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Doing business
The west coast of the USA aims for a laid-back vibe, but you should tailor your approach based on the industry you’re in. For media meetings, expect the full stylish suit and sunglasses approach, if you’re doing legal or financial work then east-coast conservatism is still in charge. Expect early starts and a health-conscious approach – smokers and drinkers may find themselves frowned upon.

Cool hotel
The London in West Hollywood (www.thelondonwesthollywood.com) is a hip makeover of the old Bel Age Hotel with Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen, a rooftop spa and massive baths. The weak dollar is your friend and will get you in the door for around £130.

Hip restaurant
You’ve hundreds to choose from so seek local tips depending on where you are – LA is a big place – but we like Water Grill (544 Grand Ave, Downtown). Classic seafood of a consistently high quality and superb desserts are on offer in a business-meeting environment.

Happening bar
Rooftop Bar @ Standard Downtown LA (550 S Flower St) is an outdoor lounge popular with executives and downtown movers and shakers. Try not to drink too much and jump in the pool unless you’ve had a really, really good meeting.

Must-see sights
Homes of the stars, film studios or Walks of Fame, you’ll probably want to explore Hollywood. A cruise along Mulholland Drive will provide iconic views of the city, mountains and Santa Monica mountains. Downtown is changing fast: Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall is the pick of modern buildings springing up.

Getting downtown
If you don’t have wheels you’ll struggle to get around, but Los Angeles International (LAX) is linked to all main hotel areas by good-value shuttle buses. A taxi will cost around £25 to downtown, depending on the traffic of course.

The details
The weak dollar makes Los Angeles a tempting proposition – at the time of writing there are almost exactly two to the pound. LA is eight hours behind the UK. The city has a mild climate year-round. You need to be 21 or over to buy alcohol and ID will be asked for if you don’t have grey hair – so carry your passport!

Getting there
Flights to Los Angeles are competitively priced: fares under £350 are well within reach. While these are unlikely to come down further with Open Skies deregulation, business class fares are likely to fall over the coming months with increased competition. Air France, in a codeshare with Delta, has taken advantage of the new regulations to launch a direct service from London Heathrow, while BA, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Continental, United and Air New Zealand also fly from LHR.

The carbon cost
A return flight from London Heathrow to Los Angeles will cover 17,522km and emit 1.9 tonnes of CO2. Offset this with The CarbonNeutral Company starting from £14.25.

Compiled by Tom Hall on behalf of Lonely Planet. www.lonelyplanet.com

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