FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Revitalization Fires Up Downtown Los Angeles

by KatieS

Jan 1, 2016
2015

With a slew of new hotels, transportation and infrastructure improvements on the horizon, Los Angeles’ economic forecast looks almost as bright as its sun-drenched landscape. In the past 10 years, the city’s once-neglected downtown has welcomed a host of new developments, ranging from hipster hotels to renovated theaters along the historic Broadway corridor.

More than 10 million people visit L.A. annually, making tourism one of the city’s most significant industries, along with international trade, manufacturing, entertainment and fashion. Last year, the trendy Ace Hotel debuted its first L.A. location, within the restored United Artists building, complete with a 1,600-seat theater for concerts and movie premiers.

“Los Angeles hosted a record number of visitors in 2014, and the travel and tourism business is on fire,” says Gary Toebben, president and CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “New hotels are going up throughout the community; hotel occupancy is at an all-time high, as are the number of passengers flying into Los Angeles International Airport.”

Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles exterior

Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles exterior © Ace Hotel

To accommodate the explosion of interest in Downtown L.A., JW Marriott will expand its hotel at the L.A. Live entertainment complex from 878 rooms to 1,633 rooms by 2018. The project also adds 75,000 square feet of meeting and conference space to the property. This year, Starwood Hotels and Resorts announced the W Los Angeles Downtown, opening adjacent to L.A. Live in early 2019.

“The time is right for a W Hotel in the heart of Downtown L.A.,” says Anthony Ingham, global brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “From tech and nightlife to entertainment and a fresh foodie scene, Downtown Los Angeles has been undergoing a rapid revitalization, and we’re excited to fuel this fire.”

Currently, 22 new hotels are under construction and another 21 in the final planning stages throughout Los Angeles County. Among them, the 73-story Wilshire Grand Center will be the tallest building in the Western United States when it opens in 2017. High-speed elevators will whisk guests to a 70th-floor “sky lobby” serving the hotel’s 900 guestrooms. In addition, the Korean Air-owned skyscraper will feature shops, restaurants and 30 floors of offices.

According to Toebben, “Private companies located in Los Angeles city and county are adding new creative and technology jobs by the hundreds, and new buildings are being constructed to house these operations. … Investment in Los Angeles by individuals and businesses from Asia continues to grow and shows no signs of slowing down.”

Other highly anticipated developments include architect Frank Gehry’s 8150 Sunset Boulevard, a $300 million mixed-used development on the Sunset Strip. The project consists of five individual structures centered around a public square and is scheduled to begin construction in late 2016. In the Financial District, a new 700-unit luxury apartment complex, complete with a 42,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market, opened this year. Nearby, a $180 million transformation of Macy’s Plaza into an open-air shopping and dining complex called The Bloc also debuted in 2015.

Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles theater

Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles theater © Ace Hotel

In September, downtown L.A. welcomed The Broad, a $140 million contemporary art museum featuring more than 2,000 works of art from Eli and Edythe Broads’ personal collections. Other cultural projects include Bringing Back Broadway, a 10-year revitalization plan begun in 2008 and intended to revive Downtown L.A.’s Broadway corridor by restoring its theaters, retail spaces and historic streetcar.

In addition to the downtown streetcar, a number of other transportation projects will improve the city’s connectivity. In early 2016, L.A.’s metro expects to complete its light rail extension from Culver City to Santa Monica, allowing passengers to ride from downtown to the beach in 46 minutes. And while the California High-Speed Rail between Los Angeles and San Francisco has experienced legal setbacks since its approval in 2008, construction on the 300-mile-long project should begin early next year and be completed by 2029.

Los Angeles International Airport is undergoing its own improvement plan, consisting of more than 20 individual projects. At the center of the plan, the new $1.9 billion Tom Bradley International Terminal features 18 new gates, half of which are designed to accommodate superjumbo jets. The updated terminal, aiming for a 2020 completion date, will also offer passengers a new Great Hall for dining and shopping.

Even the Los Angeles River faces redevelopment with the help of famed architect Frank Gehry. Gehry’s master plan will not only revive public use of the river’s 51 miles of bike paths and walkways but will also store and treat storm runoff, allowing the city to import less water and ensure a thriving downtown well into the future.

SCENIC DRIVES

California’s famous Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) runs along some of the most spectacular coastline in the United States, starting just south of Los Angeles in Orange County and terminating 655 miles up the coast in Mendocino County. The signature stretch near Los Angeles runs from Santa Monica to Malibu’s Zuma Beach (20 miles). You’ll pass sun worshippers and longboarders on the miles of perfect public beaches and catch glimpses of multimillion-dollar homes set among the hills. Make a stop at the Mediterranean-style Getty Villa to view Greek and Roman art before catching a few rays and some surf on Zuma Beach.

Palos Verdes Drive in the Rancho Palos Verdes suburb boasts jaw-dropping views of craggy cliffs and the Pacific Ocean southwest of Downtown Los Angeles. Follow winding Palos Verdes Drive for 14 miles as it climbs and descends the cliffs between Palos Verdes Estates and San Pedro. Rest stops along the route allow plenty of opportunities to pull over and snap photos of Santa Catalina Island or migrating gray whales. Finish the drive with a picnic at the White Point/Royal Palms Beach Park, where the tide pools teem with marine life.

Newsletter sign-up

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Feb 13, 2025

Trendy Delano Miami Beach Hotel Reopens This Year

Ennismore and partner Cain International are expecting to reopen the well-known Delano Miami Beach hotel in 2025 after completing a full renovation.

United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD

Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.

Daily
Feb 13, 2025

Florida’s Amrit Ocean Resort Launches Wellness Retreat Series

Situated on Florida’s Singer Island, recently opened Amrit Ocean Resort launches a wellness retreat series. Held monthly, this series aims to inspire longevity. The first retreat kicks off Feb. 27.

Daily
Feb 13, 2025

Aman to Open Its First Property in Bangkok

More than 35 years after opening its first property, Amanpuri, in Phuket, Aman returns to Thailand with the opening of Aman Nai Lert in Bangkok. Set to debut April 2, the 52-suite property lies within privately owned Nai Lert Park, offering guests a secluded haven in the middle of the bustling city, much like sister property Aman New York.

Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands

Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.

Daily
Feb 12, 2025

Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival Returns in March

Celebrating the best of Asian and Asian American filmmaking, Colorado’s Dragon Boat Film Festival is a fun mix of screenings by established and emerging artists. The theme of this year’s event is Honoring Our Past to Guide Our Future, held March 14–16 at Denver Sie Center.

eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025

Have a Galentine’s to Remember at Holston House Nashville

Available for stays Feb. 13–17, Holston House Nashville’s Galentine’s offer is sure to elevate your girls’ trip to the next level. This offer starts at just $50 above the hotel’s standard room rate and comes with:

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

eFlyer Deals
Feb 12, 2025

Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Deal at The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel

Still looking for a Valentine’s Day offer? The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel, in New York City, has the LOVE Ben promotion available. With this offer, enjoy a stay in the hotel’s signature suite, as well as a private, late-night MoMA tour for two (with transportation included).