I was about to enjoy a three-course dinner in the Hollywood Bowl’s supper seats when it hit me: Los Angeles has far more depth and diversity than I ever gave it credit for. I was on a luxury FAM trip with Los Angeles Tourism, and I couldn’t believe that this incredible venue was not on more visitor itineraries.
We were waited on hand and foot by an accommodating team, while we enjoyed a performance of songs from the movies by composer Alexandre Desplat and the LA Philharmonic orchestra.
I’d previously thought three nights was enough for LA, but now I understand how vast the city is, I’d advise my clients to extend their length of stay.
One of my biggest surprises was the Petersen Automotive Museum, where I had an exclusive private tour of The Vault. I’m not a petrol head, but I was still fascinated by the vehicles there, from Michael Keaton’s original Batmobile to the “Mirthmobile” from Wayne’s World. It’s right across the street from the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, so groups with split interests can explore side by side.
For another taste of “unexpected LA”, we did a yoga class on the rooftop of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, looking out over Hollywood as the sun broke through the morning haze. I’m not a yoga person, and I might not have got all the stretches right, but it felt so typically LA. After the class, we headed downstairs for brunch at the newly renovated Clark Gable Penthouse.
To further customise a trip to the city for your clients, I’d recommend Tour de Jour, a private city tour company that lets clients take control of the itinerary. We asked to see the Hollywood Sign, so our knowledgeable guide took us up through Hollywoodland to a perfect view and photo spot, and then on to see some celebrity homes.
We managed to get up-close with some of more exclusive estates, such as spotting Taylor Swift’s house behind a private gate.
No trip to LA is complete without seeing the Pacific Ocean, so I couldn’t miss a visit to Marina del Rey for a private yacht experience with Naos Cruises. I’ve sold Marina del Rey for many years, but seeing it first-hand showed how convenient the location is.
Most return transatlantic flights depart in the late afternoon or evening, and check-out time is usually 11.00, leaving a perfect gap for a half-day yacht charter. Marina del Rey is only eight miles from LAX, so it’s a stress-free journey to the airport afterwards. The charter itself was relaxing. We cruised along the water, sailing along the coast to Santa Monica and back, reflecting on what a great time we had exploring the real glamour of LA.
Top selling tips
• There’s something for everyone here. Sit down and have an honest conversation with your clients about their interests. Now I know the museum has appeal beyond car enthusiasts, I would recommend it to a much wider audience.
• The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel Air. These are my go-to hotels for luxury. The Beverly Hills Hotel is iconic, while I’d recommend Hotel Bel Air for clients looking for a quieter area. There’s a hotel to suit every kind of client in LA, so take your time to select the right property.
• This is such a fun city. Everyone who goes will love it. Remind your clients that celebrities are just like normal people, so they should keep an eye out. They won’t be red-carpet ready, so if a client thinks they spotted a celebrity, they probably have – just like we did.
