21 Sep 2016
Tags: Los Angeles, L.A., Luxury, #soluxperience, MICE, #MICE, Unique, Venues, Events
If you're coming to L.A. and looking to host an unforgettable event for VIPs, look no further. Los Angeles is chock full of versatile event spaces, ideal for corporate meetings or fancy banquets. From a historic battleship to theatres and movie studio back lots, there's something for everyone here. You can even throw in an exclusive wine tasting, if you're up for it. If you're coming to L.A. and looking to host an unforgettable event for VIPs, look no further. From a historic battleship to theatres and movie studio back lots, there's something for everyone here.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library: Located at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, this is one of the few locations in the world where you can board an Air Force One. The Pavilion accommodates up to 1,600 guests for a reception or 1,400 seated guests. And it's not just the retired presidential plane that guests can tour - there's also the actual Marine One helicopter that flew President Johnson and a replica of the Irish Pub from Ballyporeen that President Reagan visited in 1984.
South Park Center: Located in Downtown L.A., the South Park Center is a sleek skyscraper with plenty of event space ideally suited for corporate meetings. The 32nd floor is a panoramic penthouse suite with jaw-dropping views of the city. The Concourse Level features a fully equipped 500-seat theater for corporate events, dinners and meetings. Food is by Joachim Splichal's Patina Catering.
Battleship Iowa: Battleship IOWA is the West Coast's only battleship museum. Known as the “Battleship of Presidents,” the IOWA can accommodate up to 1,500 people for a standing reception and 800 for a seated banquet. There are eight venue options, including the flight deck with its glamorous front-and-center view of the battleship's 16-inch guns. Fireworks, parachuters, and other unique enhancements are readily available.
The Novo by Microsoft: Tucked in the center of L.A. LIVE and a stone's throw away from the STAPLES Center, The Novo by Microsoft is one of the most versatile event spaces in the city. The 59,000 square-foot space can accommodate up to 2,300 people and can be transformed into everything from a concert venue to a sit-down dinner soiree fitted with private cabanas. Food is by Wolfgang Puck and VIP packages include anything you need on the L.A. LIVE campus, including tickets to a show, catering, bottle service and a hotel room.
Malibu Family Wines: For a luxurious outdoor experience, consider Malibu Family Wines, located off Mulholland Highway in the Santa Monica Mountains. The winery produces two labels, Semler and Saddlerock. Spread out across 1,000 acres, Saddlerock Ranch offers numerous event options in a spectacular natural setting. The Chateau Le Dome is an octagonal stone house set on a manicured lawn, perfect for a cocktail hour and reception for up to 100 guests. The Garden features rolling hills lined with vineyards, manicured lawns, ancient oak trees, rose gardens, white fences and exotic animals for events from 100 to 500 guests. The magnificent Oak Grove can accommodate up to 450 guests in an unforgettable setting with a custom rock waterfall, estate grown wines, lake, Turtlerock, and horses grazing in the distance. Event possibilities include everything from tents to hot air balloons and even large scale stages and performance areas. Packages include wine tastings with the unique Malibu Safari Tour (you'll see zebra, water buffalo, and alpacas) or you can bring in your own catering and host a party with bottles of wine and live music.
The Queen Mary: Built in Scotland, the Queen Mary is a glamorous retired ocean liner that regularly crossed the North Atlantic Ocean for three decades in the early half of the 20th century. Today it's permanently docked in Long Beach and features 45 acres of indoor and outdoor spaces that can accommodate up to 700 guests. There are 14 different venues, including the stylish Grand Salon with its high ceiling, Art Deco décor and 9,000 square feet of space. Located adjacent to the ship, the Queen Mary Events Park includes turf, trees and facilities and is the ideal location for outdoor festivals, concerts, screenings, parties and more.
Universal Studios Hollywood: Boasting some of L.A.'s most unique venues, world-famous Universal Studios Hollywood can accommodate events from 100 to 20,000 guests. There are a myriad of event options, including a buyout of the entire theme park or elegant dinner parties catered by Wolfgang Puck Catering Group. Universal Plaza is an ideal event location, with a lovely outdoor setting complete with water effects and fancy lighting. Located just steps away from the stunning Globe Theatre, the festive Streets of the World transports guests to Europe, from enjoying pints of ale served in an authentic Irish Pub to strolling down a quaint London street and dancing in a romantic Parisian courtyard. For a true only-in-L.A. event, opt for one of the park's famed Show Pavilions, such as the Special Effects Stage, WaterWorld Arena and the Animal Actors Pavilion.
Vibiana: The city's first Archdiocese Catholic cathedral, Vibiana is a stunning venue located in the middle of historic Downtown Los Angeles. Standing capacity is 789 and seated receptions can accommodate 550. Packages for three-hour events start at $90 per person and $130.50 for five-hour events. Food and beverage is included and comes courtesy of Chef Neal Fraser, who recently opened the acclaimed Redbird restaurant next door. The venue is a full-service event facility with lighting and sound systems and an extensive dining and libations program.
Warner Bros. Studios: You can't get more Hollywood or quintessentially Los Angeles than hosting an event at Warner Bros. Studios. The back lot accommodates everything from weddings to corporate events, charity fundraisers and awards shows. You can keep it simple with a VIP tour complete with lunch, or host a full-on soiree with red carpet and elaborate outdoor lightning. After all, this is where Hollywood magic happens.
The Wiltern: Built in 1931 as a vaudeville theater, The Wiltern is now a classic events venue on the western edge of Koreatown. With a capacity of 1,875 people, The Wiltern is a popular venue for local and touring music acts and stand-up comedians. The Loge and Mezzanine are entirely seated while the main floor is standing room or seated, depending on event producers. The theatre can also be used to accommodate corporate meetings and receptions. Banquet services are available, with catering and beverages by DLS Events. Designed by architect Stiles O. Clements (who also designed the Mayan and El Capitan theatres), The Wiltern and the adjacent 12-story Pellissier Building are considered among the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in the country. The Wiltern's interior was designed by G. Albert Lansburgh, who also designed the Shrine Auditorium.
OUE Skyspace LA: is California's tallest open-air observation deck and boasts stunning panoramic, 360-degree views of Los Angeles. Perched close to 1,000 feet above Downtown L.A., guests will experience amazing views of the city, from the San Gabriel Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. As the tallest building on the West coast, OUE Skyspace LA's 70th floor can be transformed to host an array of custom events: corporate meetings, networking events, weddings, photo shoots, and more.
Top Luxury Hotel Suites
For formal meetings and work events, typically the right setting is a classroom, boardroom or breakout space. But when the goal is a more casual meet and greet, a celebration or just a relaxed team-bonding session, these Los Angeles luxury business suites provide an ideal venue to host after-work cocktails or tray-passed hors d'oeuvres.
Fantastic Suite at W Hollywood Hotel: The W Hollywood caters to a savvy crowd of business travelers; many are likely to take advantage of being in the middle of the Hollywood Entertainment District, whether it's onsite or away from the hotel. The Fantastic Suite allows the best of both worlds. The capacity for the regular indoor/outdoor setup is about 20, but with the addition of the terrace this can be increased substantially, depending on the requirements. When rented for a larger event, the suite includes access to the long terrace overlooking Hollywood Boulevard (even for smaller parties, there's still a patio—just not THE patio). Inside, there's a round table for eight, a small couch, a wet bar, wraparound windows, high tech toys and a guest bathroom.
The Entertainer's Suite at the Orlando Hotel: Located in the heart of Los Angeles, surrounded by the charming restaurants and shops of Third Street, the Orlando courts industry players, as well as many other business travelers. Opened in May 2012, the Entertainer's Suite is one of the newest features of the boutique property. Located on the top floor of the small hotel, the suite's biggest draw is the private, open-air balcony, with sofas, chaise lounges and room for a bar setup. It faces the Hollywood Hills, and on clear days, the Hollywood sign is visible in the distance. The patio comfortably holds about 15 to 20 people for a reception, but combined with the indoor living room, the maximum suggested capacity is 50 people. The suite functions primarily as a one-bedroom unit, but with enough notice, can be expanded to two or even three bedrooms. The master bedroom has a sliding door for privacy during events. In the living room, a Murphy desk folds up and out of the way, and there's plenty of indoor seating areas, as well as a small half-bath for use by attendees.
The Ritz-Carlton Suite at the Ritz-Carlton, Marina Del Rey: Like the brand itself, the first words that come to mind when describing the Ritz-Carlton Suite are elegance and luxury. Decorated with French windows, thick drapery, polished woods and marble, the atmosphere sets a stately tone for private events, further enhanced by a grand piano in the living room. The private Juliet balcony can fit about 15 people; it runs along the one side of the suite, and because it's situated on the 12th floor of the hotel—its highest—offers views of the Marina and the vast Pacific beyond. Inside, there's room for about another 20, with entertainment including flat-screen HD TVs and a Wii console upon request. A small half-bath is ideal for guests.
The Chairman's Suite at Hotel Amarano: Tucked away near tony Toluca Lake, this Burbank boutique hotel is among the most unique in the Valley for business travel. Opened in May 2012, the Chairman's Suite took the place of the former communal sundeck area on the roof of the hotel. The outdoor space alone totals almost 1,000 square feet, and includes its own hot tub and fitness center. Inside, there's a wraparound couch in the living room, desk space and a 65-inch LCD TV. Separate from the master bedroom is a half-bath available for event attendees, and the entire space will comfortably hold anywhere from 20 to approximately 50 people, depending on the setup. To accommodate the maximum, the loungers on the deck can be temporarily replaced with high-top tables, and a bar can be installed under the green awning.
The Governor's Suite at the Westin Pasadena: One of two Premier Suites at this upscale Pasadena business hotel, at just over 1,100 square feet, the Governor's Suite is slightly larger than the Presidential Suite, which sits on the opposite end of the property. Located on the 10th floor of the hotel, its majestic mountain views are breathtaking, particularly from the long terrace running the length of the suite. Separate living room areas and a full guest bathroom provide comfort; the dining room table fits six. A sizable six-foot work desk includes data ports, a two-line speakerphone and ergonomic seating for maximum daytime productivity. With the option of connecting to an additional king guest room, the inside/outside space nicely accommodates functions of about 30 to 40 people.
The Penthouse at London West Hollywood Hotel: The London West Hollywood is home to L.A.'s largest Penthouse, an extraordinary two-bedroom suite for meetings or private events, featuring exclusive art and décor. Revel in over 11,000 square feet of glamorous surroundings designed in collaboration between Richmond Design and renowned British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. Surrounded by views of the L.A. skyline, guests will be able to lounge, relax, dine or enjoy drinks on a personal terrace complemented with a fire pit. Features a table for ten, modern kitchen and media room with sizeable screen.