During your Los Angeles vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Grauman's Chinese Theatre
This is one of the world's great movie palaces and one of Hollywood's finest landmarks. The theater was opened in 1927 by impresario Sid Grauman, a brilliant promoter who's credited with originating the idea of the paparazzi-packed movie "premiere." Outrageously conceived, with both authentic and simulated Chinese embellishments, Grauman's theater was designed to impress. Original Chinese heavenly doves top the facade, and two of the theater's columns once propped up a Ming dynasty temple.Visitors by the millions flock to the theater for its famous entry court, where stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Ginger Rogers, Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and about 160 others set their signatures and hand-/footprints in concrete (a tradition started when actress Norma Talmadge accidentally stepped in wet cement during the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille's King of Kings). It's not always hands and feet: Betty Grable's shapely leg; the hoofprints of Gene Autry's horse, Champion; Jimmy Durante's and Bob Hope's trademark noses; Whoopi Goldberg's dreadlocks, George Burns's cigar, and even R2D2's wheels.
The Southwest Museum
This is the city's oldest museum, considered by some a "best-kept secret" that suffers from lack of recognition and space for its superlative collection. Originally opened in 1907 by amateur historian and Native American expert Charles F. Lummis (who also designed Downtown's landmark "castle," El Alisal), this privately funded anthropological museum contains the finest examples of Native American art and artifacts found anywhere, including rare paintings, weapons, and a Cheyenne summer tepee. The largest exhibition chronicles 10,000 years of history of the people of the American Southwest. The California Hall focuses on the lifestyles of the first Californians; a separate two-level hall is dedicated to the culture of cold-climate tribes. The museum has a particularly active events calendar that includes a Native American Film Festival, regular lectures, and special children's programs (log onto the website for more info). In the shop, you'll find authentic Native American drums, kachina dolls, pottery, and sterling-silver jewelry by Native American artist Vernon Begaye. Tours are available by request. Tip: You can purchase a $12 two-site ticket that also includes entry into the excellent Museum of the American West; it's valid for 3 months.
Capitol Records Building
Opened in 1956, this 13-story tower, just north of the legendary intersection of Hollywood and Vine, is one of the city's most recognizable buildings. The world's first circular office building is often, but incorrectly, said to have been made to resemble a stack of 45s under a turntable stylus (it kinda does, though). Nat "King" Cole, songwriter Johnny Mercer, and other 1950s Capitol artists populate a giant exterior mural. Look down and you'll see the sidewalk stars of Capitol's recording artists (including John Lennon). In the lobby, numerous gold albums are on display.The light on the rooftop spire of the Capitol Records building flashes "H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-O-D" in Morse code. Really, it does.
Hilton Checkers Los Angeles
The atmosphere at this boutique version of the Biltmore is as removed from "Hollywood" as an L.A. hotel can get, which explains why the stars -- Cher, Kevin Coster, Carol Burnett -- prefer to stay here when they're in town. Built in 1927, the 12-story hotel is a Historic Cultural Monument. Plenty of polished brass complements the neutral sand-colored decor; both conspire to accentuate the impressive architectural features that remained intact during a major renovation in 1989. Checkers is a European-styled hotel, without a lot of flashy amenities and possessing an understated luxury. Guest rooms are equipped with 27-inch flat-screen TVs, granite-top desks, and spacious marble bathrooms with plush terry-cloth bathrobes. Public areas include a wood-paneled library, a rooftop lap pool, and serene corridors punctuated with Asian antiques. Checkers Restaurant is one of Downtown's best-kept secrets, serving complex dishes ranging from New American to French in a peaceful setting; the weekend brunch is worth planning for in advance. The warm, intimate bar at Checkers is also a very popular hangout for the Downtown après-work crowd. Tip: Be sure to check their website for terrific "E-Specials" such as $99 Romantic Weekends rates.Facilities: Restaurant; lounge; rooftop heated lap pool and whirlpool; exercise room w/men's and women's saunas and massage services; concierge; courtesy car; secretarial services; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; dry-cleaning service; complimentary shoe shine.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
L.A.'s finest family-friendly hotel is also a great choice for anybody looking for comfortable accommodations, an A-1 Santa Monica location, outstanding service, and a wealth of first-rate facilities. Loews isn't exactly beachfront; it's on a hill less than a block away, but the unobstructed ocean views are fabulous. The hotel emerged from a massive $15 million renovation that erased its greatest disadvantage -- dour rooms that didn't live up to the luxury price tag. Those who've been here before will notice the differences immediately upon entering the dramatic atrium lobby, whose nondescript fittings have been replaced with a playful So Cal style (including dual rows of huge palm trees) that puts greater emphasis on the spectacular ocean views. The formerly dowdy guest rooms have been redone in an inviting, clean-lined contemporary style in light, earthy colors. But the best news is still the top-rate facilities, which include an excellent heated pool, plus the fitness center and spa with a state-of-the-art gym, yoga and Pilates classes, health and fitness counseling, and full slate of spa and salon services.Facilities: Elegant Cal-Mediterranean dining at Lavande; Papillon Lobby Bar and Fireside Lounge (for afternoon tea, light dining, Visiting Artists Series); poolside lunch service; oceanview outdoor heated pool and whirlpool; Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa with full spa services, state-of-the-art workout room, steam, and sauna; bike and skate rentals; concierge; Hertz car-rental desk; executive business center; salon; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry-cleaning service; welcome kit for kids under 10.
Shutters on the Beach
This Cape Cod-style luxury hotel enjoys one of the city's most prized locations: directly on the beach, a block from Santa Monica Pier. Only relative newcomer Casa del Mar can compete, but Shutters bests the Casa by attaching alfresco balconies to every guest room. The beach-cottage rooms overlooking the sand are more desirable and no more expensive than those in the towers. The views and sounds of the ocean are the most outstanding qualities of the spacious, luxuriously outfitted, Cape Cod-inspired rooms, some of which have fireplaces and/or whirlpool tubs; all have floor-to-ceiling windows that open. The elegant marble bathrooms come with generous counter space and welcome whimsies that include waterproof radios and toy whales. A relaxed ambience pervades the contemporary art-filled public spaces, which feel like the common areas of a deluxe Montauk beach house. The small swimming pool and the sunny lobby lounge overlooking the sand are two great perches for spotting the celebrities who swear by Shutters as an alternative hangout to smoggy Hollywood. One Pico, the hotel's premier restaurant, serves modern American cuisine in a seaside setting; the best meals at the more casual Pedals Cafe come from the wood-burning grill.Facilities: Restaurant; cafe; lobby lounge; outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi; health club w/spa services; sauna; extensive beach equipment rentals; concierge; activities desk; courtesy car; business center w/secretarial services; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; laundry service; dry-cleaning service; video library.
Need help booking your trip?
Book online or call
1-800-504-3248(toll free)
Need help booking your trip?
Book online or call
1-800-504-3248(toll free)
Need help booking your trip?
Book online or call
1-800-504-3248(toll free)
Need help booking your trip?
Book online or call
1-800-504-3248(toll free)
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