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Horsing Around At Sunset Ranch Stables

November 23, 2010 by Jasper

Do horses and Hollywood make a happy couple? Off the top of my head, I would probably say not really but I am sure that the people at Sunset Ranch Stables – and the countless tourists that have gone there – would strongly disagree. Sunset Ranch Stables is the only horse ranch in the greater Los Angeles area and has long established its name as a tourist attraction. Located just under the world famous Hollywood sign, Sunset Ranch Stables offer horse rides day and night as well as majestic scenery.

The ranch has been in its current location since 1954 and more than the horse rides, it is also famous for the Sunset Dinner. The original owner of the ranch is Jute Smith but it is now Stephen Smith, Jr., his grandson who is running the place.

They have various offerings with regard to the rides. Perhaps the most sought after package is the Sunset Dinner Ride, which lasts 90 minutes long. This ride starts out at the main area, goes through Griffith Park, then to Burbank, and then reaches the highlight – dinner at the Viva Fresh Mexican Restaurant. I think that the package price does not include the dinner, which can cost anywhere from $6 to $12 per person.

If you are interested in joining a ride, you have to make reservations unless it is a Friday. More so, you have to be at least 16 years old to participate. Public rides cost $60 per person while private rides will, naturally, cost more.

Filed Under: Places Tagged With: Hollywood places, Hollywood vacations

Chateau Marmont: A Hollywood Icon

November 18, 2010 by Jane

180px-chateaumarmont_01It may not be the newest hotel in the area, nor is it the grandest, but the Chateau Marmont is the hotel steeped in authentic Hollywood history. Located at 8221 Sunset Boulevard, the hotel was built in 1927 by Fred Horowitz. It was modeled after the famed Château d’Amboise in the Loire Valley in France. Originally, though, the project was not meant as a hotel. In fact, it was opened in 1929 as an apartment building. Due to the high rent and the Depression, there weren’t many takes. As such, it was converted into a hotel in 1931.

In 1990, Chateau Marmont was bought and has since then been run by hotelier Andre Balazs. So what is so special about this hotel? Let’s just say that countless Hollywood (and non-Hollywood) celebrities have spent many a naughty time in this place. This hotel is perhaps the most discrete and most private that you can find in all of Hollywood. And, in a place where privacy is hard to come by, Chateau Marmont is a haven for many. Indeed, Harry Cohn (founder of Columbia Pictures) is quoted to have said that “If you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont.”

This license for the naughty and the privacy does not come cheaply, though. The hotel has 63 rooms, cottages, and bungalows. The cheapest room – standard – will cost you a hefty $300++ per night. For the utmost privacy, the bungalows are what the stars choose. I can’t even begin to imagine how much these cost!

The next time you find yourself with cash – lots of it – to burn and you want a genuine Hollywood experience, check yourself in at the Chateau Marmont.

Filed Under: History, Lifestyle, Places Tagged With: Hollywood places, hotels

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