Thought for the Day

When people have no other tyrant, their own public opinion becomes one. - Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Ah, to be a Producer!

Picnic with Felix Flores, Boutique Manager of Ports 1961.

This weekend, the Hollywood Bowl presented The Producers, music and lyrics by Mel Brooks.   In traditional Bowl fashion they have again attracted top talent to pull off an extraordinary night of song and dance under the stars.  As director Roger De Bris sings, "Keep It Gay" everyone rallies to pull off the worst play on Broadway.  Tasteless and over-the-top, and to everyone's surprise, the musical becomes a hit.  The producers played by veterans, Richard Kind and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, are sentenced to bring joy and laughter to the inmates at Sing Sing until they are pardoned and back on Broadway.  We hope the Bowl brings us more song and dance next summer because we're "Prisoners of Love".  For more summer entertainment, visit http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/

Luxe Team at Sunset Ranch

Front Row: Lourdes and Kendall from Front Desk and Back Row: with Denise Torres, Sales Assistant

Sunset Ranch Hollywood

WHERE magazine invited us to experience the Sunset Ranch Hollywood's horseback riding and "Cattle ranch BBQ" immediately following the ride.  The ride provides an amazing view of the Los Angeles basin and spectacular sunsets.  Located above Beachwood Drive in Hollywood, the ranch has been in continuous service since 1929 and has a full menu of rides for every endurance.  Mine was apparently 30 minutes!  Please book a ride through our concierge or by consulting their website http://www.sunsetranchhollywood.com/

A Splash of Marilyn

As the 50th anniversary of her death approaches, Lawrence Schiller, in an adaptation from his memoir of those sessions, recalled Monroe’s mix of vulnerability and cold calculation as she guided his camera toward the ultimate revelation.  Fahey/Klein Gallery on La Brea Avenue is previewing these breathtaking nude shots, some unseen till now, along with some splendid "American Moments" from 1960's.  Celebrity photos included in the gallery are stunning. http://www.faheykleingallery.com/

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Hi.. I received your birthday card.. that was very thoughtful of you.. Hope all is well out on Rodeo Drive...Regards,  Teresa [Regional Vice President / Direct Travel]

Congratulations, Denise!

Travel Fact

The U.S. State Department says consular offices in countries including China, Brazil an Mexico have adopted measure to ease visa-application processes in response to booming demand.  Consular offices in China have reported reaching 1 million non immigrant visa applications for fiscal 2012, representing a 43% rise from the past fiscal year's figures.  Brazil is also nearing the 1 million mark, with the number of applications having risen nearly 44% in fiscal 2012 against last year.

Facade Lift

Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel underwent that perfect little lift a month ago by adding red awnings and enhancing the outdoor dining space.  As many make-over artists suggest, simple and light is better.  The dash of red was the ultimate uplift without changing the design of the mid-century building.  We receive such positive feedback every day from boutique managers and tourists alike.  Cafe Rodeo is the best people watching location, bar none.

Happy Birthday, Michelle

If you haven't already met Michelle Sharp, Catering Manager, then you need to book a meeting or social engagement.  She is exactly as her name implies: sharp.  The Rodeo Penthouse and terrace are her domain where she deftly executes the arrangements for weddings, corporate gatherings and family celebrations.  Happy Birthday, Michelle; we're so glad that you're part of the team.
E: Michelle.Sharp@luxerodeo.com

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Dearest Wendy! BIG Hugs!! I love the B-Day card you sent me! You’re amazing…..And I truly appreciate it!! Love the J Lennon message….So sweet of you!!!  Otto [Tzell Travel] XOXO

Over the desert

Santa Fe is filled with art galleries and public sculpture.

Returned this evening to Los Angeles grateful for clear skies and cooler weather.  But also thankful for the wonderful weekend in the Santa Fe desert, hot days and cool nights with star-filled skies.

Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

This past weekend the City of Santa Fe, NM, held its International Folk Art Market.  It's a very busy week filled with art openings, dance and craft demonstrations.  I attended the Saturday market with more than 156 master folk artists from 54 countries who gathered on Museum Hill for the 9th annual event with fabulous entertainment and international foods.  On the way back from LAX, I heard a wonderful piece on the radio about how the market raises funds for developing countries and how vital this event is to many many small cooperatives.

Journey

Going on vacation and planning to enjoy every moment.

Timepieces Tank Up

Cartier unveiled its first [now iconic] tank watch in 1917.  Rumored to be inspired by Renault military trucks, the watch's debut inspired the latest version, the Tank Anglaise, released June 22nd.  The French luxury brand has put its watches front and center so stop by the store at 370 North Rodeo Drive for a full display.  Just steps from Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel - we're at the epicenter of bling.  Tick Tock

Travel Agency Reception

We were delighted to welcome Mansour Travel to our hotel for an evening reception and site inspection.  The hotel's own mixologist was on had to create magic with vodka, arugula and agave!  Chef James Jung created a variety of new items from our upcoming menu as a sneak preview.  Delicious!

Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive Penthouse

Hi Wendy,  Thank you so much for your hospitality yesterday. It was a pleasure to meet Marcus as well. We would be happy to swing by on a day when you have some rooms available! Kay Mansour and the rest of the team had a very enjoyable time with all of you.  Warm regards!  Bell

Thought for the Day

To be nobody-but-yourself--in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else--means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting. - E. E. Cummings

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy,
What a SWEET SURPRISE!!! Your envelope with birthday greetings and the "Persian Jewel" enclosure was such fun to receive!! How wonderful of you to remember that I am a July baby, like your colleague Roselyn!  At first, I thought it was a note from my new friend, Randi Julson, at the Stoneleigh, as I had just been there last Monday 7/2 for breakfast and a site while in Dallas! So, it really was a LUXE week! The Stoneleigh is an amazing historical gem and I was thrilled to be able to visit it and get the vibe from all of the famous folks who had walked through the doors (including my namesake, Kate Hepburn!).  Breakfast was wonderful and we got to meet the Executive Chef, too, and learn that he has met/worked with Chicago chef Rick Bayless, whom WE have met at a function and whose Mexican cookbooks are the only ones I use when I decide to cook!
Thank you again for thinking of me - I love the info on the insert - have not seen this specific info anywhere before!  Take care, stay cool, and hope to see you in your neck of the woods one of these days!  Kate Manager / The Travel Gallery, Inc. / Chicago]

70mm Film Festival Begins

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences opened its summer series with the classic comedy It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World last night.  It's not a film series heralding the death of celluloid but celebrating film making on a grand scale.  Many of the films in the series are already sold-out and there were stand-by lines for last night's screening.  During a panel discussion prior, host Billy Crystal, interviewed an amazing cast of comedy greats including Jonathan Winter, Buddy Hackett, Carl Reiner and Mickey Rooney who offered funny and engaging stories from the making of this grand scale tale. The almost three-hour caper from director Stanley Kramer revolves around a group of zany motorists who witness a crash on a dangerous winding road in the California desert.  When the motorists stop to help the dying man, he whispers the location of a hidden fortune "under a big W".  And the race is off!  For more information go to http://www.oscars.org/

Thought for the Day

There are two modes of transport in Los Angeles: car and ambulance. Visitors who wish to remain inconspicuous are advised to choose the latter. -  Fran Lebowitz

Another Candle on the Birthday Card

It blows my mind you think of it and I’m very appreciative.   Cindy  [ALTOUR / Independent Travel Consultant]

Happy Fourth of July

Remembering Andy Griffith.  Happy Fourth of July!

Travel Fact: Record number of drivers to hit the road on July 4th!

Motorists will travel in record numbers for the Independence Day holiday this year, encouraged by cheaper gasoline, according to AAA.  The group said 35.5 million people will drive 50 miles or more away from home between July 3 and 8, up 4 percent from last year and the largest number in the last decade.  An additional 3.2 million will fly to their destinations over the holiday period, up 9 percent from a year ago, bringing the total number of vacationers to 42.3 million, a tie with the decade's records in 2007.

Teeny Tiny Woman

Los Angeles-based artist Aanda Ross-Ho has created a new installation specifically for the MOCA Pacific Design Center.  She has continued to explore her ongoing relationship with photograpy and her interest in scale, translation, objects and textiles.  Located along West Hollywood's Avenues of Art & Design, the MOCA is a short stop for art enthusiasts open to a new perspective on architectural elements.  Through September 23, 2012.

Another Candle on the Birthday Cake

Wendy,  It was sweet and much appreciated.  Now I am going to like diamonds even more.  Since it is my birthstone.  Have a great day, Miriam  [Executive Travel Consultant / Tzell Travel Group]

A Contented Guest

Dear Wendy,
I want to write to you to thank you for your help in making my daughter and her husband celebration of their wedding anniversary a real special time. They enjoyed so much their week-end in BH. They also mentioned how all the staff at the Hotel was so attentive and courteous and very professional.  Thank you Wendy I appreciate your kind assistance avery time I call. Best regards, Sara [Marketing/Promotion Officer,
Italian Trade Commission]