On shoot in LA: A City Guide to Los Angeles
Off to shoot in the city of the Angels? confused about which hotels and restaurants to visit? Don’t worry we’ve got you covered with a selection of the best LA has to offer!
First up, hotels…
LA is vast and you could end up spending your days in a car if you don’t stay in the right area. When you’re here for work you just don’t have the time to be commuting all day — so think carefully about what area suits you best.
Our first and favourite suggestion of where you should stay is Shutters on the Beach. Only a nine minute walk to Santa Monica pier you’d be staying in the thick of it with a beautiful sea breeze. If sand between your toes isn’t your thing, not to worry, you can chill out by the pool instead. Fitness buffs can get their exercise fix at the gym and follow up with a massage at the spa. Good drinks and conversations flow at their coast cafe and bar, especially during an afternoon of wine tasting.
It’s the perfect place to stay and unwind after a day on set.
Address: 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA
Price: Around £650 for a double room
Beverly Hills is where many of the big name hotels can be found — it’s often called “The Golden Triangle” due to it being an LA hub.
It’s home to a classic option: the Waldorf Astoria. It has a great location, and is definitely the place to stay if you want luxury. The rooftop is a perfect place to meet clients for dinner or a drink. The rooms are beautifully decorated in an Art Deco style and many have incredible views of those famous hills.
Address: 9850 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA
Price: Around £750 for a double room
In West Hollywood we recommend The London West Hollywood. It’s one of the best rated 5 star LA hotels for a reason.The sunset viewed from the rooftop is breathtaking and if you have an afternoon off we highly suggest you rent one of the cabanas around the pool. The cocktails are divine! If that’s not enough, the London’s reputation is built on it’s amazing, efficient and friendly service.
The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills
Address: 1020 North San Vicente Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069–3802
Price: Around £450 for a double room
If relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of the city is more your thing, be sure to check in at the Hotel Bel-Air. A bit further from LA’s center, but you can be in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood after a 15 minute drive — if you can avoid that infamous LA traffic. Definitely try to have dinner at the on-site restaurant, the Wolfgang Puck. It’s a worth a visit even if you’re staying in the city. Check-in, chill out and enjoy being surrounded by gorgeous greenery.
Address: 701 Stone Canyon Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90077–2909
Price: Around £600 for a double room
plumguide.com
If you don’t want the agitation of a hotel and would rather be in a house. There are some really cool options on the Plum Guide. Here are two of the best we saw:
Now you’ve got where you’re gonna be staying sorted it’s time dine at our selection of LA’s top restaurants.
Part of the Wolfgang Puck group, Spago is one of LA’s best restaurant serving locally sourced Californian cuisine. Definitely try the Seared Loup De Mer, it’s cooked to perfection. For a hot summer night the refreshing Tiffany Twisted cocktail is a must.
Address: 176 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, USA
Do you feel like trying something adventurous? Broken Spanish serves uber creative gourmet dishes influenced by chef Ray Garcia’s latin roots. It’s scrumptious food you just can’t get enough of. For seafood fans the grilled octopus is the perfect option.
Address: 1050 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
If you’re a meat lover, italian restaurant Chi Spacca is worth a visit. Start your dinner with a focaccia and some pancetta — and if you don’t know what to pick as a main, the Porcini Rubbed Beef Short Ribs is sensational. A great place to spend an evening with clients, friends or both.
Address: 6610 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038, USA
On top of the good food and the amazing hotels, LA has a tonne of things to do if you find yourself at a loose end — our top recommendation is No Vacancy bar. We’re not going to tell you what makes it so special, you’ll need to discover that for yourself…
1727 N Hudson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA
If you have a spare afternoon/day in LA here are a few touristy things that are really worth doing. Our top three, especially for LA newbies includes:
- Watching the view from the Griffith Observatory (just please don’t pretend you’re in La La Land).
- Taking a walk along Venice Beach — or if walking’s not your thing there’s the option to rent bikes.
- Admiring the precious collections of The Getty Museum (you should give yourself at least 3h to visit — you could literally stay for a whole day)
That’s a wrap guys! We’d love to hear from you if you try out any of our recommendations — or if you have any more to add!
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