The Business Traveler’s Guide to Los Angeles

Second in population only to New York City, Los Angeles serves as the financial and commercial epicenter of California and the entire West Coast. Hollywood is widely recognized as one of the top cultural and entertainment hotspots in the country, while the City of Angels' economic reach has been global for decades.

It's no surprise that top business leaders and entrepreneurs flock to the city for meetings and conferences every day. With balmy weather, L.A. is the perfect place to seal that business deal before heading out for a night on the town or an afternoon on the beach. Check out these helpful tips for maximizing your next business trip to Los Angeles.

Sleep in Style

The glitz and glamour of Los Angeles extends to its accommodation, too. You may be in the city for business, but it never hurts to get a taste of living like the rich and famous. Treat yourself to the luxury of staying in one of the top hotels in America to ensure you start every day rested, relaxed and ready to do a great job.

Loews Hollywood Hotel

If you love the idea of seeing the Hollywood sign from your room, the views and the location are right where you want to be at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. Before your big meeting, you can take a dip in the rooftop pool, enjoy Wi-Fi in your room or use the hotel's yoga studio to put you in an open and relaxed state of mind.

Freehand Downtown L.A.

Housed in the historic Commercial Exchange building, the Freehand Downtown L.A. hotel adds some history to your business trip. Luxuries include Roman & Williams designs, extra-comfortable bedding, valet services and attentive bellhops to make you feel like a movie star.

Shore Hotel

Near the lovely Santa Monica pier, the Shore Hotel is in a charming part of L.A. and offers amazing unobstructed views of the ocean from private balconies. Plus, in true Californian style, it's an eco-friendly resort designed to reduce both your carbon footprint and consumption of natural resources.

Driving in L.A. Is the Only Way

Although public transportation is available in the form of buses, taxis and even a small subway system in the heart of Downtown, driving is the best way to get around in sprawling L.A. Besides easy traveling, a car gives you the freedom to explore the city in your downtime on your own schedule. Like any other large city, traffic can be heavy, but you can minimize the impact by staying near where you need to be for business.

Rent a Car from Hertz

The easiest way to pick up your car from Hertz is at Los Angeles International Airport as soon as you arrive. Live the California lifestyle when you choose a cool convertible or an energy-efficient model. Rentals are also available at Loews Hollywood Hotel, the JW Marriott, the L.A. Grand Hotel Downtown and many other Hollywood locations.

Find a Hertz L.A. pickup location that suits you.

Power Lunch Bunch

Angelinos are known for being masters of the ‘power lunch’, so if you’re looking for somewhere to impress your client while doing business, you’re in luck. A savvy power lunch may be just what you need. All around L.A., there are great lunch spots for business meetings. Try one of these local favorites.

Craft

Visit Craft, the go-to lunch spot of agents, lawyers and top thought leaders, to see and be seen. Enjoy amazing food and even more fantastic service in a private room, making it easy to roll up your sleeves, tuck in your napkin and get down to business.

République

Head to the République to enjoy a full gastronomic experience on La Brea Avenue. The building was first erected by Charlie Chaplin in 1929 before it became the French-inspired restaurant and bakery it is today. Reservations are recommended, or why not swing by and pick up their delicious pastries ahead of your meeting elsewhere?.

Son of a Gun

Kitschy and laid-back, Son of a Gun is a relaxed yet professional restaurant serving seafood and salads surrounded by a nautical theme. It's absolutely perfect for clients who love sailing, while the lobster roll, and shrimp toast sandwich are justly celebrated.

Glitz and Glamour for Dinner

Even after a long day of meetings and conferences, you always want to look your best in L.A., so be sure to pack some classy attire to wear outside the boardroom. Take a power nap before dinner if you need it and get ready to enjoy some of the best cuisine you’ll taste on the West Coast.

Spago of Beverly Hills

As the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group's flagship restaurant, Spago of Beverly Hills doesn't disappoint. If the whole table agrees and your party is six people or fewer, order the pre-set California Tastings menu. The lineup is amazing, making it difficult to highlight a single dish, but the savory parmesan marshmallow is certainly one to try.

Melisse

As a Michelin two-star restaurant, Melisse lives up to its high expectations. Located in Santa Monica, this French gourmet dining experience is owned and operated by Chef Josiah Citrin. He creates dishes that are gastronomical treats and very memorably plated. A5 wagyu beef with miso and pumpkin? Yes please. 

Hippo

Topping the list of ‘in the know’ restaurants in Los Angeles is Hippo, which offers seasonal California fare under a high ceiling tucked behind Triple Beam Pizza along Figueroa Street. It's not super-stuffy or overly priced, but it is certainly delicious, with handmade pasta and griddled sea scallops.

Stars Shine at Night

Nighttime is the right time for many things in Los Angeles. After your work is done, don't miss the opportunity to go out and enjoy the bright lights, cutting-edge music and entertainment that make L.A. shine. It's never unrealistic to expect a celebrity spotting or two.
 

Walk of Fame

Take a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see the honors given to all your favorite stars. Be sure to stop at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, located on the corner of Hollywood and Highland, to soak in some old-Hollywood style.

Dance the Night Away

If you love to dance, then you may want to save this idea until your last night. An evening of dancing in nightclubs along the Sunset Strip may leave you a little too tired for business the next day. From The Roxy to the Viper Room, the hot spots with potential celebrity encounters are plentiful.

See Real Stars

Celebrities are fun to see, but the real stars are equally dazzling. If you're a fan of stargazing the intergalactic way, head to Griffith Observatory for one of the most beautiful views of the Los Angeles skyline at night. Keep an eye on the time, however – the road up to the parking lot closes at 10pm.

Ready to weave some glitz and glamor into your business trip to Los Angeles? Share your plans with other executives on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.