west of the Mississippi. With an epic, urban panorama for a view, the lounge bar is the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere.
dtla.intercontinental.comBeauty & Essex
Hollywood
A working pawn shop off the alley serves as an exclusive, hidden entrance to the third location of Beauty & Essex, a Hollywood version of a Lower East Side restaurant of the same name run by celebrity chef Chris Santos. Beyoncé recently celebrated her birthday here. The restaurant is part of the newly opened Dream Hollywood Hotel and the menu features Chef Santos’ signature multi-ethnic dishes.
beautyandessex.comBlack Rabbit Rose
Hollywood
The newest themed bar from Mark and Jonnie Houston, experience the magic-themed den with illusionists and burlesque dances on one side and a neighbouring Crying Tiger takeout window on the other.
TO BUY
ROW DTLAArts District
First known as the LA Terminal Market, ROW DTLA was built from 1917 to 1923 along the Southern Pacific Railroad and for years was a major hub for the distribution of produce across the region. The space is undergoing historically sensitive renovations. When completed, ROW DTLA will include over 100 of the most progressive shops and restaurants from across the city and world. ROW DTLA will be a new centre uniting food, fashion, creativity and innovation. Now open at ROW DTLA is, the space is Smorgasburg LA, open every Sunday and newly opened, YOLK, Los Angeles-based design gift store with a vibrant selection of designer goods, local artisan wares and creative brands that wow adults and kids alike.
rowdtla.comWestfield Century City Mall
Century City
The modernisation and beautification of Westfield Century City will create the ultimate L.A. destination for fashion, flavour and relaxation. This idyllic open-air retreat will showcase the world’s finest luxury boutiques and favourite on-trend brands, alongside a new flagship Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Guests will indulge in over 55 eateries serving seasonal and local delights, a new outdoor dining district, and the West Coast’s first Eataly featuring authentic Italian flavours and a not-to-be-missed rooftop lounge scene. In between shopping and dining, guests will take in the showcase of local arts and entertainment, or simply relax and unwind under the Southern California sky. Shoppers visiting from near and far will be invited to visit the dedicated Tourist Lounge to meet the concierge, store luggage and receive special savings for traveling shoppers. The new Westfield Century City will open in phases beginning later in 2017, but shoppers can continue to enjoy over 40 shops and restaurants open now, including Bloomingdale’s, Gucci, Tiffany & Co, Rolex and Meizhou Dongpo.
