
For An Affordable Summer “Staycation” or “Daycation” Hollywood Is The Perfect Destination.
(HOLLYWOOD, CA) -- Although there are signs that the economy will recover, an elaborate summer vacation away from home is still not an option for many. This summer, consider staying close to home for a “Staycation” or just a “Daycation” that allows you to live large in Hollywood while spending less. Whether it is quality time with the whole family or a couples retreat, these entertaining itineraries can provide a memorable experience while our cost-saving tips will help stretch your summer entertainment budget.
Insider Secrets For Cost Savings:
• Make Hollywood & Highland Center your base. No matter what Hollywood activity you’re planning, parking at Hollywood & Highland Center is a convenient and affordable option at only $2.00 for 4 hours with a validation from any of the center’s shops or restaurants. The parking structure is centrally located, safe and the best deal in the city.
• If you’re going to Hollywood Bowl or Pantages Theatre, save money and hassle by parking at Hollywood & Highland Center and catching a shuttle to the Bowl ($4 per person) or to the Pantages ($3 per person – or free if you dine at The Grill on Hollywood, Koji’s Shabu Shabu or Trastevere)
• Love live music but low on cash? Enjoy performances by top names in Jazz FREE at Hollywood & Highland’s Wine and Jazz event sponsored by KJAZZ radio in the Central Courtyard every Tuesday from 7:00-9:00pm through August. Visit the wine tasting tent to enjoy fine wines and an assortment of cheese and fruit. A $10 wine tasting donation benefits Project Angel Food. Enjoy an eclectic assortment of FREE musical performances at Indie Thursdays at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel Lobby Bar every Thursday from 7:30-9:30 pm. No cover charge.
• Get a Hollywood & Highland Elephant Card to receive discounts from Madame Tussauds, Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, Spa Luce, Kodak Theatre and most of Hollywood & Highland’s stores and eateries. Visit hollywoodandhighlandcenter.com/elephantcard or stop by the Visitor’s Information Center to get a free Elephant Card.
• Show the Elephant Card while dining at U Wink, Trastevere, The Grill or Koji’s Shabu Shabu and they will cover the cost of parking for up to four hours.
• Get two free tickets to Hollywood Bowl and Pantages Theatre shows with purchases totaling $100 or more (Hollywood Bowl) or $150 or more (Pantages Theatre) at Hollywood & Highland stores and restaurants through the end of August.
• Stay overnight at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa and take advantage of special cost-savings packages including: Spa Luce, Hollywood Bowl, Pantages Theatre, El Capitan Theater and H&H Wine & Jazz.
• Take the MTA Metro to Hollywood & Highland Center, and the shuttle ride to the Hollywood Bowl is FREE with a Metro ticket or pass.
Stress-Free “Daycation” for Families:
• Start the day off at French Crepe Company at Hollywood & Highland Center for a delectable assortment of breakfast crepes and waffles, then head across the street to Disney’s El Capitan Theatre for a live stage show starring Disney characters and a screening of ”Up” showing through July 23rd or “G Force” starting July 24th.
• Next, imagine being surrounded by paparazzi while strolling the red carpet down Awards Walk toward the Kodak Theatre. Take a guided tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at all that goes into the creation of the annual Oscars® telecast.
• Or…Get up close and personal with life-like replicas of your family’s favorite Hollywood celebrities at the new Madame Tussauds wax museum (opening in early August).
• For lunch, the 50’s style Johnny Rockets is an entertaining and affordable place for the whole family. After lunch, enjoy an ice cream cone from Coldstone Creamery or a healthy fruit smoothie from D’lush while the kids play in the pop jet fountain in the Central Courtyard.
• End the day with a family photo in front of the famous Hollywood Sign - the best photo spot is on Hollywood & Highland Center’s fourth level. For dinner, consider California Pizza Kitchen or U Wink. Both have kid-friendly menus.
• Make it a “Staycation: Can’t fit it all into one day? Check in at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel & Spa where the family can relax and splash in the beautiful roof-top pool overlooking the Hollywood Sign. Next to the pool, the tranquil and beautiful Spa Luce awaits just in case Mom or Dad want to take time out for some first class pampering.
A “Daycation” for Mind, Body and Soul:
• Start the day with a hike in Runyan Canyon and enjoy the perfect combination of nature and exercise. Have a breakfast at Twist Restaurant at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa for a healthful and delicious breakfast at their incomparable buffet.
• After breakfast, check-in at Spa Luce for first class pampering. Unwind in the beautiful relaxation area before indulging in one or more of the many specialized treatments the spa offers - enjoy side-by-side treatments in the private couples room, spend time in the eucalyptus infused steam room before diving into the beautiful rooftop swimming pool (use of the pool is included in each spa visit).
• Enjoy lunch from the pool bar featuring cuisine by Wolfgang Puck or venture into Hollywood & Highland Center to enjoy a healthy lunch at one of their restaurants.
• Make It a Staycation: Take advantage of the Renaissance Hollywood’s specially-priced spa package to extend your retreat. While you’re at the hotel, take advantage of the new state-of-the-art poolside fitness center.
Be a Tourist for a Day:
• Check out the stars’ hand and foot prints in the forecourt of the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and stroll down the Walk of Fame to check-out the stars in the sidewalk. When you reach the Kodak Theatre arch step just inside to see Muhammad Ali’s star. The only one not positioned in the ground, this star is displayed on the east wall due to the champ’s request that people not trample on his name.
• From Hollywood Boulevard, hop on an open air Starlines tour bus and enjoy seeing all the stars homes.
• For lunch, choose California Pizza Kitchen at Hollywood and Highland Center. While you’re waiting for a table you can see the city’s best view of the Hollywood Sign.
• From CPK, it is only a few steps to the world famous Kodak Theatre for a guided behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about what goes into creating the Academy Awards® show as well as the other high profile events that are held there.
• Continue sight-seeing at the Hollywood Museum located in the building that used to be Max Factor’s makeup studio. You’ll see the original makeup rooms decorated to compliment the coloring of blondes, red heads and brunettes. Movie props and tributes to film stars are also featured.
• Catch today’s Hollywood in action at a free taping of the Jimmy Kimmel Show just across the street from Hollywood & Highland Center. To get tickets to the evening tapings, visit 1iota.com or call 1 866-JIMMYTIX.
• Make it a Staycation: After a day of rediscovering Hollywood, you’ll appreciate getting the star treatment from Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa associates whose name tags feature the title of their favorite movie. For celebrity-style pampering, visit Spa Luce on the 5th level. Check-out the signature bath and beauty products featuring an exclusive scent created by Dr. Sharon, a noted aromatherapist whose many A-list clients include Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Shopping, Dining and Nightlife Escape:
• Not your typical shopping center, Hollywood & Highland Center offers a unique open-air environment where something out-of-the-ordinary is always happening. On any given day, you might see a music star performing in the courtyard, a television show in production or a unique event.
• At Hollywood & Highland Center and just steps away on Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll find a good selection of shops and restaurants including Louis Vuitton, Guess?, Lucky Brand Jeans, Coach, Aveda, Mac Cosmetics, BCBG Max Azria, Sephora, Gap, XXI, American Apparel, H&M, The Grill on Hollywood, California Pizza Kitchen, Trastevere, Koji’s Shabu Shabu, French Crepe Company, Loteria, Lucky Devil and much more.
• Nightlife destinations include Lucky Strike Lanes, Level 3, The Highlands, H Wood, The Knitting Factory, Geisha House and more. For a state-of-the-art movie experience, the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre or Mann’s Chinese 6 Cinemas are the best bet.
• Make it a Staycation: After a long day of shopping, treat your tired feet to a soothing reflexology treatment and pedicure at Spa Luce, then tuck yourself into a comfy bed at Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa where special overnight packages make pampering yourself affordable.
For more details visit:
www.hollywoodandhighland.com
www.spaluce.com
www.renaissancehollywood.com
www.manntheatres.com
www.madametussauds.com
www.hollywoodbowl.com
www.thehollywoodmuseum.com



