We decided to tour Southern California for my 40th birthday! We started our trip with a flight from MIA to LAX on American Airlines. We decided to splurge for my birthday, so we purchased the first class lay flat seats and they were worth every penny! The flight time from Miami to Los Angeles is 4.5 hours. However, when you're able to lay down in your own space the flight feels like 45 minutes.
Travel Tip and Travel Announcement: Please have a plan for your flights! Watch a movie, read a book, listen to a podcast, or purchase the wifi. Do not just sit there and stare at people (like my Dad does on his flights...LOL). Speed up your flight time by keeping yourself busy. So, let's talk about the wifi. I usually don't pay for wi-fi, but I did it for this flight because I thought it would be an opportunity for me to be productive and pass the time. The wifi price fluctuates per flight. However, I paid $25 for 4.5 hours of service, which I thought was a decent price. I was able to book your trips while I flew through the friendly skies. It was a win-win for all of us. : D
Once we landed in Los Angeles, we headed straight to the hotel. The downtown area reminded me of New York City, but it was cleaner and surrounded by palm trees and beaches. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton Los Angeles. I am not always the biggest fan of the Ritz Carlton brand because sometimes some of their hotels can have an older, European style. However, the Ritz Carlton has been rebranding itself and are featuring so many modern and chic hotels across the world. I loved the entrance to the Ritz Carlton LA. The lobby was quaint and luxurious, and the staff was incredibly friendly.
Our room was on the 24th floor. It was modern, but warm and decorated with so much style. We were really impressed. The bed was fluffy and sucked us in, the bathroom was very sleek, and you could see the Hollywood sign from our window on a clear day! I am the biggest tourist when I travel so little gems like a Hollywood visual through my window excites me.
After getting settled, we decided to walk to a nearby restaurant for dinner. As we were walking on the sidewalk, we were stopped in our tracks when we saw all of the vibrant colors and drinks coming from a table nearby. The restaurant was called Sol Agave L.A. Live, and they sold contemporary Mexican food. I ordered the margarita flights and Anthony ordered one of his favorites, an Old Fashion. I don't even liked margaritas, but I was drawn in my all of the pretty colors. I'm intrigued by colors and textures. So, I was really impressed by their presentation. Surprisingly, the watermelon margarita was the best to me. However, I enjoyed the fruits garnished above them with the added salt. Anthony liked the tamarind margarita. We ordered an assortment of chicken, shrimp, and carnitas tacos. The tacos were really good, with the carnitas selection being our favorite. However, we prefer white flour tacos and this restaurant only carried cornmeal tacos. For dessert, be had the butter cake. Guys, I took a several bites, told myself to "slow down....stop eating.... you've had enough." However, the signals weren't working from my brain to my hand and I couldn't stop myself. Anthony laughed every time I picked up my spoon and started to shovel the cake into my mouth.
We walked around LA and explored a 2 block radius of our hotel. There are a few homeless people in the area, so you have to be careful (as you would in any big city). Also, we were encouraged to take an Uber after sunset instead of walking in the downtown area. Of course, we stopped by the Crypto.com stadium (formerly known as the Staples Center) to get some pictures. Our minds instantly went to Kobe Bryan (R.I.P). He has such a strong presence at the stadium.
That evening, the hotel staff surprised us with champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. It was absolutely delicious and so romantic! You would think that we had enough sugar from dinner to stop us from trying the chocolate covered strawberries.....NOPE!
In a world where we have become so impersonal, I thought it was such a nice touch for the Guest Relations Manager to send me a handwritten note. How sweet! My first night in LA was perfect!
Before we wrapped up the night, Anthony channeled his inner Bachelor (see the video below).
Written By: Lisa Service
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