Hotels

Fortune favors those who fill in the sweepstakes forms. Win free stays at hotels in Los Angeles, along with free round-trip travel and free tickets to the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards on Jan 31, 2010. And maybe even attend a few star-studded after parties.

Grammy Awards

1. Delta is the official airline for the Grammy Awards, and they have a sweepstakes going with 2 grand prizes, each including two round-trip flights to Los Angeles, two tickets to the Grammy Awards show at Staples Center Jan. 31, 2010, hotel accommodations and rental car.

Visit www.pandora.com/delta, choose a Grammy inspired Delta Station, and enter to win the prize.

2. Hard Rock is also running a Grammy sweepstakes. Enter to win roundtrip airfare to L.A., hotel accommodations for two nights at a swanky hotel, $250 spending cash, and access to the Official GRAMMY Celebration After-Party.

3. Hilton Hotels is the official hotel sponsor for the Grammys, and they have special prize-packages for Hilton HHonors members.  This isn’t exactly free. Actually, it’s an auction for charity, so you have to bid for it with your HHonors points.

Each of the four winners gets two tickets to the Awards, the official after party, Grammy Museum, a few other galas and receptions, round-trip airfare to Los Angeles, and three nights stay for two at the Hilton Checkers. Visit www.hilton.com/grammys for more details.

4.  Crawford Furniture and WIVB-TV want to send you to Grammys.  If you win, you get round-trip coach air transportation for two from Buffalo, NY to Los Angeles, transfers to event, hotel accommodations for two nights, and two tickets to the Grammy Awards. Fill up their form here.

Photo courtesy Hilton Hotels

Related posts:-
Michael Jackson Memorial – Los Angeles Hotels Offer Special Rates
Los Angeles Revealed – A Local’s Perspective

My bed at the W Westwood in Los Angeles, CA

I don’t travel well, especially when it comes to getting to sleep in a strange bed.  Besides my inherent fear that someone will break into my room, there’s always the lovely sounds of hotel neighbours to rouse me before I actually get to sleep.

Having just returned from the hip and happening W Westwood in Los Angeles, (where I must admit I felt 100 years old just like last time, more on that later), the first article I wanted to write was this one.  You know, for next time.

So, if you’re a restless, weary traveler, consider the following:

1 ) When checking in or booking the room, ask to be placed at least 2 floors away from the hotel’s hot spot.  In the case of the W, make it 6 or more.  I was on the 4th floor and heard BOOM BOOM BOOM until 1 a.m.  Not ideal when I had to be up at 6.

2 ) Also request your room not be near the ice machines or the elevators.  Even if the mechanics of these areas are quiet, there will be the human element pouring off the lift or digging in the ice machine for just one. more. drink.

3 ) Unplug your phone or ask the hotel to put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode if possible.  No need for drunk dialers to wake you if you’ve already managed to crash.

4 ) Double check your alarm clock for obvious reasons.  You don’t want to be up at 4 a.m. unless it’s your flight you’re looking to catch.

5 ) Use ear plugs, if you’re so inclined.

6 ) If you’re the type to get up in the night to use the washroom or get a drink of water, make sure your foot path is clear and save yourself the trouble of getting up for water by leaving a glass of water at your bedside.

7 ) Close your curtains before bed.

8 ) If your neighbours are particularly rowdy, you could try calling the front desk but if that fails, don’t be afraid to pack it in and go to the front desk for a new room.  Personally I don’t mind the sound of happy party people.  For some reason I feel safer if I know there are people around.

9 ) If you’re going to watch television to fall asleep, set the timer for sleep mode.  That way you don’t wake up to the Slapchop dude screaming into your dreams.

10 ) If you don’t want hotel staff to wake you up in the morning, be sure to use your Do Not Disturb sign.

Personally I find having a couple of drinks at dinner gets me lubricated enough to slip into dreamland a little easier.  Hopefully sleep finds you at your destination!

Photo Credit: Karen Bodkin

It’s not a good time to open a new luxury hotel, but the 582 room Terranea in Rancho Palos Verdes, just outside Los Angeles, lasted all of 2 months before the ground caved in – the Terranea has gone into default with one of it’s lenders, and missed a chance to get a very essential tax rebate agreement from the City.

Terranea, Rancho Palos Verdes

The oceanfront luxury hotel and accompanying resort facilities – built on the former site of Marineland of the Pacific - opened it’s doors on June 12, 2009, built over a 10 year period by the Lowe Hospitality Group with a massive price tag of $480 million. 

 Terranea’s primary lender is Chicago based Corus Bankshares, a bank which is itself in serious danger of being taken into recievership by the FDIC. Corus has invested $180m in Terranea, but is now unable to offer any more financial support to the Terranea.

This financial muddle led to Terranea missing a deadline for enrolling into a tax rebate agreement with the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, for which it needed $12.5m. The agreement was apparently a very critical element of Terranea’s ability to remain financially viable, and it’s entire future is now at stake.

With $322 million in loans, struggling to keep it’s doors open due to lack of funds and support from it’s primary lender, the Terranea could quite possibly go into foreclosure, or be taken over by another entity.

The management says they’re talking to their remaining lenders – which includes Cascade Investment Co. which is controlled by Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Cascade has filed a notice of default because Terranea has not been meeting it’s payments.

Photo courtesy Destination Hotels & Resorts.

The Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach, CA would like you to show your love for them by getting all tattooed up under a promotion called the ‘Ink and Stay’ package. Of course, you’ll be ’suitably’ rewarded for your show of love.

Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach, CA

Package includes a $100 voucher for a tattoo from Hotel Erwin’s acclaimed, in-house tattoo and graffiti artist Norm, plus Lubriderm lotion and ice-pack for healing, bottle of tequila to numb the pain, and a chance to opt for temporary tattoos - in case you chicken out in the tattoo parlor.

You also stand to get yourself a $500 bonus if you get a tattoo that  says “I HEART HOTEL ERWIN.” Not sure what the love of your life will have to say about that - but you might save some of that tequila to prove that you were too drunk to know what you were doing.

The newly re-launched and hip Hotel Erwin, overlooking the Venice Beach Boardwalk and located 200 ft from the beach, has quickly become a popular hangout for the artsy crowd in Venice Beach and their patrons and admirers. 

The Hotel even commissioned Norm – the aforementioned graffiti and tattoo artist from the famed Spotlight Tattoo in los Angeles, to paint some art (see video) at the hotel’s entrance. And a classic breakfast spot (HASH) and rooftop open-air lounge (HIGH) at the hotel add to the Venice Beach experience.

The Ink and Stay offer is valid until Dec 31, 2009.

Info: 1697 Pacific Avenue, Los Angeles (Venice Beach), CA 90291; (310) 452-1111; website; Photos courtesy Joie de Vivre Hospitality.

Tom Cruise with Suri in Hollywood

Lots of celeb spottings at the Mondrian in West Hollywood, California, that’s for sure. That’s because it’s a luxury hotel with all the trimmings, not to mention some of the hottest spots in Hollywood. Lindsay Lohan? Check. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes? Check. Britney, Leonardo, Jewel, and other one-name stars? Check, check, check. They’ve all been seen at the Mondrian.

It’s tough to grab a table at the Mondrian’s Asia de Cuba restaurant, or a spot in the Skybar, but if you’re looking to be treated like a star (and see some, too), then I think you’ll really dig it. Exquisite details permeate every room, whether it’s the 30-foot mahogany doors, the plush lobby, the fine Egyptian linens, or the breathtaking scenic views from the Balcony Suites. It’s art deco at its best.

Luxury pool at the Mondrian Hotel in Hollywood, California

Surprisingly, the Mondrian is also (relatively) reasonable in price, too. If you’re looking for a standard room, they start around $295 a night. Balcony Suites are under $500 a night, and the deluxe Apartments are – wait for it – $2,500 a night. But hey, we’re talking lap of luxury here. Wet bars, double rainfall showers, lovely flat-screen HDTVs, even 24-hour room service. Even now as I write this, I’m imagining myself getting a 90-minute massage in my room, while girls fan me and feed me grapes. *sigh*

The suites at the Mondrian hotel in West Hollywood are exquisite

If you’re going to rub elbows with people like Kevin Spacey and Hugh Grant, you’re going to pay the price. But it’s unlikely that the Mondrian will disappoint. And if you’re lucky, the paparazzi may see you outside and accidentally think you’re Somebody. What? It could happen!

Nearby Restaurants: Katana, BOA Steakhouse, Koi, and the O-Bar

Singer Jewel spotted near the Mondrian in West Hollywood

Photos: Daylife.com, Mondrian hotel web site

Hotels in Los Angeles are offering special rates for Michael Jackson fans who want to attend the King of Pop’s Memorial service at the Staples Center on Tuesday, July 7th at 10 am.

Staples Center, Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau has partnered with the Michael Jackson fan club to make arrangements for out-of-town fans. Initial estimates suggest that at least 750,000 people are expected to be in Los Angeles for the Memorial service. 

The Staples Center held a lottery for 17,500 free tickets, and received 1.6 million registrations, with over 1 billion hits on their website. 

Hotels in Downtown LA offering special rates include the Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Wilshire Grand Los Angeles, Millennium Biltmore Hotel, Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens and the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

Hotels close to LAX include the Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Radisson Hotel at Los Angeles Airport and Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

In the Hollywood and Universal City area the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City are offering special rates.

Each participating hotel’s special offer is detailed at http://discoverlosangeles.com/play/arts-music-and-entertainment/michael-jackson-memorial.html and includes a special promotional code to redeem at the time of booking.

A note of warning – even if you have a place to stay in downtown LA, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to attend the memorial service. The free tickets have already been handed out, and LAPD has made clear that only ticket holders and credentialed media will be allowed in or even anywhere near the Staples Center.

But if you want to experience a Michael Jackson themed trip, then you could make use of the special rates at one of the aforementioned hotels, take a chance with the Staples Center, and also attend the other events being organized in LA to honor Michael Jackson.

On July 9th, Universal CityWalk will become “Universal Moonwalk” with Southern California’s largest public outdoor celebration of Jackson’s life. The GRAMMY Museum in Downtown LA has extended its exhibition of Jackson’s most iconic wardrobe pieces, Jackson’s star is located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Jackson filmed his “You Are Not Alone” video at the Pantages Theatre and of course, STAPLES Center is where the public memorial for Michael Jackson will take place.

Staples Center photo by liangjinjian; Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel photo by B.D. Solis 

Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood

The Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California is a lovely, historic hotel on Hollywood Blvd where all the sidewalk stars are. It’s a great place to people watch from – I’ve seen two celebrities in this hotel since I’ve been here!

My room is definitely on the smaller side, bu the bed is comfy. However, the bed does have a nasty, sharp wooden corner to it which is very annoying! I’ve managed to walk into that corner about four times since being here, and my shins now look like someone took a baseball bat to them. Other than that, the room is fine. The bathroom is small, and the toilet paper roll is hidden behind the door, so you have to close the door when using the bathroom, which I found amusing. Nice amenities are included in the bathroom.
They do hit you with a lot of charges here. You even have to pay for the coffee in the room. There’s a very funny “Shag Bag” which made me laugh out loud. You can guess what’s in there.

This hotel is a little bit spooky though. It’s older, built in 1927 I believe, and the hallways feel dark and, well – haunted. I’m not kidding. I’m on the twelfth floor, and I get weird chills when I walk from my hotel room to the elevator.

Moving on! If you stay here, you have to check out the historic lobby – it’s absolutely gorgeous. Very high ceilings, dark wood, soft, yellow lighting. Large, very comfortable leather chairs…just lovely.

The pool is open till 11pm, score!

I highly recommend Shelly Cafe, right across the street. Pretty cheap food – basic burgers, sandwiches and salads. But good! And, Million Dollar Baby was filmed there, if you’re into that stuff.

Photo Credit: P Keigan

Portland, Oregon

Economy got you down? Me, too, but we all need to get away from it all sometime and take a short weekend trip! Luckily, there are plenty of affordable hotels out there which can let you spend your money on good food and entertainment instead. Citysearch came out with their Best Budget Hotels for a wide range of cities this year for 2008 and some for 2009. Check out some of the ones below!

Portland, Oregon

Portland is a beautiful city with lots of things to see and do in the city and in the surrounding nature as well!

Jupiter Hotel

La Quinta Inn Portland

Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites

Ready to pack your bags? Here is a great resource for Portland flights.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles offers a wealth of fun activities and experiences for both families and for couples. These hotels will help you pinch your pennies.

Cadillac Hotel

Glendale Lodge

Beverly Garland’s Holiday Inn

Farmer’s Daughter Hotel

Miami Florida

Miami, Florida

Entertainment options in Miami can get a little expensive, but staying at these hotels will help make sure your money is spent on food and fun instead of just a place to crash for the night.

Holiday Inn Coral Gables – University of Miami

Miami River Inn Bed & Breakfast

Circa 39 Hotel

Houston, Texas

Check out what this vibrant city in the Lone Star State has to offer. These budget hotels put some of Houston’s most fun things to do within easy reach.

Sheraton Suites Hotel

Kemah Escape

Residence Inn Houston

Atlanta, Georgia

This peachy city is a wonderful place to visit year-round. These hotels are closer to downtown, where all the action is.

Glenn Hotel

Highland Inn

Hotel Indigo

Photo Credits: Stu Seeger, (le) doo

Another week, another set of deals from our friends over at DealBase. Instead of the usual rundown, howzabout we assess these discounts through a frame both timely and horrifying: what would our Great Depression-era grandparents think?

Renaissance Chicago's indoor pool: Avoid the sun!

Chicagoland boasts the top savings for this week–58% off on a room at the four-star Renaissance Chicago Hotel. That rate includes a buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids, so wear your loosest muumuu, roll bread and cheese in paper towels, and slip ‘em down your gown. Lunch and dinner? Done and done.

Cheap thrills: take a stroll with your main squeeze

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel offers a Stay Across from the Pier for Less Package, which lands you mere steps from the beach for $159 a night, a 50% savings. Grandma would tell you tans are for farmers: wear your biggest hat, slather on the sunscreen, buy a pair of knock-off sunglasses, and you’re ready for your close-up.

And my favorite: the un-deal of the week. That goes to the Kona Village Resort, for their wedding-in-a-box package at $2,633 a night, which includes a sound system, videographer, leis, a cake and conch shell blowing–is that what they’re calling it these days?

Rejected on all counts. Patch together an outfit and get hitched at city hall. Grandpaw would.

Los Angeles International Airport, fondly known as LAX, is an inevitable stop on the way to Palm Springs, Asia, and parts of Mexico. Or even, Los Angeles itself!

Since LA is a driving town, and there isn’t really a downtown, you might as well stay at the airport if you can get a great deal. Here are three options, in our usual range of schmancy, nice, and on-a-budget.

Luxury: The Inn at Playa Del Ray

You don’t usually think “beach resort” and “airport hotel” but in Southern California all things are possible. The Inn at Playa Del Ray is gorgeous, the kind of place people visit, rather than merely stay.

Every morning you are welcomed to a full, hot breakfast buffet, laden with fresh, home-made bread and egg soufflés! See? Schmancy.

Afternoon tea at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

In the afternoon guests are invited to tea and cookies, and each evening you can enjoy wines and hors d’oeuvres. There are private sunbathing gardens, and bikes for rides on the beach.

A room at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

Each of the 21 rooms is slightly different. Some have views of the bird sanctuary, others of the ocean. There are jacuzzis, fireplaces and sunny decks.

Another room at the Inn at Playa Del Ray

Sounds heavenly, and not at all like an airport hotel. Of course, with basic rooms starting at $275/night, probably most people are there for a vacation, not just a layover.

Mid-Range: Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport

For hotel that is a lot less expensive, but still offers some decent amenities, take a look at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. It’s a Starwood property, so you can earn/use points, and you can get a room starting at $89/night, with suites available if you’re traveling with the whole family and need a little more space.

Room at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

There is an outdoor heated pool, a fitness room with cardio machines and free weights, and a gift shop filled with brightly colored mugs and shirts that will seem like a good idea at the time.

Heated pool at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

The rooms are a good size, there is both a bar and a restaurant on-site, and free airport pick up and drop off. Perfect for a tired traveler just passing through town.

Restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton LAX

Budget: Super 8 Motel – Los Angeles/Airport LAX

With rooms as low as $60/night, you probably shouldn’t expect much beyond clean sheets and a door that locks. Located just a mile from the airport, this Super 8 offers a free LAX Airport shuttle, free “Super Start Breakfast” and free parking during your stay.

Super 8 LAX Breakfast Room

There is a 24 hour front desk so you check in and out at weird times, wifi and an outdoor pool.

Super 8 LAX pool

The rooms look clean and bright, and you have to love the candor of a place that lists California Pizza Kitchen and Quiznos Sub as “nearby restaurants”.

Super 8 LAX Room