Weekend in LA!
I think I’ve always wanted to say that. Or, to be able to answer the question, “Jaime, what did you do this weekend?” with “Oh, I spent the weekend in LA.” Insert giggles. Yes, you can laugh at me. I’m even laughing at myself! Such a clichéd thing to say (but at the same time, so satisfying!), right?
OK, back to the business at hand.
Los Angeles. This Southern California metropolis is known around the world as the heart of the TV and movie industry. The place with the famous Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic sights on the planet. It’s also the city where you’re most likely to be able to do some celeb-spotting.
One of the first things I noticed when we arrived in LA on Friday night was how sprawling the city is. It really is enormous. Throw in rush hour (the traffic is notorious) and getting from point A to point B can really try your patience.
On the way to Burbank, California
The famous Hollywood sign
Rodeo Drive
Hello, Orlando!
When I saw the name of our hotel, The Orlando, being the East Coast girl that I am I immediately thought there must be a connection to the city in Florida. And then, being the girl who loves Hollywood, I thought of Orlando Bloom. Yes, really.
Photo credit : THE ORLANDO HOTEL
This boutique hotel is ideally situated between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. Everything you could possibly want or need is within easy reach: restaurants (breakfast, lunch and dinner), department stores like Target/Nordstrom Rack (yes, please!) and Marshalls are just a five-minute walk away, and there was even a Magnolia Bakery RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE HOTEL. What else could you ask for?
Photo credit : THE ORLANDO HOTEL
Our simply-styled room was perfect for our needs. Since we were tourists for the weekend, we only really came back to the room to sleep! Clean, well-situated, with incredibly pleasant staff who were happy to answer all my questions and give their advice and recommendations—we had a very pleasant stay at the Orlando. It is indeed possible to find a gem outside of the more well-known hotel chains.
Photo Credit : Jaime Damak
That time I wanted to move onto the Warner Brothers lot
Planning a 10-day road trip with multiple stops means you’ll definitely have to make some compromises… but there’s no way I was going to pass up a stop at the Warner Brothers studios in Burbank. It was non-negotiable.
For me, it was the highlight of the weekend.
Photo Credit : Jaime Damak
Warners Brothers Tour : So much fun!
If you’re a fan of television and film, this 3-hour visit should be right up your alley. Fans of Gilmore Girls, Friends, Full House (and countless other shows) will not be disappointed. Not only will you learn tons of interesting things about your favourite shows and movies, you’ll also get to see where they were filmed. You can even check out Central Perk, the coffee shop from Friends. Pierre also took part in filming a scene—playing Joey. It’s a total blast! From start to finish, I was the giddy fangirl on the tour bus.
Photo Credit : Jaime Damak
Warners Brothers Tour : On the set of Gilmore Girls
They really have thought of everything to make the tour as enjoyable as possible (there’s even a Starbucks in the waiting area before you set off). The guides were as pleasant and personable as they were well-informed.
Definitely do it. And then do it again (in my case, and possibly also yours).
Photo Credit : Jaime Damak
Warners Brothers Tour : On the set of Friends!
Can’t-miss stops
- The Orlando Hotel
- Toast Bakery Cafe (excellent breakfast, with lots of variety on the menu and just an 8-minute walk from the hotel)
Photo Credit : Jaime Damak
Toast Bakery Cafe : quinoa oatmeal with mixed berries
- Magnolia Bakery (across the street from the hotel)
- Warner Brothers Studio Tour
- Gusto Restaurant (a short walk from the hotel)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame
Photo Credit : Jaime Damak
Walk of Fame : I've never been closer to my BFF Matt
- 208 Rodeo (restaurant in the heart of Rodeo Drive)
- In & Out Burger (one of the trendiest fast food joints around, found in California, Arizona, Texas, Oregon and Nevada)
Next time
When we are lucky enough to go back, I’d like to see the sights aboard a city bus, as well as take a tour to see where the stars live. I’d also love to hike up to the Hollywood sign to see it up close, and try more of the fabulous restaurants in the city. By the way, if you love pie, I’ve heard nothing but love for Pie Hole, a chain with three locations in the city.
What will I remember most about my LA trip? It wasn’t exactly how I imagined it to be, but the must-dos are, well, something you must do at least once!
*Jaime was on a press trip to California from December 14-23, a trip made possible thanks to the partnership of Visit California and Discover Los Angeles.
Jaime Damak was back on Global Montreal with an Easter themed segment.