Downtown Los Angeles: The Vacation Hot Spot for Californians This Summer

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Downtown Center Business Improvement District today announced its Summer Vacation Campaign, “LA Stay-and-Play,” offering a wide range of hotel and entertainment packages aimed at making this summer’s vacation easy, affordable and memorable.

“Anytime is a great time to vacation in Downtown Los Angeles, but this summer it’s especially attractive, with great hotel and entertainment packages”

With the economy softening and the price of gas climbing, Californians are looking for more affordable summer vacation options closer to home – what travel enthusiasts call staycations.

The Downtown Center Business Improvement District and major hotels in Downtown Los Angeles have created attractive travel packages for vacationers interested in soaking up the summer sun while immersing themselves in the vast amount of culture and entertainment available in Downtown L.A.

The various room packages include tickets to sporting and entertainment events, meals in some of the city’s best restaurants, spa treatments, free valet parking, in-town shuttle transportation, discounts on shopping and sight-seeing excursions and other services to make a visitor’s stay in Downtown the best summer vacation option for Californians.

By saving travel time, and the expense and hassle of air travel, Californians vacationing closer to home have more time to relax while still enjoying world-class music and theater, museums and cultural centers, sports, and a tremendous range of restaurants, nightclubs and lounges.

Downtown L.A. has re-shaped itself as a vibrant cultural, sports and entertainment center, making it a top tourist destination.

The Downtown area abounds with cultural attractions including some of the finest museums in the West, such as the Museum of Natural History, California Science Center, Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Chinese American Museum, Japanese American National Museum and the Museum of Neon Art (MONA), among others.

Downtown Los Angeles is also home to legendary sports venues including Staples Center, Dodger Stadium and the Coliseum; unique architecture including Walt Disney Concert Hall and Our Lady of Angeles Cathedral; walking neighborhoods such as Chinatown, the Arts District, Little Tokyo, and Olvera Street, the birthplace of Los Angeles. Visitors can explore the rich history of Downtown Los Angeles, discovering the splendor and charm of another century in Downtown’s historic architecture, monuments, theaters and more.

Meanwhile, the Jewelry District has one of the greatest concentrations of retailers and manufacturers in the nation and some of the best deals to be found anywhere.

“There is so much to see and do Downtown that it takes a few days to discover all the treasures it holds,” said Carol Schatz, President of the Downtown Center Business Improvement District. “Anytime is a great time to vacation in Downtown Los Angeles, but this summer it’s especially attractive, with great hotel and entertainment packages,” said Schatz.

Perfectly timed with the start of summer, below are several premier hotel packages that are ideal for travelers looking for outstanding deals:

Omni Los Angeles Hotel

“Show Must go On” Package, starting at $299 / night -- Enjoy your evening on the town in style. The Omni Los Angeles Hotel is providing valet parking, a $100 credit to the highly-acclaimed Noé Restaurant and roundtrip transportation to the theater. Cap off the evening with wine in a luxurious guest room.

Availability: Weekends, through 12/31/08

Promotion Details:

Deluxe room accommodations
$100 credit to Noé Restaurant
Roundtrip transportation to the following theaters -- Ahmanson, Mark Taper, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles
Full breakfast for two at the Grand Café
Wine amenity delivered to guest room
Complimentary valet parking

The Los Angeles Athletic Club

“Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Package for $250 - Come root for your team under the stars at Chavez Ravine. The deal includes:

Deluxe room accommodations
American Buffet Breakfast
Two Premium Loge seats for a Dodgers Game at Dodger Stadium
Overnight Parking at The Club

“Get Fit” Package for $225, includes:

Deluxe room accommodations
American Buffet Breakfast
One hour with Personal Training or Pilates Session
Use of our legendary Athletic Facility
LAAC Gym Bag with Spa Products
Overnight parking at The Club

The Hilton Checkers

Hilton Bed & Breakfast

Start your Downtown vacation on a Thursday and enjoy the comfort of a Hilton Hotel plus a personalized Hilton Breakfast for two all weekend long. Nightly rates start at $199.

Checkers Spa Package

Relax and pamper yourself with one of many treatments available at Checkers Spa ($100.00 Certificate). Also included is Breakfast for two at the famous Checkers Restaurant. Nightly rates start at $279.

Each of these packages are available throughout the week, but availability is higher on weekends.

The Wilshire Grand

“Summer Fun Package”

3 days, 2 nights: $249, parking included

4 days, 3 nights: $339, parking included

Receive a Fun Book upon check-in that includes:

10% discount for Breakfast at the City Grill Breakfast Buffet
$10 discount / day at Avis Car Rental
15% off all services at Salon Belleza spa
10% discount off all Guideline Sightseeing Tour Packages
11% saving pass at Macy’s
50% discount for various events in Los Angeles, including Theatre, Music, Performing Arts, Dinner, Tours and Family Fun Events

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites

“Romance Package”

$209.00 Thursday – Sunday

$269.00 – Suite Rate

Package includes: Sparkling wine, strawberries, and breakfast for two

“Bed & Breakfast”

$265.00 Mid-week

$185.00 Weekend + $20.00 for second adult

“Valet Parking & Room”

Package includes: Parking In and Out privileges

$199.00

Amtrak Rates

Amtrak trains are an economical and environmentally friendly way to travel to Downtown L.A. Below are sample “round-trip rail fares” for adults (age 16+) from select cities to Los Angeles for travel between May 27 and August 28, with the exception of July 5 through July 6. Up to two children ages 2 to 15 may ride at half-price for each adult fare purchased. Seniors age 62+ may ride at a 15% discount.

$68 - San Diego
$44 - Oceanside
$34 - San Juan Capistrano
$40 - Ventura
$50 - Santa Barbara
$72 - San Luis Obispo

For more information, go to www.amtrak.com.

All rates are subject to hotel availability; rates do not include taxes, gratuities or other incidental charges; certain length of stay restrictions may apply. Early departure fee may apply. Tax is additional at 14%. Offer may not be combined with any other discounts or offers. Additional terms and conditions apply.

For more information, please visit www.downtownla.com.

About the Downtown Center Business Improvement District:

The DCBID is a coalition of property owners united in their commitment to enhance the quality of life in Downtown Los Angeles. The organization helps the 65-block central business district achieve its full potential as a great place to live, work, and play. Nearly 480 property owners provide funds to the district via a special voluntary tax assessment, which finances safety and maintenance services, as well as business recruitment/retention and marketing programs. For more information, visit www.downtownla.com or call 213-624-2146.