Hotel concierges in Los Angeles know how to help visitors enjoy their stay when in the area. We polled concierges at top hotels for their recommended restaurants, the “real” L.A. experience and their ideas for ultimate relaxation and fun. We also asked about celebrity spottings and, of course, the watches on their wrists.
Q. Top 3 restaurant recommendations?
A. The Bazaar: Molecular gastronomy that knocks it out of the park. Sexy, fun and creative. Spago: A quintessential classic. Recently refurbished and has never looked (and tasted) better. Hinoki and the Bird: A very of-the-moment, hot-spot. Patio seating is a must.
Q. Where To Find the “real” Los Angeles experience?
A. Venice Beach: stroll the funky boutiques of Abbot Kinney and enjoy people watching along the boardwalk. It can be touristy, but the crazy characters you see are as real as it gets. Malibu: the costal drive along the PCH is beautiful and feels so very California. Stop at Malibu Seafood for lunch on the way. Downtown LA: It’s exploding right now.
Q. Can you get guests into Hollywood events?
A. Absolutely. Movie premieres, award shows, after-parties, exclusive nightclubs, television shows…you name it.
Q. celebrities you have spotted?
A. I’ve never been one to kiss and tell, but let’s just say, we’re no strangers to celebs.
Q. Watch on your wrist?
A. TAG Heuer Carrera. Never leave home without it.
Q. Top 3 restaurant recommendations?
A. My answer always depends on the guest, what country or city they are traveling from, the guest’s interest in a certain type of cuisine and ambience, and what restaurants are trending right now.
Q. Where To Find the “real” Los Angeles experience?
A. Now that the weather is nice and warm it is all about the outdoors. If a guest is up for a little adventure or staying with teenage kids, a Segway tour of Beverly Hills is at the top of my list.
Q. Can you get guests into Hollywood events?
A. Most premiers and events are by invitation only, but we have contacts who can.
Q. celebrities you have spotted?
A. Several of our regular guests always report their most recent ‘who’s who’ sightings. Recently, for example, Elton John at Craig’s, Anne Hathaway at Villa Blanca, Paul McCartney at Cecconi’s. Other guests saw Usher at Il Pastaio, Serena Williams at Damone Roberts, the eyebrow king on Wilshire Blvd., James Caan at Mastro’s.
Q. Watch on your wrist?
A. My favorite watch was given to me by my mother. It is a Michael Kors.
Q. Top 3 restaurant recommendations?
A. Scarpetta, located here at Montage, is amazing and one of my favorite destinations for Italian. For a truly special and delicious dining experience I also adore The Bazaar. When needing an indulgent meat fix, Animal is one of my destinations of choice for a more unique menu along with Mastro’s Steakhouse for a more traditional menu in a fun and lively atmosphere.
Q. Where To Find the “real” Los Angeles experience?
A. It depends on what type of Los Angeles experience they are looking to have! For shopping: Arrange a personal stylist to whisk you away to all of the shops along Rodeo Drive, Robertson Boulevard and Melrose Place. And for those interested in seeing Hollywood, the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is a must. We can also arrange tickets to TV tapings (with enough notice).
Q. Can you get guests into Hollywood events?
A. With enough notice we can arrange pretty much anything. The challenges are what keep things interesting!
Q. celebrities you have spotted?
A. We pride ourselves on our discretion and protecting the identities of all of our guests.
Q. Watch on your wrist?
A. Watch passed down from my mother.
Q. Top 3 restaurant recommendations?
A. The Restaurant at Mr. C for Italian cuisine; Spago for New American cuisine; Mastro’s steakhouse and Mr. Chow for Chinese cuisine.
Q. Where To Find the “real” Los Angeles experience?
A. Strolling down the Hollywood Boulevard of Stars, driving a California Ferrari convertible on Sunset Boulevard, or hiring a personal shopper to buy you a new wardrobe on Rodeo Drive.
Q. Can you get guests into Hollywood events?
A. Yes. There are plenty of movie premiere events along with fashion shows and other exclusive Hollywood parties, TV tapings or award shows.
Q. celebrities you have spotted?
A. A-list celebrities can be spotted both at our hotel or at other exclusive venues.
Q. Watch on your wrist?
A. A Gruen
Keep an eye out for the second installment of “Your Concierge Suggests”- Los Angeles Edition