Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Now Open: LA Live's JW Marriott Hotel
The 878-room JW Marriott Hotel on the campus of LA Live opened Monday night, as scheduled. With plans first unveiled in June 2006, the opening of the venue signals a likely sea change in how people experience visits to next door's Staples Center, as well as in LA's ability to draw revenue from tourism and conventions.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, LA Live's operating company AEG's CEO Tim Leiweke said: "You are witnessing an industry that will experience a 300% growth with the opening of this hotel. This city now will act like it should, the second-largest city in the United States and the best place to bring events and conventions anywhere in North America," according to Blogdowntown.
Inside the JW Marriott is a restaurant for which acclaimed local chef Kerry Simon serves as consultant, and the menu was up for grabs during an evening event on Monday to celebrate the hotel's opening.
In just four weeks the jewel will be fitted firmly in the crown of LA Live, when the 123 rooms of the posh Ritz-Carlton Hotel will open, with their 224-unit Residences to follow shortly after.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
