Hollywood: The Home Of Glamour And Luxury
You cannot experience Los Angeles without the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Waving palms greet you to the place where stars come to be made. Watch stretched limousines pass by, with A-listers behind the tinted windows, and see the young and the beautiful flaunt themselves on the busy streets, just waiting to be discovered, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Hollywood sign. You never know what is waiting for you around the corner in the entertainment capital of the world.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame, where you can see the stars of famous actors.
Watching a movie in Hollywood is almost compulsory. Whether you decide to go to the classic TCL Chinese Theatre, or you prefer a more luxurious experience at Soho House in West Hollywood, where you can watch your favorite movies in the private theatre if you are a member. The movie theatre at Soho House is dramatic and decadent, with red velvet armchairs that have matching ottomans with cashmere throws inside so that you can snuggle up as you stare at the screen. There is also a huge communal chaise lounge to recline and luxuriate on with your guests. Make the most of the private Club Room for pre and post-screening cocktails and nibbles. If you aren’t a member of Soho House and still want to experience Hollywood movies in all their glamour, then grab some tickets to an actual red carpet event, and rub shoulders with the stars.
For a unique movie-going experience, join the locals for the perennial Hollywood Forever Cemetery film screenings, where you can watch a movie in the eerie setting of the cemetery where the stars are buried. Cinespia provides outdoor adult movie nights in the cemetery on Saturdays; you will definitely feel the ambiance. If laughing is more your thing then, head to The Groundlings; birthplace of famous comedians such as Lisa Kudrow, Will Ferrell, Melissa McCartney, Phil Hartman, John Lovitz, and Edie McClurg. The list goes on, the legendary improv theatre group consistently showcases talented comedians on their rise to the top. If large venues are what you live for, then you should catch a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. This incredible special event outdoor amphitheater has a state-of-the-art stage, where internationally famous music artists play regularly. A fun schedule of the traditional, popular, and avant-garde music means you can always find something you want to watch at the bowl.
The famous Hollywood sign.
If you would rather see the stars in their sweats than dressed to the nines at an award show, then it is time for some physical activity in the Hollywood Hills. From Bronson Canyon in Griffith Park to Runyon Canyon in the west, there are over fifty-three miles of path and hiking trails. You might just spot the likes of Jennifer Aniston or Sheryl Crow exercising like normal people. Runyon Canyon has a ninety-acre off-leash dog park, which is very popular with pooch-loving A-listers. Celebrities like Jessica Biel and ‘Twilight’ star Kellan Lutz have been spotted with their four-legged friends. For those actually looking for exercise, there are some fantastic hike paths going up to Griffith Observatory. On the way up, stop off at The Trails Café, a quaint little shack with a rustic chalkboard menu and a laid-back hippie vibe, that beckons to the hikers and outdoorsy types in the park. Enjoy a delicious scone, and watch the hikers and cyclists pass by as you relax in comfort. Check out Bronson Canyon to see the infamous “Batcave” where the sixties Batman television series was filmed, and to hike lovely trails near the Hollywood Sign. Start at Beachwood Canyon to go on a hike that loops you up above the Hollywood sign, so that you can see the letters up close and personal against the stunning backdrop of a panoramic view of Los Angeles.
The palm-fringed streets of Hollywood make for an interesting skyline.
Shopping is the other great way to explore Hollywood, with the added benefit of retail therapy. One of the hottest places to shop is Melrose Ave, which is packed full of hip couture shops with a funky vibe. There is colorful street art on the walls and each shop has its own distinct identity. To shop like a star, head to Fred Segal, which is hard to miss despite being completely covered in deep green ficus vine. You will see Fred Segal from a distance on Melrose Ave as a welcome splash of green. It is a celebrity favorite, for its one-of-a-kind boutiques and kiosks, and specially curated clothing and lifestyle accessories. Fashionistas will be blissfully content at Maxfield, a department store that specializes in cutting-edge fashion brands like Alexander McQueen and Rick Owens for those with an edgier look. Hipsters and retro-lovers will find themselves at home in Decades, a vintage boutique selling clothes on consignment. Find rare and unusual pieces cannot be found at normal stores.
After your shopping journey, you might just be in the mood to relax your tired feet. Hollywood has a variety of options for you to get pampered. The Raven Spa in Silverlake is a tranquil outdoor oasis modeled after a Thai spa. You will completely unwind with their opulent massages in the wood-filled and lantern-lit space. For the finest facial in Los Angeles head to Kinara on Robertson, the owner is a master of “pore-by-pore” facials, which leave your skin absolutely perfect. Satisfied clients include the famous celebrities Ann Hathaway and Halle Berry. Walking out of the spa, one can’t help but feel as radiant as these leading ladies.
A view of residential Hollywood.
For dinner, head to the corner of Melrose and Highland to experience a culinary mecca in the city called Mozza. Here is an empire of Italian restaurants built by Nancy Silverton that has defined the Los Angeles dining scene. There is a pizzeria, an osteria serving fine Italian cuisine, and Chi Spacca a restaurant specializing in meat and charcuterie. For Thai food like you have never had it before, go to Night + Market, which is a foodie top pick in Hollywood for its loud and complex flavors that people find addictive. Lucques is a good choice for modern Californian cuisine, which lies somewhere between comfort food and luxury cuisine. For one of the finest dining experiences in Hollywood, go to Providence. The tasting menus are dramatic dining experiences that you won't forget. In the truffle-scented dining room, you will be presented with the flavors of the sea, like Santa Barbara spot prawns cooked in hot salt and plated tableside. For breakfast or lunch, the place to go is Sqirl, which is a small funky café with fantastic food. Don’t leave this chill place with a garden party ambiance without trying the famous malva pudding cake, an L.A favorite.
Finally, dance the night away with an unbelievably attractive crowd in Hollywood’s top clubs and bars. Hangouts from Hollywood’s Golden Age such as The Writer’s Room are worth a visit for nostalgia and old Hollywood glamour. Bardot, a rooftop club above a historic theatre, also offers both. As do the bars, Genesis and Harlowe. For more contemporary luxury that reveals Hollywood in all its modern glory head to Skybar, with its thrilling views of the city and ‘see-and-be-seen’ crowd. For unrivaled opulence go to The Powder Room for their $500 milkshake cocktail, which is served with edible leaf and a crystal ring. You can at least drink like a celebrity. If you want to feel the pulsing beat of Hollywood then head to Lure, for some of LA’s hottest DJs. This glamorous location is spacious and well appointed and perfect for spending the night luxuriating in decadence.
Hollywood truly is the land of entertainment, and it is just waiting to entertain you. Come and stay in one of our luxury Hollywood Hills villas and live like the stars themselves.