As a former Californian who’s left her roots for New York, I long for sunny days on the West Coast more often than not. Don’t get me wrong, I love New York with all my heart—but a few times per year, I need to escape back to ‘shitty heaven’ (NYC is often nick-named ‘fun hell’) for a little rest and relaxation. That’s why I pack my bags and head for Los Angeles quarterly. Sun, sand, stars … the city of stars as they say. There’s just something about it and I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I’ll start with the fantastic weather (and also the food scene is *drool* inducing). Let me take you through a typical few days with me traveling to Southern California and tell you where I stay, dine, and even play. Keep reading for more!
Here’s How An Editor Spends A Weekend in Los Angeles
Where to Stay: The Dream Hotel, Hollywood
I’m a little more than obsessed with The Dream Hotel in Hollywood, you could say. I’ve stayed here twice and every time I enjoy it more and more. It’s positioned smack dab in the middle of the city (convenient for getting to either side of town) and the rooms are extra spacious. It’s luxury for a reasonable price (I paid $263 for a suite). The accommodations are dreamy and romantic, perfect for a getaway with your person or a girls’ trip. Did I mention there are not two, not three, but four restaurants (Tao, Beauty & Essex, The Highlight Room, and Sunrise Café) attached to the hotel and a nightclub (The Lounge at Highlight Room)? Honestly, that’s not even my favorite part—it’s the literal robot that provides touch-free check-in and room service. His name is Alfred and he’s the cuter than anyone you’ll meet on vacation, I promise.
Located at 6417 Selma Avenue, Hollywood, CA, 90028. You can click here to book.
Where to Eat Brunch: Sqirl
When I used to live in Los Angeles, I was about a block and a half away from this truly life-changing restaurant. Located in Virgil Village, right between Hollywood and Silverlake, this one of a kind café serves global-inspired breakfast and lunch fare with house-made jams in a gorgeous, minimalist space. They have a pesto rice dish that’ll keep you coming back for more. Every time I go, their pastries are different and they leave me stunned with each visit. Sqirl doesn’t take reservations so make sure you get there early as the lines can get a little long, especially on the weekends.
Located at 720 N Virgil Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029.
Where to Eat Dinner: Beauty & Essex
Because I’m a sucker for anything that reminds me of good old New York City, spending a fancy night out at a familiar hot spot is the way to go. This over 10,000 square feet on North Cahuenga Boulevard is actually Beauty & Essex’s third location. The space features a double-height main dining room with 20-foot oval skylight, an opulent private dining room, and outdoor seating on both levels. The menu has everything from a classic burrata to a signature lamp chop. I usually go with an espresso martini, a few dozen oysters, and the chicken meatballs. Don’t forget to try dessert: the chocolate peanut butter cake is out of this world.
Located at 1615 North Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, 90028. You can click here to make a reservation.
Where to Go Out: Bar Lis
So I spent New Year’s Eve here and rang in 2022, fully grown and sexy. Bar Lis is super stunning and the view is high above the heart of Hollywood. They don’t call it the crown jewel of the Thompson Hollywood for nothing! This chic rooftop lounge captures the iconic spirit and style of the French Riviera and immerses their customers in a sophisticated mix of classic South of France culture and modern Southern California ease. Grab a cocktail, indulge in a view of the Hollywood Hills, and try and go to their jazz night.
Located at 1541 Wilcox Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 90028. You can click here to reserve a table.
Where to Do Self-Care: The Spa at the EDITION, West Hollywood
The Spa at The West Hollywood EDITION is *the* luxury destination in Los Angeles. Wellness, mindfulness and beauty come together to highlight your beauty from within. The treatments and experiences you can try are embrace healthy lifestyles and ecological well-being. They offer a bevy of options like massage therapy, facial treatment, sound bath healing, and more. Just treat yourself to an exceptional day here, you deserve to be pampered!
Located at 9040 West Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, California, 90069. You can click here to book a stay or treatment.
