Tips for your business trip to Los Angeles
During my studies, I, Maxime de Jong - Business Travel Consultant, lived in Los Angeles for five months for my internship. This made this American city a very special place for me. In this blog I would like to share some tips and tricks that I discovered back then and that may come in handy during your business trip!
Los Angeles Business Culture
Los Angeles (LA) is known for its great weather, the Hollywood movie arcade, big palm trees, the Walk of Fame and great business deals. LA is also known for its relaxed vibe compared to other cities of its size. This is also reflected in the corporate culture of the organizations in this city. Many companies and professions have flexible working hours and arrangements, and a large portion of working people here are freelancers. The idea of business meetings in formal corporate offices has also largely disappeared here. Usually meetings take place at a different location, such as a restaurant, coffee shop or outdoors! Adapt your attire accordingly; business-casual.
Travel in Los Angeles
Per public: Traveling by car is the most convenient option in a city like LA. But should you wish to avoid the crowds-the 401 Freeway is one of the busiest highways in America-then public transportation may be an option for you. In fact, the public transportation system in LA is one of the best in America. You can easily purchase an "OV Chipkaart" (TAP card) at any subway station, which can also be used for the bus.
By cab: If you don't want to use public transportation, booking an Uber is a good alternative. I myself did not have a car at my destination and this allowed me to get around the city just fine!
By bicycle: Cycling is also an excellent choice to explore the city further. LA is not immediately considered a bike city. They don't call the city "The car capital of the world" for nothing, but the city is certainly suitable for bike commuting. Although I must confess that Beverly Hills does present a tough challenge, the word "Hills" is in there for a reason! At Bikes and Hikes LA you can rent a bike or sign up for one of their tours. Also, for a hike to the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory with a great view of the city, you are at the right place with this good organization. I speak from experience, as I did an internship with them.
Did you know ... you can tell when you're in a different neighborhood by the street name signs? For example, the name signs in Santa Monica look different from the signs in Downtown LA.
Staying comfortable in Los Angeles
LA has endless hotel options to choose from for a comfortable stay during your business trip. Here are a few options:
Kimpton Hotel Palomar Los Angeles Beverly Hills****: this modern Boutique hotel features stylish hotel rooms and suites, located on Wilshire Boulevard. A boulevard 25 km long that opens onto the beach. Hosting meetings here is no problem at all, as well as organizing a high-class dinner in the restaurant, a yoga session or a dip in the heated outdoor pool. A fine base for your business trip!
Source: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Los Angeles Beverly Hills
Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach****: located three blocks from the beach in downtown Manhatten Beach and a wonderful hotel to experience the real LA vibe during your business trip! In addition, this chic hotel offers a functional meeting room; a unique location to invite your business meeting. End the day with a sunset on the sky deck with stunning views!
Source: Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach
The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles*****: 123 luxury hotel rooms & suites located in downtown Los Angeles! The hotel is characterized by its fashionable art-deco style and location near the Convention Center, perfect for business! In addition, relax in the heated rooftop pool or the huge spa. This hotel also offers 9200 m2 of event space and 40 meeting rooms.
Source: The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills*****: this world-class hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Beverly Hills. Designed by the legendary Pierre-Yves Rochon, the luxurious Waldorf features a fully equipped spa, three restaurants, two lounges/bars with 360-degree views and 170 beautiful, spacious guest rooms. In addition, the hotel offers 500 square meters of meeting or event space!
Source: Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
I have since returned to LA myself, where I stayed at the Mama Shelter Hotel****. This hotel is ideally located and not too far away from attractions, such as Hollywood Boulevard, a subway station or the freeway, Here you can also enjoy a drink in the rooftop bar.
Bleisure in Los Angeles
As I mentioned, LA also has a lot to offer in terms of leisure. Therefore, be sure to combine your business trip with a few days of leisure (= bleisure). Here are some tips to further entertain yourself in LA!
- Attend a basketball or baseball game! LA is rich in several professional sports teams, such as the LA Lakers and the LA Dodgers. Check prior to your trip to LA to see which games are taking place during your business trip, but this is guaranteed to be one of them!
- Relax on or at the beach! LA's elongated beachfront has something for everyone. From the adventure port of Malibu, the attractions at the Santa Monica Pier and the world-famous Venice Beach with its street art, upscale shopping areas, outdoor fitness center and trendy restaurants.
- Visit a museum! LA is known for its vast array of museums and art galleries; the most in all of America. From museums focusing on (natural) history, modern-art, astronomy or marine life in the form of a large public aquarium.
This is a small sample of the business travel, hotel and bleisure options in Los Angeles. If you have more questions about this U.S. destination or the possibilities for your next business trip? Then I will gladly help you on your way! Also curious about business travel tips & inspiration for other American destinations? Then also read our blog about Washington D.C. and about San Fransico & Las Vegas!
Travel Well!
Maxime de Jong,
Business Travel Consultant
