Hotel Angeleno and the Getty

 

The circular tower just off the freeway at Sunset Boulevard has long been a landmark as travelers come over the Sepulveda Pass and get their first glimpse of West Los Angeles. Recently, the Joie de Vivre Hotel Group purchased the property. After an extensive renovation, the finished product is the Hotel Angeleno. The location is superb, especially for a trip to the Getty Center. On your way in or out you will also want to visit the nearby Getty Villa.

The famed oil baron J. Paul Getty has left Los Angeles two great museums to house his work. The original location in Pacific Palisades is now called The Getty Villa. This location features Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities arranged by themes including Gods and Goddesses, Dionysus and the Theatre, and stories of the Trojan War. Set high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, it is situated where one can see from the Palos Verdes Peninsula to the south all the way up the coast to Malibu. The property features Roman inspired architecture and gardens. The Café at the Getty Villa serves Mediterranean fare, including soups, salads, panini, pastas and pizza. Wine and beer also are available.

 

The Getty Center is the newer venue, perched high on a hill overlooking virtually the whole of Los Angeles, from the San Gabriel Mountains to the sea. You actually take a tram ride from the hillside parking area up to the Center. This venue presents Getty’s collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. The Café at the Getty Center is more formal, featuring a full lunch menu, and reservations are recommended. For more information visit www.getty.edu.

After your Getty visits, the Hotel Angeleno awaits. The hotel interior features a relaxed, contemporary design. The rooms have the finest bedding and linens, as well as flat screen televisions. The bathroom areas have been upgraded as well with the finest appointments.

The West Restaurant and Lounge awaits guests on the 17th floor. This Italian Steakhouse offers dramatic views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the city just to the south. The food and service were excellent. I had the Kobe Steak, which was expertly prepared.

Golfers with connections have numerous options close to the hotel. Mountaingate Country Club, Riviera Country Club, Bel Air Country Club and Brentwood Country Club all are nearby. Rancho Park is open to the public and just 10 to 15 minutes away.

Hotel Angeleno also has a nice pool area with a fitness center. Most guests are too busy to enjoy this area, a phenomenon that left it very private on our visit. For more information visit www.hotelangelino.com.

 

LA Open notes

On this trip to the Hotel Angelino, I managed to take in the first round of the Los Angeles Open. My relationship to this PGA Tour event dates back to my high school days, when I caddied each year for Touring Pro Don Bies. Back in those days the caddie had to walk the course each morning and “get the pins.” My parents would drop me off at 5 a.m. so that I could be done in time for my pro’s tee time. Today pin sheets are handed out to all players, caddies and even the press.

When I caddied, the pros had these monster leather bags. I remember wondering if I could even make it up the large hill leading to the 18th fairway. Today the bags are synthetic nylon and about half as heavy. Caddies are allowed to wear shorts and they can make a handsome salary. The PGA Tour pros have realized how important it is to have a great caddy by your side. As a result, many of the top loopers can earn $500,000 plus if they carry for a leading money winner. It is more of a partnership now. I even noticed that Davis Love III had former tour player, and winner, Mike Hulbert on his bag.

PGA Tour events have become a showplace for corporate entertaining, almost like mini Super Bowls each week. There are corporate tents all around the course where guests can eat and drink while they are watching the golf. Years ago, this activity was confined to the clubhouse area.

In my formative days in business I served on the LA Open Committee back in the early 80’s. The Los Angeles Junior Chamber of Commerce ran the event back then, and we had great fun. Today, the PGA Tour has more and more full time employees. I guess with so much money involved each week they do not want to leave anything to chance.

 

 

PGA show

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