Long Beach
- The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center (562.436.3636; www.longbeachcc.com) is receiving $5 million in upgrades of the Promenade area in order to provide a more sophisticated look with a boutique-style ambience. Steel Case furniture throughout the Promenade will create “mini pods” for attendees to meet and network. The Savor Cafe, the Green Room and the Terrace Theatre will also receive upgrades.
- The Westin Long Beach (562.436.3000; www.westinlongbeachhotel.com) is undergoing a $10 million overhaul. New restaurant and lobby furniture are being installed and the first half of a room renovation will be finished in February 2012. The other half will commence in November 2012 and be finished in February 2013.
- The Hyatt Long Beach (562.491.1234; www.longbeach.hyatt.com) plans to complete a $21 million renovation in the first quarter of 2012. The project will include upgrades to all guest rooms, suites and corridors, as well as other enhancements.
- A few months ago, The Long Beach Transit Gallery and The Promenade Walkway (www.lbtransit.com/TransitGallery) underwent a combined $9 million renovation. Changes included extensive soft lighting along the street and upgrades to bus shelters, landscaping and kiosks.
Santa Monica
- The Shore Hotel (310.451.9859; www.shorehotel.com) will open this summer as the first newly constructed, Silver LEED hotel in Santa Monica. Located right on the shoreline, the boutique property will offer eco-friendly accommodations with views of the Pacific Ocean. The event space will accommodate up to 114 people theater-style, 53 for dining and 160 for receptions.
- Santa Monica Place (310.260.8333; www.santamonicaplace.com) celebrated its grand opening in 2010. The open-air retail and dining destination features a fresh, modern design, sun-dappled walkways and an indoor and outdoor rooftop dining deck with ocean views. The Market at Santa Monica Place opened in May, featuring heirloom coffee, meats, cheeses, fresh-baked breads, confections, flowers and a gourmet cooking school.
Beverly Hills
- In June, the signature hotel brand, Mr. C., opened its first Los Angeles property, Mr. C. Beverly Hills (310.277.2800; www.mrchotels.com/beverly-hills). The 138-room property features 12 suites, each with a private balcony and many with panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles.