The Best of Los Angeles: Concierge Travel Tips

Updated February 25, 2013—In the wake of Hollywood’s biggest night—the Academy Awards took place on Sunday, February 24—Four Seasons puts you in the middle of the action: Whether you’re going to be in town for the next extravaganza or are simply planning a trip soon, you’ll want some guidance to help ensure you know where to go and what to do to make the most of your time.

On February 19, @FourSeasons hosted another #bestofcity Twitter chat, this time featuring two Los Angeles insiders. Both Chef Concierge Joyce Louie from Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills and Concierge Brandon Perkins from Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills (A Four Seasons Hotel) were on hand to answer questions about dining, sight-seeing, nightlife and more. In case you missed it, here are some of their top picks and recommendations for making the most of your trip to the City of Angels:

Tips From Four Seasons Los Angeles Chef Concierge Joyce Louie

Joyce’s favourite can’t miss L.A. experience: Watching celebs get interviewed for “Extra” at The Grove.

Joyce’s favourite L.A. view: The city vistas from Mulholland at Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park can’t be beat!

Joyce’s favourite L.A. photo ops: Head to the top level of The Grove’s parking lot—trust me!

Joyce’s favourite celeb-spotting tip: Always be prepared for a celeb encounter in an unassuming L.A. establishment; think supermarket, car wash or post office.

Joyce’s favourite way to tour L.A. in style: Book a luxury private tour with Elite Adventure Tours and you’ll truly feel like a VIP.

Joyce’s favourite place to spend a romantic afternoon: Head to The Huntington Library‘s  gardens. They feel endless and are amazing to wander!

Joyce’s favourite L.A. date night idea: Take your date to The Little Door. They have a great garden patio for al fresco dining—romance practically guaranteed!

Joyce’s favourite unique night out: Check out Bob’s Big Boy Friday night classic car show for some unexpected, laid-back fun.

Joyce’s favourite place for family fun: Stroll the Santa Monica Pier or Third Street Promenade. There’s a little something for everyone!

Joyce’s favourite rainy day activity: Head to The Museum of Contemporary Art and get lost in the collections of unusual contemporary art for hours.

Joyce’s favourite place for shopaholics: Rodeo Drive is a mecca for designer duds. Beverly Hills’ Golden Triangle is another must-shop area.

Joyce’s favourite local designer: Ashley Paige is one of our favourite local L.A. designers. Browse her boutique and pick up a new bikini!

Joyce’s favourite one-stop shop for souvenirs: Beverly Boulevard is full of fantastic home and furniture stores—you’re sure to find that special something.

Joyce’s favourite must-have L.A. souvenir: I like a photo in front of the Hollywood Sign. Bonus points for funny poses!

Joyce’s favourite running path: Head to the UCLA’s Drake Track Stadium and keep your eyes peeled for celebrities jogging by.

Joyce’s favourite way to spend an indulgent day: Try a poolside cabana treatment at the Spa at Four Seasons Los Angeles. Blissful!

Joyce’s favourite day trip: For a day trip outside of L.A., explore San Diego or Santa Barbara—both have so much to discover.

Food, Drinks and Nightlife

Joyce’s favourite must-try meal: Don’t you dare leave L.A. without trying an In-N-Out Burger. They’re iconic for a reason!

Joyce’s favourite street food: Korean Taco Truck is L.A.’s must-try street food dish. Ask anyone!

Joyce’s favourite local chef: Michael Voltaggio of Ink is a local celebrity chef who’s having a moment—and for good reason. His creations are remarkable.

Joyce’s favourite restaurant insider tip: For a great restaurant only locals know about, try Waterloo & City or Larry’s in Venice Beach. Just don’t say we shared the secret!

Joyce’s favourite culinary landmark: Hot dog stand Pink’s Hot Dogs is an L.A. landmark. Family-owned since 1939 … it’s a piece of history!

Joyce’s favourite place to dine solo: Mastro’s, Sur Restaurant & Bar and Cecconi’s West Hollywood offer the perfect atmosphere.

Joyce’s favourite taco stand: L.A. has some great taco stands, but Leo’s Taco Truck has to be the best. It’s a favourite among foodies!

Joyce’s favourite place to cure a cocktail crave: The La Dama margaritas at Red O Restaurant are your best answer. Cheers!

Joyce’s favourite vegetarian restaurant: Look no further than Real Food Daily. In a sea of competitors, they’re simply the best.

Joyce’s favourite place for sushi: Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Zo offer L.A.’s freshest rolls. Yum!

Joyce’s favourite place to enjoy and al fresco meal: Head to Chateau Marmont or The Ivy, and keep a look out for famous faces while you’re feasting!

Joyce’s favourite way to get a caffeine boost: Intelligentsia and Urth Caffé offer L.A.’s freshest roasts.

Joyce’s favourite place to dine with the little ones: Joan’s on Third has a laid-back, family-friendly vibe—and the food’s fantastic, too!

Joyce’s favourite L.A. wine list: Head to French restaurant Mélisse or The Capital Grille to savour a sip.

Joyce’s favourite place to party: Head to Greystone Manor Supperclub and you may just find yourself partying with a celebrity or two!

Joyce’s favourite hidden gem: Cuban rum and cigar bar La Descarga is a favourite with L.A. locals—it has a great hidden speakeasy feel.

Joyce’s favourite place to soak up some sun: Seeking sun on a rooftop patio? Perch has a relaxed vibe and great city views. Stop by for an afternoon cocktail!

Joyce’s favourite place to cut loose: Windows Lounge at Four Seasons Los Angeles is always abuzz with action. Sip and snack with friends, listen to live music and people watch.

Joyce’s favourite pub in L.A.: Ye Olde King’s Head feels authentic and Westside Tavern offers delicious gourmet pub fare.

Joyce’s favourite way to spend a night out on the town: Catch a performace of Backbeat at Ahmanson Theatre and grab a bite at Patina.

Joyce’s favourite places to see live music: You can’t beat legendary L.A. spots like The Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go. They’re classics!

Joyce’s favourite place to dance the night away: Head for Supperclub’s lively dance floor—make sure to pack your dancing shoes!

Joyce’s favourite place for late-night eats: Vietnamese spot Red Medicine, Canter’s Deli and Kate Mantilini will make sure you’re well-fed!