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Does Anything Look Weird To You About This Room At the Standard Hollywood?

Where: 8300 W Sunset Blvd [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90069

Because a lot should seem weird about this room at the Standard Hollywood, which isn't even a real room, but a re-construction of a room, assembled in the Standard's parking lot by a group of artists.

Yup. Apparently there's a citywide project, titled Art in the Parking Space, which inserts performances and installations into (you guessed it!) parking lots all over LA. And last week, it was the Standard's own parking lot that, according to one of the participating artists, "became a total hang-out spot."

Tova Carlin, Ania Diakoff and Katerina Llanes, dubbed their installation Sub-Standard (we could slip in a few jabs about the rooms here, but we'll try not to), and specifically intended for people to come, hang out, and "think about itinerancy and occupying space with their bodies."

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Halloween Hotels / Los Angeles Hotels / LA Hotels / Standard Hotels / Morgans Hotel Group / Hotel Parties / → All Tags

These LA Hotels Will Reward Your Halloween Costume Efforts

Where: 1020 N San Vicente Blvd [map], West Hollywood, CA, United States, 90069

West Hollywood is raising the bar for this year's Halloween Carnival, with a Project Masquerade contest that will attempt to pre-determine the most outlandish costume designs. Contestant are asked to submit their sketches to West Hollywood's Facebook page by next Monday, and three creative minds will be rewarded with a free night at The London West Hollywood. On the day of the parade, one finalist will be chosen for the $250 grand prize.

Luckily, The London isn't the only hotel getting in on the fancy-dress action. Several other spots around the city are doing it up with costume parties of their own. So whether you're into Oompa-Loompas or dead British people, we're pretty sure you'll find something that appeals. And if none of these options seem scary enough for you, just be thanksful you don't have to attend any parties at the spookiest hotel of them all.

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Inside The Beverly Hilton (At Cut Price)

Where: 9876 Wilshire Blvd [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90212

As we said yesterday, we spent our Oscars Eve shacked up at the Beverly Hilton, which we’d booked through Hotwire for the measly sum of $129, after it would have cost us $375 to book with the hotel direct. For that, we assumed we’d be assigned a box room, so we headed to the hotel prepared for the worst.

And then, to make things worse, as we were preparing to turn right off Wilshire Blvd into the side street leading to the hotel, the light turned red, we skidded to a halt and, because it was raining, ended up on top of the stop line with a traffic camera snapping away. Not a good start.

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Booking Our LA Hotels: A Hotwire Experience

Where: 1000 Westmount Drive [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90069

So we had to book a couple of nights in LA this week. Where to start? So many hotels to choose from, so little money to afford them was the general obstacle we came up against. Being fans of Andaz London, we were up for trying out the WeHo branch, but we lacked the $196 to do that.

So we went the Hotwire route. In the hope of scoring the Andaz for less, we asked for hotels in West Hollywood, where we found a 4 star for $121. We booked it for a night, thinking we could find out which it was and come back for more if we liked it.

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Inside The Avalon Hotel's blue on blue Restaurant

Where: 9400 W. Olympic Blvd. [map], Beverly Hills, CA, United States, 90212

You don’t have to be Kathy Griffin with her bestie Paris Hilton to enjoy the poolside cabanas at blue on blue, the restaurant at the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills.

The hotel, which used to house aspiring starlets in the ’50’s, is arranged around a classic kidney-shaped pool. Though you can eat inside at blue on blue’s main dining room, we’d suggest calling ahead and trying to book one of the cabanas outside so you can lounge while you eat…and judge everyone’s swimwear, of course.

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Celebs Support V-Day Movement at Four Seasons LA

Where: 300 S. Doheny Dr. [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90048

This weekend, the LA celebs turned out to the Four Seasons LA in full force to an event in support of the 11th annual V-Day movement to end violence against women.

The campaign, the cause behind worldwide productions of The Vagina Monologues every year, this year spotlights the women of the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the celeb-studded Four Seasons luncheon, hosted by V-Day and Glamour magazine, some of the subject matter was a little bit too graphic to stomach. WWD reports:

The luncheon...was full of celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Anne Archer, Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, Camryn Manheim, Jessica Alba, Maria Bello, Rosario Dawson, Hollywood heavyweights Sherry Lansing and Pamela Wagner and an even more head-turning surprise guest: California First Lady Maria Shriver [...] The event honored Dr. Denis Mukwege, winner of the U.N. Human Rights Prize for his work to heal the women of Congo. The subject matter kept most attendees from touching their meals. “People were just pushing food around on their plates; this is so heavy but so important,” Hathaway said. “I’m actually stepping outside to get a drink.”

Aw. In such tough economic times, it's good to see celebs and luxe hotels still coming together to donate their time and money to nonprofits. More info on the V-Day 2009 campaign can be found here.

[Photo: WireImage]

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Hotel Happenings :: "Tea Time" at Hotel Palomar Westwood's BLVD 16

Where: 10740 Wilshire Blvd [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90024

We all know that Kimpton Hotels love their daily wine and cheese-tasting hours in the lobby, but have you ever wanted something a little stronger, a little more fulfilling?

Well, if you're staying at the Hotel Palomar Westwood in Los Angeles, then you're in luck.

The hotel's excellent BLVD 16 restaurant just announced a Happy Hour from 4-7pm where diners can score select items from the bar menu at 50 percent off. Such items include Marinated Olives, Wild Mushroom Crostini, Crispy Local Calamari, Herb Kennebec Fries, Summertime Tempura, and Charcuterie.

The restaurant/bar is also serving new "Special-Teas" cocktails at $6 a piece.

And because of the tea-fusion cocktails, the restaurant is calling their Happy Hour "Tea Time." Ha! While we do love our high hotel teas, this one definitely beats Earl Grey and finger sandwiches.

Another reason why this happy hour is good for you? Everything sold inside BLVD 16 is locally produced. Word.

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Weekend Hotel Happenings :: Get Wet at The Custom LA Hotel

Where: 8639 Lincoln Blvd [map], Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90045

Alright, let's be real with each other here: a lot of LA hotel pool parties are a bit played out. We're not naming names or anything, but we think some of them are getting a little bit lame and overhyped.

Here's our pick for the Labor Day weekend that's a bit off the W or Roosevelt radar: The last WET Party of the summer, held at the Custom Hotel.

The party features DJs Mark Farina, Jason Bentley, Franky Boissy, Todd Omotani, Eduardo Castillo and David Bullock. And dancing. And hot people. And the last sweetness of summer.

The party is happening on Saturday (August 30th) starting at 1:00 -- tickets are $30 and can be purchased here. Don't do anything we wouldn't do.

[Photo: Soosanjoon]

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HotelChatter Answers: The Orlando Hotel is the Chosen One

Where: 8384 West Third Street [map], Los Angeles, ca, United States, 90048

Remember the female traveler that needed to book one of three hotels in LA for an Industry wrap event a couple weeks back?

She booked the Orlando Hotel.

We will let her tell you about it. Enjoy.

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