Evolving from its humble beginning as a tiny adobe settlement in 1781, Downtown Los Angeles has become a highly desirable global metropolis. L.A. is home to world-class Museums, exclusive entertainment venues, innovative hotels and hosts the most acclaimed dining scene on the West Coast.
The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) is one of the most environmentally friendly (LEED certified) and technologically advanced convention and exhibition facilities in the world. It offers 770,000 square feet of creative meeting space designed for different groups to meet simultaneously in addition to 64 meeting rooms, a 299-seat theater and on-site parking for 5,600 vehicles. Conveniently located in the heart of DTLA, the LACC is a short distance from airports such as LAX and Hollywood Burbank Airport. Easily accessible by car and public transportation, our convention center attracts millions of visitors annually and hosts world-renowned events like E3 and the L.A. Auto Show. The LACC is also just a short walk away from exhilierating entertainment options and the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE and The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles hotels.
Yet, the largest draw in Los Angeles for attendees is L.A. LIVE, a $2.5 billion entertainment and sports complex located in the South Park district of Downtown L.A. Home to the annual GRAMMY® Awards, Emmys and ESPYs, L.A. LIVE is steps away from the STAPLES Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Available event spaces include the 7,000-seat Microsoft Theater; the 2,300- seat Club Nokia; an 800-seat Premiere House; and the Target Terrace, which offers breathtaking sky-line views. Often dubbed as the “Times Square of the West,” groups can unwind at spots like Conga Room, Lucky Strike Lanes, The GRAMMY Museum and much more. Popular restaurants include Katsuya, WP24 by Wolfgang Puck and Rock'n Fish - all of which offer event space for private parties.
Of course, Downtown L.A. offers hotel options that range from luxury and historic properties to boutique and value hotels. With an inventory of thousands of guestrooms and a wide range of modern meeting and event facilities, Downtown L.A. is already a thrilling setting for meetings and groups of all sizes. However, several new hotels are under construction and in planning including the $1 billion, 73-story, 900 room InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, ready in 2017.
China-based Greenland Group is also developing Metropolis, a $1 billion mixed-use project located just east of the Harbor Freeway in Downtown L.A. Metropolis will include an 18-story, 350-room hotel under InterContinental Hotels Group’s Hotel Indigo brand. Other notable new hotels coming to Downtown L.A. include the 226-room Freehand hotel/hostel, the 250-room Nomad Hotel and the 183-room Oceanwide Plaza.
Also celebrating the Downtown L.A. hotel scene is longstanding classic,the historic Hotel Figueroa, a cornerstone boutique property located within walking distance of the Convention Center and L.A. LIVE. Originally built as a YWCA, "Hotel Fig" as its affectionately known has been an oasis in the center of the vibrant Downtown Los Angeles community for almost 100 years. Following a multi-million dollar renovation in 2016, the property has undergone a complete transformation and now evokes modern day, Spanish Colonial design with an overwhelming sense of comfort and home. Discover more Downtown L.A. hotels here.
Dining in Downtown is a foodie’s delight. From imaginative bars and food trucks, to exclusive pop-up experiences and iconic dining rooms, there’s a menu for every taste. For an after-meeting palette cleanser, there’s Barrel Down, a new bar in the Bronson Building that boasts 40 beers on tap. Close by classic dining spots include Bottega Louie, a fantastic brunch option, Border Grill for a modern take on Mexican, Chef Wolfgang Puck’s WP24, a steakhouse with his signature Californian flair, and Grand Central Market for a sampling of the young upstart restauranteurs on the scene.
Or, venture out to taste the best in world cuisine in our neighborhood eateries in Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Koreatown, and L.A.’s oldest settlement, Olvera Street (try the Churros!). Many of these dining destinations offer private spaces, catering and buyouts.
For a luxurious and uniquely L.A. dining experience, visit Redbird in Downtown’s Little Tokyo district. A stunning architectural restaurant housed in the former rectory of the historic Vibiana Cathedral, chef Neil Fraser’s modern American menu reflects local influences and organic produce. Redbird is available for galas, corporate functions and even dance parties. They can accommodate seated dinners of up to 85 in the main courtyard dining room and 25 indoors. Standing cocktail receptions can accommodate up to 250 guests.
As the heart of the music and film industries, L.A. can’t be beat. Meeting and event planners will find that Downtown’s premier venues offer flexible indoor and outdoor spaces capable of hosting parties of all sizes. From landmark masterpiece like the Walt Disney Concert Hall to new additions such as The Broad museum, cultural attractions in Downtown are among the most renowned in the world. You’ll find attractions for every interest, whether it’s art at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), discovering music at the GRAMMY Museum, or reliving history at Union Station. If you want to plan an inspirational meeting or group event that showcases the quality, fun and diversity of Los Angeles, then Downtown L.A. has everything you need.
Take your event to new heights at L.A.’s latest attraction, OUE Skyspace LA, located in the Financial District of Downtown Los Angeles. Perched nearly 1,000 feet above downtown, guests can 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 from corporate meetings, networking events and more. Skyspace boasts 3,400 sq. ft. of flexible event space and can accommodate up to 300 guests standing.
L.A.’s easy access Metro system and pedestrian-friendly attractions makes everything a short trip — no cars necessary. The Metro Expo Line extending from Culver City to Santa Monica takes riders from Downtown to the Beach in just 40 minutes. The Metro also links Downtown with Universal Studios Hollywood, which just opened the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
As true destination experts, L.A. Tourism offers award-winning experience, personalized service and seamless convenience. Want to learn more about Los Angeles or ready to plan your next event? Contact the L.A. Tourism Sales team to make your planning and decision-making easy, simple and stress-free. sales@latourism.org
