Los Angeles

Hotel Happenings! More hot new properties have been recently premiered or are projected to open in the near future adding upscale inventory to the evolving hotel scene in trendy Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

The London West Hollywood:
The all-suites London West Hollywood (formerly the Bel Age Hotel) has officially opened its doors following a complete transformation and re-articulation. Whether you desire a distinctive product launch, an incentive dinner for 80 or a red carpet gala for 750, this Hollywood Hills property, just steps away from the famed Sunset Strip, is the place to be for an incomparable experience expertly combining modern sophistication with Hollywood style. A sampling of the exclusive features of The London West Hollywood includes 223 spacious guest suites with interiors designed by world-renowned interior designer David Collins Studio; complete "Waterworks" bath environments with dual showerheads and hand-cut mosaic tiles; a magnificent roof-top pool with "to-die-for" views; dedicated pre-function space, a flexible 3,960 square-foot ballroom; telecommunications and AV equipment and facilities and exacting, efficient service. The Spa at London West Hollywood will be coming online at a later date. The buzz on the street right now is all about the property's new restaurant. Michelin-starred Chef Gordon Ramsay of Hell's Kitchen fame, debuts his first West Coast restaurant-Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood. This new signature restaurant will deliver Chef Ramsay's innovative cuisine highlighting the freshest and finest seasonal ingredients. Adding to the allure of the property itself is its location - convenient to all that the city has to offer from couture shopping and sizzling nightlife to cultural attractions and theme parks, to major movie and recording studios.

Montage Beverly Hills:
Located in the Golden Triangle of Southern California's premiere neighborhood, Montage Beverly Hills will be the new centerpiece of Beverly Hills when it opens in the fall of 2008. This property is within steps of luxury retailers including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Christian Dior, Harry Winston, Prada, and world-class dining on and around the famous Rodeo Drive. With lush, native California landscaping and urban gardens and a sophisticated ambiance reflective of the grand estates of the 1920s and 1930s, Montage is reintroducing classic Hollywood glamour to this metropolitan location featuring 201 beautifully-appointed guestrooms (including suites) with dark wood furniture, crown molding, muted color schemes and custom chaises balanced with modern technology. The exterior, designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, couples terra-cotta roofs with authentic tile detailing to complement the rich history of this celebrated neighborhood. Features will include premiere dining, complete with chef's table and private dining space, retail boutiques, a 5,000 square foot ballroom, a rooftop conservatory and a spa complete with mineral pool and yoga studio.

W Hollywood:
Opening in the fall of 2009 at Hollywood and Vine, crossroads of stars and movie makers from a bygone era, W Hollywood brings another touch of modern luxury to Los Angeles with its 305 luxuriously appointed rooms and 15,000 + square feet of meeting space. Each guestroom will be outfitted with the signature W bed and plush robes and fully wired with the latest technology and entertainment system as well as other amenities. W Hollywood also features Bliss-the hottest spa in town and a fully-equipped SWEAT Fitness Center. Following their workouts, guests can relax at the pool, the hotel restaurant or while schmoozing in the vibrant Living Room. Then...when the stars come out at night, your guests will enjoy cocktails at the iconic rooftop bar, or you may wish to have the creative team at ACCESS  Destination Services Los Angeles custom-design an exciting night out on the town.

Terranea:
Slated to open mid-2009, Terranea is a 102-acre oceanfront property with the grandeur of a Mediterranean estate. Situated on the magnificent Palos Verdes peninsula, perched high on a bluff, this 582-room property includes guestrooms, suites, bungalows and a host of world-class amenities, all of which take full advantage of its perfect setting. Terranea offers over 63,000 square feet of state-of-the-art indoor meeting and event space including an 18,000 square-foot grand ballroom, two junior ballrooms, sixteen breakout rooms and three board rooms, as well as 75,000 square feet of outdoor function spaces with ocean views. Guests will be able to enjoy both casual and upscale dining experiences at a variety of restaurants and lounges, and a host of amenities including a 25,000 square foot spa and fitness center with 24 treatment rooms, multiple pools, and a golf academy, providing ample opportunities for team building and recreational pursuits. The Trump National Golf Club is nearby as an additional golf option.

The team at ACCESS  Destination Services Los Angeles is ready and waiting to design a fun-filled custom itinerary based around these luxurious new properties for your next Southern California meeting, conference or incentive travel program. Call us today!

Palm Springs

Annenberg Education Center Approved! Long hidden behind a pink wall, chain link fence and lush landscaping is the famed Annenberg Estate called Sunnylands, the winter estate of the late media tycoon and philanthropist, Ambassador Walter Annenberg. At Sunnylands, the Annenbergs hosted gatherings with world leaders such as Charles, Prince of Wales, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, former Presidents including Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford and Bill Clinton as well as local celebrities Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby.

Later this year ground-breaking is projected on the Annenberg Education Center at Sunnylands with an anticipated opening in 2010. The 15,000 square-foot environmentally conscious center, surrounded by open desert, will draw much of its power from solar energy. As part conference center and part museum, the Annenberg Education Center will display various Annenberg memorabilia and kiosks with information on Sunnyland's history, including stories about the many guests who have visited over the years. There will also be displays of mid-century modernist architecture.

The team at ACCESS  Palm Springs was very excited to hear that at a future point in time, small group tours of the property are expected to be permitted on a limited basis where your VIPs will be able to catch a glimpse of the historic events and world leaders that shared the spotlight at the estate.

Look to the ACCESS  team to keep you posted on new developments at the Annenberg Estate and throughout the Desert Resort Communities as you review your destination management needs for your next Palm Springs program or special event.

Spice it up with ACCESS

"Kick the Can" Ice Cream! With summertime here, ACCESS  partner Barbara Smith, DMCP shares one of her favorite (and fun, interactive) recipes – perfect for picnics or for camping trips with the family.

For each flavor, you will need (1) one-gallon and (1) one-quart paint can (from your local home improvement store).

In the Quart can mix the following ingredients:

3/4 cup WHOLE milk (no substitutes)
1 cup Cream
1/3 cup Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Vanilla
+ Flavoring of your choice (Hint- whole ingredients are best such as berries, cookies, etc. Go as light on any liquid flavoring ingredients as possible.)

Once all ingredients are in the quart can, secure the lid and place the quart can inside the gallon can. Pack the gallon can with layers of crushed ice and 3/4 cup rock salt. Then secure the lid on the gallon can and let the kids (or the "big kids") kick the can around outside for 15 minutes.....make sure they don't overdo it as the lid can come loose and you will lose all the ingredients. Just have them roll the can and kick it around...no bats or golf clubs please!

Some of Barb's favorite flavorings are white chocolate chips, strawberries or blueberries, crushed Oreos- you get the picture! Just open the cans and give everyone a spoon and go to it.

Enjoy!