Lalaland is undeniably among the most ideal year-round destinations. It's an escape full of palm-tree lined boulevards, sparkling golden beaches, and ample sunshine.
Yet, no time is more appealing to visit than the week of the Academy Awards-hat is, at least to the hard-core celebrity fans who are willing to battle through crowds just to get a glimpse (or perhaps a selfie) of their favorite movie star walking the red carpet.
If you're headed to Los Angeles this Oscars weekend, you might even go all out, and live and be pampered like an A-lister, even for just a day.
Get Starlet-Quality Beauty Sleep
Start, of course, with your choice of hotel. As A-listers do not check-in at a Holiday Inn, consider splurging a little and get a room at Chateau Marmont. Long a Hollywood favorite, this castle-type hotel in West Hollywood has a long list of VIP guests that include Led Zeppelin, Clark Gable, Salma Hayek, Lady Gaga and Kit Harington.
A standard room at Chateau Marmont starts at $435, which isn't bad considering that amenities include fine European linens, cashmere throws and a 24-hour concierge service. Take a swim at the outdoor heated pool and squeeze in a bit of sunning. Later, dine at their onsite restaurant where you might just have a celebrity sighting.
Like Chateau Marmont, Hotel Bel-Air is a favorite among A-list celebs: Beyonce and Jay-Z are among its famous guests. Why not pop in for a spa day at the Spa by La Prairie, the hotel's onsite spa, for delicious pampering? It's considered one of the best spas in Los Angeles, and will certainly treat you to some star-level indulgence and unwinding.
This spa is furnished with luxe flourishes like the mosaic steam room and the relaxation lounge with its velveteen chairs. It also has exclusive treatments on offer like the 30-minute Cupid's Caviar Retreat and the three-and-a-half hour Total Escape Package, which includes a Swedish massage, a signature facial and a mani/pedi.
Be Red Carpet Ready
For an Oscar-worthy 'do, head to WeHo's Andy LeCompte Salon. Hair salon to the stars, Andy LeCompte's long list of clientele includes Madonna, Nicole Richie, Penelope Cruz and Katie Holmes, and their excellent team of stylists and colorists are considered among the best in the city.
Cuts here might start at $200 ($600 with Andy LeCompte himself), but your new look-along with the salon's extra amenities and luxurious space-might just be worth the once-in-a-lifetime splurge. Opt for shinier and healthier tresses with their Keratin Rejuvenation Treatment, which starts at $200, then complete with Oscar glam look with their make-up services.
Eat (And Drink) Like a Hollywood King
Head to Downtown LA for pre-dinner cocktails and drinks. The super hip Ace Hotel Downtown LA is not only known for its cool, minimalist and art deco style. It's also a popular hang out for the younger Hollywood set. Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pine, Matt Damon and Ariana Grande are among the celebs spotted here.
The place to be is Upstairs, the hotel's rooftop bar, which hosts live performances, book release parties and other events. The Les Deux Café-inspired space boasts an outdoor pool and loungers, a restaurant that serves California desert fares, and a bar that makes terrific cocktails.
To wrap up your pre-Oscar self-spoiling, drive to the coastal community of Malibu, home to some of LA's rich and famous as well as the popular Japanese restaurant Nobu. This David Rockwell-designed spot has three dining spaces that offer different atmospheres. It's also a celebrity favorite. Bradley Cooper, Leonardo DiCarpio, Miley Cyrus and the Kardashian clan (for better or worse) have been spotted to dine there.
Make a reservation as it's an extremely popular spot, and be sure to sample their LA-exclusive specials like Wagyu Tacos and the Kanpachi Sashimi with Baby Artichoke and Yuzu Dressing.
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