Best Places To Watch The Grammys (And Possibly Spot A Nominee)
It's awards season in Los Angeles, a time for many of us locals to avoid major Beverly Hills hotels on Sundays and instead tune in to the red carpet and awards ceremonies on our TVs. But, if you like to get out in the mix, you don't have to watch at home alone. There are several fantastic spots to gather with others and watch the awards together. With the Grammys coming up on Feb. 10, here are a few local spots to enjoy them.
JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton at LA Live
900 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, California 90015
Ritz (213) 743-8800
JW Marriott (213) 765-8600
lalive.com
Hoping for a glimpse of Taylor Swift, Chris Martin or Rihanna hanging out near the Staples Center? Try staking out a hotel near the event. Grab a comfy seat in the bar at the JW Marriott or Ritz-Carlton at LA Live and hope for the best. You never know who might wander by. They will have the TV tuned to the Grammy Awards in the mixing room at the JW Marriott, so you can watch the event while you keep an eye out. Hungry? Be sure to grab a bite of Chef Wolfgang Pucks modern interpretation of Chinese fare at WP24 on the 24th floor of the Ritz-Carlton. The stunning views of LA and the luxe interior will really make you feel like a Grammy VIP. Plus their monitors will be tuned to CBS and the Grammys as well, and, as long as there's no rain, the windows of WP24 offer a full view of the red carpet action leading into the Staples Center.
Rock & Reillys
8911 West Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood CA 90089
(310) 360-1400
www.rnrpub.com
The Sunset Strip is world-renowned for its music scene with famous bars like the Viper Room and Whiskey a Go Go, where many Grammy legends got their start. Experience a little of LA rock nostalgia and hang out at a really cool bar on the Sunset Strip. The gang at Rockin' Reilly's, right next door to the Whiskey a Go Go, will be watching the Grammys on TV. This Irish rock pub with a tough kid edge may not be the spot where the bands performed but you can be sure many of today's VIPs have wandered in for a beer or two.
Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas
1200 Alta Loma Road
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 358-3720
sunsetmarquis.com
Rock legends and up-and-comers have been bunking at the Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas since it opened its doors in 1963. This famous haunt, located a stones throw away from The Whiskey a Go Go and the Viper Room, has been frequented by the Foo Fighters, Roger Daltry and Lil' Wayne, to name a few. If you really want to experience Grammy history, grab a drink at their legendary BAR 1200, the self-professed site of many an impromptu concert by music legends, album wrap parties, post award celebrations and even epic break-ups.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
9641 Sunset Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 276-2251
www.beverlyhillshotel.com
Hoping to see some of the Grammy fashion up close and personal? Try grabbing lunch at the Polo Lounge in the Beverly Hills Hotel where you might pass a celebrity or two in the lobby on their way to the awards. This hotel never disappoints. I recently chatted with Nicole Kidman in the lobby of the hotel and have had many a Gene Simmons sighting in the restaurant. Now that's a rock legend. Even if you don't see anyone, spending a day at The Beverly Hills Hotel will definitely transport you, at least for a moment, to Grammy elite status. And, you can even walk their red carpet.
Seat Fillers and More
None of the above appeal to you? Then attend the Grammys yourself by becoming a seat-filler, one of the warm bodies selected to keep seats filled when a celebrity gets up from their seat to talk with a friend or run to the bathroom. Awards show producers don't like to have empty seats, especially in front rows where the camera pans the audience. Seat-fillers enable them to keep things looking great! And you get to attend a swanky, hip, star-studded event and sit next to Jay Z and Beyonce. To become a seat-filler for the Grammys, fill out the online application and follow the directions. We hope you get selected and will be looking for you in the second row!
Laura Gerson loves to discover things about Los Angeles and share them with your family. She blogs about kids activities and resources for Moms at www.MomAngeles.com.
