Hello from Los Angeles!
First things first, HOORAY for no humidity! Oh my gosh, I am so excited to breathe air that isn’t thick. Oh happy day! (I just checked my weather app and according to AccuWeather, the humidity level is at 72 percent in LA today, but compared to Ocala, it’s amazing. I think Ocala humidity must be 5,304 percent.)
I arrived in LA a little before 8 p.m. last night and am already a big fan of the city’s public transportation. I know it’s probably a weird thing to comment on, but whenever Ryan and I travel to big cities that have lots of public transportation options, we get excited. It’s really nice not to have to worry about where to park in a big city or rely on cabs to take you to and from destinations. I always get a little stressed out when I try to navigate public transportation in a new area for the first time, but everything went smoothly last night.
First, I took the FlyAway bus to Union Station. The bus driver announced that there was free wifi on the bus, which was pretty cool! Once I got to Union Station, I hopped on the red line and waited three stops until I got off and walked two blocks to my hotel.
I traveled to LA for the IDEA conference on behalf of Reebok and they arranged for me to stay at The Standard.
Quick aside: Reebok is currently offering PBF readers 35 percent off your next order at Reebok.com with the use of the promo code PBF35!
A PBF reader reached out to me on Twitter about a coupon code for those who didn’t win my most recent giveaway and Reebok agreed to offer one to you guys, so feel free to use the code on your next purchase! (Please note that this code excludes Reebok CrossFit gear, custom shoes, gift cards and items with $.98 price endings and is valid for today only.)
Now back to the hotel…
The Standard is unlike any hotel I’ve ever seen before! When I called Ryan after I checked in, he asked me what I thought and I said it was super modern. He laughed and said, “So it’s totally your style?”
The hotel is comfortable and everything, but it’s definitely not my style. I love welcoming rooms with plush couches and comfortable decor. This place is very minimalist, with clean lines and and a bed that is practically on the ground. But it’s the bathroom that really caught my attention.
Check it out!
Doesn’t it look like an upscale locker room or something!? Funky!
The bed was really comfortable and I slept like a baby last night which is all I ask!
This morning I woke up at 6 a.m. and had a little trouble with the internet connection in my room, so I walked a block to a coffee shop to hop on their internet and grab a cup of coffee. Now I’m on the lookout for a local spot for a quick breakfast.
If you’re from LA or have ever visited the city, I’d love recommendations about what to see and do while I’m here! I won’t have much free time and I’ll be leaving early on Friday, but I’d love to grab dinner at a great local restaurant and see some fun things in the small amount of down time I’ll have while I am here.
See ya later!
Questions of the Morning
- What do you think about modern decor? Do you love it or is it lost on you?
- If you live in or have visited LA in the past, what recommendations do you have for someone visiting the city for the first time?
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awesome hotel!! i went to LA once, and coming from NYC (where you walk EVERYWHERE) i tried to walk from my hotel to my destination and realized- as cars were honking at me from all directions- its not really a city of walkers.cars rule.
Yay…you made it! I’ve never been to LA, but would love to go sometime!
I love that hotel room! I like modern décor, so it’s totally my taste.
oh my gosh! I want that Reebok Dance Top but I can’t find it on the website!
Here’s a link! http://shop.reebok.com/us/product/women-own-beat-long-bra-top-apparel/BA614?cid=Z64362&breadcrumb=sxZ1z12d6cZ1z13070Z1z11zrf
Thank you!! 😀
You’re welcome! I’m buying it, too. 🙂
I think modern is definitely cool for some people, but I certainly couldn’t live in it. I’m with you on the plush and welcoming furniture and decor. Have fun in LA!
I’m not a huge fan of modern décor, but I do love the minimalist look. My dream home would be all white furniture with pops of color, beach style. Very relaxing and welcoming. I want to feel calm at home. 🙂
Villa Blanca and SUR are both phenomenal! If you have time you should check out The Grove, its quite the shopping “mall” and they have a farmers market that is one of my favorites! And if you can make it to Beverly Hills you MUST try Sprinkles Ice Cream and cupcakes,
Thanks for the recommendations! Googling The Grove right now!
Julie you would LOVE The Grove! If you go during the day, “Extra” is filmed there so you’d for sure see a few celebs. 😉
I second the Sprinkles recommendation. Although I’ve never been to The Grove location (I’ve only been to the ones in Chicago and NYC), Sprinkles has the BEST cupcakes. Some of my favorites are pumpkin, chai latte and red velvet. Have fun exploring!
Wahoo for LA! I absolutely love it there!
Haha wow, that is totally a modern hotel. Not really my style either, but it’s hilarious to see every once and a while.
As an Angeleno, I can tell you that the city is quite spread out, so anywhere you go, you’ll find something to do. In the downtown area, some places you can visit include Pershing Square (which has a Summer Outdoor Concert Series as well as a Farmers Market), Grand Central Market, Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, and Chinatown. Grand Central Market has a lot of food stands for casual dining. The food trucks craze is alive and well here in LA too! If you want a nicer sit-down dinner, Bottega Louie is pretty delicious (and I hear their macarons are supposed to be amazing). And the obligatory SoCal thing to do, if you have time, is to journey out to the beach! Happy LA exploring!
I second Bottega Louie! Food is phenomenal and reasonably priced and the macarons are super yummy!!
Definitely Bottega Louie! It’s downtown, so you wont have to travel far to get there. Also, The Grove is one of my favorite spots in LA, so if you have time I recommend it. Finally, you cant leave without getting In-N-Out.
I love visiting new hotels! The ones that always catch my attention are the most modern looking like the one you’re staying at. They are so interesting to me. I would never decorate like that, but I think they are the best to stay in and enjoy for a few days.
I’m actually a big fan of modern decor… I like the design of that hotel. I do hope you enjoy LA. I have been a few times and while other parts of California is beautiful I am not an LA fan (not my “scene”) BUT… I did have some of the best fro-yo every from a place called Yogurtland. It’s a franchise so I am sure you will find one somewhere 🙂 hope you have a great time.
There was a Yogurtland by my parents’ old house in St. Pete! Their oatmeal cookie frozen yogurt is still my ALL TIME favorite!
You HAVE to go eat at Wurstkuche…amazinggg trust me especially the truffle fries. Great ambiance as well 🙂
That is too modern for me too! Yikes!
As someone who only dreams of hotels and actual travel….don’t think i’d ever complain about a room like that …new to me ,, ha 🙂
I love modern!! This is too much for my taste!!
You’re going to have a blast in LA and at the conference! Thanks for the coupon code!
Is your conference at the Convention Center? If so, check out Katsuya in LA Live for amazing sushi! Also, if you like Mexican Rosa Mexicana is awesome.
Ha! My sister and I took a trip to LA and stayed downtown in our uncle’s loft. I highly recommend LA Cafe off 5th and Spring- they have delicious iced coffee and breakfast is out of this world (add avocado – cali avocados are also amazing). That room is just bizarre haha but glad you got a great sleep! Have fun in LA! xo
That is an interesting hotel! The bathroom is so odd looking! Glad that things are going well for you so far! 🙂 I watch Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Lisa Vanderpump’s two restaurants are in Beverly Hills, Sur and Villa Blanca. I’ve always wanted to check those out!
Hi! YOU MUST go to Urth Cafee… you’d LOVE everything about it. There are a few in LA (one Downtown, one in Beverly Hills, and one in West Hollywood). The one I have been to is on 8565 Melrose Ave in West Hollywood. They have the most delicious, healthiest breakfast, lunches and teas and coffees- think they have dinner too (not positive) but it’s more of a sit outside and people watch during the day type place. I have never seen a celebrity there BUT I know many people who have and they even eat there on Entourage! It’s pretty much known as a celeb hang out. They have delicious oatmeals, amazing salads and soups that are organic and super filling. I got a blended green tea along with my salad which was also great. It’s very fun to people watch- everyone is so trendy and so LA 🙂 Hope you get the chance to go!
Sounds delicious!!!
One of my best friends lives in Santa Monica! I visited her a few years ago, but other than the touristy stuff we did, I don’t remember any of the restaurants or other sights. Have fun!
The modern look is definitely lost on me as well. I get really excited about public transport too! My husband is always complaining that the south has done a horrible job when it comes to public transport so he’d only ever live in a big northern city. The more we travel, the more I see his point!
I would have to agree with you about the modern décor – just not my style! My boyfriend loves the urban, modern look while I definitely prefer cozy and inviting. The Nines hotel you blogged about while you were in Portland is MUCH more appealing 😉
Modern designs aren’t really my thing. I prefer the cozy homey feel.
I definitely like my modern touches! The only thing I refuse to get is an uncomfortable, modern couch! They always seem to have super low backs or not enough cushion. I need to be able to flop on my couch with a blanket! So still on the search for a comfy modern couch over here 🙂
WHATTT that bathroom is so insane! I don’t think I could handle staying there for too long. Modern is soooo not me!
thank you so much for the reebok promo code. i took advantage of it to buy a SECOND who made the rules tank. i love the first one i bought but it is too big now. 🙂
Isn’t that tank ridiculously comfortable!? I wear it all the time. 🙂
I’ve heard amazing things about Gjelina and I’ll be eating there when I visit LA next month!
That hotel room is crazy!! I mean it’s pretty cool and all, but I agree with you, I wouldn’t like feeling like I was sleeping on the floor. and the lockerroom bathroom is too manly for my liking 🙂 Have fun LA, don’t think twice about the wacky room!
Hey Julie! Welcome to the land of no humidity. 🙂 So many delicious places to eat in that town: Toast is a great breakfast/lunch spot but it might be a bit of a hike (it’s in Beverly Center/West Hollywood area) – and Church and State is a great little hotspot in downtown LA – which should be closer to you 🙂
http://www.LemonsandLunges.com – if you make it to San Diego, I’ll cook for you and give you TONS more suggestions. Have fun!!
welcome to LA 🙂 i visited the standard’s rooftop bar once with friends and had a great time! i highly recommend bottega louie for dinner (they have the most amazing mussels and they’re famous for their macaroons). i have also heard great things about perch, which is supposed to have delicious food and you can dine on their rooftop. enjoy the IDEA conference – can’t wait to read your recaps!
I was in LA recently and ate a fabulous dinner at Monsieur Marcel. It’s half gourmet market, half restaurant. I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re in that area! I think it was near Rodeo Drive – super nice area too 🙂
Seconding what some people have already mentioned… If you go to the Grove, be sure to check out the Farmer’s Market there as well (daily, year round) as well as Umami Burger. Sprinkles Cupcake is a must try and if you don’t make it all the way to the Grove, there is one in DTLA in the Fig & 7th plaza. Urth Caffe is amazing, as is Bottega Louie. For omakase style sushi, check out Sugarfish. Also, stop by the rooftop bar at the Standard for a beautiful view of DTLA! If you’re roaming around and come across the bacon wrapped hotdog carts stationed on street corners, give it a try! It’s a staple late night drunk food and is to die for (even if you’re not drunk!). 🙂
Oh and if you’ve never had In n Out, DOO IT!
I love big, fluffy everythings so I’m not sure if the clean lines and box structure would be a winner in my book. For some reason, it just doesn’t seem welcoming to me?
If you have time to leave downtown you HAVE to stop by the Southbay! I live in Hermosa Beach and and love it! You have to stop by North End Caffe in Manhattan Beach for their short rib tacos. Plus you can rent a bike and bike through the beach cities on the strand. : )
It’s weird to hear someone complimenting LA’s public transportation!! I’ve lived here almost seven years and think it’s the worst out of any city I’ve ever been to HAHA. I’m glad you had a good experience though! If you’re at the Standard downtown and have someone you can grab a drink w/, Five Grand and the Edison are both awesome bars. The Edison often has a cover (which is rare in LA) so of the two, I’d go w/Five Grand. It’s swanky…yet there are also pool tables! As a westsider myself, you can’t go wrong with Venice Beach/Santa Monica/Montana Ave. if you can get there 🙂
I love public transportation in Europe–they have the best systems!
Have fun in LA!
I just ordered way too much from Reebok! Thanks for the discount! I live in L.A! Since you are in downtown, I would check out Chinatown, where you can find exotic fruits and veggies. The fashion district is always fun too! But that may require more time than you have to explore. If you head to the coast, Santa Monica and Malibu are some of my favorite beaches in the area.
Thanks so much for the coupon code. Just bought myself new running shoes I desperately needed!
Welcome to LA! A few of my favorite spots in downtown (I live in Santa Monica) near the STandard are:
Bottega Louie: Great for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Very lofty NYC vibe.
Wood Spoon: unreal chicken pot pie. Was featured on the Food Network!
Nickle Diner : known for their maple bacon donut
Baco Mercat: great spanish tapas
Mendocino Farms: excellent sandwiches, super fresh
Water Grill : great seafood
Awesome! Thank you!
I want that tank!! I cant find it on the website though 🙁 Is it not released yet?
It is! It’s part of their dance line: http://shop.reebok.com/us/product/women-own-beat-long-bra-top-apparel/BA614?cid=Z64362&breadcrumb=sxZ1z12d6cZ1z13070Z1z11zrf
hahaha that hotel looks like a sex pad and/or something out of austin powers!
that dance top is adorable. awesome discount! alas the last thing i need is more workout clothes.
LOL!
I always drive by the standard but never knew what it was like inside! Also, its too funny to me that LA’s public transportation system seemed to work well for you because it’s actually known for being beyond useless! My favorite part about DTLA are the random taco trucks that hang around late at night but there are actually a few really nice little cafes. If youre a nerd like me definitely stop by The Last Bookstore, it’s seriously the coolest.
Casa Vega in Studio City has the BEST lobster quesadilla EVER. It’s a fun place to visit, dim lighting and kind of an old feel.
Oh yea! And if you’re going to grab a drink there’s a place near that hotel called Perch with the best view of LA (in my opinion) and swanky french drinks.
Yes! Perch is amazing!
You’ve got to the be the first person to complement LA on their public transportation 🙂 – that city gets quite a bad rap for their lack of public transportation and traffic! But, always good when you can find an easy way to get around when visiting a new city!
Ha! It was pretty seamless for me! I hope I didn’t jinx myself!
That bathroom is insane! I really like modern decor, but only when it is mixed in with other decor. Otherwise, I think that it has the tendency to be a bit cold.
Yogurtland! 🙂 I also heard that Umami is a great burger place!
The Milky Way at 9108 West Pico Boulevard. Cutest little kosher dairy restaurant (they have fish) and owned by Steven Spielberg’s mom, who is the cutest little woman ever! I recommend the salmon puffs, tuna melt, and the guacamole is the best ever!
Oh! I’m so silly. I can’t believe I forgot a food truck downtown near your hotel: The Grilled Cheese Truck! Bomb dot com, yo 🙂 http://www.thegrilledcheesetruck.com/
Welcome to LA! I live in WeHo and wish I got downtown more frequently. If you have a chance, you’ll love the shopping on Melrose. Grab a sundownder drink at the Chateau Marmont, and take a quick hike up Runyon Canyon (for the views, the exercise, and the awesome body watching). Laurel Hardware is amazing for drinks. I’m not wild about the Grove, which is basically a large glamorous shopping center, but the Santa Monica Pier and the Venice Boardwalk are both musts. LACMA might have some amazing exhibits on right now and the art there is spectacular and funky. The OtherRoom in Venice is great for a night out too! Have fun!
Thanks so much for these recs, Deb!!
I totally feel you on the public transport thing – I get so stressed when I’m driving in a new city and have to find parking! Although there is always a possibility of getting lost on the bus, people seem pretty good about letting you know when you get to your stop 🙂