45th Annual ARSC Conference (Los Angeles, CA May 11-14, 2011)
Travel and Weather Information
Travel by Air:
The nearest major airport to the Wilshire Grand Los Angeles is LAX. It is approximately a 30-minute taxi ride from LAX to the Wilshire Grand.
For complete information about flights or the airport, visit the LAX website.
Limousine & Shuttle Service:
There are several companies who offer these services; a comprehensive listing is provided on the LAX website under Ground Transportation.
The Super Shuttle shared ride van is $16 one way to the Wilshire Grand. Reservations are not needed from LAX; however they are required for hotel pick-up.
The Wilshire Grand is served by a number of other shuttle services. These shuttles circulate around the terminal until they reach a minimum number of passengers. Please make sure the shuttle you select indicates “Downtown.” The cost should be around $25-30.
Metro
There are two convenient public transportation options via the Metro.
The Metro Flyaway Bus is $7.00 and offers non-stop service from LAX to Union Station. From LAX, go to the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal and look for the green sign “FlyAway, Buses & Long Distance Vans.” The buses operate on a 24 hour schedule with stops every 30 minutes during peak hours. At Union Station, transfer to the Metro subway Red or Purple line ($1.50 fare) and travel 3 stops to the 7th Street/Metro Center station. The Wilshire Grand is across the street.
You may also travel entirely by Metro to the hotel, though several transfers are involved. In order to catch a train, you must first board the free LAX "G" Metro shuttle bus labeled “Aviation Station;” wait under the “LAX Shuttle & Airline Connections” sign on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal. The ride to the train station is about 10 minutes. Then board the Metro Green line heading east (ticket machines are located at the station entrance), and change trains at the Imperial/Wilmington Station for the Blue line north to the 7th Street/Metro Center. This is the cheapest option ($3.00) and the only one unaffected by Los Angeles traffic (though trains can be crowded during rush hour).
Taxi Service:
Taxi transportation between the airport and the Wilshire Grand Los Angeles is approximately $45.00 plus gratuity one way. Taxis can be found curbside on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal under the yellow sign indicating “Taxis.”
Rental Cars:
Approximately 40 rental car companies operate out of LAX, with vehicle rental sites located off the airport. Many of these rental car companies provide phone links inside or near the baggage claim area on the Lower/Arrival Level of the terminals so travelers can request a free shuttle pick up to reach the rental car sites.
From these lots, the most direct route to the Wilshire Grand Hotel is to drive north on Airport to La Tijera, make a right turn, and follow La Tijera northeast to La Cienega. Make a left turn onto La Cienega and follow it over the hills (covered by oil wells) to the 10 Freeway. Take the 10 east (ramp will be on the left) to the 110 north, and then take the W9th Street exit. Make a left on S. Figeroa St., and follow it up to the hotel, which will be on the left.
Driving Directions:
(see above for directions from LAX)
If you are using one of the electronic assisted driving devices (GPS, Onstar, etc.) or mapping websites, the Wilshire Grand Hotel Los Angeles is located at: 930 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017.
Parking:
The Wilshire Grand offers on-site valet parking which can be accessed via W. 7th Street. The ARSC daily rate is $12.00; the ARSC overnight rate is $27 (24 hours, may exit and re-enter). Ask at the registration desk to have your parking tickets stamped to receive the conference rate.
There are other parking options in the vicinity of the Wilshire Grand. For outdoor daily parking (not overnight), there is a $5/day lot on South Bixel Street, across the 110 (Harbor) FWY between 7th street and Wilshire Boulevard (3 blocks from hotel). For overnight covered parking, there is a lot on South Flower Street (next to the Milner Hotel) between W. 8th and W. 9th Street which costs $10 per 24 hours (3.5 block from hotel).
Weather
The average high temperature in Los Angeles in May is 72 degrees and the average low temperature is 57 degrees. May is typically a dry month with only .25 inches of rain. Please visit the Weather Channel for current weather conditions.
