Los Angeles - new hotels and attractions opening in 2012 update
Monday 21, May 2012
More popular than ever before, Los Angeles experienced the largest number of visitors and spending in the history of the city in 2011.
With a number of new hotels and attractions poised to open in 2012, its popularity as the entertainment capital of the world is set to increase. With 320 days of sunshine per year LA boasts gastronomy, hip hotels, shopping, over 300 museums and 80 miles of beaches.
Topping the bill for May 2012 is the Universal Studios Hollywood Transformers attraction, which will fuse 3D-HD media, mega special effects and stunning robotics with a ride system that will transform perceptions of theme park experiences. The dynamic, motion-based thrill ride will tell an original Transformers story using special effects and one of the most elaborate roaming flight simulator ride systems ever created.
In the Autumn the California Science Centre will be home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour which will begin its ultimate mission of inspiring current and future generations of innovators and explorers. The new Air and Space Centre will feature Endeavour as the centerpiece along with engaging hands-on science exhibits.
Six Flags Magic Mountain in San Fernando Valley opening later this month will be the world's tallest vertical drop ride and is named after one of DC Comic's most dangerously intelligent super-villains. Dropping 40 stories at speeds of up to 85 mph it looks set to appeal to budding Superman fans.
Hot hotels in the city
Still enjoying the limelight after its recent re-opening is Hotel Bel-Air on Westside which opened after extensive refurbishment and redesign, a collaborative restoration effort between Alexandra Champalimaud and the Rockwell Group. Great care was taken to retain the familiar Spanish Colonial architecture splashed in “Bel-Air pink,” while a new generation of Bel-Air aesthetic is reflected through design themes representing the glamorous eras of the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. The hotel re-opened with 103 guest rooms and suites sitting in the hillside offering sweeping canyon views, expansive sliding glass walls, outdoor fireplaces and spacious decks with private spa pools. In addition, there will be seven individually designed specialty suites, including the famed Grace Kelly Suite and a new 6,775 sq ft Presidential Suite.
In San Fernando Valley Hotel Amarano Burbank is the only luxury boutique hotel in Burbank. Located in the heart of the entertainment district, and with 100 bedrooms it is just around the corner from Warner Bros Studios and minutes from Universal Studios and NBC Studios. The garden rooftop sundeck overlooks the Hollywood Hills, while The Library Lounge features a new menu with selections from Chef Jose Sanchez.
On the coast The Shore Hotel is a new beachside retreat in Santa Monica and with skate rentals, personal training and pets welcome it is the epitome of LA beach cool. On the site of the former Pacific Sands this all-new boutique hotel stands out with its modern design and location across the street from the Santa Monica Pier and beach. The open-air, U-shaped hotel features a glass-walled lobby looking out at the ocean and 164 teal and orange rooms have a spectacular sea view.
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