Travel Fact: Rose Bowl an Economic Juggernaut

Between tickets and T-shirts, hotels and hot dogs, college football bowl games will help generate about $1.1 billion over the next week or so for their host cities. Nowhere is the economic impact of a bowl game and its accompanying activities felt more than Pasadena, Calif., home to the self-proclaimed "granddaddy of them all." The Rose Bowl and the Tournament of Roses Parade is expected to pump more than $225 million into Pasadena and its surrounding cities. That's about six times the average amount generated by the nation's 28 college bowls, the Football Bowl Association reports.

Relax or Shop

What to do today?  Go shopping or stay at home with leftovers?  Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Blvd are two perfect destinations for those after-Christmas bargains.

I guess the kids liked their presents

Santa on the Road

It seems Santa was on the road last night delivering toys and well wishes to the world.  Hope you have a blessed Christmas Day with family and friends.

Apple of my Eye

Treated myself to the new iPhone 5 - best thing I've purchased for myself in a long time.

A Happy Client

Hello Wendy,
Thank you so much for looking after us during our recent FAM trip to Beverly Hills. It was such a fantastic, although quick, trip!  I have previously sold the Luxe to clients so I was excited when I saw that that was where we were staying. I will be thrilled to sell again in the future. Have a fabulous Christmas, enjoy the holidays and I look forward to visiting again very soon.  Best Wishes,  Lisa [Personal Travel Manager,"Your referral is my best compliment" TravelManagers Australia]

Best Dressed Windows

Neiman Marcus wins again this year for the best dressed windows.  It really feels like the holiday season when the shops decorate their windows along Wilshire Boulevard with glittering gowns and festive borders. I walked down the street and visited all of the department stores on Saturday, late afternoon, in the rain. And I wasn't the only person, umbrella in hand, enjoyed the sights and lights.

End of the World

The end of the world has come and gone.  I hope the rest of your weekend is uneventful.

Her Majesty

Taschen held a royal good party for the launch of their latest coffee table book, Her Majesty, this week.  A portion of the evening's proceeds was give in support of The British Academy of Film & Television Arts (BAFTA).   It's a compilation of photos from some of the best.

Most travel advice still happens face-to-face.

Marketers everywhere are rushing to tap into the power of consumer word of mouth, and many assume that the keys to unlock this power are found online.  While the power of online advice in travel is undeniable, it may surprise you to learn that only 10% of travel-related  word-of-mouth takes place online, while about 90% takes place offline, primarily face-to-face.  Yes, the dominant way people share is not online, but rather in person they seek advice and share their travel experiences with family, friends, and colleagues at work.  It turns out that the real relationships still rule, even in a digital marketplace.

Jolly Hour

As the song says...

Have a holly jolly Christmas.

It's the best time of the year

Well I don't know if there'll be snow

But have a cup of cheer

There's no better place to enjoy "The Jolly Hour" than On Rodeo Bistro & Lounge.  Now through January 2nd, enjoy 50% off shared plates; plus holiday inspired cocktails, wine and beer selections at special prices. Daily from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  Ho! Ho! Ho!

A Happy Client

Hi Wendy,
Lovely to hear from you and apologies I have not been in contact to say thank you very much for having our fam group come and stay at the Luxe! We all have an absolute ball and the feedback I have had from agents is all positive and can guarantee they will be selling the Luxe! Have a very Merry Christmas and New year. I will certainly let you know when I am back in the States!   Kind Regards,  Sarah [Finn, Business Development Manager / Delta Air Lines]

Luxe Party Reached New Heights

The scene is set and the Luxe employee holiday party is about to begin.  Picture the Rodeo Penthouse overlooking all of Beverly Hills as the intimate setting for this happy gathering.  Everyone will be celebrating with a delicious buffet created by Chef Jonathan, welcome speeches, prizes and dancing.  A very merry holiday season to all!

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

I hope you are well?  I wanted to say thank you very much for the birthday messages which I received in the post this week, it genuinely brought a smile to my face and it was a pleasure to receive. Thank You!!  Wishing you a very Happy Holiday!  Best regards, Simon [Contracts Manager - West Coast USA, Virgin Holidays]

Thought for the Day

Give a book as a present - you can always borrow it back!  - John Gratton

Oh tree sublime

 It's a task I find daunting each year: finding the perfect size Douglas Fir.  It has to be the right height for my apartment, easy to decorate without climbing to the top if the ladder.  There were a lot to choose from.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
How steadfast are your branches!
Your boughs are green in summer's clime
And through the snows of wintertime.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
How steadfast are your branches!

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi, Wendy. Hope all is well.  I love the hotel…never saw a photo before…..so cute….very boutique!
Happy Holidays! I’m sure you’ll be spending time with your nieces.   Take care. Xoxo Babs [Protravel International]

Savory and sweet on Christmas Day

If you're in the Los Angeles area on holiday or just looking for some where festive to celebrate Christmas Day with your loved ones, treat yourself and your family to the delectable Christmas Day menu at Luxe's own On Rodeo Bistro & Lounge.  Executive Chef Olivier Rousselle has planned a three-course menu with a wide range of options for everyone to enjoy.  Desserts are so good that Santa makes a special request for us to leave him treats by the tree!  e-mail: dining@luxehotels.com, go on www.opentable.com to make a reservation.

Happy Hanukkah

Santa Visits Paley Center for Media

Upon visiting The Paley Center on Friday, I noticed Santa Claus' chair was empty.  Not to fear, he's scheduled for the next two weekends, from 10AM to 4PM, in Beverly Hills.  Good luck.  I know that I was good this year.  What about you?

Bulgari Takes the Walk of Style

Seen here with Marcus Mueller, Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel General Manager and Michelle Sharp, Catering Manager.

This evening, Bulgari was the 20th recipient of the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style award.  LVMH-owned Italian jewelry brand Bulgari was honored at a ceremony in Beverly Hills tonight, with actress Drew Barrymore presenting a Robert Graham-designed torso statuette to Nicola Bulgari and the city's mayor reading an official proclamation declaring Dec. 5, 2012, "Bulgari Day." Bulgari will be commemorated with a permanent (but yet-to-be embedded) bronze sidewalk plaque bearing Nicola Bulgari's signature and the quote: "Style is an everlasting impression and jewelry is a passion that is passed through generations."

Seen in the Luxe lobby

"Brilliant, sensitive, Gianni always catches the soul."—Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor: The Queen and I is a remarkable collection of photographs taken by Gianni Bozzacchi , most of them previously unpublished, capturing her as a film star, a woman, and a personal friend. It was 1965 when Bozzacchi, an impetuous twenty-two-year-old, was given the chance of a lifetime. The streetwise kid from Rome was sent to Africa as special photographer on the set of The Comedians, a movie starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Alec Guinness, and Peter Ustinov. As the film wrapped, Taylor offered Bozzacchi a job as her personal photographer. Elizabeth Taylor was the world's most famous woman at the time and undoubtedly its most glamorous [still].

In a Perfect World

Seen here with Tammy Warren, Warren PR

In a perfect world, everyone attending tonight's fabulous event at Jimmy Choo would be strutting their stuff in a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes!  [Actually, I think everyone was!]  Choo and Daphne Wayans drew a beautiful crowd for the launch of the Cruise 2013 Collection.  A portion of the event proceeds went to benefit In a Perfect World www.inaperfectworld.org inspiring compassionate responsible leaders.

Quote for the Day

"I travel light. I think the most important thing is to be in a good mood and enjoy life, wherever you are." - Diane von Furstenberg

A Happy Guest

Hi Wendy,
I'm sorry I missed you while I was in LA - that's how those meetings tend to go, you barely get out of your conference room. Anyway, I did get a chance to meet Michelle & just wanted to let you know that we had a great stay & enjoyed everything. We will definitely be back in the future.  Thanks for all your help & I hope to see you the next time around-- Thanks, Christina [Training & Employee Relations Manager, Wolford America, Inc.]

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi Wendy,Thank you very much for a very lovely B-Day Card. Best regards, Agnes [The Swatch Group U.S.]