The Hollywood Hills Are Alive
APRIL 2ND, 2009
The Hollywood Hills Are Alive
We touched down at LAX for the full starlet experience (without all the drama).
sleep
With both bubbly and Mr. Bubbles in the mini-bar, the Standard Hotel in downtown L.A. is anything but (rooms from $245). As an added bonus, guests receive wristbands to ensure entry into the rooftop bar with its sparkly view of the L.A. skyline. Standard Hotel, 550 South Flower St., Los Angeles, 213-892-8080, www.standardhotels.com/los-
eat
Ignore the skinny starlets and eat your way across town. Foie gras lollipops with cotton candy, anyone? Molecular gastronomy meets Spanish tapas at The Bazaar where you might catch a glimpse of Top Chef's Marcel. But if it's Casablanca-style romance you're after, enjoy French-Moroccan fare in the lush garden of The Little Door.
The Bazaar, 465 S La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, 310-246-5555, www.thebazaar.com
The Little Door, 8164 W. Third St., Los Angeles, 323-951-1210, www.thelittledoor.com
drink
The view at the Hotel Casa del Mar's Veranda Bar is unbeatable. Take in the sunset while sipping a tangy Takrai martini. Hotel Casa del Mar, 1910 Ocean Wy., Santa Monica, 310-581-5533, www.hotelcasadelmar.com
do
Forget about celeb-spotting and see some real stars at the Griffith Observatory, then get your art on at the Getty Center. And even if you don't see a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, make time to take a tour of Gehry's striking steel masterpiece.
shop
For a proper The Hills fashion fix, Melrose is the place to be. Pick up a purple tulle skirt at Ports 1961 flagship store, or spot that once-worn Oscar dress at DecadesTwo and claim it as your own.
Ports 1961, 8483 Melrose Pl., West Hollywood, 323-951-9696, www.ports1961.com
Decades Two, 8214 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, 323-655-1960, www.decadestwo.com