L.A. Staycation

Oasis City Spa

Stephan Horbelt — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 23:43:00 GMT

A literal oasis among the rough-and-tumble streets of Downtown L.A.’s Financial District, Oasis City Spa is the perfect modern getaway for the Angeleno. Whether you’re indulging in a staycation amid the luxe hotels and fine dining locales of Downtown L.A., are a resident of the newly gentrified area or plan to find yourself Downtown for one of the neighborhood’s many cultural attractions, step into Oasis for relaxation, revival and rejuvenation of the highest order.

The Spa
Within walking distance of the majority of Downtown L.A.’s major attractions—including the Staples Center and L.A. Live, Pershing Square and the museum and theater districts—Oasis City Spa is fairly new to the neighborhood. The space itself is extremely modern in its design, outfitted as one would expect from a spa that caters to the city’s discerning cognoscenti.

Patrons of spas can attest to the fact that a serene environment is most important, and Oasis accomplishes this with eco-friendly wood, exposed brick and earth-toned fabrics. A refreshment station in the spa’s lobby ensures that guests can begin the process of unwinding with a glass of water or chilled champagne.

Located on the lobby level of The O Hotel, the only independent boutique hotel in the Downtown L.A. area, Oasis features five treatment rooms offering manicure/pedicure packages as well as facial, massage and waxing services. Treatment rooms are designed to elicit relaxing vibes from customers, meaning you’re guaranteed to leave refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your busy schedule. Post-treatment, you’re invited to step into the men’s steamroom and then rinse off before heading out, making Oasis City Spa the perfect stop-off before your Downtown evening plans.

The Treatments
Downtown L.A. was in great need of a mid-level-priced spa and salon, and Oasis fits the bill quite nicely. In addition, several specialists have come on board to provide stellar services to the public.

Massage treatments at Oasis start at $45 for a 30-minute relaxation massage—a blend of Shiatsu and Swedish massage techniques—and continue at $75 for one hour and $105 for 90 minutes. Deep tissue, hot stone and sports massages are also available. “The Executive” includes warm towel therapy, a full-body massage and soothing pain relief gel ($100). Couples massages are also available.

Skincare therapy treatments include everything from a signature organic facial ($140) to a one-hour grooming facial ($80 for a facial massage, steam vapor treatment, gentle cleansing, exfoliation and extractions). For those in need, crystal-free diamond microdermabrasion and atoxelene treatments are also available.

Highly Recommended
In lieu of choosing one treatment from the spa’s lengthy menu, Oasis’ signature spa packages are the way to go, perfect as a gift for that special someone or as a much-deserved personal reward. “The Quick Escape” includes a 30-minute massage, 30-minute facial and a manicure/pedicure (2 hours 15 minutes, $135). Escape from the office for a long lunch and indulge yourself with “The Exec Retreat,” which includes a 75-minute massage, 30-minute facial and 60-minute manicure/pedicure (2 hours 45 minutes, $190).

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled treatment. This will give you time to stow away your cell phone and belongings in the lockerroom, relax in the steamroom before your treatment and step into the robe and slippers provided to you. Remember that this is your moment of scheduled relaxation, so it’s yours to make the most of.

Oasis City Spa, 819 S. Flower St., Downtown L.A. oasiscityspa.com

Andaz West Hollywood

Stephan Horbelt — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 23:36:00 GMT

Here’s a hotel that has survived and prospered through many reincarnations, a fitting statement seeing as how Andaz—Hyatt’s lifestyle brand—means “personal style” in Hindi. The first high-rise hotel on the Sunset Strip, the property began as Gene Autry’s Hotel Continental, was eventually renamed the Continental Hyatt House and was later dubbed Hyatt West Hollywood in 1997. The hotel reopened after a full renovation as the Andaz in 2009.

The Hotel

Dubbed “The Riot Hyatt” thanks to the wild antics of rock bands like Led Zeppelin, The Who and The Stones back in the day, the Andaz is a sophisticated, modern haven in the midst of the Sunset Strip’s sometimes-chaotic lifeblood. Needless to say, included in the price of your room is almost-too-convenient access to Hollywood’s and WeHo’s numerous cultural attractions, shopping destinations, amazing restaurants, raucous bars and more, which—you guessed it—makes this a prime staycation property.

The hotel itself is both refined and relaxed, designed with both Hollywood glamour and comfortability in mind. Inside you’ll find modern use of glass and metal, and after spending time inside, you’ll notice some of the hotel’s unique details—like floating art installations from L.A.-area painters, photographers and sculptors, hand-picked by local art icon Merry Norris.

The Andaz treats you to every amenity you’d expect—a gorgeous sundeck and pool with spectacular city views, chaise lounges, canopied daybeds and an all-day menu of light bites and snacks; RH Restaurant, with its focus on southwestern French cuisine and fresh California ingredients; in-room and poolside face and body spa services provided by Olehenriksen; and a 24-hour fitness center (not that you should be exercising while you’re on staycation).

Your Room

Wherever your room sits in the property’s 14 stories, you’re guaranteed a spectacular view of either the Hollywood Hills or the Sunset Strip. Once inside—after you’re done jumping on the bed, checking out the view and glancing through the in-room menu—indulge in the complimentary minibar’s snacks and beverages, log onto the hotel’s Wi-Fi (free at the Andaz, which is a rarity these days), crank the iHome stereo where you can dock your own iPod and take the edge off in your temporary new home’s sunroom. (Those who have visited the hotel in the past may remember that each room had a balcony. Those balconies have since been replaced with sunrooms, complete with lounge furniture and a mini-flatscreen TV.)

Highly Recommended

There are two new hotel packages that are completely unique to the Andaz West Hollywood, both of which are perfect options for the Angeleno hunting for the perfect staycation.

The Walk ‘n’ Roll package gets its inspiration from Walk Score naming WeHo our state’s “Most Walkable City.” Starting at a very reasonable $189, the package includes a limited edition tote bag showcasing signature artwork from the Andaz art collection, stainless steel eco-friendly water bottle, map of local walking routes, gourmet sack lunch and pedometer. There’s no better excuse to explore the history of the Sunset Strip and other nearby WeHo landmarks, particularly for those who don’t live in the area. Historic Route 66, the Pacific Design Center, L.A.’s interior design hub and more than a couple shopping meccas are merely steps away. And best of all, for every mile tracked on your pedometer, the Andaz will donate one dollar to Gay For Good, the LGBT community service organization. You can give back to the community while living it up on your staycation!

The second package, for the edgier among us who really want to embody the hotel’s renegade rock music history, is the So Hip It Hurts package. This package, starting at only $485, includes a two-night getaway, a two-hour tattoo session from the legendary Shamrock Social Club and two signature cocktails at the on-site bar. Make the property’s historic heavy metal past your own! The package is a tribute to the Andaz’s custom 20-foot-tall Tattoo Totem, the signature sign of the hotel, commissioned by infamous artist Mark Mahoney, the founding father of black-and-grey tattoo art.

8401 W. Sunset Blvd., WeHo. andazwesthollywood.com

Hotel Bel-Air

Stephan Horbelt — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 22:44:00 GMT

Easily one of the most gorgeous and enchanting properties in the world, Hotel Bel-Air is an iconic venue that has long played host to the world’s elite. Reopened in October 2011 after an extensive, two-year redesign, this hotel provides the perfect staycation when one is searching for complete relaxation and sophistication, as no other property quite compares.

The Hotel

Hotel Bel-Air is a 12-acre estate located in a wooded canyon near Beverly Hills, celebrated for an atmosphere that is both tropical and secluded. Hotel guests are able to meander beneath the canopy of soaring trees and walk along cobbled paths and a running stream, all while enjoying the highest-quality amenities imaginable.

The hotel features 103 guestrooms and suites, featuring 12 new accommodations that are literally built into the hillside. Choose one of seven individually designed specialty suites—including the Grace Kelly Suite and a new Presidential Suite—or one of three unique loft-style guestrooms with open floor plans.

The hotel’s host restaurant is managed by none other than acclaimed chef Wolfgang Puck, ensuring only the finest cuisine is served on hotel grounds. The restaurant’s culinary concept focuses on modern California cuisine with European and Mediterranean influences. Expect a new, seasonally dictated menu upon each return to the restaurant’s indoor/outdoor patio space.

Fairly new to the hotel is the 4,100-square-foot Spa by La Prairie. Matching the intimacy and luxury of the hotel’s reputation, there are few places on Earth more peaceful than the boutique spa’s serene relaxation room. A large variety of treatment options are offered, and you’re encouraged to indulge on your staycation!

Also on-site at Hotel Bel-Air are a cozy, dark-wood-paneled bar complete with a grand piano and colorful artwork chosen by Puck himself; a fitness studio; a stunning oval-shaped pool that is best described as 'quintessential California'; and a compilmentary Mercedes S-400 Hybrid offering transportation to destinations within three miles of the hotel.

Your Room

No matter your specific accommodations on the hotel grounds, you’re sure to admire Hotel Bel-Air’s unique aesthetic—the glamour of the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s combined with a contemporary feel within Spanish Colonial architecture. Guestrooms are clean, elegant, full of light and—most importantly—comfortable. Rooms at Hotel Bel-Air are for sure pricier than many of L.A.’s properties—with guestrooms starting at $515, junior suites at $950 and specialty suites starting at $2,100—but if you’re able to indulge, I highly recommend a suite containing a private hot tub, of which there are many on-site. Your room is guaranteed to include a wood-burning fireplace and a spacious bathroom with heated limestone floors, rain shower, deep spa tub and built-in TV.

Highly Recommended

Swan Lake is one of the hotel’s most popular attractions, a haven for the hotel’s three feathered residents—Hercules, Athena and Chloe. Guests will spy the swans in their natural habitat while crossing over the stone bridge to check in to the hotel, but I recommend a bit more face time with these gorgeous birds.

The hotel offers picnic lunches alongside Swan Lake—to both guests of the hotel and non-guests. Few experiences can be considered as peaceful and romantic as a quiet lunch on the grass, and picnic patrons are waited on by the hotel’s stellar staff to ensure the meal is up to Hotel Bel-Air’s highest standards.

Treat yourself to a variety of picnic-appropriate plates, including the most amazing Cherry Tomato Bruscetta you’ll ever taste; House-Made Soft Bavarian Pretzels with grain mustard; a delicious Grilled Jidori Chicken Sandwich with goat cheese and basil pesto aioli; and possibly the most delectable Grilled Cheese Sandwich you’ll ever find, with comte, gruyere and smoked carmelized onions on rustic bread. Wash everything down with a chilled bucket of champagne, never forgetting that such a meal is truly a remarkable experience, and one found right outside your L.A. backyard.

701 Stone Canyon Rd., Bel Air. (310) 472-1211. hotelbelair.com

Los Angeles Athletic Club

Stephan Horbelt — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Whether you can’t afford to leave town for an extended vacation, have been dying to check out an unexplored area of the city or simply need to get away for a weekend, Los Angeles offers several ideal locales for a memorable staycation.

Located in the heart of Downtown, The Los Angeles Athletic Club has been a haven for up-and-coming Angelenos since the late 1880s. Today it’s the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or a weekend set aside to explore the many wonders that Downtown L.A. has to offer.

The Hotel
No other hotel in L.A. has the amenities that LAAC is able to provide to its guests: five floors of athletic services (including a running track, basketball court, pilates and yoga studios, racquetball courts and the city’s most gorgeous indoor pool), club services (laundering for your clothes, shoe shining and babysitting), a casual lunch spot, an upscale dining destination, on-site spa services and 72 tasteful rooms that come with all of the above included.

Your Room
LAAC’s hotel rooms and suites comprise the building’s top three floors, so bet on the fact that your view will be impressive. Also expect elegant-yet-masculine rooms with no comfort spared. If you’re able to splurge, spring for one of the hotel’s nine club-themed suites, like the nautical Yacht Club suite, sophisticated Polo Club suite or the ornate Social Club suite.

Highly Recommended
Avoid the $12-per-day hotel parking fee (and reduce your carbon footprint) by taking the subway Downtown. Once you’re at the hotel, everything you’ll need will be within walking distance. Plus you’ll have an excuse to explore Downtown à pied.

A Day in the Life
After a hot shower, start your day with the complimentary morning buffet in the hotel’s Grill Room, featuring chef-prepared omelets, waffles and fresh fruit. Pack a day bag and meander around Downtown’s Historic Core or check out the latest exhibit at MOCA.

Shop for new quirky T-shirts and hipster-wear along 2nd Street in Little Tokyo. While there, fuel your body with a hand roll or ramen before walking back to the hotel.

Staycations are all about comfort, and a dinner at Pitfire Pizza will comfort you like no other. The restaurant’s varied selection of pizzas, pastas and salads are reasonably priced and perfect for sharing. Try the Burrata Pie—burrata cheese, tomato sauce, wild arugula, carmelized onion, hazelnut and pesto drizzle. You’ll be glad you did. (108 W. 2nd St., pitfirepizza.com)

After dinner, retire to the hotel’s Main Bar, a four-sided dark wood bar with award-winning martinis, or check out one of the area’s many watering holes, like Spring Street Bar, a modern spot with a wide-ranging beer selection and affordable grub (626 S. Spring St. # B).

LAAC, 431 W. 7th St., Downtown L.A. (213) 625-2211. laac.com