Los Angeles is home to a number of famous attractions, all in a concentrated space. Choices range from amusement parks, architectural landmarks, museums and galleries, beaches, parks, hiking, to shopping; there is something for everyone! The night life is also abundant, with options for movies, live music, and comedy. In this diverse city you will also discover a world of culinary adventures.
Meeting Location
The Meeting will take place at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites located at 404 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California 90071. The hotel is located in the Financial District and has been featured in movies and on television. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is only twenty minutes away from the hotel. SuperShuttle and taxis are readily available to transport you from the airport to the hotel. The metro is conveniently located and only three blocks from the hotel.
Group rates have been secured at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites for SVP 2013 meeting attendees at discounted rates. Reservation and contact information will be provided in the first circular and posted on this site in March 2013.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The airport is located only thirty minutes from The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, with the possibility of traffic delays. It is the sixth busiest airport in the world. Convenient services for the traveling public, including curbside baggage check-in and business centers, are available throughout the airport.
Visitor’s Information
To learn more about Los Angeles and its “hot spots,” please visit the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board’s website. Interactive Visitors Centers are located on the Arrivals Level at the Los Angeles International Airport. While at the meeting, you may also visit the Concierge Desk at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites for information on tours, restaurants, and other attractions.
General Information
Banking and Foreign Exchange
ATM bank machine service is available in the lobby of The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. Currency Exchange is available in the departure halls of every terminal at LAX. Cash advances (up to $300 USD), on Visa and MasterCard are available at the ICE Currency Exchange Kiosks in Terminal 2, 3, 5, 7 and Tom Bradley International Terminal. Please call 310-649-0553 for exchange rates. ICE’s hours vary according to terminal, but may be reached by telephone at 310-646-7934.
Currency Converters:
www.GoCurrency.com
www.Oanda.com
Climate
Los Angeles Summers are dry and sunny with most of the precipitation occurring during the winter months. The average high and low temperatures in October and November are 59◦F/78◦F and 54◦F/73◦F respectively. The rainfall for these months ranges between 0.38 and 1.38 inches, with approximately 80% sunshine. It is best to prepare for any sort of weather, as in Los Angeles, no day is ever “average;” a winter day could be so warm you will wish you packed your shorts.
Dialing Codes
The area code in Los Angeles is 310. To make an international call, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and telephone number.
Eating Out
No matter what you’re in the mood for, there is always a dynamic variety of restaurants and menus to choose from in Los Angeles. Foodies can experience the fine dining of stars like Wolfgang Puck and Top Chef Champion, Michael Volaggio.
Language
The official language of the meeting is English. Translation service will not be provided.
Name Badge
The SVP badge must be worn at all times for admission to the scientific sessions, exhibits, and social events.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not permitted in public buildings, restaurants, bars, beaches, or parks in Los Angeles.
Tax
Sales tax in Los Angeles is 8.75%
Tipping
Restaurant prices to not generally include a service charge, unless dining with a large group. It is customary to leave a tip of 15-20%.
Transportation
Modes of transportation available at LAX include airport bus service, door-to-door shuttle van service, local bus lines, light rail, rental cars, and taxis. A free shuttle bus connects the airport from METRO’s Green Line Light Rail. Shuttle service is provided free of charge for passengers making connecting flights between terminals. The LAX FlyAway bus service provides transportation between LAX and Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.
Car Rentals
Around forty rental car companies operate out of LAX, with many of them providing phone links inside or near the baggage claim areas. To learn more about pick-up and drop-off options available to customers of rental car companies, please visit http://www.lawa.org/welcome_lax.aspx?id=1294.
Public Transit
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO) transports passengers by subway trains, light rail, and buses. Metro Rail runs six lines serving 80 stations around Los Angeles County, connecting Downtown LA to locations such as Hollywood, Pasadena, and Long Beach.
Three types of bus service are available in Los Angeles: Metro Local, Metro Rapid, and Metro Express. All Metro Rail lines are accessible to persons in wheelchairs, while Metro buses are equipped with automatic wheelchair lifts.
Shuttles & Taxi Service
Shuttle services are a convenient way to navigate the city and travel between the airport and other destinations. Taxicabs are located at the airport, most hotels, attractions, and shopping centers. Fare rates will be displayed on the meter and will include a flag drop charge plus a per-mile and/or a per-hour charge.
Approximate Taxi Cab Rate 2012:
· $2.20 first 1/10 mile
· $2.30 each additional mile
· $19.00 per hour waiting time