June is Pride Month, and inclusivity might be on top of your mind. There is a concerted effort across the meetings industry to make experiences more inclusive for all, and the start of that journey often begins with the destination selection process.
West Hollywood might be a good place to start. It’s the site of the world’s first permitted Pride parade (1970) and now, according to Visit West Hollywood, nearly 40% of the population identifies as LGBTQ.
The city’s welcoming atmosphere is genuine and present all year round but is amplified in the month of June when the season of “WeHo PRIDE” officially begins on Harvey Milk Day (May 22) and runs through June 30 for “40-days of Pride.” Programming includes the WeHo Pride Weekend, featuring the parade, and many more activations.
In addition to its inclusive environment, West Hollywood has even more to offer groups. Nontraditional meeting venues, Michelin-caliber F&B and exceptional live music and entertainment options add to the fun and allure (even Meetings Today’s own Tyler Davidson has rocked with his former band just off the famed Sunset Strip!), and the destination’s walkability is a rare find in the sprawl of Greater Los Angeles.
You’ll even find hotels leaning into the new and exciting.
The Sunset Marquis, for example, has an onsite recording studio, NightBird Recording Studios, with state-of-the-art sound that’s used by various A-listers. Several West Hollywood hotels are even equipped with in-house theaters. The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills has an entire floor dedicated to press junkets and other industry events, including a 110-seat screening room with a bar and private entrance for talent. A plush screening room at The West Hollywood EDITION, one of WeHo’s newest luxury hotels, can accommodate 91.
These are just a few of many—West Hollywood is home to 18 hotels and 2,500-plus guest rooms, all offering spaces with unique spins and plentiful outdoor options to enjoy the quintessentially pleasant SoCal weather.
And, of course, on top of it all, the location is hard to beat. When you meet in West Hollywood, you’re in the heart of the L.A. region, bursting with the potential for incredible, never-to-be-forgotten group activities and easy access to multiple airports.
It’s a destination that has much more to it than just star power.
[Related: Timeless Venues Reminiscent of Yesteryear Los Angeles]
Where to Stay in West Hollywood
Posh properties and rooftop pools are par for the course in West Hollywood. Book your group at one of the newest entrants, 149-room Pendry West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard. Opened in 2021, complete with culinary by Wolfgang Puck; 250-seat music venue, Sun Rose; rooftop pool and bar; and multiple unique meeting and event space options, this hotel hotspot will leave a mark on attendees.
Where to Eat in West Hollywood
Groups are spoiled for choice in walkable West Hollywood. Restaurants often act as defacto boardrooms for power lunches, especially institutions like Craig’s (upscale American) and Cecconi’s (classic Italian). Michelin-recommended Amour is a can’t miss for foodies for its contemporary French cuisine and ambience—the dining room is accessed through a library stacked with vintage books.
Fun Activities in West Hollywood
West Hollywood’s claim to fame is its iconic music venues. Don’t miss an opportunity to catch a show after a day of business meetings—Troubadour, The Roxy Theatre and the Whisky a Go Go (the latter two can host events) are just a few of the legendary halls in which some of music’s most revered acts got their start and continue to be a rite of passage for new bands today.
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Taking Off is a column from the desk of Senior Content Director and resident destinations expert, Danielle LeBreck, which uncovers the destinations you haven't thought of for meetings or events, from under-the-radar locales to new neighborhoods you should know about. Read more Taking Off columns here.
