L.A. on Ice
Sure, its hard to get into the holiday spirit when November's 80 degree weather is still making you sweat. But the telltale signs of impending festivities are slowly accumulating. White light-wrapped palm tree trunks in Hancock Park. Chestnuts for sale at Ralph’s. The Grove’s multi-story Christmas tree now under assembly, branch by branch, for a lighting ceremony this Sunday. Somehow the holiday season is upon us yet again—even if brisk temperatures and flurries are nil.
But despite the town's effort to spread seasonal cheer, lets be real--holiday time in Los Angeles can be a major disappointment (after all, no one wants to see a tofu-eating, Botoxed Santa sporting a sun-kissed glow). But the W Hotel Los Angeles-Westwood has created the winter wonderland our town sorely lacks, transforming its grounds into a simulated snow extravaganza complete with hybrid-ice skating rink and holiday-styled cabanas.
It's no Rockefeller Center. But it makes us want to break out the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book and guzzle some Swiss Miss nonetheless.
Here's a download on the ins and outs of the rink if you want to take a twirl, too:
The Scene: The W in Westwood is usually teeming with the young and beautiful, and the new skating rink is no exception—though you'll have to dodge some rug rats and their hip Westside moms. Built over the pool in the hotel's "backyard," the rink is small but holiday trees, loads of lush greenery and iridescent lighting create a magical atmosphere perfect for a midweek date or after-work outing with colleagues. And did we disclose the outdoor, ice-rink adjacent bar? Egg nog, here we come.
The Curveball: We mentioned the “ice,” but the rink is actually made of so-called “hybrid ice,” a synthetic material approximating a high-tech plastic. Sort of a bummer, given that one of the joys of ice skating is the brisk temperatures that necessitate a chunky sweater. But at least the skates are real, and the rink doesn’t require power for refrigeration, so you’re doing our Southern California environment a favor.
The Dress Code: Expect Westsiders wearing exceptionally low hip huggers and tight tops displaying last holiday's pair of presents. And this being L.A. you'll of course see jeans. But take note: stiff denim and double axels don't mix. Instead, opt for clothes that move—like your favorite pair of leggings or thick, opaque tights. Remember, even though the ice is plastic, its still winter in L.A. and that means chillier-than-usual temps once the sun goes down. Go for thin outerwear that has room to wiggle and leave the cocktail minidress at home. Extra points for comfy scarves and other cold-weather accouterment that can easily conjure a feeling of being in Mammoth without shvitzing through your shirt.
The Parking: Parking in Westwood is tricky—but we're not telling you anything you don't already know. To save a little cash, hunt for a two-hour meter, many of which are free after either 6 or 8 p.m. There are additional public lots a block south of the hotel, too. Otherwise, you're stuck with hotel valet, which runs $10 for the first hour and $4 for each hour after that.
The cost: $10 per hour. The rental skates are included in the fee, so you’ll be set for an hour of salchow attempts with your favorite skating partner even if you don't bring your own set of blades.
The eavesdrop: "If it's not real ice, then will it feel better when I fall?" (According to our ass, nope.)
The skating rink at the W Hotel Los Angeles-Westwood, 930 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles. Runs through January 24, 2010. Hours: 3 p.m.to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. 310-208-8765. www.wlaskaterink.com.