Airport Changes Take Flight
LAX is aggressively expanding its non-stop international options this year, including new connections through Delta (Mexico City), Xiamen Airlines (Qingdao, China) and Hong Kong Airlines. In addition, LAX will be the first American airport to pilot the cutting-edge Biometric e-Gate process. The program uses facial recognition technology to replace paper boarding passes and exponentially reduces security and check-in times. Designed as an extension of the Tom Bradley International Terminal, the $1.6 billion Midfield Satellite Concourse will feature 12 new boarding gates, new dining options and “smart” concourses with automated biometric boarding gates. The expansion will be completed by 2020.
New SoCal Lodging
Oceanwide Plaza
Built in 1923 as the Gianni Building, the old Bank of Italy has been reimagined as the NoMad Hotel. This Koreatown building oozes classic Old Hollywood charm and features stunning views of the Los Angeles skyline from the rooftop pool. Located in the heart of downtown, the renovated Hotel Figueroa features unique Moroccan décor with a touch of Spanish design lair. The 57 suites provide access to four bars and a lush garden. Westdrift Manhattan Beach —the first Autograph Collection hotel in Los Angeles—opened in January 2018. The 26-acre property boasts 392 luxury guest rooms, a nine-hole golf course, 18 meeting rooms and a CrossFit-inspired fitness space. After successful launches in Chicago and Boston, the Godfrey brand is expanding to LA in late 2018. The boutique hotel will cater to business professionals and feature a rooftop pool with views of Sunset Boulevard.
Hollywood History
Westdrift Manhattan Beach
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences plans to complete the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in the heart of Los Angeles in 2019. Designed by legendary Italian architect Renzo Piano, the six-story structure will contain galleries, exhibition space and movie theaters that chronicle film history. Los Angeles’ newest shopping destination will be Oceanwide Plaza, scheduled to open in 2019. A multi-use residential and retail complex across from the Staples Center, Oceanwide will include an open-air galleria, luxury brand stores and access to the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Dining Destinations
New to Los Angeles’ world-renowned culinary scene is Majordomo—a Chinatown eatery overseen by famed restaurateur David Chang. The Asia fusion menu will include bing bread, spicy lamb and smoked salmon roe. For newschool Italian cuisine, consider the new Cosa Buona in Echo Park, which serves burratastu £ed meatballs and house-made mozzarella sticks. For dessert, venture to the new 189 by Dominique Ansel. Opened by the inventor of the cronut, the bistro’s menu includes a “California roll” of avocado mousse and honey gelee.