Get the Scoop

At 3,114 feet, Sandstone Peak is a breathtaking sight for all who visit. Within the scenic Malibu terrain leading there, a 6-mile loop trail offers extraordinary views and a workout along the way. During the late summer months, hikers can spot white wildflowers blooming from the redshank plants throughout the landscape. Vibrant wildlife also abounds on the trail, including foxes, California scrub jays, and western fence lizards.

While the drive up takes a little under an hour, it’s quite a beautiful journey. Along Pacific Coast Highway, the road winds beside oceanfront cliffs, offering panoramic views of the sea. For a socially distant outing away from the city, it’s the perfect opportunity for a day trip to remember.

The Natural History Museum has adapted its website to include virtual exhibits and activities. Peruse what they call “virtual adventures” into the natural world. 

The Getty Museum has an entire, in-depth Bauhaus exhibit on their website. They also offer downloadable coloring books for kids (or adults!) and other free materials for inspiration and learning.

MOCA has been particularly innovative in finding ways to engage with their audience virtually. The museum has created a daily series, available on moca.org and across their social media platforms, for this time of social distancing. Themes include “Back to School” Mondays and “Feel Good Fridays”.

Until your next visit to La La Land, get clicking and explore the rich culture of Los Angeles from home.

We here at the Hotel Normandie have always valued and put above all else, the health and safety of our guests and employees.  In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, we wanted to assure you of the precautions we have put in place to protect everyone as we all navigate this challenging time together.  We wish to express our deepest sympathies for those affected by this disastrous event and offer our sincerest gratitude to those in our government agencies and the health care community who are working to slow the spread of COVID-19.

We want to assure everyone that we are actively monitoring and keeping abreast of the latest developments on COVID-19.  On Wednesday, March 4^th, 2020, the State of California declared a State of Emergency regarding the Coronavirus outbreak.  This was followed by similar declarations of the City and County of Los Angeles, where Hotel Normandie is located.  These declarations are made to allow the state and local governments to activate resources to combat the spread of COVID-19 that otherwise would not be available to them. 

If we are alerted to a case of COVID-19 arising from our hotel, we will immediately work with local health authorities to obtain assistance and guidance on what steps to take with our guests and employees.  In an effort to prevent this from happening, these are the steps we are taking:

• We are increasing the number of times we are cleaning the public areas, particularly with regard to disinfecting door handles, front desk counters, credit card readers, the business center computer, elevator buttons, stairway handles and reusable guest keys.
• For guest convenience, we have placed hand sanitizer stations near the elevator in the lobby and at the entrance to our restaurant, Cassell’s.
• Cleaning and disinfecting guest rooms is done during routine daily housekeeping, with particular focus on high touch areas (door handles, light switches, in rooms phone, in-room glassware, faucets, etc.) upon a guest’s departure and before the next guest checks in.
• We are also stepping up additional cleaning and disinfecting of non-public areas of the hotel like employee break area, laundry room, maintenance areas, and staff offices.
• We are providing ongoing training with all staff concerning standards of hand hygiene and the importance of more frequent hand-washing to combat the spread of viruses like COVID-19.

Given the impact to travel by the COVID-19 virus, we have made our cancellation policy more flexible.  In general, we are allowing all reservations, include prepaid reservations with more restrictive cancellation policies, to cancel or change with no penalty, up to 24 hours prior to arrival, until April 30^th, 2020.  This cutoff date may be extended if federal, state, or local agencies implement further travel bans.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone at +1-213-388-8138 or by email at info@hotelnormandiela.com.

We look forward to having you stay with us when your travels bring you to Los Angeles.

J.R. Billings
Director of Hotel Operations
Hotel Normandie

The four-block area is a cultural and culinary hub, and there are plenty of spots to grab a bite and get to know some Bangladeshi Angelenos.

March 26 marks the annual celebration of Bangladesh Independence Day, with a local parade and festival—a cheerful time to enjoy the area’s cuisine.

When it comes to Bangladeshi food in LA, you’re likely to get more of a hodgepodge, mixing in Indian and Pakistani recipes. True Bangladeshi food boasts hotter curries than the Indian counterpart, and freshwater fish is more commonly used.

Little Bangladesh not only has great family-owned joints for food—you’ll also find that many of the no-frills restaurants double as markets, selling everything from cleaning supplies to DVDs.  Linger for post-meal tea and get to know the people of Little Bangladesh.

Just across from the Wilshire / Normandie Station, two-star Michelin chef and native Angeleno Josiah Citrin has created a culinary oasis. Featuring fresh fare from local land and sea, the menu embraces the season and the ambiance includes dangling string lights and hanging plants.

Family-owned Italian is also nearby at Concerto’s Koreatown location, just five blocks west. Along with entrees, a coffee bar, and patisserie, you can also get freshly squeezed juices—in sum, the perfect indulgent lunch spot.

For a more lively date with friends or a new acquaintance, head three blocks south to R Bar for Sunday karaoke brunch. Known for inclusive vibes, generous pours, and decent prices, it’s simply a fun place to be.

On the evening of Saturday, January 11th, time travel to three decades ago through the 90s Beer Festival in Downtown LA. Don your flannel and sample beer, cider, and nostalgic cocktails like a Capri Sun Cooler or a Red Gusher Martini. Of course, you can expect a soundtrack of musical hits from that hallowed decade. When hunger calls, look no further than the Lunchable Café.

Return to Downtown LA on Saturday, January 26 for Uncorked’s LA Wine Fest. You’ll need tickets to sip on spectacular wines from around the globe, all collected at Union Station for you to taste. Expect wines rated at 90 points and higher, live music, gourmet food trucks, a photo booth, and more. The event also raises funds to help young girls from under-served neighborhoods in LA to pursue higher education.

Less than four miles away, discover just how outlandish ornaments can get at The Unique One-of-a-Kind Handmade Ornaments Show at gallery iam8bit in Echo Park. Running from December 5-22, you’ll find creations from all over the world at affordable prices that will make stocking stuffing easier than ever.

While the days grow shorter, you can bask in the holiday glow throughout the month at Grand Park’s Winter Glow. This evening event lights up from sunset to 10 pm each night from December 6-25. Admission is free and the event is easily accessible via the LA metro. Touch, climb, and explore interactive illuminated installations, projections, and light displays created by local artists and organizations.

If you’re looking for something more cut and dry, a straightforward sake festival might do. The Los Angeles Sake Fest, also known as KANPAI LA! will take place this Saturday, November 9 from 11 am until 3 pm. Taste special selections from more than 30 Japanese brewers in a stunning setting: the restaurant and gardens of Yamashiro Hollywood, complete with a koi pond and views of the city. Beer, food, and music will also be present.

On two Saturdays and Sundays, November 9-10 and 16-17, head to Echo Park to eat your heart out at the Dessert Goals festival. This edition is tiki-themed, and tie-dye and tropical-print looks are highly encouraged. These events often sell out, so purchase tickets ahead and enjoy free candy, cold brew, mochi, and even a savory bar to “cleanse your palate”.

Los Angeles’ premiere Italian food and wine event is coming to LA on October 12. The 11th annual Taste of Italy features the region’s best Italian restaurants, authentic products, and world-class wines, with live performances in a spectacular setting. Less than 5 miles from Hotel Normandie, the heart of Downtown LA will be transformed into a charming piazza. Join over 2,500 other Italophiles, celebrities, dignitaries, and philanthropists to taste and mingle. Don your finest—the event is upscale and requires tickets.

From October 26 through November 3, head to Grand Park less than 4 miles from Hotel Normandie to experience one of the most iconic Mexican traditions: el Día de Los Muertos. Grand Park’s 9-day twist on the celebration includes multiple ways to experience and learn about the holiday in partnership with curator LORE Media & Arts. Peruse 50 altars (or ofrendas) and art installations created by local artists and community groups. The park will offer free guided lunchtime tours to highlight the artwork and discuss the traditions of the holiday.

During her upcoming Madame X tour, legendary pop sensation Madonna will be performing at the Wiltern - located roughly a half mile away from Hotel Normandie, within easy walking distance - from November 12th through the 25th. Known as “The Queen of Pop”, Madonna’s hugely successful career skyrocketed with her breakout debut album in 1983. Her popularity continued to thrive with hit after chart-topping hit, including “Crazy For You”, “Borderline”, and “Vogue”.

As the years have gone on, Madonna remains a superstar, revered for her monumental accomplishments in music and popular culture. Her new album features collaborations with a number of newer artists, including Quavo, Swae Lee, and Maluma. In conjunction with a divine knack for performance that has helped her achieve worldwide fame, the Madame X tour is sure to be a spectacular event. Make sure to grab your tickets before they sell out!