On the Horizon
As a brand, we strive to provide our guest with an environment where they can Live Beyond Expectations™. From our rooms to customer service, we take great detail to ensure our guest needs are met. Understandably, as our customer-base is diverse, so too are the needs of our guest. We try and meet that need by providing our guest with outlets to share their experiences with us throughout their stay.
On the horizon, we are outfitting our rooms with an interactive tablet that will allow guest to order food, drinks, movies and hotel amenities. Furthermore, these tablets will allow guest to interface with the hotel in real-time, assuring that their needs are met on a more timely fashion.
When you travel, what are some ways that you liketo connect with your hotel. We are always trying to align our resources with customer needs.
New Year – New you?
Every year around this time, millions of people around the world make concessions of their prior year shortcomings. Maybe you meant to lose weight, read more, spend more time with family or travel more; or, maybe your goal was more service related. Whatever the concession and past missed goal, it is just that – the past.
There is a school of thought that likes to look at a calendar year in sections. The believe is to live your life, and year, in quarters. If it works for business finance, why can’t it work for our own personal lives, right? In doing this, you take the year in 3-month clumps and set up many short, measurable goals. Not only will this make the daunting task of having a successful year possible, but it will also give you a much shorter path to focus on.
So, how does one go about fashioning a quarter system to their year? You start by deciding on categories to focus on. For example, you may want to focus on: health and wellness, finances, career, relationships. From there. you identify goals for the year – your “new year’s resolutions” if you will. Once you identify those, you drill down a bit further to a few steps necessary to achieve them. Those steps will be what you divide up into the individual quarters of the year. Seems simple enough right? But, what does it look like in action?
What if my your goal is to lose 40 pounds in 2016?
You already know that means that you would need to lose an average of 10 pounds a quarter, or every 3 months. Additionally, looking into it deeper, you would need to have goals related to diet, exercise and rest. So your 4-quarter plan may look a little like this.
Quarter 1
- Reduce eating sweets, alcohol and fried foods
- Walk/run a mile daily
- Eat more fruits and vegetables, daily
- Replace water with juice or soda, when possible
Quarter 2
- Eliminate all fried foods
- Increase walk/run distance to 1.25 miles
- Have a fruit/vegetable snack twice a day
- Severely reduce alcohol intake
Quarter 3
- Limit yourself to sweets, once a month
- Mix cardio with a weight workout
- Replace a meal with a healthy and hearty salad
- Start to look for new cloths
Quarter 4
- Reassess the healthy foods you enjoy eating and add more to your diet
- Alternate days of cardio and weights
- Buy a new wardrobe
- Adjust your fitness goals to focus on maintenance for 2017
This type of thinking can be applied to anything. If traveling more is your 2016 goal, the same principles apply. Think about utilizing this method in planning your 2016 resolutions and you will be sure to find more success and longevity in them, then past years. Happy pursuit and remember…BLVD Hotels wants you to always Live Beyond Expectations™. May everyday in 2016 be the best of your yesterdays and the worst of your tomorrows.
A Charitable Perspective
It seems that as the weather changes and the leaves begin to fall from the tree, people’s mindset of importance changes. From carefree, sun-soaked days on the beach to overcast weekends, cuddled up with loved ones indoors, the very season shift calls for a sense of unity, togetherness and warmth. Maybe this is why people seem to be more in the holiday spirit of giving; maybe it’s because of the Christmas trees and decorations that are sold in Costco, all over America, the day after Labor Day each year. Whatever the reason, one fact remains. This time of the year, people are in the holiday spirit and a more charitable than other times of the year.
Well, whatever the reason, we share the same sentiment at BLVD Hotels. To date, we have participated in a handful of non-profits and foundations, including the recent 2015 Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles. And, even though we have participated in charitable organizations all year-long, we really ramp things up in the fall/winter. As a brand, we feel that it is important to be a great neighbor and contributing to the communities where we reside comes second nature to us
This very month, we are continuing our efforts with the Susan G. Komen Foundation. We have a room package that allows guest a discount in room rate, while also contributing to the wonderful cause seeking to end Breast Cancer. Last year was the first year of our participation with the Susan G. Komen Foundation and we were thrilled by the support and enthusiasm we felt from our guest. So much so, we decided to make this a yearly package.
Next month, we continue year two of our efforts for Movember US. Similar to Susan G. Komen Foundation, we have a package that raises funds and awareness for our hotel guest. The man difference though, is that a lot of our hotel staff participates in the Movember US cause by shaving their beards and growing a mean stache for the month. The cause fights to “change the face of men’s health”, and we gladly oblige.
In December, we cap our year of charitable endeavors with our partnership with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. In this campaign, we have both a room package and an opportunity to complete a donation for a paper butterfly that will be displayed in the lobby of our hotels. The goal, as always, is to raise funds and awareness for the great impact that CHLA is making on a regular basis 
We hope that you will join us in the final quarter of the year and be apart of our fight to support great cause throughout our community. At the BLVD Hotels, we feel that charitable and philanthropic efforts are a 365 days commitment. We look forward to you participating with us and thank you for your contribution.
The Meaning of “Special” in the Olympics World Games
As the 2015 Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles have begun, I am overcome by the many images of courage, triumph, success and joy. What a great honor it is to represent yourself, your family and your country. With 6,500 athletes and 2,000 coaches representing 165 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games is the largest sports and humanitarian event this year. So, what is it about the Special Olympics that makes it so “special”?
We recently attended the California Dreaming – Host City event for the delegates from Cuba and the Czech Republic at the CBS Studio Lot in Studio City, CA. This event was filled with athletes, coaches and support families for both countries, as well as food, drinks and entertainment. Overall, the event was great and proved to be the best taste of the city that the delegates got before the games began. In and of itself, there was more than enough proof as to why the Special Olympics are so “special”. However, it was an interaction that I had with two gentlemen (pictured below) that changed my night and my whole outlook on what makes the Special Olympics so wonderful.
The gentleman to the left is Herbert Jefferson Jr. He is an actor that has starred in roles such as, Battlestar Galactica, Apollo 13 and Outbreak. However, according to him, “Acting is what I do, this [Special Olympics volunteering] is who I am”. What a powerful sentiment, and one that he has definitely supported with action. As he mentioned to me, this year marks his 42nd year volunteering with the Special Olympics. He has participated on every level imaginable and does so because of the beautiful simplicity of those he affects. “The athlete’s love what they do and their interaction with you. It warms my heart each time I have another encounter”. He then proceeded to introduce me to the Czech Republic Coach, who is a brilliant man himself. He has coached for over 2 decades and trains athletes in over 5 events. He thanked me for speaking with him, being welcoming to his athletes and supporting the games. We spoke for about 15 minutes in total and ended our conversation as more of long lost friend, rather than stranger who have just met. Oh, and English was definitely not his first language, though you would never know it from hearing him speak. You could tell that he not only learned multiple languages, but also took great pride in being proficient in them.
It was then that it completely hit me. I know exactly what it is that makes the Special Olympics so very special.
Throughout the remainder of that night and the days following that led up to the Opening Ceremony, I went out of my way to connect with the delegates I came across on a deeper level. Many of them had never been out of their town or state, let alone the country. Most, if not all, had huge aspirations for the games, as well as their life as a whole. It was quite beautiful to see their eyes light up when the conversation went beyond a simple hello. How simple, yet beautiful. After all, the Cuban delegates were making history. Had these games been just a year sooner, there would be no representation present. The Special Olympics is all about what is still right and beautiful in the world. Companionship, support, sportsmanship, unity and celebration all embody the very essence of the Special Olympics World Games. It’s not all about winning and losing, though the athletes are definitely trying to win, but rather the connection and elevation of humanity that is taking place with every event, every day and with every athlete.
BLVD HOTELS AND 2015 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES PARTNER
BLVD Hotels Partners with 2 Host Cities for LA2015
BLVD Hotels, a family of boutique hotels, closed the first half of 2015 with great momentum. Not only did BLVD Hotels have great occupancy through the first quarters of the year, but the brand collective also saw the continued momentum of a very strong charitable campaign season – a season that saw funds and awareness raised for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Susan G Komen Foundation, Movember US and the Festival of Giving through Studio City’s Annual Winter Family Festival in the past 6 months. The philanthropic endeavors are continuing with the brand’s latest supportive partnership with the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.
The games, which are hosted in Los Angeles will be the largest event in the county since the 1984 Olympics were hosted here. Furthermore the:
2015 Special Olympics World Games, the sporting event with 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators – being staged in Los Angeles July 25-August 2, 2015 – will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games, with the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, joy and displays of courage and skill that are hallmarks of all Special Olympics events, will feature 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region. The Opening Ceremony, to be held July 25, 2015 in the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games, is expected to attract 80,000 spectators. On April 30, 2014, LA2015 and ESPN announced a global programming deal that will see ESPN bring coverage of World Games to millions of fans around the world. Honorary Chairs of the Games are President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and California Governor Jerry Brown serving as Honorary Hosts. ~LA2015.org
Being a brand that has a passion towards charitable and philanthropic endeavors, BLVD Hotels joined the Special Olympics World Games as a sponsor. In the city of two of its locations, Studio City and Costa Mesa, BLVD Hotel & Spa and BLVD Hotel, respectively, are participating with the local host city. Their sponsorship, which is a combination of financial and in-kind donations, supports the athletes, coaches and delegates in each of the host city. Special events are taking place for the hosted countries’ athletes, hailing from Czech Republic & Cuba (host city Studio City) and Aruba & Bahamas (host city Costa Mesa). The in-kind donations will be distributed to the athletes, delegates and coaches as these events, as well as opportunities for interaction between athletes, volunteers and city residents.
We take great pride in our charitable efforts and do our best to align our resources with worthy cause. In looking at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, I don’t think there is a cause that speaks more to the family-friendly, community-minded outlook we have as a brand. We are all avid fans of these athletes and their pursuit of greatness and are very proud to say that we are a partner with them. – Colin Diaz, Director of PR, BLVD Hotels
Overall, we are excited about “supporting the world’s most courageous and inspiring athletes as they journey to Los Angeles… to compete in the largest sports and humanitarian event ever, The Special Olympics World Games 2015 in Los Angeles (LA2015)”.
About BLVD Hotels
In 2011, BLVD Hotels opened its first location with BLVD Hotel & Spa in Studio City, CA. Located on historic Ventura Blvd., the hotel has the intimate appeal of a boutique hotel with California-cool characteristics. Its prime location in Studio City makes attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and the Los Angeles Metro Station walking distance away, and close proximity to all business centers in the Southland. In the following years, BLVD Hotels boutique family opened two more location, BLVD Hotel & Suites (2012) in Hollywood, CA which is located near Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Blvd., and Sunset Blvd and BLVD Hotel (2013) in Costa Mesa, CA which is located near John Wayne Airport, South Coast Plaza, OC Fairgrounds and Event Center and the beautiful beaches of Orange County.
BLVD Hotels properties are trendy up-scale boutique hotels with current Southern California locations in Studio City, Hollywood and Costa Mesa. The allure and feel flow through the staff, guestrooms and social commons. With a welcoming and familiar vibe mingling throughout, the hotels pride itself on making every guest stay memorable and one of a kind. It’s one of the reasons the BLVD Hotels exudes Live Beyond Expectation™ experiences.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Colin Diaz at 949.682.8604 or email at pr@blvdhotels.com.
4 Summer Fun Tips
4. Cash is king, credit is security
About BLVD Hotels
In 2011, BLVD Hotels opened its first location with BLVD Hotel & Spa in Studio City, CA. Located on historic Ventura Blvd., the hotel has the intimate appeal of a boutique hotel with California-cool characteristics. Its prime location in Studio City makes attractions like Universal Studios Hollywoodand the Los Angeles Metro Station walking distance away, and close proximity to all business centers in the Southland. In the following years, BLVD Hotels boutique family opened two more location, BLVD Hotel & Suites (2012) in Hollywood, CA which is located near Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Blvd., and Sunset Blvd and BLVD Hotel (2013) in Costa Mesa, CA which is located near John Wayne Airport, South Coast Plaza, OC Fairgrounds and Event Center, Disneyland and the beautiful beaches of Orange County.
BLVD Hotels properties are trendy up-scale boutique hotels with current Southern California locations in Studio City, Hollywood and Costa Mesa. The allure and feel flow through the staff, guestrooms and social commons. With a welcoming and familiar vibe mingling throughout, the hotels pride itself on making every guest stay memorable and one of a kind. It’s one of the reasons the BLVD Hotels exudes Live Beyond Expectation™ experiences.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Colin Diaz at 949.682.8604 or email at pr@blvdhotels.com.
Splash Lounge will refresh it’s guests
BLVD Hotel in Costa Mesa, the 3rd of the BLVD Hotels family of boutique hotels, has been going through a renovation to it’s lobby. The construction, set to be done later in 2015, will produce a beer & wine lounge named Splash Lounge. As the lounge continues to develop, guest staying with the hotel have an opportunity to enjoy the open floor plan.
A Mother’s Love Revisited
As we look back on this past beautiful Mother’s Day, I am moved to gratitude. I mean, we are all thankful for our mother’s and mother figures. They provide for us, raise us and are usually the first intimate relationship we have. How can we not be thankful for that? But, this Mother’s Day was a bit different for me. I’m not sure if it’s because I am older now. Or, if it’s the fact that I now have a mother in my own house, as my wife is the mother of our beautiful daughter. Whatever the reason, this Mother’s Day is different.
For those with kids, you know how pivotal the mother figure is in the home. They are often the cleaner, cooker, nurturer, healer, tutor, stylist, driver, doctor, caterer and so much more. But, what is it about mothers that is truly magical? I believe that it is the natural and inherent nurturing disposition they all have. It always seems that regardless of circumstance, a mother will and has sacrificed her own wants for the needs of her children and family. They always seem to have a “we” thought process, rather than a societal “me” mindset.
This got me really thinking. Since motherhood has had a long and storied path of success, certainly there are some traits that can be found and applied to business – specifically hospitality. But, what are those, and how do they relate to business? To answer this, I’d like to take a minute to recall motherhood at its finest.
The year was 1985 – the month, January. A 3 year old boy that had never been out of the Greater Miami Florida area, joined his 18-month-older brother and 33 year old father on a 5 1/2 hour flight to Los Angeles, CA. The father, an immigrant from Roatan, Honduras, was leaving a 17 year career working on a cruise ship. The flight to the west coast, was a new start at building a family, as the children’s mother left earlier and decided to leave the father to raise the kids on his own.
The airport smelled of an oldness and staleness that could only be present because of the millions of people passing through its terminals every week. At the gate, a lady awaited the man and his kids. She was excited and eager to see the man and his kids, but could have never imagined the way that her life would change from that point on. Here was a woman of Yugoslav and Italian descent taking in a Honduran man and his African-American and Honduran kids. Who does this? What would drive a person to take on this challenge? And, should you be daring enough to accept that challenge, surely you’d back out when you realize that the kids are 3 and 4 years old, right? Wrong. Not only did this women take the kids in, but her mother did as well. What a beautiful display of love.
I was that 3 year old boy. The story of the travel from Miami to Los Angeles was mine. But the never ending sacrifice, education and love was that of my mom and grandmother. They truly were the sign of the nurturing, developing and caring qualities that make so many mom’s wonderful. For all practical purposes, they were the single greatest (next to my father) molding factors in my life; and, they definitely helped shape the man I am today. For that I am eternally thankful.
But, what is the trait that has led to the success of so many mothers? Its many things. But, for these purposes, I believe that it is two-fold. For one, it is the sacrifice for the greater good. The understanding that “we” are greater than any single “me”. Secondly, it is the never wavering focus on their goal/vision. I mean, think about it. A mother’s main goal in life is to give her children everything they need and prepare them to be successful in the future. This is as selfless a goal as I can imagine.
What if a business could achieve this? What if everyone at the workforce of a company had the “we before me mindset”? And, what if that was coupled with an unwavering focus on the collective goal? Imagine how successful they would be. For one, you would probably have a workforce that was loyal, efficient, successful and excited to come into work. Now imagine, if you will, a family of hotels that provides that to all of their guest. We, at the BLVD Hotels family, strive to deliver that level of service on a day in and day out basis. Sure it’s a work in progress. But it is a work, nonetheless, that we are committed to with unwavering dedication. It is our goal that one day, in the near future, all of our guest can say that they were able to Live Beyond Expectations™ with the BLVD Hotels.
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Notable news: VIYA Spa by BLVD will be complete in Fall 2015
Splash Lounge will be opening Fall 2015, BLVD Hotel Costa Mesa
Backdrop Lounge at BLVD Hotel & Spa serves a twist
Backdrop Lounge had charcuterie and tapenade for guest
The Food & Beverage Manager at Backdrop Lounge mixes premium cocktails with a twist – fruit-infused liquor
Fresh ingredients for our premium cocktails
Strawberry Peach Vodka
Jalapeno Pineapple Tequila
Blueberry Bourbon
Peach Chili Tequila
5 surefire ways to ensure your charitable efforts matter
I’m sure you’ve read all the horror story articles about charities that may not be spending donations in the most savory ways. Or, seen the many charities that are here today and gone tomorrow. So, during this time of year, how can you be charitable, feel good about yourself and know that your efforts and/or money won’t go in vein? We’ve compiled a short list of ideas on how to solve this problem.
1. Volunteering: The very foundation of “Chicken Soup for the Soul” can be established by volunteering. There is something educational and gratifying in volunteering our time to help those less fortunate than us.
2. Personal Touches: For those that have a special skill (as in baking-cooking-crafts), this portion is for you. Create something that comes from the heart and has meaning. Not only will you feel complete for giving back, but they will appreciate the human touch to it even more.
3. Acts of Service: Have you ever bought food for a random stranger, gave a blanket and shoes to the homeless, or entertain someone with the joy of conversation? If you’re like most people, there is definite room for improvement in this area. Maybe this holiday season is the time that will have take that leap.
4. Movable/Shared Feast: This category covers everything from bringing food banks completed meals and desserts to opening up your home for others to come and eat with your family. This truly is the definition of selfless acts of kindness.
5. Meaningful Deliveries: Though this seems to overlap the “Personal Touches” category, there are some unique elements that even separate this form of charity more. For starters, whereas both categories emphasize creation from the heart, “Meaningful Deliveries” refers to unique reveals. For example, imagine delivering a cooked gourmet dinner to the area where the homeless person is staying. Teared up yet? Or, meeting a less fortunate stranger and taking them to lunch. No strings attached, no ulterior motives. Just human beings being caring to one another.
These are just the tip of the iceberg to all the countless ways that everyone can give back this year. Remember to be generous, it doesn’t take a wealth of resources to make a significant impact in the community. As the BLVD Hotels strive to be a neighbor of choice, you should do more too. Don’t be charitable because others are looking. Be charitable because you were moved to do it, and it’s the right things to do.
VIYA Spa by BLVD proves to pamper its guest
BLVD Hotel & Spa, the oldest of the BLVD Hotels family, is entering its fourth year of operation. Being the eldest of the brands properties, the hotel has gone through a few upgrades and remodels over the past few months. The hotel bar transformation, changing it from BLVD Bar to Backdrop Lounge, concluded in the early portion of 2015. The lounge, which showcases fruit infused liquor, also boast tributes that salute Hollywood lore and culture alike. The newest of the upgrades is currently taking place with the hotel’s spa. The spa, originally named BLVD Spa, is going through a transformation that should be complete in fall of this year. Upon completion, the spa, now named VIYA Spa by BLVD, will showcase a new entrance, enhanced treatments and a renewed vision for guest enjoyment.
“Our deepest wish at VIYA Spa has always been to provide our guest with top quality treatments and customized massages tailored to your body’s specific needs. After all, the most important client we will work on is you.” – Tanya Ahadian, BLVD Hotels, Spa Director
VIYA Spa by BLVD will still be open during the transition, and will be rolling out the updates in phases, as to not disrupt guest experience. The change will be a refreshing facelift better aligning the spa to its beauty-conscious clientele. Through the transition, the spa will add additional treatments to an already popular offering. Among the new additions are nail care and eyelash extensions, which will appeal to a large group of the hotel’s guest. This addition came as a result of guest request and will round out an extensive list of treatments.
VIYA Spa by BLVD will continue to deliver on BLVD Hotels’ Live Beyond Expectations™ goals. The spa has even includes champagne and gourmet chocolate with some of their treatments – such as the Power Couple treatment which included a BLVD Massage, BLVD Facial and a hand or foot paraffin treatment for each person in the couple. Additionally, VIYA Spa will soon introduce the Build Your Own Body Scrub Bar. This package will allow the client to select the cleanser, scrub, moisturizers and oils that are used in the treatment. Every element of this package is centered on allowing the client to Live Beyond Expectations™, if only for a few hours.
The spa stands to be a very important part of the hotel’s future success and represents a vision of the many customer-centric changes that the brand is making across the family of hotels.
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About BLVD Hotels
In 2011, BLVD Hotels opened its first location with BLVD Hotel & Spa in Studio City, CA. Located on historic Ventura Blvd., the hotel has the intimate appeal of a boutique hotel with California-cool characteristics. Its prime location in Studio City makes attractions like Universal Studios Hollywoodand the Los Angeles Metro Station walking distance away, and close proximity to all business centers in the Southland. In the following years, BLVD Hotels boutique family opened two more location,BLVD Hotel & Suites (2012) in Hollywood, CA which is located near Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Blvd., and Sunset Blvd and BLVD Hotel (2013) in Costa Mesa, CA which is located near John Wayne Airport,South Coast Plaza, OC Fairgrounds and Event Center, Disneyland and the beautiful beaches of Orange County.
BLVD Hotels properties are trendy up-scale boutique hotels with current Southern California locations in Studio City, Hollywood and Costa Mesa. The allure and feel flow through the staff, guestrooms and social commons. With a welcoming and familiar vibe mingling throughout, the hotels pride itself on making every guest stay memorable and one of a kind. It’s one of the reasons the BLVD Hotels exudes Live Beyond Expectation™ experiences.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Colin Diaz at 949.682.8604 or email at pr@blvdhotels.com.
Southern California Travel Tip 10 of 10
10. How to Eat an Elephant: You’ve probably heard the phrase many times before, but it is very true for LA travel. There are only so many hours in the day and so much a person can explore in 24 hours. Split your visit up and group like activities and areas together. For example, visiting downtown and hitting the beach in the same day is feasible; however, going to Disneyland and the Santa Monica Pier in the same day isn’t. So, just how do you eat and elephant? Easy, one bite at a time.
We hope that you’ve enjoyed our 10 travel tips for Southern California. As we mentioned before, this list was a labor of love that was compiled from magazines, articles, our own experiences and guest input. Travel safe and Live Beyond Expectations™
Southern California Travel Trip 8 & 9 of 10
8. Go to the Beach: Though the water may be a bit cold and murky for the traditional beach goer, the view and people watching opportunity can more than make up for it. Additionally, a trip to LA County’s Venice Beach for unique tastes or Orange County’s Huntington or Newport Beach for the surfing and sand activities, will surely cure your beach-craving appetite. Oh, and bring sunblock. The sunburnt red look is a painful one.
9. Save Money on Admission: Many travelers come to Southern California with hopes of hitting many attractions during their stay. If that is you, visit a website that has “multi-attraction” discount packs. One such company to look at is Citypass.
Southern California Travel Tip 6 & 7 of 10
6. Know the Geography: The Los Angeles Metropolitan area (Southern California) is HUGE. It easily spans 5 counties and is nearly impossible to travel in a day. Knowing this and planning your trip accordingly is key. Decide on a plan of attack. Will you visit places that are in a specific locale and then move to a new locale the next day? Or will you plan on staying where you plan on visiting for an entire trip. The choice is yours, but definitely one that we suggest taking.
7. Know the Airport Options: Though your first instinct may tell you to fly into LAX, as it is the largest and most well-known, consider the fact that there are often delays in flight times. Also, depending on where you are planning on staying, some of Southern California’s surrounding airports may be a better option. These include: Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), Inland Empire’s Ontario (ONT) and Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA).
Southern California Travel Tip 5 of 10
5. Pick the Best Hotel for Your Trip: With so much territory and so many hotels, where you stay should be contingent on what you are planning to do during your visit. If you are planning on going to Disneyland and the OC Fair, you probably won’t want to stay in Malibu. Additionally, some hotels tend to cater more to a specific type of traveler. If you don’t fall into that traveler type, you may not enjoy your stay there. Try and look at hotels that have multiple locations that are in and around areas you want to visit. For example, the BLVD Hotels family of properties has locations that are in Studio City, CA (near Universal Studios),Hollywood, CA (near the Hollywood Bowl and Hollywood & Highland Center) and Costa Mesa, CA (near the OC Fair Grounds, Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts, South Coast Plaza and Newport Beach). So, visiting any of these attractions is easy while staying at these hotels.
Southern California Travel Tip 3 & 4 of 10
3. Spend Smart: Be sure to research ways to save on transportation, attractions, tours and food. It may only be a few dollars here and there, but that definitely adds up quickly.
4. Avoid freeway construction: There isn’t really too much to say here. The freeway seems to be always have mileage of construction. But, knowing where the construction is ahead of time, can save you a lot of time and gas, if you plan accordingly. A good GPS app can help you avoid some of the pitfalls. We like Scout as a phone app, and SigAlert as a website. Happy travels!
Southern California Travel Tip 2 of 10
2. Find deals for activities: While planning your activities, start tracking sites like KGB, Groupon and LivingSocial. If you don’t mind toting a coupon along with you on an outing, you can save big during your visit. Deals can range from food and drinks to dining and activities. In fact, every once in a while, you can find diamonds in the rough for activities that you were already planning on doing. Get to hunting!
Southern California Travel Tip 1 of 10
Whether you’re heading out west on business, coming to the west coast for the first time or returning again, there are definite Dos and Don’ts during your travel. For example, the very time of day you land can change the whole dynamic of your first day. Fly into LAX at the wrong time and you may end up spending the rest of the afternoon on the 405 freeway with all the other “happy” drivers in traffic -definitely NOT a way to start your first hours in Southern California. We’ve created a list of the top 10 things to keep in mind when traveling west. They’ve been compiled from a series of articles, newspapers and personal knowledge. Enjoy!
So that you don’t have information overload, we will be sharing 1-2 of these each day. By the end of the 10 you’ll be an excellent travel, or at the very least a better informed one.
1. Know the Weather: The weather in Southern California can change from day to day, hour to hour and even city to city. So, it’s wise to both know the weather and plan your wardrobe accordingly. If you are planning on ending an evening on the beach, know that it cools off quite a bit in the evening. We like going to The Weather Channel for weather information. Remember to be a specific about the city you’ll be in as possible. That little key can be the difference between a happy day and a frigid night.
Be sure to stay tuned for our following tips, coming in the next few days.
BLVD Hotels Blog 