City of Angels - Entertainment Capital of the World.
Rooms From €149 (Per Person)
United States
3
City Breaks
California
Millions of visitors arrive each year in Los Angeles eager to experience for themselves the epitome of the American Dream: to find the self-indulgent living soap-opera lifestyles, experience firsthand the images that are strangely-familiar thanks to the 'big screen', and walk in the footsteps of the stars. The fantasy worlds of Disneyland and Hollywood, the famed extravagance of Beverley Hills and Malibu, and the sun-soaked beach culture are just some of the attractions within this 'City of Angels'.
Los Angeles is not really a city but rather a sprawling metropolis constituting more than 80 smaller city areas woven together by a daunting network of traffic-congested freeways without a clearly defined centre. LA is just one of these cities with Downtown at its heart, and lying outside the city limits is the surrounding conglomeration of cities that comprises LA County.
Los Angeles offers a dazzling variety of attractions and world-famous amusements. Downtown is a mixture of cultures and local communities: the traditional herbalists of Chinatown's Bamboo Lane; Little Tokyo with its sushi bars and Japanese gardens; and the narrow Latino-influenced Olvera Street. Los Angeles County is endowed with a rich diversity of backgrounds and is a mix-and-match of people from 140 countries speaking 96 different languages, of those who have left home to seek acceptance for ideas or unconventional lifestyles not tolerated in the more conservative parts of the country, and would-be stars with dreams of fame and fortune. West Hollywood is the focal point of gay and lesbian culture, and the posh beachside resort of Santa Monica and body-builders at Muscle Beach, as well as the childhood fantasy of Disneyland are all a part of the diversity, although not always a harmonious one. There are exciting museums, cinemas featuring every conceivable production, swanky boutiques with the latest fashions, comedy clubs, poetry readings and coffee house recitals, and music of every kind played in various venues throughout the city.
Underneath the huge 'Hollywood' sign on the crest of the Hollywood Hills, the high energy and pleasure-seeking atmosphere, bold billboards, sexy sun-bronzed people, bright lights and fancy cars are images of a city that everyone loves to hate; but whether one likes what one finds or not, Los Angeles must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
We have featured the largest selection of USA city break destinations available on any Irish website and there is somewhere there for everyone.
We work with all the major Airlines and can book these for you with full flexibility through our in-house systems.
There are currently direct flights from Ireland to the USA with Aer Lingus, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines and US Airways. There are also many connections via the UK with British Airways, Virgin and other airlines.
We have just given a brief glimpse of what we can offer you, please feel free to browse more or if there is a destination you would like to know more about call now on 01 853 5000, email [email protected], send us a quick message or complete the enquiry form - we will be delighted to help you, its all part of the Platinum Service!There are no direct flights to Los Angeles from Ireland but numerous connections via the UK or USA.
Average flight time from Ireland to Los Angeles is 12-13 hours.
When it comes to planning out how to reach your destination, Platinum Travel have all the air travel expertise to help you get the best route to your final location.
As a licensed and bonded Travel Agent we have access to negotiated contract and wholesale fares with airlines worldwide. Our Travel Concierge team members will help you with the best connections and airlines to suit your own personal requirements.
For many destinations a number of flights may be required and sometimes it will include arriving into one airport and leaving from another. We will ensure you have the best combination of flights to do this and make sure you cover the necessary MCT (minimum connecting time) so that you have the best opportunity of a smooth and easy journey.
Several airlines have introduced many ancillary charges such as seat assignments, checked bags, priority boarding etc. Platinum Travel will look after these for you and book you at the best available bundle package at the best price. Upgraded airline fares, lounge access & Fasttrack are also available and again Platinum Travel know how to avail of the best value for these extras.
Platinum Travel are a fully licensed and bonded travel agent so you have a lot more protection with us than with the internet (airlines are not bonded).
One of the busiest airports in the US and the world, Los Angeles International Airport (locally referred to by its call letters, LAX) is a mammoth facility that processes 60 million passengers each year on 600,000 flights.
Located 16 miles (26km) southwest of downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport has nine terminal buildings. The sheer size and capacity of the facility makes it a bit confusing, and long queues are a common occurrence in peak times. Passengers should allow plenty of time when making connections or clearing customs, and extra time can easily be whiled away with a meal at California Pizza Kitchen, or browsing the dozens of shops selling Hollywood souvenirs and other products.
Flights to Los Angeles International Airport come from all over the world, including major destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
Location The airport is situated 15 miles (24km) southwest of Los Angeles.
Getting to the city A free shuttle bus service runs to the Metro Rail Green Line Aviation Station from the lower level of each terminal. Another shuttle connects to the Bus Center, from where city buses serve the Los Angeles area. Prime Time Shuttle and Super Shuttle are both shared-ride van services; reservations are recommended. Some hotels also offer transport. There are taxis available outside the lower level of the airport and it costs about US$30 to the city centre, about 15miles (24km) away. Car rental is available and there is a free shuttle pick-up to reach the rental car sites.
Time GMT -6 (GMT -5 from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November).
Contacts Tel: +1 310 646 5252.
Car rental Car rental companies include Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty. Vehicle rental sites are located off the airport property, therefore many of these rental car companies provide phone links inside or near the baggage claim areas on the Lower/Arrival Level of the terminals; travellers can request a free shuttle pick-up to reach the rental car sites.
Airport Taxis There are taxis available outside the lower level of the airport. Passengers receive a ticket stating the typical fare to major destinations, it costs about US$30 to the city centre which is about 15miles (24km) away. Airport authorized taxis display an official seal and passengers who use an unauthorized taxi service do so at their own risk.
Transfer between terminals A free shuttle bus takes passengers between the International and seven other terminals.
Facilities Passenger services at the airport include ATMs and currency exchange, a business centre, baggage storage, shops, restaurants and bars. Internet kiosks are located throughout the airport as well as wireless Internet and the Travel Right Cafe in Terminal 4 has laptop connections. Cell phones can be rented in Arrivals. Facilities for the disabled are excellent.
Parking There are eight central car parks offering long and short-term parking that are connected to the terminals by the LAX shuttle bus. There is also a Cell Phone Waiting Lot. Parking is charged at $3 for the first hour and $2 per half hour thereafter up to $30 per day. The Economy Lot is $4 for the first hour and $4 per half hour after that up to $12 per day.
Departure Tax There is a passenger facility charge of $4.50.
Website www.lawa.org
Airlines Flights to Los Angeles International Airport are available via Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Berlin, Air Canada, Air France, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airways, AirTran, Alitalia, All Nippon, American Airlines, American Eagle, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, China Easter, Delta, Copa, El Al, Emirates, Frontier, Iberia, Japan Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, LAN, Lufthansa, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, Swiss International, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, United, Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia and WetJet.
Internet Wifi is available through T-Mobile, and is charged at $6 for the first hour and $0.10 per minute thereafter. Daily access can be purchased for $9.99.
Business Lounges Airport lounges in each terminal provide basic conference and business facilities.
The city of LA sprawls over such a large area that getting around without a car can be frustrating and time consuming. The complex network of freeways connecting the sprawl can be intimidating, especially for those not used to driving in big cities, but with a map or good directions, hiring a car is the best and most popular way to see LA. The city was designed with the automobile in mind and is more driver-friendly than most big cities with wide streets and plenty of parking. If possible, visitors should avoid rush hour traffic, which is heaviest from 7am to 10am and 3pm to 7pm, when freeways often come to a standstill. Many, however, are equipped with HOV (high-occupancy vehicle) lanes for those cars carrying more than one person - an attempt to curb vehicle emissions, these lanes tend to move more quickly. LA is one of the cheapest places in the country to rent a car. It is also possible to get around by bus, but frequent transfers and long distances can make this slow and impractical, and it is not recommended for late-night travel. The Metro rail system has three lines, which cover only a small area of LA, but it is frequent and efficient. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive due to the long distances.
Sightseeing in LA presents certain challenges. For one, the city is immense, stretching out in every direction, and its various attractions are often miles apart. Also, since it's an agglomeration of small and previously separate towns, LA lacks a definite focal point, making it hard to get to grips with the city's character.
The best way to go about your sightseeing is to use the various tour buses that connect the attractions, or hail a taxicab. Unless you are a thrill seeker, avoid driving and public transport, especially at night. LA is a year-round destination, although it can get pretty hot during the summer months of July to September. Key sights are the tours of the great movie production houses of Universal Studios and Warner Brothers, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the original Disneyland, and the vibrant beach communities of Venice Beach and Santa Monica.
If you're in town for a few days it might be worth purchasing the Go Los Angeles Card which gives you free entry to over 35 attractions, as well as shopping and dining discounts, free tours and a guidebook
Los Angeles is surely the entertainment capital of the world, and as such has a plethora of interesting attractions for children in the city and surrounds. There is no end to the abundance and variety of fun to be had by kids on holiday in Los Angeles.
If parents manage to drag their children away from the wonders of Disneyland, or the theme park at Universal Studios, there are also a number of beaches, parks, museums and shows to enjoy while on holiday in LA. There are also various tour buses offering a comprehensive Los Angeles sightseeing experience.
The weather in Los Angeles is generally sunny and warm, perfect for a holiday, but summers do get a little too warm and and there's more rain in winter. The best time to holiday with kids in LA is spring or autumn, when the weather's at its most pleasant and the holiday crowds haven't inundated the city.
For sheer variety and scale, LA shopping is hard to beat. This is a fashion-conscious, trend-setting consumer paradise with the shopping options to match.
Your best buys are the aforementioned fashion items, sporting goods and gear, locally produced wine from the Napa Valley, movie paraphernalia and collectables, and - of course - videos and DVDs of the movies and stars that make tinsel town famous the world over.
If you're looking for both designer wear and celebrity sightings, head for Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive where big name jewellery and haute couture stores line up like A-list stars at an exclusive beach. For more unusual, arty and eccentric items, head for the potpourri of Venice Boardwalk or Melrose Avenue. Nearby Main Street is good for trendy but affordable attire, as well as antiques and collectables.
Certainly the best-value LA shopping can be found at the discount outlet complexes on the edge of town. Here you can find all the big name brands at substantial discounts - up to 70% off the list price. Check out Ontario Mills and Desert Hills Premium Outlets for some great bargains.
Of course LA, like every big American city, has its share of mega-malls. The best of these are the Beverly Center, with 9 floors of stores and restaurants, and Westside Pavilion, which includes a wonderful 3-floor Barnes and Noble bookstore. On the other end of the scale are the vibrant flea markets, the best of which are the Rose Bowl Flea Market & Swap Meet, and the sparkling Jewellery Mart.
A Sales Tax of 8.25% is built into the purchase price. However, as such sales taxes are set at state level, there is no way to obtain a refund from the federal government for non-US visitors.
Dining is LA is as exciting and varied as the rest of the city's offerings. LA's restaurants cater to every cuisine and budget imaginable, from 12-course feasts with celebrities on the side, to delicious Mexican burritos from a sidewalk café. Apart from the wonderful variety of ethnic food, there is a growing fascination with organic and health foods and many eateries now cater to this market. Another distinctive LA trend is eclectic and experimental food making this city the proud progenitor of the Thai Chicken Pizza as well as its own distinctive style of fusion sushi.
Many top restaurants and their celebrity chefs are clustered on the Westside, while the vintage restaurants are located downtown and in Hollywood. With its year-round mild climate outdoor dining is popular, helping to make power lunches the stuff of ritual among locals.
Tips of 15 to 20% are expected; console yourself with the thought that your generosity may be funding a future Oscar-winning script. Smoking is banned in all restaurants and transgressors may be fined.
Home of all things cool and the birthplace of pop culture, the nightlife in Los Angeles is second to none with some of the edgiest bars and clubs in the world. Whether watching world-class shows, dining alongside some of Tinsel Town's hottest stars, or drinking at the hippest clubs in the world, anyone who parties in Los Angeles is generally the envy of everyone.
On any given night there will be band performing somewhere, whether a local and upcoming band or the hottest international act, the choices are endless. The only problem is getting tickets so it is wise to plan ahead if planning to catch a concert. The club scene is absolutely overflowing with variety and those looking for anything from a trendy night sipping on mojitos to dancing the night away will have no problem finding something to suit their tastes.
Los Angeles' chaotic layout means there is no central nightlife district, but there is definitely something for everyone to be found somewhere. Head to the streets of Hollywood for a dizzying choice of clubs and bars, swing down to Westwood if a martini bar is your thing, or if rooftop lounges floats your boat the Valley is the place for you. Los Angeles' nightlife scene is always changing so you are always bound to find something new, hip and happening.
Head down to Largo and catch one of America's hottest new acts performing. The world famous Orpheum Theatre hosts an multitude of theatrical productions, concerts and film festivals, while across town the Geffen Playhouse is the place to see dramatic and comedic shows while the Kodak Theatre hosts not only the Academy Awards, but also big name headliners, including all the hottest acts.