Jen & Martin
Jen & Martin
Travel
A HUGE THANK YOU to all who will be traveling to California to celebrate with us! We know it's a big trip, and it will be an honor and blessing to have you with us.
We live in a beautiful area, so we suggest making it a vacation! In fact, we hope to plan some pre-wedding group activities for those who can come early (cocktails on the beach? Reasonable hike with a killer view? Wine at the local vineyard?). We'll post if/when those plans come together.
For now, here are some travel planning tips:
First, you'll need a car when you are in L.A. No such thing as convenient or reliable public transportation here!
FLYING:
LAX (Los Angeles International) airport is likely your best bet. It's about 40 miles from Westlake Village.
If you happen to arrive very early in the morning or very late at night, you shouldn't encounter too much traffic. However, LA traffic is legendary for a reason so expect the trip from LAX to Westlake to take at least an hour (if you're lucky). Avoid landing/driving during rush hour, if possible. Before sunset, consider taking PCH for a slightly longer and infinitely more beautiful coastal-and-canyon drive (or after sunset if you don't mind missing the view and driving the canyon at night.)
The alternate airport is BUR (Burbank). It's somewhat closer to Westlake and much easier to navigate, but it's a smaller airport with fewer flight options, and flights are usually more expensive. It might be worth your while to pay extra and avoid LAX, however. If you find flights you like in and out of Burbank, grab them! You'll also encounter some traffic, but it won't be as bad as the trek from LAX.
UBER/LYFT: If you are considering not renting a car, ride-share service from LAX to Westlake is at least $100. From Burbank, at least $80. As you know, prices jump quickly based on demand, traffic, etc... I've seen fares as high as $150 from LAX.
HOTELS:
We've booked a block of rooms at one hotel (Residence Inn by Marriott - rate = $209 +tax), and have listed many other great options in the area. Rates will likely start around $250/night. VRBO might also be a good option for you.
To search VRBO or hotels, search on these cities first: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, and Newbury Park.
If you care to stay on or near the beach, Westlake Village is only about 20 minutes from Malibu, but know that you will be traveling through canyons, and depending on where you land, the winding roads may or may not be lit at night.
If you have specific questions about an area or hotel, just ask Jen or Martin! We'll do our best to offer meaningful feedback.
Finally, for those who aren't able to join us in California on October 5, we hope to travel sometime in the near future to Virginia and New York as newlyweds to celebrate with family and friends there. Perhaps you can join us then! We are also working on live-streaming the wedding Mass and ceremony...more on that if/when it gets set up.
Thanks, everyone, for being part of our lives!
Residence Inn Los Angeles Westlake Village
This is a Residence Inn by Marriott. It's a very nice property in the heart of Westlake, and the only property where we've decided to reserve a block of rooms. You can book for any number of nights within the date range of the block, and if you need more, please call the hotel directly to arrange.
The hotel is next to Lure Fish House, which is a good restaurant with a great bar. Other dining nearby, including In and Out!
Westlake Village Inn
Spa, restaurants, and wine bar on property. Rooms start at about $300 + tax
If you want to treat yourself and have lots of dining, and drinking options at your fingertips, this is the spot!
Hyatt Regency Westlake
Rooms start at about $250/night + tax. Free parking. Bar and Starbuck's in the hotel. Across the parking lot from a great deli restaurant called Brent's. Across the street from a big shopping center with lots of dining options.
Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, California
Rooms start at about $550 +tax. It's the Four Seasons, so enough said!
Courtyard Thousand Oaks Agoura Hills
Lovely, large property is only about 4 years old, with standard rooms and suites. Very clean, spacious rooms, well appointed.
5 miles from Westlake = about 10 min. Travel on the 101 freeway or take Agoura Rd (which parallels the 101) to and from Westlake.
Cambria Hotel Calabasas - Malibu
About 8 miles / 15 min from Westlake. This is a really cool boutique hotel, with beautiful rooms and gorgeous pool/courtyard. Right off the freeway at the Las Virgenes exit in Calabasas. You can walk or drive across a busy street to a grocery store, coffee, and some dining options. Rates may be between $175 - $250/night +tax.
Hampton Inn & Suites Agoura Hills
This is by far the nicest Hampton Inn I’ve ever seen (Jen)! It’s nestled near a business park. One side faces the freeway, which is a little loud, but I assume they’ve managed that with whatever windows they have. It’s clean and nicely appointed. All rooms include breakfast. For everything else, you’ll want to drive. Not sure if it's much less expensive that other options listed, but you can check it out!