Awards season reaches its pinnacle with the 91st Academy Awards on February 24. During the exciting frenzy of pomp and prestige, many Southern California hotels get in on the action by rolling out a proverbial red carpet so you can primp and prep just like the stars.
Here are some of the highlights around town you won’t want to miss:
Visit Special Events and Viewing Parties
Newport Beach’s Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star The Resort at Pelican Hill hosts an elegant viewing party designed to make you feel like an A-lister. The night begins by walking down the red carpet, followed by cocktails inspired by this year’s nominated movies and then an Oscars-themed feast, complete with specialty popcorn. Cast your Oscars ballot for a chance to win dinner for two at Pelican Grill.
Still haven’t seen all of this year’s best picture nominees? Catch all eight films during the third annual Oscar Dinner and a Movie Series at Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. From February 19 through 23, savor a prix fixe, three-course lunch or dinner at the property’s Italian restaurant, Culina, before being escorted to the hotel’s uber-luxe movie theater for a screening of a 2019 nominated film, such as A Star Is Born or Bohemian Rhapsody. A portion of proceeds from your dinner and a show will benefit Lollipop Theater, a nonprofit providing in-hospital entertainment for children with life-threatening illnesses.
Do Red Carpet Prep
Get your awards show shine on with the One that Glitters package from Santa Monica’s Four-Star One the Spa, tucked inside celebrity favorite Four-Star Shutters on the Beach. A 90-minute, anti-aging Red Carpet Facial leaves your skin looking refreshed, while a 60-minute Ginger Coconut Body Scrub will have you glowing from head to toe. Other VIP perks include complimentary valet parking and a bottle of One Hope sparkling wine to toast your fresh look.
In the heart of Beverly Hills, Four-Star The Beverly Hilton‘s newly opened Upgrade Labs — a high-tech wellness center that provides science-driven treatments for dramatic results — offers a Red Carpet Radiance service. Just in time for your big moment in the spotlight, the 55-minute service includes LED light therapy, a deep-tissue massage and a cryotherapy facial. The result is toned, glowing skin, increased energy and a clear mind.
Go for the (Oscar) gold with the Ultimate Indulgence Red Carpet Experience at Five-Star The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ Four-Star rooftop spa. This fit-for-a-star service takes place in three luxurious stages. Step one is a six-in-one facial using a high-tech machine that delivers streamlined anti-aging results; step two is a full-body scrub and slimming wrap using fat-burning ingredients like maté and coffee that’s followed by a scalp massage with KOS Paris hair serum; your final pampering phase includes a massage with Perle Fine Slimming Oil and a take-home KOS gift bag with cult favorites, such as 3-Tea Fine Cream and a sea salt scrub.
In addition to the Red Carpet Ready Experience, a five-hour spa day extravaganza, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles (which services both Four-Star The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and sister property Forbes Travel Guide Recommended J.W. Marriott Los Angeles, L.A. Live) is providing a few new options — opt for the Soothing Sound Bath Massage or an Aromatherapy Relaxation Massage in collaboration with locally based experts, Unplug Meditation — to help calm those awards-show jitters.
Celebrate Like an Oscar Winner
To celebrate the season in true front-page style, book the Over-the-Top Oscars Package at InterContinental Los Angeles Century City. For $1,500 per night, you’ll enjoy a 24-karat gold cocktail at the hotel’s Copper Lounge upon arrival, Executive Suite accommodations, a personal shopping consultation, a $1,000 credit to Bloomingdale’s at Westfield Century City and in-suite hair and makeup by on-demand styling service Glam Squad. Show off your camera-ready look with a chauffeured ride around town in the hotel’s Tesla.
This week, we revealed our 2019 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards. Click here to see the complete list of winners.