Yahoo News Celeb spotting in LA: the best hotels, restaurants and bars
Admit it: when you go to LA, the one thing you really want is to spot a celeb. The key to finding an A-lister? Hang out where they do. This is my theory as I fly out in the run-up to this weekend’s Oscars anyway. But will trying to imitate the showbiz lifestyle bring me any closer to the stars?
My first stop is boutique hotel Petit Ermitage in West Hollywood, where Victoria Beckham hosted her baby shower in 2011. Somewhere between an exotic Moroccan retreat and a private members’ club with a rooftop pool, it’s packed with producer types. Listening to script pitches, I wonder if I am privy to Netflix’s next big hit. Alas, there are no actors to see just yet.
The following morning, it’s off to Andy LeCompte for a hair makeover. Andy, who is Madonna’s long-term stylist, teamed up with close friend Leanne Citrone (a fun, feisty Brit with a penchant for Minstrels) to open a hip salon in WeHo. Clients include the likes of Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum and Gigi Hadid. None of them turn up while I’m there, though. Still, I leave with bouncy locks and a spring in my step to meet a group of international journalists who will act as my “squad” for the trip. Look out, Taylor Swift.
Pulling up in an Uber (upgraded to an Exec, naturally), we step out onto the Walk of Fame and check in to the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. This is Hollywood proper. Since hosting the First Academy Awards in 1929, the property has become a landmark. It was conceived in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and recently gave its guest rooms a facelift. Book in to one of the Tower Studio rooms as they have more modern, opulent decor.
On-site bar The Spare Room is a good place for a cocktail — with arched windows, the retro-looking space has two reclaimed bowling lanes dating back to early industrial America. It’s also the site of my first celeb spot — we see Sting chilling here after his gig at the nearby Hollywood Palladium. Score.
There is a big eating out culture in LA, from street food at Grand Central Market to fine dining. We head to Delilah, one of Hollywood’s buzziest new openings. Paying homage to the roaring Twenties, it is unashamedly decadent, with dinner, dancing and live music. During our visit, Twilight actor Taylor Lautner canoodles with his girlfriend, while former Spiderman Tobey Maguire toasts our table and in walks funnyman Vince Vaughn with friends. Maguire looks petite in comparison to a super-tall Vaughn. All three stars are dressed down, despite the lavish surroundings — smart-casual seems the sleb staple.
The classic haunt, of course, is Chateau Marmont on Sunset Strip, sister property to the Chiltern Firehouse. Every A-lister worth their salt has graced it with their presence. Head here post-dinner for drinks in the bar — we were told we’d just missed Justin Timberlake on our visit. For something more edgy, hip warehouse restaurant Bestia, in the Arts District, counts Quentin Tarantino among its fans.
Fitness is just as important as food in California. After all, this is where the film stars stay in shape. We were put through our paces at one of the most in-demand classes — Prevail, which has a studio on trendy West 3rd Street. Amanda Seyfried and Olivia Culpo swear by it. Based around the art of boxing, I channel my inner Rocky Balboa. Sadly, Sly doesn’t pop in to see it.
For a workout with a healthy dose of stardust, you can’t beat a hike at Runyon Canyon. The trails at the 130-acre park are ideal for taking in the Hills. Gerard Butler’s personal trainer Wes Okerson leads the way. His tales about his past client roster, which includes Tom Cruise (“really hardcore”, apparently), Katie Holmes, Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen, are a good distraction from the uphill trek.
We reach the peak and the views are magnificent. I am so captivated that I almost miss Samuel L Jackson sprinting past. As well as bagging more big names, this is one of the best ways to appreciate the scale of Los Angeles and its sprawling, built-up landscape.
Alternatively, hop on a helicopter. Group 3 Aviation offers 45-minute tours. Our pilot tells us Marilyn Monroe was discovered in the Forties while working in a factory at their airport. We glide over Beverly Hills and the homes of Johnny Depp, Ben Affleck and Brad Pitt. I can see Santa Monica Beach in the distance and the skyscrapers of Downtown rise from the smog.
Of course, a trip to Los Angeles wouldn’t be complete without attending a star-studded event and we have the hottest ticket in town; the Grammys. JW Marriott, our final hotel, is just across the road from the Staples Center where the ceremony takes place. I know I am in glitzy company when I bump into Kris Jenner in the lobby.
My generously sized room, 14 floors up, has a good view of the Hollywood sign. Armed with a Beyoncé-inspired blowdry, Badgley Mischka black dress and Oscar de la Renta bling, I am definitely ready for the red carpet. We overlook the action in our private suite and are treated to performances from Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Adele, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.
The most surreal moment, however, comes at the after-party, at Sixties-inspired The Peppermint Club. I am jiving on the tiny dancefloor when John Travolta strolls in and starts boogying. Just when I think things have reached peak bizarre, in struts Gaga and I find myself sandwiched between two superstars. Just another night in Hollywood.
Details: Los Angeles
Norwegian operates non-stop flights from Gatwick to Los Angeles. Fares start from £159 one-way in economy and £499 one-way in Premium (0330 828 0854; norwegian.com/uk).
