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Washington Post
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Stow your tray tables and brace for comedy in ‘Fight or Flight'
Some actors are best left to weather outside until they've properly aged, like firewood or a good Scotch. (Humphrey Bogart being the ideal example.) Josh Hartnett was something of an It Boy at the turn of the millennium, with lead roles in 'The Virgin Suicides,' 'Pearl Harbor,' 'Black Hawk Down' and more. Then, like with many It Boys, his career cooled.
The Independent
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Best luxury hotels in LA for 2025, reviewed
Given that it's home to more celebrities per square mile than any other city on Earth, it's no surprise that Los Angeles does luxury well. Whether you're keen to soak up some old-school Hollywood glamour or just want to chill out and let your troubles drift away at an exclusive Malibu hideaway, there are a wide and varied selection of high-end hotels and resorts scattered around the city ready to make you feel like an A-lister even if your name isn't likely to ever appear on the Walk of Fame. Many of the city's best hotels are clustered around Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, but if you're hoping for Pacific views then there are also excellent options in Malibu and Santa Monica. You'd also be remiss to overlook Pasadena, a gorgeously landscaped and historic neighborhood with a landmark hotel to match. Here's our pick of the most luxurious places to stay in Los Angeles in 2025. Best luxury hotels in LA 2025 1. The Beverly Hills Hotel Take a dip in the pool made famous by Faye Dunaway's iconic morning after the Oscars photograph (The Beverly Hills Hotel) A hotel that's almost as famous as the stars who like to call it home, the 'Pink Palace' of Beverly Hills is an iconic luxury destination. The property sprawls over 12 acres of gardens containing bougainvillea, banana plants and towering palm trees, and there's a beautiful outdoor pool ringed by towering palm trees beside which Faye Dunaway was famously photographed the morning after she won the Oscar for Network in 1976. The hotel's history dates back long before that, to 1912 when Beverly Hills was yet to become a city and wealthy newcomers would stay here while looking to buy property in the area. The Polo Lounge remains one of the most famous restaurants in Los Angeles, a longtime favourite of Hollywood deal-makers as well as stars like Humphrey Bogart and the Rat Pack. To make your stay extra luxurious, splash out on one of the 23 bungalows hidden amongst the gardens. Address: 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, 90210 Read more: How to explore Beverly Hills like a Real Housewife 2. Hotel Bel-Air This pink-hued hotel evokes elegance and sophistication (Hotel Bel-Air) Nestled in a dozen acres of lush gardens in the canyon hills, the secluded Hotel Bel-Air is just a mile west of Beverly Hills but seems to occupy another time and place entirely. Many of the 103 rooms and suites open directly onto private gardens, the ideal way to soak up the Californian sunshine away from the buzz of the city or, well, any distractions at all. Hotel legend has it that at one time, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr were all staying on site and none of them even knew the others were there. The hotel dates from 1946 and its pink-walled, mission-style buildings speak of discreet elegance. Grace Kelly lived at the hotel prior to her marriage to Prince Rainier Grimaldi III in 1956, and the particularly luxurious suite where she stayed is named in her honour. Address: 701 Stone Canyon Road, Los Angeles, 90077 Read more: Best hotels in LA for beach views, luxury stays and Hollywood glamour 3. Calamigos Guest Ranch & Beach Club hotel Calamigos offers a sense of calm amid the buzz of Los Angeles (Catherine Dzilenski) You probably don't associate rural nature reserves with Los Angeles, but that's exactly what makes the Calamigos Guest Ranch so enticing. Set on a 250 acre ranch in Malibu wine country, a stay at this one-of-a-kind resort also includes access to their exclusive oceanside beach club located off the nearby Pacific Coast Highway. This is the sort of place you come when you're ready to truly get away from it all, with dwelling options including cabins, cottages and bungalows. Enjoy the sunshine and the Malibu countryside from your outdoor soaking tub, before sitting out under the stars by the fire pit. The onsite Spa Calamigos features five pools, a tranquil jacuzzi and a wide range of opulent treatments. You won't believe you're still so close to the buzz of LA – and may need some convincing to return. Address: 261 Calamigos Road, Malibu, 90265 Read more: The best things to do in Los Angeles 4. Langham Huntington hotel The Langham's historic ballrooms often cater to grand events (Langham Huntington) The Langham Huntington dates back to the Gilded Age, and really feels like it. First opened in 1907 as the Hotel Wentworth, it was purchased a few years later by railroad tycoon Henry E Huntington and reopened as The Huntington Hotel in 1914. Huntington's eponymous nearby library and botanical gardens remain a must-visit attraction. The Langham Huntington's grand building and sprawling grounds have made it something of a favourite Hollywood location, and over the years it has appeared on screen in everything from The Parent Trap to Westworld and Hacks. These days, the hotel is managed by the Langham group, so you can expect plenty of their signature luxury touches, such as regular servings of a decadent afternoon tea. There are two pools on site, as well as the highly-rated Chuan Spa, which offers treatments, massages and facials. Address: 1401 S Oak Knoll Avenue, Pasadena, 91106 Read more: How to spend a day in Crenshaw, LA's modern hub of art and creativity 5. Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows hotel Searching for a coastal vibe? Fairmont Miramar's rooms feel as if you have stepped into a Californian beach house (Fairmont Miramar Hotels) Located not far from Santa Monica Pier, this five-star hotel offers ocean views and a high-end take on the idea of a seaside resort. The historic property dates back to 1889 when John P Jones, who'd helped found Santa Monica after making his fortune in silver mining, built a mansion here. After his death, the estate was bought by King Camp Gilette, inventor of the safety razor, who sold it a few years later to hotelier Gilbert Stevenson. It was converted into a resort in the early 1920s, and Greta Garbo was one of the first celebrities to call it home. Today, the hotel features 31 spacious bungalows, the only accommodation of its kind in the area. They provide the perfect way to combine the Californian beach house dream with a prime Santa Monica location. Address: 101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, 90401 Read more: How to have a sports-filled trip to LA ahead of the next Olympics 6. Nobu Ryokan Malibu hotel Nobu's charming lounges offer an ideal place to relax with an sundowner after a long day in the city (Fairmont Miramar Hotels) A truly unique and luxurious destination even by LA's standards, the Nobu Ryokan Malibu opened in April 2018 and offers a rare combination of minimalist Japanese design and Californian ocean-front living. Situated on one of the most desirable stretches of beach in the world, this exclusive hotel has just 11 guest rooms and five beachfront bungalows. Each room comes complete with handcrafted teak soaking tubs, bamboo towels and cashmere robes. You can choose between garden, beach or ocean views, while some rooms also have their own fireplaces. The property is located just a few steps down the beach from Nobu Malibu, so naturally the food is as exquisite as you'd expect from chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro's trailblazing sushi restaurant. Address: 22752 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, 90265 From: $2,000 per night (minimum two-night stay) Book now Read more: The best California cities to visit on your next holiday, from LA to Santa Barbara 7. The Maybourne Beverly Hills hotel The Maybourne focuses on a chic and sophisticated design throughout its interiors (Maybourne Hotel) The heart of Beverly Hills is known as the 'Golden Triangle', a walkable area enclosed by Santa Monica Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard and Canon Drive and known for its art galleries, upscale restaurants and the luxury shopping boutiques of Rodeo Drive. The Maybourne, a grand yet chic hotel overlooking Beverly Cañon Gardens, is the Golden Triangle's landmark hotel. On the rooftop you'll find a cabana-lined pool and the al fresco Dante restaurant and aperitivo bar. Fittingly for the area, The Maybourne also focuses on showcasing international art and you'll find works by Ed Ruscha, Damien Hirst and Harmony Korine on display around the property. The hotel's Whisky Bar houses a world-class whisky and cigar collection, and is also notable for being one of just three locations in Beverly Hills where smoking is permitted. Address: 225 N Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, 90210 Read more: Why the LA to Palm Springs 'desert route' is the perfect California road trip 8. The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel More than just the set of Pretty Woman, this Four Seasons resort offer large rooms with breathtaking views (The Beverly Wilshire) The Beverly Wilshire is probably best known as the setting for much of the Julia Roberts and Richard Gere rom-com Pretty Woman, but this elegant Four Seasons property has a long and storied history besides that. Located in a prime spot in Beverly Hills at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and the shopping highlights of Rodeo Drive, both Elvis Presley and Warren Beatty have called it home and John Lennon hid out on the property during his 'Lost Weekend'. The suites are large, offering spectacular views of the city, and there's an onsite spa, a Mediterranean-style pool modeled after the one at Sophia Loren's Italian villa and several excellent restaurants. As Julia Roberts might say, not taking the chance to enjoy a stay here would be a big mistake. Huge. Address: 9500 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, 90212 Read more: Forget driving in LA – here's how to explore the sprawling California city by bike 9. Regent Santa Monica hotel Private balconies complete with fire pits will make you feel like you never need to leave your room (Tanveer Badal Photography / TANV) Opened in October last year following a $150 million renovation, the Regent Santa Monica has been described as offering not just luxury but 'ultra-luxury' with its oversized rooms, 10,000sq-foot Guerlain Spa and sprawling oceanfront pool deck. At this expansive property it's all about enjoying your space, with even the most reasonably-sized rooms spanning 720sq feet while the Regent's Signature Suites go all the way up to 3,200sq feet. Sure, the hotel is excellently located in the heart of Santa Monica and the beach is just a stone's throw away, but when the huge rooms offer complimentary minibars, game rooms and private balconies the challenge will be finding a reason to ever go out. Address: 1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, 90401 Read more: How to have a budget 72-hour break in New York City 10. Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles hotel The Ritz-Carlton's rooftop pool is surrounded by plush cabanas and day beds (Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles) If you want to stay in luxury in downtown Los Angeles, you won't find a better option than the Ritz-Carlton. This sleek, modern hotel opened in 2010 and towers over the LA Live entertainment complex and the Arena that the LA Lakers call home. It's the only hotel in downtown to offer a first-rate, full service spa, and there's a cabana-flanked rooftop pool on the 26th floor. If you really want to splash out, check yourself in to the 3,000sq-foot Ritz Carlton Suite and make use of the formal dining room, fully-equipped entertainment room and spacious primary bedroom. Needless to say given the location, whichever room you end up in you're guaranteed spectacular views. Address: 900 W Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90015 From: $598 per night Read more: The best cruises to travel America
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How real-life Rick's Café resurrects Casablanca's legacy as a waystation for Americans
I arrived in Casablanca a couple of weeks ago, toward the end of a month-long trip through West and North Africa, fulfilling a dream of visiting a city whose name had evoked images of romance and intrigue ever since I was a boy. My first question was, 'Where is Rick's Café Américain?' That's the name of the iconic gin joint immortalized by Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in the classic 1942 film 'Casablanca.' 'Casablanca' tells the story of American cafe owner Rick (Humphrey Bogart). His old flame Ilse (Ingrid Bergman) appears in Vichy-controlled Casablanca with her Czech-resistance leader husband seeking letters of transit to escape the Nazis. Rick must decide what to do. Despite the sweeping allure of its title, most of the main action takes place inside this bar, which quickly carved itself a prominent place in 1940s pop culture. Rick's offered a window to the world, providing viewers (but especially Americans) a glimpse of the effects of Nazi occupation. I should have known better, I guess, but I was still astonished to learn that Rick's (for the most part) was a figment of Hollywood imagination. For more than 60 years, tourists and film buffs visiting Casablanca tried to find Rick's Café, only to learn that Warner Bros. had built the entire set on a studio backlot. The smoky, intrigue-filled nightclub was a Hollywood fantasy ‒ until former diplomat Kathy Kriger came along and decided after 9/11 to bring the imaginary bar to life. Her version of Rick's Café opened in 2004 to rave reviews, and that's the tale I am sharing in this column. The Pearl Harbor attack had happened less than a year previously. American ground troops had not yet engaged Axis forces in the European Theater when 'Casablanca' began filming in May 1942. American emotions were still raw, and the politics of Western Europe had become especially confusing since the fall of France. In 1942, Casablanca was a waypoint for European refugees fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe. From Casablanca, they could seek passage to Portugal and then on to the Americas. To travel, they needed papers, and it was at places like Rick's where many such documents, both real and forged, changed hands. The screenplay is based on 'Everybody Comes to Rick's," an unproduced stage play by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison. The writers visited a small town in southern France. At a nightclub, a Black pianist played jazz for a crowd of French and Nazis patrons and many refugees. That real bar became the inspiration for Rick's. Editor Irene Diamond convinced Warner Bros. to purchase the film rights in January 1942. She sensed the message would resonate with a post-Pearl Harbor movie audience. Principal photography began on May 25, 1942, and ended Aug. 3. Producers had to contend with wartime rationing; Ingrid Bergman's clothes had no metal fastenings and were fashioned from extraneous scraps of silk. As they say, timing is everything. The Allied invasion of North Africa began the second week of November in 1942, and Gen. George Patton captured Casablanca on Nov. 11. Warner Bros. had planned to release "Casablanca" in 1943 but moved up the premiere date to ride the wave of current events. The film premiered at New York's Hollywood Theater on Nov. 26, 1942. The nationwide release of "Casablanca" in January 1943 coincided spectacularly with the announcement that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was meeting with Winston Churchill in Casablanca from Jan. 14 to 24, demanding 'unconditional surrender' from the Axis powers. Locally, the movie opened at the Majestic Theater in Providence on Jan. 26. On the same day, my father landed at Oran, in neighboring Algeria, with the second wave of Allied troops participating in the North African invasion. Dad never made it to Casablanca, and I'm not sure when he and my mom first saw the movie. As a boy growing up, however, I knew it was one of their favorite films. On Jan. 27, Bradford Swan, The Journal-Bulletin's famed art and movie critic of a generation ago, penned the following: 'Casablanca is a distinguished photo play. It has a highly capable cast, excellent direction and a story that is refreshingly original. … Casablanca is something choice, highly recommended.' The movie was held over at the Majestic, and the U.S. Navy band played as part of the daily show. For months afterward, "Casablanca" could still be seen at second-run houses all over the state. When Academy Award nominations were announced in February 1944, 'Casablanca' was still showing at the Avon in Providence. Its reputation has only grown over time. In 2005, the American Film Institute polled the industry to come up with a list of the best 100 movie lines of all time. Six of them came from "Casablanca," double the number from any other movie. The current-day and real-life Rick's Café Casablanca was developed by Kathy Kriger (1946-2018), a diplomat posted to the U.S. Consulate in Casablanca in 1998. She worked there for the next 13 years as a commercial attaché. When she arrived, she was surprised to learn (as had many thousands before her) that there was no real-life Rick's Café. She sensed a missed marketing opportunity and tucked that seed away for the future. The 9/11 attacks caused her to reassess her life. She wrote in her autobiography, 'I decided to leave the government, stay in Morocco and do something that demonstrated true American values. Developing a Rick's Café in Casablanca seemed like a perfect way to do this. "I thought Casablanca was missing a big bet by not having a Rick's," said Kriger. She cashed in her 401(k) and invested her savings in the purchase of a 1930s mansion that had seen better days. But the waterfront location was perfect, and the interior architecture was sound and representative of the era. When money ran out, she solicited investors from all over the world. Kriger set an opening date for Rick's Café: March 1, 2004, "after 62 years of renovation." Our Moroccan contact wangled us a table for four at Rick's, which is usually sold out for dinner. Two palm trees flank an impressive entrance, featuring heavy wooden doors like those in the film. This gem of 1942 authenticity boasts columned white arches framing the main dining room under a three-story domed skylight. Hanging brass chandeliers cast a soft light on the palm trees in the corners. Round tables feature white tablecloths, brass lamps with beaded shades, and dinnerware discreetly and elegantly marked 'Rick's Cafe.' Of course, there is an authentic 1930s piano tucked under an archway, where the reincarnation of Sam plays it 'once more for old time's sake.' To our pleasure, the food and wine were excellent, capably served by waiters in white dinner jackets and red fezes. Prepared for a kitschy disappointment, we were impressed instead. This is an authentic time machine, not a tourist trap. Even more important, I was reminded that the tinderbox of 1942 was not necessarily a one-off experience. Wherever I went, I sensed concern and fear ‒ perhaps similar to the stresses affecting those who visited the Rick's Cafés of the world more than 80 years ago, trying to escape the unchecked power of Adolf Hitler. At every turn, worried faces asked in halting English, 'What is happening in America?' These were poor people, trying to eke out a living ‒ not the wealthy elite. World events did not normally affect the lives of these fishermen, vegetable sellers and craftsmen. But they were all aware of America's internal conflicts. Yes, it was self-serving ‒ many depended on American largesse for support with basic necessities. But that's human nature, is it not? Stepping from that world into Rick's brought me full circle. Perhaps we need another 'Casablanca' to shake things up today, the way the original film did in 1942. The original play, 'Everybody Comes to Rick's,' was not produced for the stage until after the war. In August 1946 the Casino Theatre in Newport did just that. Performances ran for a week, and at the time the Casino announced this was a stage adaption of the popular movie. The opposite was actually true. RI's role in the Civil War to be highlighted at April 5 event. From 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, the Varnum Armory Museum in North Kingstown will host Civil War historians and buffs marking the 160th year since the end of the conflict, as well as the major role played by our state. Rhode Island sent some 25,000 men to fight, of whom 1,685 never returned. R.I. units included eight infantry regiments, three cavalry regiments and 14 artillery elements. The program, organized by the Rhode Island Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion, starts with tours of the Varnum's fabulous military collection, to include cannon from Bull Run and Gettysburg. The principal speaker will be Frank J. Williams, retired chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court and one of the country's top experts on Abraham Lincoln. The Providence Brigade Band will play Civil War period music. Admission is free and dress is casual. For more information, email Dennis Morgan at dmorganltc1@ This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Where is the real-life Rick's Café in Casablanca?
New York Times
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
14 Unforgettable Looks at the Critics Choice Awards
The question of what celebrities will wear to an awards show always looms large before any ceremony. But it took on new significance ahead of the 30th Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, Calif., on Friday: After postponing the event twice because of the Los Angeles wildfires, organizers announced that a red-carpet preshow would not be part of the televised broadcast. How might that decision influence the fashion choices of the television and movie stars in attendance? Would they be riskier? More relaxed? As people started arriving, it soon became clear that absence of TV cameras on the carpet hadn't stopped most from taking big style swings. For myriad reasons — most of them good — these 14 looks were among the most memorable from the Critics Choice Awards. Nicole Kidman: Most Humphrey Bogart! Instead of a gown, the 'Lioness' and 'Babygirl' actress went with a broad-shouldered Saint Laurent suit jacket, high-waist pants and a polka-dot tie, an ensemble that evoked the men's wear of Old Hollywood. Ariana Grande: Most Jellyfish! The 'Wicked' star wafted down the carpet in a Dior couture dress with a tentacle-like fringe hanging from its hoop skirt. Colman Domingo: Most Layered! The 'Sing Sing' actor, a noted clotheshorse, did not settle for a classic three-piece suit: His sleek monochromatic look consisted of at least five items, including a sumptuous coat draped suavely over his shoulders. Moeka Hoshi: Most Tubular! The 'Shogun' actress made a strong case for tube tops as formal wear in a breezy red Louis Vuitton ensemble that also included a pleated capelet and a flowy skirt. Demi Moore: Most Insectoid! In a navy Schiaparelli couture gown with strips of fabric coming apart toward the bottom, the actress, a star of 'The Substance,' resembled a glamorous beetle shedding its exoskeleton. Lupita Nyong'o: Most Tulle! There was something both sinister and sweet about the actress's Chanel couture look of floral-print bustier dress shrouded in yards and yards of black tulle. Leighton Meester and Adam Brody: Most Prom Court! The married actors, in a Dior ball gown and a Dior tuxedo, looked as if they were about to be crowned the queen and the king of a certain high school dance. That wasn't the only reason Ms. Meester and Mr. Brody, a star of 'Nobody Wants This,' were a sentimental sight on the carpet: The married actors were among those whose homes were destroyed by the Los Angeles wildfires. Angelina Jolie: Most Grandma's Lace! Did the 'Maria' actress's lace Elie Saab gown look a little like an antique tablecloth? Yes. Did she pull it off? Yes? Hannah Einbinder: Most Geometric! As alluring as the construction of the 'Hacks' actress's Louis Vuitton gown was the grace and poise with which she wore it. Joey King: Most Crafty! Ruffles, a bow and crystals were just some of the components of the actress's Miu Miu dress, which had a girlish D.I.Y. charm. Marissa Bode: Most Quicksilver! Soft curves and a diaphanous silvery fabric were elements of the 'Wicked' actress's gown that made it look like liquid metal. Issa López: Most Gallery Owner! In an artsy combination of sculptural statement necklace, woven shawl and pleated skirt, the director and writer could have gone straight from the awards ceremony to an exhibition opening. Bridget Everett: Most Runs on Dunkin! The comedian and actress paired her fiery minidress with a clutch bearing what seemed to be two Ds in the pink and orange colors associated with a certain doughnut chain — the same chain that just released tracksuits to promote its new campaign for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday.
