We live in a neighborhood where the July 4th festivities are too festive if you catch my drift, so…read morewe decided to try a staycation somewhere quieter and calmer. That's how we found the Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center. I figured with UCLA students gone for the summer the campus and Westwood Village would be a dead zone. I figured that neither the people living in high rises on Wilshire nor the people living in Mansions north of Sunset would be launching fireworks or having block parties and I was right. Westwood village was peaceful and campus was quiet. The only time we heard a loud noise was when a medivac helicopter landed at the hospital nextdoor. We were able to go for walks around campus with our dog and we all got to rest and relax and not be on edge because of loud fireworks. It was lovely! From the moment we pulled up and were greeted by the parking attendant to when we got our keys at registration, the entire arrival experience was exceptional. Our room was clean and we had everything we needed. We enjoyed watching the World Cup Game in our room and the hotel bar. We also had an outdoor lunch at the hotel's restaurant Plateia, We enjoyed our stay and so did our dog.

This review is for the conference I attended here and cannot speak for staying in the hotel, but…read morethe conference experience here was great! This conference center is really nice and paired with the terrific LA weather, makes for a lovely ambiance. Parking is a bit of a hassle here but you can park in the Structure 8 lot across the street and it cost $17/day, which isn't too bad. Still not as outrageous as NYC prices. Conference room was perfect, all the AV worked well and lunch was pretty good. The outdoor space here is really lovely and I got to sit outside during breaks and soaked up some sun like an amphibian on a rock haha. Overall, really enjoyed the space here. Definitely take a break here when visiting UCLA campus. Id come back here when back on UCLA campus.

Every couple months they have a jazz concert and it's excellent. It's free for members and five…read moredollars for non-members. If you want to check it out, look at their website I'm sure they'll have something about their jazz concerts on there. The quality of the music was great and we had a super time. We will definitely be back.

A Hidden Jewel in Santa Monica!…read more We had a great visit today to the Santa Monica Elks Lodge #906, located on Pico and 10th Street in Santa Monica. As longtime Elks, we always enjoy visiting different Lodges, and this one truly stood out. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Jenny, who graciously gave us a tour and shared the history and vibrance of this special place.It's a place that honors tradition while embracing a bright future. Lodge #906 is more than just a meeting space -- it's a sanctuary in the midst of a busy city. It was recently renovated, and the fresh new flooring, new paint, updated carpets, and tasteful décor make the entire space feel both welcoming and refreshed. We loved the nice comfortable Bar, too. The Lodge is beautifully maintained and serves as a vital community hub. In addition to hosting Elks meetings, the space is available for rent by other local organizations and community groups -- including the Kiwanis and Lion's Clubs -- making it an ideal cost-effective venue for gatherings, fundraisers, and celebrations. It's a resource that should remain top of mind for anyone looking for a well-appointed space to rent for parties, meetings and more. There's plenty of parking, which makes hosting events easy and convenient. And one of the standout features is the nice-sized stage, perfect for live entertainment, speakers, ceremonies, and performances. Whether it's a band night, awards event, or community presentation, the Lodge provides a welcoming and functional space for it all. Every Thursday, members gather for dinner at a very reasonable cost, and the calendar is filled with engaging events -- from live band performances to social mixers and more. There's a cozy card room where members enjoy games in good company, and a rising favorite among members is Mahjong -- easy to learn, fun to play, and a great way to connect. Throughout the building, you'll find thoughtful displays that honor the history and mission of the Elks. These serve as powerful reminders of the organization's deep roots and lasting impact. The members take great pride not just in their camaraderie, but also in their dedication to service -- regularly supporting and working with other non-profits to lift up the community. At the heart of it all is the Elks' enduring motto: Elks Care. Elks Share. With over 2,200 Lodges across the country and beyond, this isn't just a saying -- it's a way of life. The Elks are a living example of how kindness, generosity, and community spirit can thrive in today's world. They're more than a fraternal organization -- they're a national treasure, providing support, connection, and service in every corner of the country. If you've never visited an Elks Lodge, you're missing out on a slice of Americana where everyone is welcome, and the bonds of community still mean everything. Interested in joining? It's fun for all ages and a great place to meet your friends and family, too! Membership is not only meaningful -- it's incredibly cost-effective. The annual dues are surprisingly affordable, especially when you consider all the fellowship, fun, and opportunities to give back. Be sure to check it out! Santa Monica Elks Lodge #906 1040 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 Email: SM.ElksLodge906@gmail.com to learn more or schedule a visit!

Nice venue. Good sound system for speaker and host. Easy parking. Comfy seats with good view of the…read morestage.

Great place to see arnold and jamie curtis in culver city. Renovated looks great. Close to playa…read morevista in culver city.

In search of a new food-and-beverage event for a new experience, I discovered the Los Angeles Wine…read more& Food Festival at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, CA, and immediately purchased two VIP tickets for the Saturday Bite Club. The event was from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and using my better judgment, we took an Uber to and from the location. Arriving about a half hour before the doors opened, the line was quite long for the VIP entry, but once the doors opened, we entered in a matter of five minutes, and the festivities began. The vibe was Pop Culture with patrons of all flavors, and everyone was sporting their personal fashion statement and personality. The place was filled with the non-stop grooves played by the resident DJ, and everyone grooved to the beats as they savored the numerous delicious chef-created bites and chased them with the various whiskeys, tequila shots, cocktails, and brews available for consumption. Notable offerings: King Hawaiian - Soft Pretzel Bites Lior Hillel - Mediterranean Street Corn; and a Pilpelchuma Prawn Uyen Le BBQ Pulled Pork Banh Mi James Bailey - Smoked Pork Lettuce Wrap Javier Lopez - Yellowfin Tuna Tostada; and Compressed Pineapple Michael & Bryan Voltaggio "Voltaggio Brothers" - Wagyu Sloppy Joe; and Matcha Zeppole Rose Previte Maydan - Hummus with Roasted Lamb Shoulder Juan "Billy" Acosta - Carnitas El Momo Okay Inak "Sora Craft Kitchen" - Icli Kofta Kat Turner "Highly Likely" - Shaved Celery Salad Irene Verceles "The Surfing Fox" - Mango Pork Belly Gino Pineda "Dialog Cafe" - Miso Salmon with Miso Butter Lindsay McDonald "All About the Cinnamon" - The Big Poppa Cinnamon Roll Julia Tokarz & Gregory Lay "East Side Cheesecakes" -Cider & Silk Cheesecake Shooter Michel Reed "Poppy & Seed" - Smoked Beef Short Rib Pastrami David Kuo "Fatty Mart" - Chili Wontons; and Pork & Shrimp Dumplings Beverages provided by: Coke, Santa Cruz Mountains vineyard, Germain/Robin Distillery, Argonaut Brandy, Icelandic, Bernardus Winery, Pinhook Distillery, Cyrus Noble Bourdon Whiskey, Knob Creek, Frey Ranch, Peroni Beer, Magna Carta Winery, Lerner Project Winery, Alto Canto Tequila, Coyote Chief Winery, The Vice Winery, Grillin' Time Cocktails, and Brushwood Distillery In addition, lots of swag and discount cards were distributed. Items such as gift bags, bottle openers, pins, shot glasses, canned beverage covers, ballpoint pens, bottle sauces, t-shirts, and even a piercing studio in the VIP area! During the evening, the music played, wine, beer, and cocktails flowed, and the food was abundant. Everyone in attendance was in great spirits, friendly, and on their best behavior. I will definitely attend the coming year.

I went to the Eaaat event at this hangar and it was outstanding They had a few vendors and bar…read moreareas. The restrooms were nice and clean and all the personnel working the event were cool. The only thing I did not like they had run out of food early and they only had 25 good vendors. I felt they needed more vendors for a variety of food. Some good items were just ok and some were good. Easy parking and you had a nice breeze. Very clean place to have an event.

Stepping onto the grounds of Bel-Air Bay Club brings a sense of pure magic rushing over you…read more The venue has a breathtaking way of blending coastal elegance with timeless romance. Every single corner radiates beauty. Nothing feels forced; instead, the natural charm and sophisticated atmosphere of the space make a wedding day feel entirely luxurious, exclusive, and unforgettable. Beyond its stunning oceanfront backdrop, the property delivers the ultimate California wedding experience. It is a true 10 out of 10 that creates a flawless setting for a couple's most meaningful moments. I can't recommend this beautiful venue highly enough!

Came here for my friend's niece's wedding and the location itself was honestly really nice. The Bel…read moreAir Bay Club has that classic old Southern California feel to it, and being right by the ocean makes the whole atmosphere feel relaxed without trying too hard. We got there a little before the ceremony started, so it was nice just walking around the property and enjoying the view for a bit. The indoor and outdoor setup worked really well for the event. Everything seemed organized pretty smoothly throughout the night and the staff was attentive without being overly formal. Food was actually pretty decent too. Nothing super memorable for me personally, but definitely good enough for a wedding reception. The view and overall atmosphere were probably the part I enjoyed the most.

Saw "Monster Party" here yesterday. The show is spooky, mysterious and engaging. Well worth the…read moreticket. The Rita House was the perfect venue for this cocktail party show. The house is beautiful and spacious. The decor is Spanish colonial and has that old timey Los Angeles feel. Highly recommend.

My husband and I got married at Rita House last week and it was a wonderful experience. Scott and…read moreTash were incredible hosts and the space was everything we could have hoped for. I've been going through wedding photos and am just blown away by how perfect it all looked. It was everything we wanted. I HIGHLY recommend this space for any event (especially an intimate 60-person wedding). I wish I had more to say, but I'm at a loss for words... It was all just, perfect and that is because of this space and Scott and Tash. I can't thank them enough.

A really easy and relaxing area to have a picnic on the front yard. I still haven't been able to…read moreget there in time to tour the house. We'll behaved dogs can be seen off leash even though the signs say not to have your dogs off leash. I would continue to go and enjoy the quietness on the yard and have a picnic or even sunbathe as some do.

Wattles Mansion is a historic monument and it dates since 1907, built in Mediterranean style by…read morearchitects Myron Hunt and Elmer Grey who are famous for creating many landmarks in the city: Rose Bowl, Beverly Hills Hotel and Huntington among others. Nowadays, the mansion is empty, you can't visit it (too bad), just rent it for events. To many film fans, this is where "Ghoulies" was shot, its main locations. Other movies and TV series were shot here as well. But during Halloween month, we visited the place. Some street parking. Nice building, great lawn, beautiful views of the city. People were resting and picnic on the grass. Unfortunately the gardens are closed. The park is a block up the hill. Nice area, didn't do any hiking since it was super hot. A group was enjoying a picnic, watch out for rattle snakes. No picnic tables, you need to bring a blanket. No restrooms either, too bad. Nice green space, beautiful palm trees, fun to check out. The facility could be better maintained. If you live in the area, it's a good spot to enjoy some nature. It closes at 4 pm, so get there early! A more off the beaten path activity in Hollywood! Nice spot, I wish they would do tours!

I always wanted to visit this place, so after the annual Snowy Plover Walk at The Annenberg…read moreCommunity Beach House, I was glad to hear it would open shortly. Hours are extremely limited, so I figured I might as well take advantage of it. Plus, I had already paid $10 for parking for the day. There are plenty of comfortable places to sit, relax and enjoy the ocean view near this beautiful dwelling, or you can grab a bite to eat at the Back On The Beach Cafe. I wandered into the Marion Davies Guest House soon after it opened that Sunday, and docent Susan McCarthy gave me and another couple a wonderful tour. It was fascinating to learn this was only one of the guest quarters on this oceanfront property, along with the lavish 110-room mansion the actress shared with William Randolph Hearst. Sadly, everything else except one pool was bulldozed for a parking lot! Though Davies had numerous affairs, she remained Hearst's mistress until he died. They entertained a variety of celebrities here, including Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Pola Negri, David Niven and Joan Crawford. Peruse the photos on the walls, and watch the video, "The True Story of Marion Davies," for a delicious dose of Hollywood history. Unfortunately, there is no period furniture, but that's probably why anyone can rent the space for events. Step back in time, and check it out.

Absolutely a hidden gem in Santa Monica…read more A must see for California history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. Summer guest house of Marion Davies, who was a model, showgirl, silent movie star and Paramore to William Randolph Hearst. I met up with some friends on a Saturday afternoon and we brought our own lunches and sat on the deck with nice picnic tables and umbrellas. Not crowded as you might think it would be. Cool breeze and lots of people watching. After lunch we took a. docent lead tour of the guest house. Which is FREE. Entry is FREE and all are welcome. The hours are Friday-Sunday, 10am-3pm. Parking a little challenging so go early. Plenty of ADA spaces.