Stephanie & Russ
Things To Do
Scum and Villainy Cantina
Star Wars Themed Cantina Bar on Hollywood Blvd
El Capitan Theatre
This Disney owned fully restored movie palace opened in 1926 and shows only Disney films (new releases and classics) on it's single screen. It's home to most Disney movie premieres. With your ticket purchase you typically get special exhibits or attractions included - typically including a display of props or costumes from the film you are seeing or a live organ player - performing before the show with a light show. This is a quick walk down the street from the Hotel. Currently playing during your stay is the anniversary of Wall-E.
Universal Studios Hollywood
This is only a 10 min subway ride from the hotel (the next stop on the metro red line) and If you are a Harry Potter fan like us you can't miss stopping in for a butterbeer at The 3 Broomsticks. The park is pretty doable in a half day - there are not early as many rides and attractions as Disneyland. Franchises included in the park include but aren't limited to... Despicable Me, Minions, Harry Potter, Shrek, Jurassic Park, The Mummy, Transformers, The Walking Dead, and Water World.
Disneyland Park
This is about 45 min away from the hotel so a rental car is suggested - it's also a full day activity so make sure you give yourself enough time if this is on your to do list!
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The LA County Museum of Contemporary Art is just footsteps from Russ, Stephanie and Lulu's Apartment and is just a couple of blocks from the Rehearsal Dinner location and The Grove. The museum shares the location with The La Brea Tar Pits which are free to see at your own pace (there is a Tar Pits Museum also which is pay by donation) but the Tar Pits are open to the public.
The Grove
The Grove is a very popular outdoor shopping mall with dancing fountains, an American Girls store, Top Shop, Nordstrom, Sephora, and some of the best patisseries in the world (Laduree, Dominique Ansel, and Sprinkles Cupcakes) as well as the famous Los Angeles Farmer's Market which has many permanent stalls of delicious food choices. The Grove is also home to the restaurant the Rehearsal Dinner is taking place at.
Melrose Avenue
Located between The Grove and the Hotel you will want to take an uber or lyft. This is a shopping district with unique shops and big retailers like Fred Segal and Urban Outfitters.
Grauman's Chinese Theater
A Hollywood Icon and also across the street from the Hotel go over to the Chinese Theater to put your hands in the cement imprints of your favorite movie stars and also buy a ticket to see a current or classic movie in this iconic movie palace.
kitchen24
If you are looking for a great 24 hour spot to eat - this is our favorite - located just a couple blocks away is Kitchen 24 which has a wide range of contemporary dinner classics (if you need a suggestion the grilled cheese and tomato soup combo is great) - they also have a full bar
Miceli's
Need a classic Hollywood experience - stroll down the walk of fame and step into Miceli's for classic Italian food and singing waiters
Chado Tea Room
Have an afternoon to kill? Stop into Chado for afternoon tea with the works (tea sandwiches and scones) - check groupon for special deals!
Chinatown
Small Chinatown area for kitchy shopping, bakeries, and great photo opportunities. Phillipe's French Dip sandwiches is down in this area and is delicious and well priced - cash only this famous eatery boasts they are the one's that invited the french dip and have been featured on Anthony Bourdain's travel/food show "No Reservations". Chinatown is accessible via the metro Red Line (south). To get there walk from the hotel to the redline station (corner of hollywood & highland next to the mall) go south and switch to the Gold Line and exit Chinatown station!
Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo has great shops and food - Our favorite Ramen place is located there "Daikokuya" (be prepared to wait and it is a cash only establishment). Little Tokyo is accessible via the metro Red Line (south). To get there walk from the hotel to the redline station (corner of hollywood & highland next to the mall) go south and switch to the Gold Line and exit Little Tokyo station!
Jjukku Jjukku BBQ
We are big fans of all you can eat Korean BBQ - we recently discovered this hidden gem of an eatery which doesn't have a long wait and has great food for reasonable prices! If you are not familiar with KBBQ - you pay a flat fee and choose 2-3 meats, fish or veggies AT A TIME (as soon as you are done with those they come to take your next order) that are marinated and brought for you to cook on a grill in the middle of your table in addition you are also given unlimited side dishes that very from visit to visit and restaurant to restaurant but there are typically 10-20 sides of korean potato salad, kimchi, steamed egg, broth, veggies, and more! Another recommendation is Hae Jong Chon (but their wait is very long)