LOS ANGELES — With more than 92,000 guest rooms and suites, Los Angeles is the fourth-largest lodging market in the United States. And there are no signs of slowing down the growth, with more hotel developments on the horizon. Meanwhile, many of LA’s tried-and-true properties are looking like new as they complete or embark on renovations from basic remodels to extreme makeovers.
The following is a summary of the latest hotel developments, by geographic region — Downtown, Hollywood, San Fernando Valley, Westside, Coastal/LAX Area and San Gabriel Valley. (Editor’s note: Media contacts are for media use only)
DOWNTOWN
Hilton Checkers Los Angeles -- This historic, boutique-style hotel renovated its rooftop deck and it is now available for private events, with spectacular views of Downtown Los Angeles. Features include a new rooftop bar, a flat-screen TV and new furniture. Checkers has also completed renovation of its restaurant patio, which includes new furnishings, surrounded by Juniper trees under an iron pergola. The hotel has 188 guest rooms and suites. 535 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, 90071; 213.624.0000, www.hiltoncheckers.com. Media contact: Eric Gasser, 213.891.0501, ericg@hiltoncheckers.com
Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens – This 21-story, full-service hotel, located in the heart of Little Tokyo, is undergoing a renovation to its guest rooms, bathrooms, lobby and Rendezvous Lounge area. The hotel features 434 guest rooms and 20 suites, including three Japanese suites. The renovation is expected to be completed in March 2009. 120 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles, 90012; 213.629.1200, www.kyotograndhotel.com. Media Contact: Dave Sanderson, 213.629.1200, davesanderson@crestline.com
Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza -- Downtown’s only four-diamond hotel completed a $150,000 upgrade to its presidential suite and three junior suites, including new furnishings and fixtures. In summer 2006, a new spa was added. In addition, several of the hotel’s public areas have been newly redone, including The Grand Café and the Club Lounge. In fall 2007, a new coffee house, Morsels, was added. The Omni Los Angeles has started renovation on public spaces and all 453 guest rooms and suites will be renovated by the end of 2009. 251 S. Olive St., Los Angeles, 90012; 213.617.3300, www.omnilosangeles.com. Media contact: Chaya Donne, 213.356.4010, cdonne@omnihotels.com
Los Angeles Marriott Downtown --Following an upgrade and new menus at Moody’s Bar and Grill and the Back Porch Restaurant, the Marriott will now undergo a major renovation of all public areas beginning at the end of this year. All guest rooms, meeting spaces and the lobby will be upgraded. The hotel has 469 guest rooms and suites. 333 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 90071; 213.617.1133, www.marriott.com/laxdt. Media contact: Libby Zarrahy, 213.617.6036, libby.zarrahy@ihrco.com.
Sheraton Los Angeles -- As part of its $10 million renovation, the Sheraton Los Angeles completed a lobby makeover in early 2006 and a guest room upgrade in November 2007, along with a restaurant renovation. The lobby’s redesign includes a new color scheme, new furnishings and more casual seating areas for an intimate environment. Other upgrades include new guest room furnishings, with added Internet access throughout the property. The Sheraton Los Angeles has 485 guest rooms and suites. 711 S. Hope St., Los Angeles, 90017; 213.488.3500, www.sheraton.com. Media contact: Jim Boitnott, Jim.Boitnott@sheratonla.com
The Standard-Downtown LA -- The Standard-Downtown LA recently finished a renovation of their “LOFT” meeting spaces in summer 2008. With a rooftop pool and bar featuring stunning panoramic views of LA, a 24-hour restaurant and extensive business facilities that have recently been renovated with new furnishings, the Standard-Downtown LA has 207 guest room and suites. 550 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90071; 213.892.8080, www.standardhotels.com/los-angeles/. Media contact: Nadine Johnson, 212.228.5555, standarddowntownla@nadinejohnson.com
Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites – Renovations of the hotel’s LA Prime fine dining restaurant, BonaVista revolving cocktail lounge and outdoor swimming pool have recently been completed. Full renovation of 700 guest rooms, suites (inclusive of bathrooms) and guest room corridors will begin in January 2009 with completion in Q3 2009. Following the guestroom renovations, the Bonaventure will continue its property improvement plan through 2010 to include the Hotel Lobby, Lakeview Bistro Restaurant, Meeting & Banquet space and the reminder of guest rooms. The Westin Bonaventure is the largest hotel in Los Angeles, with 1,354 guest rooms and suites. 404 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 90071; 213.624.1000, www.westin.com/bonaventure Media contact: Bob Nee, 213.612.4722, bob.nee@westin.com.
Wilshire Grand Los Angeles -- The Wilshire Grand Los Angeles completed a multi-million-dollar makeover of all 50,000 square feet of meeting space, including the premiere ballrooms – the Pacific and the Sierra, which together total 10,000 square feet. The remodel included installation of the latest audiovisual and lighting technology. The hotel has just begun Phase Two of the overall $60 million renovation, with all guest rooms receiving a new look that includes pillow top mattresses. Additionally, renovations including a new front desk, lobby bar and espresso bar will begin in the second quarter of 2009. The Wilshire Grand has 900 guest rooms and suites. 930 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90017; 213.688.7777, www.wilshiregrand.com. Media contact: Marc Loge, 213.612.3920, mloge@wilshiregrand.com.
Cecil Hotel Los Angeles -- Following the purchase of the historic Cecil Hotel for $26.5 million by Fred Cordova, the Lanting Hotel Group has taken over the management of the hotel and its restoration. Last year, plans were unveiled to refurbish the property as an affordable tourist hotel, while retaining its approximately 110 long-term tenants. A five-year renovation was outlined that would outfit the 15-story hotel’s 600 rooms with full bathrooms, flat screen TVs, refrigerators, air-conditioning and new furniture salvaged from upscale hotels. Upgrades began last year on the 210 rooms that already had private bathrooms. Construction is also underway on a ground-floor space adjacent to the lobby, expected to be a 24-hour restaurant. 640 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, 90014; 213.624.4545, www.thececilhotel.com. Media Contact: Peter Kertenian, general manager, peterk@thececilhotel.com
HOLLYWOOD
Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa – On May 1, 2008, the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa introduced Spa Luce, a 6,400 square-foot, state-of-the-art spa featuring personalized treatments, celebrity-inspired pampering and top-of-the-line beauty and health products, including Sonya Dakar Skincare, the Somme Institute and Red Flower. The spa features seven distinct treatment rooms, one of which is a private sanctuary expressly for couples and includes a hydrotherapy tub. Manicure and pedicure stations are also featured. The Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa has 637 guest rooms, 33 suites, and a 3,500-square-foot Panorama Suite. 1755 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 90028; 323.856.1200, www.renaissancehollywood.com. Media contact: Sheryl Craig, M. Craig & Associates, 310.899.2900, secoops@aol.com
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel -- The 4,386-square-foot Blossom Room, site of the first Academy Awards® ceremony in 1929, has recently been renovated, along with the hotel’s other meeting rooms. The upgrades are part of a $30 million, property-wide revamp. Other renovations include a new registration area at the parking valet entrance and upgrades to the pool area, the main tower guest rooms and public areas, including the Tropicana Bar and Teddy’s. In addition, the street-level Cinegrill nightclub is now a private event space. The hotel has 300 guest rooms and suites. 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 90028; 323.466.7000, www.thompsonhotels.com. Media contact: Erica Cornwall, Full Picture PR, 310.432.5846, ecornwall@fullpic.com.
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
Beverly Garland Holiday Inn Universal Studios -- Stadium seating was installed in the fully renovated 130-seat Beverly Garland Theater, along with the latest in audiovisual equipment. Renovation of the Grand Ballroom was completed in July 2006. Currently, the guest rooms, public areas, lobby and meeting space are undergoing renovation. The Splash Bar was completely renovated in February 2007. Two guest room floors per tower have been redesigned for corporate/business travelers. In addition, new landscaping has been completed, and new bedding, mattresses and carpet were placed in all rooms. A new sauna has been installed next to the new state-of-the-art fitness center with all the most updated equipment. The hotel has 255 guest rooms, suites and 15,000 square feet of meeting space. 4222 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, 91602; 818.980.8000, www.beverlygarland.com. Media contact: Stella Pak, 818.255.7490, stella@beverlygarland.com.
Hilton Garden Inn Valencia @ Six Flags -- Close to Six Flags Magic Mountain, the Hilton Garden Inn recently completed a $2 million renovation of all its guest rooms, public areas and 2,500 square feet of meeting space. The hotel has 152 guest rooms and suites. 27710 The Old Road, Valencia, 91355; 661.254.8800, www.hiltongardeninn.hilton.com. Media contact: John Bevell, 661.284.3200, John_bevell@hilton.com.
Hilton Los Angeles North/Glendale & Executive Meeting Center -- In 2007, renovations to the Grand Ballroom and the second, smaller ballroom were completed. The hotel has 351 guest rooms and suites. 100 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, 91202; 818.956.5466, www.hilton.com. Media contact: Tim Wildey, 818.551.4000, Tim_wildey@hilton.com
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City -- In 2007, the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City completed a multi-million dollar renovation. Every guest room was updated with Hilton Signature Serenity Beds and Egyptian cotton linens. Recently chosen by meeting planners nationwide as one of the best hotels, the Hilton also used this renovation to revamp the hotel’s 60,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor meeting and event space, which now offers Wi-Fi, videoconferencing and webcasting. Additional renovations were made to the award-winning Café Sierra and the Lobby Lounge, as well as public areas, including the fitness center, spa, pool and cabanas. The hotel has 482 guest rooms including nine executive suites. 555 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, 91608; 818.506.2500, www.universalcity.hilton.com. Media contact: Arlene Davidson, The Davidson Company, Advertising and PR, 323.954.7475, davidsonco@sbcglobal.net.
Residence Inn by Marriott Burbank Downtown -- Opened in October 2007, this location offers 166 guest suites, with full-size kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas. An outside pool area featuring a fire pit and fitness center are offered as well. 321 S. 1st Street, Burbank; 91502. 818.260.8787, www.Residenceinnburbank.com Media contact Karen Lorton-Vella, 818.260.8787, karen.lorton@marriott.com.
Sheraton Universal Hotel – This iconic Los Angeles hotel, known as the “Hotel of the Stars,” has just completed a more than $30 million renovation, finishing just in time to celebrate the legendary hotel's 40th anniversary in 2009. The revitalized hotel salutes Hollywood's heyday and features elements in the Hollywood Regency style inspired by the 1920s through the 1940s. The property now features 451 guestrooms including 31 suites (two presidential, three VIP, one Shrek-themed and 25 executive and junior suites) that feature art deco design complete with brown, blue and ivory color palettes. The 21-story hotel offers more than 30,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space including the newly renovated rooftop function space, Starview Room, which offers 3,500 square feet, views of the Hollywood Hills and is the only rooftop function space of its kind in the area. 333 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, 91608; 818.980.1212, www.sheratonuniversal.com. Media Contact: Karen Gee-McAuley / Kat Calbes, 310.395.5050; kgee.mcauley@blazepr.com. kcalbes@blazepr.com
Warner Center Marriott Woodland Hills -- The Warner Center Marriott recently completed a top-to-bottom renovation of its Grand Ballroom and most other meeting space. Guest room renovations began in December 2007 and are now complete. In early 2006, the hotel finished installing Marriott Revive Beds in all guest rooms and new shower heads and shower curtains in all the guest baths. And, in July 2006, the property upgraded its 4,280-square-foot Hidden Hills Ballroom. The hotel has 474 guest rooms and suites. 21850 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills, 91367; 818.887.4800, www.warnercentermarriott.com. Media contact: Kim Cartaino, 818.227.6111, kcartaino@warnercentermarriott.com.
WESTSIDE
Beverly Hilton -- This 8.9 acre property recently completed an $80 million renovation. The result is The “New” Beverly Hilton featuring fine guest rooms with contemporary design and advanced technology, sophisticated spa and salon services, indoor and outdoor dining options, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and luxury retailers. Upgrades include public space with free wireless capabilities, 60,000 square feet of upscale indoor and open-air event space, high-speed Wi-Fi connections and high-definition entertainment in the 569 guest rooms inclusive of 101 suites and the Penthouse Collection. 9876 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90210; 310.274.7777, www.beverlyhilton.com. Media contact: Lynda Simonetti, 310.285.1322, lynda_simonetti@hilton.com.
Courtyard by Marriott Century City/Beverly Hills -- This hotel recently completed a total renovation of all public areas, including the lobby, bar, restaurant and the 526-square-foot boardroom. 10320 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, 90064; 310.556.2777, www.marriott.com/property/propertypage/laxce. Media contact: Jairo Torres, 310.556.3593, jtorres@pacificahost.com.
Élan Hotel -- Built in 2000, the Élan Hotel features 50 guestrooms in addition to a small meeting room on the lobby level. The Élan Hotel has been under a moderate renovation since November 2007. The overall look of the hotel is expected to undergo a slight transformation with a change in color schemes, furniture and updated amenities in the guest rooms and throughout the hotel. 8435 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, 90048; 323.658.6663, www.elanhotel.com. Media Contact: Danny Hughes, senior sales manager, 323.658.5300, dhughes@elanhotel.com
Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles Westside -- This property was completely overhauled w¬¬ith changes to the carpeting, wall coverings, furniture, art and amenities. The guest rooms, meeting rooms, banquet space, library, café and outside areas were all part of this renovation. The fitness room received all new fitness equipment and four new suites were created, fully outfitted with plasma televisions and refrigerators. The Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles Westside has 195 guest rooms and suites. 5990 Green Valley Circle, Culver City, 90230; 310.641.7740, www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints. Media contact: Agustin Merlo, 310.981.8006, amerlo@hotelpros.biz
Hotel Angeleno -- Hotel Angeleno is the first southern California property operated by San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre Hospitality. After a major renovation, Hotel Angeleno opened in June 2006. The property’s iconic circular design was updated with a fresh, new interior and exterior design. Freshly updated amenities inc¬¬lude more than 2,500 square feet of meeting space, a heated outdoor pool and lounge area, a fitness center and business center. West, a penthouse-level Italian steakhouse and lounge, offers panoramic views of Los Angeles. The hotel has 209 guest rooms and suites. 170 N. Church Lane, Los Angeles, 90049; 310.476.6411, www.hotelangeleno.com. Media contact: Jennifer Green, 310.854.4800 or jgreen@bncpr.com.
Hotel Bel-Air ¬-- With ten exquisitely appointed spa suites and three residential spa suites, the Spa at Hotel Bel-Air, scheduled to open January 2009, will be the most private sanctuary in Los Angeles. Upon arrival, guests will be escorted personally by the hotel’s spa hostess to their very own residential-style suite, complete with open-air gardens, outdoor spas, and luxurious accommodations. Every program at the Spa will be performed by highly skilled international therapists and will feature only the most luxurious spa products and amenities. Each ultra-private treatment room, appointed with classic Bel-Air details, will feature an open-air private garden, fireplace, outdoor shower and dipping pool, personal music player, sauna, steam and Swiss shower, and a complete spa wardrobe. Three fully equipped residential spa suites, inspired by the Bel-Air's Tuscan decor, will feature a bedroom, living area, fireplace, spa services area, personal music player, sauna, steam, Swiss shower, and a complete spa wardrobe. 701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, 90071; 310.472.1211; www.hotelbelair.com. Media Contact: Erin Franklin, Victoria King Public Relations, Inc., 310.207.5175, erin@vkpr.com
Hyatt Regency Century Plaza -- Hyatt assumed management of this property from Westin in 2005. A guest room renovation, which included installation of Hyatt Grand Beds, was recently completed. Renovation of the Lobby Court Lounge and reception area has been completed, along with the opening of the first Regency Club - a private VIP space for hotel guests. In addition, X bar, a sleek new indoor/outdoor California lounge, was launched on the lobby level in May 2007. Upgrades include the famous Presidential and Royal Suites that have housed every U.S. president since Lyndon Johnson, the grand Lobby Court & Patio and the Executive Conference Center. 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, 90067; 310.228.1234, www.centuryplaza.hyatt.com. Media contact: Erika Garcia-Lavyne, 310.551.3299, Elavyne@hyatt.com
Hyatt West Hollywood -- Hyatt West Hollywood has closed its doors to undergo a transformation into a new property under Hyatt’s new brand, Andaz. The 14-story Andaz West Hollywood, the first North American Andaz property, will reflect the cosmopolitan feel of its surrounding neighborhood, while showcasing the brand’s friendly and caring service, relaxed ambiance and vibrant social spaces. Andaz West Hollywood, with 257 rooms and 20 expansive suites, is scheduled to open in January 2009. 8401 Sunset Blvd.,West Hollywood, 90069; 323.656.1234, www.andaz.com. Media contact: Jaimie Confer, 323.785.6058, jconfer@hyatt.com
Le Montrose Suite Hotel -- A redesign completed in September 2005 included all guest suites, lobby, the restaurant and meeting space. Dark cherry paneling, chic furnishings and mid-century modern accents are among the design elements. The hotel has 133 suites. 900 Hammond St., West Hollywood, 90069; 310.855.1115, www.lemontrose.com. Media contact: Joe Monserrate, 310.598.1003, joem@lemontrose.com.
Mondrian Hotel -- The Los Angeles Mondrian on Sunset Strip completed a guest room renovation in summer 2008. Designed by Philippe Starck, the renovation has turned the hotel into a "new reality urban resort" with natural elements. 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069; 323.650.8999, www.mondrianhotel.com. Media contact: Jennifer Foley, Morgans Hotel Group, 212.277.4100.
Sofitel Los Angeles -- In 2006, Sofitel Los Angeles underwent a $40 million makeover, completely transforming the entire property. Guests can experience modern American cuisine and nightlife on the premises at Simon LA and Stone Rose Lounge. All guest rooms were renovated and feature MyBed™, high-speed and Wi-Fi Internet, 32-inch plasma televisions, laptop connections and alarm clocks with MP3 player connections. The suites also feature walk-in closets and large soaking tubs with televisions. The hotel also has a new full service, luxury spa – called LeSpa at Sofitel – (a first by Sofitel in the United States), with eight treatment rooms in 5,000 square feet of space. The hotel has 295 guest rooms and suites. 8555 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, 90048; 310.278.5444, www.sofitel.com. Media contact: Steve Valentine, 323.571.8003, steve@valentinegroupla.com.
Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas -- The Sunset Marquis Hotel and Villas has just completed a $40 million expansion to their villas. The property has the most expensive Presidential Suite in LA – a two story villa with its own screening room, gourmet kitchen, dining room and two private cabanas for lounging by the pool – selling for $8,500 per night. Also included in the expansion are a new restaurant, a new gym, spa facilities and an addition to The Studio, a commercial-grade recording facility. The Studio completed renovation in early November 2007. 1200 Alta Loma Road, West Hollywood, 90069; 310.657.1333, www.sunsetmarquishotel.com. Media contact: Kelly Cutrone, People’s Revolution, 212.274.0400, Kelly.cutrone@peoplesrevolution.com.
Sunset Tower Hotel -- A multimillion dollar renovation of the Sunset Tower Hotel (formerly The Argyle) has recently taken place. The sophisticated renovation features timeless appeal tied into Hollywood’s Golden era. Notable additions include the new Tower Bar restaurant, the new 7,000-square-foot Argyle Salon & Spa, the new Terrace Grill, and a Tuscan-inspired poolside restaurant, along with revamped guest rooms. The hotel has 74 guest rooms and suites. 8358 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069; 323.654.7100, www.sunsettowerhotel.com. Media contact: Patrick O’Shea, 323.848.6600, poshea@sunsettowerhotel.com.
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel -- This legendary hotel has completed a $35 million enhancement with a chic new style that complements the traditional setting. Wolfgang Puck’s CUT and sidebar, designed by Richard Meier, offer guests a contemporary steakhouse and lounge with a stylish flair. A new 8,000-square-foot spa has also debuted along with significant enhancements to the pool and fitness facilities. Guest room renovations and wireless Internet completed the transformation in fall 2006. In addition, The Blvd (restaurant and lounge) was renovated in 2005. The hotel has 395 guest rooms and suites. 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, 90212; 310.275.5200, www.fourseasons.com. Media contact: Jennifer Cooke, 310.385.3917, jennifer.cooke@fourseasons.com.
The Orlando -- Having undergone $6 million in renovations to the entire hotel, most recently finishing all Luxury, Executive and its new Executive Garden rooms, as well as its public areas, The Orlando is renowned as a unique and hip, European-style, boutique hotel. The Orlando is now one of the members of Boutique Hotels, a distinguished collection of boutique properties under Preferred Hotel Group. The hotel has 98 guest rooms. 8384 W. Third St., Los Angeles, 90048; 323.330.1774, www.theorlando.com. Media contact: Jennifer Gross, Evolutionary Media Group, 323.658.8700, jennifer@emgpr.com
Ramada Plaza Hotel -West Hollywood -- The Ramada Plaza Hotel-West Hollywood will be completing renovations to all guest rooms throughout 2008. The renovation to each room will include furniture changes, technical upgrades, installation of new 42” HDTV flat-screen televisions and upgrades to room decor. Ramada Plaza Hotel-West Hollywood is now part of Wyndham Worldwide. 8585 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069; 310.652.6400, www.ramadaweho.com. Media contact: Bill Karpiak, 310.652.6400 info@ramadaweho.com.
COASTAL/LAX AREA
Belamar Hotel – The Belamar Hotel has unveiled a $2.2 million renovation, focusing on the lobby, a new restaurant and state-of-the-art meeting facilities for corporate groups of all sizes. New lobby accents include a refurbished front desk and a newly designed natural-stone area surrounding the lobby’s signature fireplace. The hotel’s new second-floor restaurant, Second Story, features contemporary, healthy twists on all-American classics from chef Vania Almeida. Five brand new, one-of-a-kind meeting rooms, flexible for groups up to 100 people, have been created, giving the Belamar 7,095 square feet of meeting center space. Owned and operated by Larkspur Hotels & Restaurants, the hotel features 127 guest rooms. 3501 Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 90266; 310.750.0300, www.belamarhotel.com. Media Contact: Jeff Rubenstein, 415.945.5037, jrubenstein@larkspurhotels.com
Best Western Marina Pacifica Hotel and Suites -- A major, $15 million renovation was completed in summer 2007, which added an entire floor of new Premium rooms, interior design changes in every room and a rooftop deck offering panoramic views of the coast and all of Los Angeles. The renovation increased the hotel’s room count from 88 to 118 rooms. 1697 Pacific Ave., Venice, 90291; 310.452.1111, www.mphotel.com. Media contact: Justin Ornellas, 310.452.1111, Justin@mphotel.com.
Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel -- In March 2007, the Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel completed guest room renovations including new furnishings, new 27-inch flat-screen televisions in all guest rooms and bath upgrades with granite finishes. The hotel also completed refurbishment of the lobby, meeting space, restaurant and lounge areas in September 2007. The hotel has 244 guest rooms including 56 suites. 601 S. Palos Verdes St., San Pedro, 90731; 310.519.8200, www.crowneplaza.com/laharbor. Media contact: Casey Keong, 310.521.8025, casey.keong@cplaharborhotel.com
DoubleTree Hotel San Pedro -- Set between the Cabrillo Marina and Cabrillo Beach, the Marina Hotel is now the DoubleTree Hotel San Pedro. An $8.5 million renovation undertaken last year has been completed. All the guest rooms underwent a redesign with new bedding, carpeting, drapes, bathrooms and artwork, among other improvements. The meeting space, restaurant, lounge, fitness center, business center, gift shop and pool area also were upgraded. Wireless high-speed Internet access was installed in the meeting space, lobby, lounge and guest rooms. The hotel has 226 guest rooms and suites. 2800 Via Cabrillo Marina, San Pedro, 90731; 310.514.3344, www.sanpedro.doubletree.com. Media contact: Sandra Sooklal, 310.519.2786
Four Points Sheraton LAX -- The Four Points Sheraton LAX has recently renovated its 150 guest rooms, meeting space and atrium lobby. The fitness center has also increased in size and now features the latest in hi-tech equipment. The pool area and lounge are currently undergoing a major transformation. The lounge, which will double in size, will include an area of a sports bar along with a room that can be used for small private groups. The pool will have a waterfall feature, cabanas and pool bar. In 2009 the hotel will redesign its restaurant and renovate all of the rooms in the west wing. 9750 Airport Blvd., Los Angeles, 90045; 310.645.4600, www.fourtpointslax.com. Media Contact: Valerie Bargas, 310.649.7059, valerie.bargas@fourpointslax.com
Los Angeles Airport Marriott -- A major $22 million renovation that included a facelift of Champion’s sports bar and new and upgraded meeting space was completed in fall 2005. Guest room and suite renovations, including the installation of Marriott Revive Beds, were completed at the end of 2006. The hotel has 1,004 guest rooms and suites. 5855 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, 90045; 310.641.5700, www.marriott.com/laxap. Media contact: Bryan Churchill, 310.337.8073, bryan.churchill@marriott.com.
Marina del Rey Marriott -- A major redesign of public areas and 18,000 square feet of meeting space was completed in May 2007 to create a more boutique feel with earth tones, muted lighting and other ambient features throughout. Among the areas receiving facelifts were Stones restaurant, the 6,100-square-foot California Ballroom and the pool deck. The transformation of the lobby and lobby bar, aptly-named Glow, and adjacent courtyard has created a more contemporary, modern lifestyle-oriented environment. The hotel has 395 guest rooms and suites. 4100 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 90292; 310.301.3000, www.marriott.com/laxmb. Media contact: Jennifer Gross, Evolutionary Media Group, 323-658-8700, Jennifer@EvolutionaryMediaGroup.com.
Renaissance Montura Hotel Los Angeles -- Along with a $10 million guest room renovation completed in early 2005, the Renaissance Hotel LAX was renamed the Renaissance Montura Hotel Los Angeles. Montura is Spanish for “a place where art is mounted,” and the new name more closely reflects the hotel’s $14 million contemporary art collection. The hotel also features 18,000 square feet of newly upgraded meeting space and has 499 guest rooms and suites. 9620 Airport Blvd., Los Angeles, 90045; 310.337.2800, www.marriott.com/property/propertypage/laxrr. Media contact: Amani Roberts, 310.337.2051, amani.roberts@renaissancehotels.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey -- A major guest room makeover was completed in summer 2006, which changed the room design from traditional European to contemporary Californian with a nautical flair. The hotel recently launched The Boutique Spa featuring eight treatment rooms using signature product lines from Prada Beauty, Murad, Payot and Mama Mio. Also, guests of The Boutique Spa may savor tantalizing Spa cuisine, innovative fitness classes such as YAS Yoga and Spinning and an environmentally-friendly outdoor pool and whirlpool, with a saline purification system. The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey also recently completed its 15,000 square feet of meeting space. The property has 304 guest rooms and suites. 4375 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 90292; 310.823.1700, www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/marina_del_rey. Media contact: Emmie Lancaster, 310.574.4360, emmie.lancaster@ritzcarlton.com.
Sheraton Gateway Hotel Los Angeles -- Following a $20 million renovation, the Sheraton Gateway Hotel is now a contemporary, luxury, boutique-style property. Upgrades were made to the hotel’s guest rooms and suites, pool terrace, public areas (including the addition of wireless Internet service) and 50,000 square feet of meeting space. The addition of the hotel’s newly designed 11,400-square-foot ballroom has been fittingly recreated with new interiors and equipment. A full-service Starbucks café also was added. The Sheraton has 802 guest rooms including 103 suites and 50 Club Level rooms. 6101 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, 90045; 310.642.1111, www.sheratonlosangeles.com. Media contact: Deborah Lusby, 310.642.4827, deborah.lusby@sheratonlosangeles.com
Torrance Marriott South Bay -- Following a $10 million renovation, the Torrance Marriott South Bay now has the new Rain Wine Bar and Lounge, offering more than 40 specialty wines and a seasonal menu. Also new is the outdoor Zen Garden, the 5,000-square-foot Terrace Ballroom and more than 15 additional meeting and event rooms. In addition, the hotel has introduced a great room-style lobby; an open space designed for the 24/7 work patterns of today's travelers. Adaptable spaces enable guests to meet and work with access to the current technology or to dine in more open spaces. 3635 Fashion Way, Torrance, 90503; 310.316.3636, www.marriott.com. Media contact: Maribel Denner, 310.543.6096, maribel.denner@marriott.com.
Westin Los Angeles Airport -- The hotel recently completed an $11 million renovation of its 45,000 square feet of meeting space. Guest room renovations are expected to be completed in 2009. The hotel has 740 guest rooms and suites. 5400 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, 90045; 310.216.5858, www.starwood.com/westin. Media contact: Kevin Schiller, 310.417.4503, Kevin.schiller@westin.com.
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY
Hilton Pasadena -- A $5 million redesign concluded in August 2005, transforming the hotel into an ultra-modern property with a retro flair. Upgrades were made in all areas, from guest rooms to public spaces including the lobby and lobby bar. The hotel also added a 528-square-foot meeting room, bringing the total function space to 28,000 square feet. A redesigned business center, expanded gym and high-speed wireless Internet access were additional improvements. The Hilton Pasadena has spent another $3 million installing new carpeting, new lighting and new wall coverings in the guest and meeting rooms. The Hilton Pasadena has 296 guest rooms and suites. 168 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 91101; 626.577.1000, www.hilton.com. Media contact: Jacque Gunn, 626.584.3112, jgunn@hiltonpasadena.com
Westin Pasadena -- In 2005, the Westin Pasadena completed an $11 million upgrade of its guest rooms and public areas. Guest rooms now feature Westin Heavenly Beds and Heavenly Baths. A 2,200-square-foot meeting room also was added, bringing the total meeting space to 26,000 square feet. New food and beverage facilities include a new restaurant, Ventanas, and a new lobby bar, The Living Room. The gym was renovated in late 2006 featuring Westin Workout by Reebok facilities, including free weights and cardio equipment, and top-down windows that offer a great view of the city. The hotel has 350 guest rooms and suites. 191 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, 91101; 626.792.2727, www.westin.com/pasadena. Media contact: Paul Rotunno, 626.304.1407, paul.rotunno@westin.com.
