On or off the red carpet, “Awards Season” is a thrilling time to be in Los Angeles, plus it’s a great way to meld a warm winter getaway with star sightings, Hollywood film landmarks and visits to the hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants and clubs where stars hang during this glitzy time of year. As home to some of the most prestigious awards shows, including the American Music Awards, The Golden Globes, The GRAMMY’s and The Oscars®, LA is the perfect destination for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of their favorite celebs. From checking out the celebs in person, whether at the ceremonies or outside on the red carpet, to indulging in glamorous hotel packages and star treatments, Los Angeles is the perfect place to celebrate “Awards Season” where the afterglow of the season lingers all year long.
Star-Studded Line-Up
The buzz of the season begins when the nominees are announced, beginning with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) named on Dec. 11; The Golden Globe Awards on Dec. 12 and The Oscar nominees announced on Jan. 16. Early January brings the parade of statues—The Golden Globes at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Jan. 12; Critic’s Choice Movie Awards at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica on Jan. 16; The GRAMMY’s at Downtown’s LA. LIVE on Jan. 26 and The Academy Awards in Hollywood at the Dolby Theatre on March 2.
LA Hotel Packages Inspired by the Stars
Stay in the center of it all at some of the most fabulous hotels in the city. Sitting amongst the clouds, The Ritz-Carlton LA is offering an American Music Awards (Nov. 24) Ultimate VIP Weekend Package. This extraordinary experience allows guests to go behind the scenes of this popular music awards show. At just $15,000 per package, guests stay at The Ritz LA (with stunning views all the way to the ocean) and are given access to such once-in-a-lifetime perks as a private pre-show production and preparations tour, access to red carpets and seats in the first 10 rows (amongst the stars) and post-show party invitations. Plus, The Ritz-Carlton Spa Los Angeles is famous for its pre-show “champagne and shimmer” body treatment, which includes manicure, pedicure, hair styling and makeup application. Guests also have access to the high-in-the-sky club lounge to use as a gracious living room and gourmet food and drink lounge.
Thompson Beverly Hills is a luxury hotel situated right on Wilshire Boulevard and oozing with celebrity sophistication. For awards season, The Thompson goes athletic with a Red Carpet RIPT Package. This awards season promotion (book one week in advance using the RIPT promo code) includes a one-hour session with celebrity trainer Danny Musico, VIP welcome amenity and one “superfoods” breakfast in the hotel’s Caulfield’s Restaurant ($569 per night for a king suite and $599 per night in a Wilshire suite).
Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills offers panoramic views of all of LA. Tucked away in a hip neighborhood along Doheny Drive between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, this five-star hotel transforms into ground central for pre-awards show beauty and wardrobe. Need to step out onto the red carpet in a hot ride? The hotel’s Suite Drive program provides guests in newly-renovated suites with complimentary luxury or even exotic cars such as Rolls Royce Phantom, Ferrari F430, Ferrari California, Bentley Flying Spur, Bentley GTC, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Lamborghini Gallardo, Mercedes-Benz SLS, Mercedes-Benz S600 or Porsche 997.
Sitting just north of Beverly Hills in a gated enclave is Hotel Bel-Air. Stars have frequented and even lived in this famed hotel’s villas amongst its verdant flower gardens. Hotel Bel-Air is home to master chef Wolfgang Puck, who caters the hotel’s food and beverage service. This year, Wolfgang Puck is celebrating his 20th anniversary as the caterer to The Oscars, so Hotel Bel-Air is offering a Best-Dressed Package. The in-room dining promotion includes Wolfgang Puck’s red carpet menu, a “best dressed” cocktail, a voting ballot and even your own statuette for the starting price of $125.