Los Angeles
We flew Aer Lingus direct with customs and immigration at Dublin. This is mega time saving when you arrive to LA (or any Aer Lingus direct flight to the states from Ireland) as you just go straight to the domestic bag claim and out to your transfer. We were met by Haley from the tourist board and taken by private transfer to our hotel The Loews Hollywood which is just a two minute walk to Hollywood Boulevard for the Hollywood walk of fame and the Chinese Theatre. This hotel is also host to the Oscars and accommodates all the stars for the night. It’s a great hotel, in great location and had a room with a view to the Hollywood sign. After a couple of cocktails in the hotel bar and some snacks and nibbles, an early night was had by all, with an early start the next morning.
Breakfast at the Loews was excellent with plenty of choice to suit every diet. We then had a tour of the hotel and were shown where the Oscars are held and also were all the stars arrive. Quite exciting really when you have watched the Oscars for many years. We then went to visit an art gallery called The Broad, which I found very interesting and very alternative. It is free to enter but there can be queues, however a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. We had lunch at the Grand Central Market which had many stalls and a central eating area. Great food and choice. Asian food was predominant and very tasty. On then to the Grammy Studio and this was a real treat. If you are a music lover, this is the place to go.
Later on we headed to Musso and Frank Restaurant on Hollywood Boulevard. This restaurant is a real throwback to the early days of Hollywood. It is nearly 100 years old and hasn’t changed in that time. Old world and beautiful wood panels with a wood bar, photos of the old stars such as Humphrey Bogart, Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Gary Cooper to name but a few. They still come here today. The menu has hardly changed since it opened.
The next morning we visited the London Hotel in West Hollywood and had breakfast here which was excellent. Lovely hotel and a penthouse suite with views over all of Hollywood to die for. Onwards then to our fun day and Universal Studios. (Which is only on stop on subway from Hollywood Boulevard) Having never gone, I really had no idea what was in store for us. It really is a great day out. We did the Studio Tour which was excellent and the Harry Potter Ride which I was dreading but I loved it. We had dinner at WPBistro where they serve pizza and beer etc. It has a great buzz. Plenty of night bars and entertainment but bring your ID or you will not get in.
On the last day, we had breakfast at the Farmer’s Market which has great restaurants, stalls and shopping. The highlight of our day was Malibu Wine Safari, this was great and there are a lot of rescue animals here including Stanley the Giraffe being a Hollywood star. Lunch and wine tasting in the Malibu hills overlooking the valley in lovely sunshine is highly recommended. Then on to Malibu beach for a drink at Paradise Cove and then Santa Monica Place for some shopping.
Homeward bound with Aer Lingus and we got to experience Business Class, what a treat. Great food, service and very comfortable seats that stretch out to a fully flat bed. As this was an overnight flight, I arrived to Dublin very refreshed. A lovely few days and LA is definitely a destination in its own right, also a great 2 or 3 night stopover break.
If you are interested in a city break to Los Angeles or you would like any more information please drop me a line.
Niamh