Hollywood
- W Hollywood Hotel and Residences (847.984.2295; www.starwoodhotels.com) is slated to open in October 2009 as part of the $600 million, mixed-use Hollywood & Vine Project, located across from the historic Pantages Theater and above the Hollywood/Vine Metro Red Line subway station. The hotel will have 305 guest rooms as well as meeting facilities, in addition to a private rooftop pool and gym, a rooftop bar, a 9,200-square-foot spa, and a signature restaurant.
- Following a $10 million facelift by its new owners, CIM Group, Hollywood & Highland Center (323.467.4612; www.hollywoodandhighland.com) added several establishments to its lineup, including Louis Vuitton, Guess, XXI Forever, Vino 100 (a trendy new restaurant), Orange (an energetic nightclub hosting Hollywood A-listers), and Spa Luce.
- iFLY Hollywood (818.985.4359; www.iflyhollywood.com) debuted at Universal CityWalk Hollywood as L.A.’s first indoor skydiving wind tunnel. Thrill-seekers enjoy a close approximation of a true skydiving experience as they are suspended in mid-air at heights of up to 30 feet and wind speeds of more than 125 mph, with 360-degree views of CityWalk’s pedestrian promenade. Group programs are available.
Downtown Los Angeles
- The former New Otani Hotel & Gardens was reflagged the Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens (213.629.1200; www.kyotograndho tel.com). The 21-story property features 434 guest rooms and 20 suites, including three Japanese suites, and a spa. Meeting spaces can accommodate events ranging from boardroom gatherings for 20 attendees to large receptions for 850 guests. The property is located in the heart of Little Tokyo.
- The 900-room Wilshire Grand Los Angeles (213.688.7777; www.wilshiregrand.com) completed a multimillion-dollar makeover of its 50,000 square feet of meeting space. Phase two of the property’s $60 million renovation, scheduled to begin this month, will include the redesign of all guest rooms. Additional renovations will begin in the first quarter of 2009.
- The historic O Hotel Los Angeles (213.623.9904; www.ohotelgroup.com) reopened in late 2007, offering 68 deluxe rooms with upgraded comforts and modern amenities. A six-treatment-room health spa is currently being constructed at the property. Situated in the heart of the city’s downtown financial district, O Hotel is located across the street from shops and dining at Macy’s Plaza and only a few blocks from Staples Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center.