All posts tagged with: Location

The Ramada Plaza WeHo proudly flies rainbow flags during the 2012 LA Pride Festival.

In the heart of West Hollywood, on Santa Monica Blvd, is the iconic Ramada Plaza. The current hotel was built in the 1980’s by The Ramada and has embraced is original heritage of days gone by.

The 176 guest rooms, ranging from king beds to lofts, scream of eccentric palettes and influences from the art-deco era. There’s nothing fancy here; just a clean bed and depending on your guest room, a quiet place to stay. It is evident the hotel has tried to do their best to upkeep the property to Ramada standards without having to undergo major and costly renovations.

Years ago the site was home to the Tropicana Motor Lodge. It was a popular stop for travellers as they got to the end of the famous Route 66. The Tropicana was also well known for being a favourite spot for musicians including Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen Elvis Costello, Guns and Roses and the Beach Boys.

Today the hotel property is also home to a classic American dinner called Kitchen 24, a quick-serve hamburger restaurant, a Starbucks, UPS outlet and a Wells Fargo bank.

Guests also have access to a fitness centre, outdoor heated pool, and the business services centre. There is also same-day dry-cleaning and laundry services.

Sure, it’s not a five-star hotel and the rooms aren’t cheap, but the Ramada Plaza in WeHo gets the job done. And as a bonus, other than being in a great location, the Ramada Plaza offers complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel and the staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable.

Brian Webb, NOH8 Campaign photo shoot at LA Pride 2011

“I am deeply concerned by the violence and discrimination targeting L.G.B.T. persons around the world, whether it is passing laws that criminalize L.G.B.T. status, beating citizens simply for joining peaceful L.G.B.T. pride celebrations, or killing men, women and children for their perceived sexual orientation.”

- President Barack Obama

While President Obama recently urged foreign aid workers and governments to support LGBT rights initiatives, across the US the fight is still on for equal and human rights.

On November 4, 2008, the State of California amended their Constitution to ban same-sex marriage though legislation titled, Proposition 8. Immediately the LGBT community took action through grassroots community initiatives and protests being formed in response.

Celebrity photographer, Adam Bouska, and his partner, Jeff Parshly, established the NOH8 Campaign, a photographic silent protest. The West Hollywood based activism campaign began on December 13, 2008, and three years later continues to fight for equality for same-sex marriage and LGBT rights in California and beyond.

The signature Adam Bouska NOH8 Campaign photos feature subjects with duct tape over their mouths, symbolizing their voices being silenced by Prop 8 and similar legislation. The signature “NOH8” logo is painted / tattooed on one cheek in protest.

Since its inception three years ago, the NOH8 Campaign has grown to over 18,000 faces, 2011 being the largest year yet. The campaign started with portraits of everyday Californians. The campaign has become so popular and successful that politicians, military personnel, law enforcement, celebrities and people from around the world have also joined the campaign and had their photo taken. Adam has even brought the campaign on the road and has visited three other countries, including Canada.

The NOH8 Campaign hopes to fulfill it’s goal of compiling the images for a large-scale media campaign.

To find out how you can get involved, visit the NOH8 Campaign website.

The best creole fine dining awaits at Arnauds Restaurant in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Guests will be delighted with the fresh shrimp, crab cakes, turtle soup and praline crepes served up in authentic Louisiana style.

Founded in 1918 by French wine salesman, Arnaud Cazenave, the restaurant prides itself on delivering high quality dining with outstanding customer service.

The restaurant has a main dining area, private dining rooms, French bar and is also home to the Mardi Gras Museum.

Every Sunday there is a four-course “prix fixe” brunch with authentic live Dixieland jazz music.

Arnauds is located at 813 Rue Bienville (Bienville Street), just off the historic Bourbon Street.

Overall Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)