Tips, Tricks and Experiences of LA

Written on Friday, July 10, 2020 by Emma Whiting Travel

On a recent short educational trip I took to LA in February 2020 I was instantly reminded of Neil Diamonds’ song ‘I Am I Said’…’LA’s fine, the sun shines most of the time and the feeling is “lay back”

Well he was right! The sun does indeed shine, even in winter. And as for laid back? Yes I can vouch for that too. During the 4 days I was there it was revealed that LA was THE place to be.

Instead of using LA as a quick stopover to visit Disneyland, Universal Studios and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, slow it down and discover what the city is all about… Read below for my tips, tricks and experiences of LA.

Flights:

*Premium Economy on Virgin Airlines to LA is a delight – extra leg room and extra recline was much appreciated and the quality of food was accompanied with delicious wine and attentive service.

*Thought Premium Economy was impressive? Well then Private Suite (PS) is sure to wow you even more. Private Suite is a great initiative that is used by the like of celebrities to have a private air line check in and disembarkation process. Just think – checking in, handling baggage, relaxing in a suite before takeoff, or if you’re landing in LA then collecting baggage, and going through immigration is all done privately and seamlessly! Clearly my trip was off to a great start.

Accommodation:

*  Terranea Resort (less than an hour south of the airport), located on land overlooking the wide blue pacific. The Californian/Spanish inspired hotel is a lovely place to relax for a couple of days. This would be an ideal place for a stopover – staying close to the airport and the sights spread across LA for you to soak up

* Hotel Sofitel welcomed us to their beautiful hotel with it’s fantastic West Hollywood location, close to hip shopping and restaurants. The hotel has a cool side with lots of funky art and even funkier locals out for the night. Bars in hotels are the place to hang out in LA.

*  Hotel Bel Air north of Hollywood in a beautiful bush clad location. After a gorgeous breakfast we were escorted around the immaculate rooms catering those with opulent tastes in a private place yet close to Beverly Hills

* Edition Hotel – the upmost in ultra-cool, check in is no longer a formality, it’s an in-formal introduction to this urban experience with a fabulous roof top bar where urban hipsters hang out

* Ritz Carlton – million-dollar views over the whole marina complete with million-dollar boats on show. The feel is very ‘upmarket resort’

* Proper Hotel – in one of LA’s most famous suburbs – Santa Monica, where the locals gather for food and drink in a marvelous bar and restaurant

 

Day Tours and Sightseeing:

* After something different, thrilling and exciting? How about LA’s Porsche Experience? The locals love their Porsche’s in LA as do the passionate staff at Porsche Experience Centre LA where they show their joy of working with this iconic automobile. If surrounding yourself with the history of this fine automobile doesn’t rev your engine, then how about an exhilarating lap of their circuit in a Porsche at top speed? Wow!

* Shopping time – and what better way to shop than in style? At the ‘Beverly Center’ mall, one is escorted on a shopping journey complete with lounge to make it a relaxing experience – very LA. The Citadel Outlets is another option to shop till you drop with all the big brands at tempting prices.

* Downtown LA – Is it safe? Why would you go there? Is there even one anymore? Well perhaps 40 years ago these questions of safety would have been valid but fast forward to 2020 and rejuvenation has revitalised Downtown. Derelict buildings have been resorted to their former glory, banks have been transformed into grand hotels all featuring hip lunches and colourful bars. Downtown has much to offer as we found on a visit to the thought-provoking art galleries. A guided walking tour would be a great way to learn more of the fascinating history and architecture of the Downtown. We finished the day in Downtown with a VIP visit to ‘The Broad’ showing some incredible art and then overlooking all LA has to offer with another VIP visit at ‘Sky Space’ atop of Los Angeles highest building.

 

* Finally, what tour of LA would be complete without a visit to the San Fernando Valley? Home to Warner Bros Studios, we had a fascinating VIP tour including viewing the ‘Friends’ set and ‘Ellen’s’ studio. The day concluded with a great walking food tour at Venice Beach.  Who doesn’t love a food walking tour? It’s a very informative way to see locals in their hood at a slow pace and stopping to eat and drink awhile – perfect.

 

“In L.A you know where that’s at” a line from The Mammas and Papas 1967 song ‘Creeque Alley’ still rings true over 50 years later. If you want to discuss or even book any of the above tips and experiences I’ve shared, then please don’t hesitate to contact us!

 

And if you want to discover more treats that California has to offer… click here