On the Road: Los Angeles
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We know there are a million travel guidebooks out there, but we’ve created a handful of destination mini-guides designed specifically for working girls-on-the-go. So, whether it’s a quick stopover for a meeting, or a week-long conference, here’s everything you need to know about…
Los Angeles
Where to Stay
Expense Account: Peninsula Beverly Hills
The Peninsula Beverly Hills will have you seeing stars and diamonds – five Mobil stars and five AAA diamonds that is! Perks like 24-hour room service and a state of the art fitness center (personal trainers by apt.) make the Peninsula the standout of standouts. But beware; it’s dangerously located within walking distance of Rodeo Drive.
Rooms start at $495, Suites start at $1,075.
9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills. LA. Ph: 310.551.2888
Romantic Weekend: Shutters on the Beach
LA really is a beach town! Located smack on the beach in Santa Monica, Shutters has a Nantucket look that is undeniably charming. While the cottage-feel reminds you of a 1920’s beach vacation, modern updates like wireless Internet poolside and the artwork of David Hockney and Roy Lichtenstein do not.
Rooms start at $505, Suites start at $1,150.
1 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica. Ph: 800.334.9000
On the Cheap: Figueroa Hotel
If business brings you downtown, this Moroccan themed hotel is a must, especially for the price. With a hipster-friendly poolside bar and exotic atmosphere, the Figueroa Hotel feels like a little vacation from your vacation. Each room is different so ask for another if you’re not satisfied.
Rooms start at $134, Suites start at $195.
939 S. Figueroa St. LA. PH: 800.421.9092
Where to Eat
Business Dinner: JarThe décor of this chophouse is reminiscent of a time when all businessmen were, well, men. But expertly prepared comfort foods like pot roast and chocolate pudding make Jar a favorite for men and woman alike. Great service and food means you can focus on the business at hand.
Appetizers average $15, Dinners $30
8225 Beverly Blvd. LA. Ph: 323.655.6566.
Hot Spot: Katsuya in Brentwood
Originating as a local sushi favorite in a strip mall in the Valley, Katsuya has come a long way from its humble beginnings. A Phillipe Stark creation, it’s where Westsiders head for favorites like spicy tuna on fried rice. Great sushi, white leather couches and tall, blonde model-types – isn’t that the quintessential LA experience?
Dinners average $30
11777 San Vicente Blvd. LA. Ph: 310. 207.8744.
Eating Alone: Engine Company No. 28Engine Company, located downtown near the Staples center, boasts a menu inspired by regional firehouse cooking, which means they offer everything from jambalaya to beef carpaccio. The restaurant, housed in a historical 1912 firehouse, has a friendly, down-to-earth vibe.
ppetizers average $10, Dinners $15
644 S. Figueroa St. LA. Ph: 213.624.6996.
Coffee & Internet: Karma Coffeehouse
This three-year-old independent coffee house has a crew of loyal regulars. But, with a name like Karma, how could they do anything but welcome you? Comfy couches, freshly made pastries and organic brew seal the deal. A reliable wi-fi connection is free for customers and $2 otherwise. Open 8am to 12pm.
1544 N. Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood. Ph: 323.460.4188.
Where to Shop
Business Critical: The Beverly CenterA shopping mall mecca in the middle of a busy street, The Beverly Center’s centralized location and vast array of stores make it the perfect choice on the fly. Breeze through Bloomingdales, Macys or Tumi to find just what you need for that big meeting.
8500 Beverly Blvd. LA. Ph: 310.854.0071.
Date Night: Fred Segal
Fred Segal is a must-visit for visitors to LA. The layout of the ivy-covered boutique (actually a collection of boutiques) is like a labyrinth, with each turn revealing the trendy brands and talented designer of the moment. Trust us, this maze is a great place to get lost!
8100 Melrose Ave. West Hollywood. Ph: 323.651.1935
Techie: CompUSA and Melrose Mac
PC Users will find everything they need at the national mega store CompUSA. Mac users will love Melrose Mac, an independent Apple store with a sales staff as knowledgeable as they are helpful.
CompUSA: 100 N. La Cienaga Blvd. Ste. 121. LA. Ph: 310.659.6500
Melrose Mac: 6610 Melrose Ave. LA. Ph: 323.937.4600
Weekend & Time-Off Activities
Running Routes: Griffith Park
Griffith Park is the place to head for fabulous city views while trail running in the shadow of the famous Hollywood sign. With so many trails and routes to choose from, you’ll find one to fit your schedule and your mood.
Great Yoga Studio: Liberation YogaWith classes for the straighter laced (Level 1 Hatha) and the funky (Qi Gong), this eclectic studio has it covered. With a huge selection of classes (including early morning and night) it’s easy to squeeze one in between appointments.
124 S. La Brea. LA. Ph: 323.964.5222.
Day Spa: Ona Spa
Though there may be bigger names in LA, there is none better than Ona (translated from French as ‘all things good’.) Ona is a one-stop shop for everything from acupuncture to Botox to mani/pedis, all in a calming Balinese setting. We recommend scheduling a massage with Raz. And you’re welcome.
7373 Beverly Blvd. LA. Ph: 323.931.4442.
Travel
Airport: Los Angeles International Airport
Flying into LAX is pretty much a no-brainer. As the fifth busiest passenger airport in the world, flights on all airlines are plentiful. Traffic dependent (of course), LAX is about 20 minutes from Santa Monica, 20 minutes from Beverly Hills, 35 minutes from Hollywood and 40 minutes from downtown.
Getting Around: Rental car
Fighting traffic in LA is a part of the experience! In LA’s sprawl, the best way to get around is by rental car. All of the major rental companies (Hertz, Enterprise, Budget) operate throughout the city.
Taxi-cab or Car Service Numbers: Dalia Limousine & Yellow Cab Company
Family owned and operated Dalia Limousine gets high ratings for customer service. For taxi service on the fly, Yellow Cab Co. has a largest service area.
Dalia Limo Ph: 800.500.1908 / Yellow Cab Ph: 877.733.3305
Weather/Wardrobe: LA doesn’t often worry about rain, so pack your sunscreen. Warm summers (mid-80s) and mild winters (mid-60s) with cooler nights are the norm. The most important thing about LA is how casual it is. You really can (and probably should to avoid stares) wear jeans anywhere.
Business Critical
Where to Host a Meeting: NBC Universal
What better way to impress your business partners than by getting them onto an actual studio lot for sneak peak behind the scenes? Back lot locations include brownstones, courtyards (as seen in Back to the Future), and a European street.
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. Ph: 818.777.9466.
Best Printing & Copies: Kinko’s on Vine
Open 24 hours three days a week, plus extended hours on the other four means this conveniently located Kinko’s is the best choice. Tip – let Kinko’s do the work for you and sneak across the street to the ArcLight Cinemas for a flick.
1440 Vine St. LA. Ph: 323.871.1300.