The Bloc: part of Los Angeles downtown makeover

There is no question that Downtown Los Angeles (www.discoverlosangeles.com) is experiencing a renaissance. Things to do in include world class entertainment venues and museums, incredible restaurants, a thriving nightlife scene and walkable streets.

LA Live. is a spectacular entertainment complex offering nightlife, restaurants and live music venues, including the GrammyMuseum, ESPN Zone, Lucky Strike Lanes and Regal Cinemas. Across the street, StaplesCenter hosts major concerts and sporting events. The arena is home to the Lakers, Clippers, Kings and Sparks. Walt Disney Concert Hall is a modern architectural masterpiece anchoring the MusicCenter, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Ahmanson Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum. Nearby, SilverLake offers low-key dining and trendy boutiques with a neighborhood feel.

The Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel (www.sheratonlosangelesdowntown.com) turned out to be a great place to stay. Located in the heart of the downtown financial district, this large facility boasts 495 guest rooms, two restaurants, a lobby lounge, a full-service business center and a fitness center.  The hotel is an easy walk to all of the main attractions. A Macy’s Department store is located right next door.

A look towards the future and what the beautiful Downtown Sheraton and adjoining mall anchored by Macy’s will look like.

Located on preferred floors, Sheraton Club guest rooms offer upgraded amenities, and complimentary fitness center access. Club guests also have special access to the Club Lounge, a relaxing, upscale space offering complimentary breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres and a variety of beverage options. A copier/fax/printer and complimentary office supplies are ready to go. We had access to this room and let me tell you it was a huge bonus.

Officials at the hotel are excited about an extensive makeover which is about to occur in their area, dubbed The Bloc. The hotel is being renovated and upgraded from the bottom up by highly accomplished interior designer Colum McCartan. Sitting high in the heart of the city, Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel on The Bloc promises to be a transformative experience for both business and pleasure. This will amount to a $40 million renovation of the property as part of a $160 million development of The Bloc itself.  Over the course of seven months, the guestrooms of this prominent hotel will receive an Art Deco transformation that draws inspiration from the city’s significant historical architectural details.

A variety of new dining choices will accommodate the needs of guests in the hotel and the new eateries to be located in the adjacent mall, where a convenient new Metro subway station will serve visitors, local residents and business commuters.

I personally give a thumbs up to the Metro system, for which the entrance was right across the street from the Sheraton. Not only was it quicker to reach our destinations than a cab, but the monetary savings were significant.  For more information on fares, passes, and the TAP card, visit: www.metro.net/riding/fares

We spent part of one day in Hollywood, accessing the famous Walk of Fame via the Metro. I must confess it was a bit of a letdown. On a positive side, the Hollywood and Highland  Metro stop let’s you right off  to visit a nice outdoor mall,  the famous TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s), the Dolby Theatre, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the wax museum and the home of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Spotting the names of famous stars on the endless Walk of Fame is cool, but also be prepared for an array of tourist traps and salesmen trying to fill tour buses.

Mike Cohen’s email address is [email protected]. Follow his travels at www.sandboxworld.com/travel or on Twitter @mikecohencsl.