Blog - Holiday Inn Burbank Blog

Flying High in Hollywood With iFLY

By Sharyn Crown Things to Do Leave a comment

You always say you want to do something wild and crazy on vacation. Well, here is your chance! During your stay at the Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center, you should go skydiving! Okay, maybe you are saying there is no way you are jumping out of a plane. Well, you don’t have to. You can experience the feeling of free-falling from a plane, without being dropped thousands of feet in the air at iFLY Hollywood.

What Is It?

iFLY Hollywood allows you to feel like you are skydiving, without even having to get in an airplane. A wall-to-wall flow of air is generated through an 800 horsepower vertical wind tunnel. You literally float on top of this cushion of air. So, you do not need to strap on a parachute or jump out of a plane to enjoy an amazing adrenaline rush.

June 21, 2015

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4th of July Celebrations in Los Angeles 2015

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It is no secret that Los Angeles knows how to celebrate a holiday, so if you will be staying at the Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center during the 4^th of July, you might want to check out one of these great events.

Grand Park Block Party

Just 10 miles away from the hotel, you will find one of the city’s hottest 4^th of July celebrations. The Block Party at Grand Park is known for its rooftop fireworks display that features pyrotechnics special effects. The doors open at 3 pm, and there is sure to be some fantastic music on the main stage to keep you dancing all day. Food vendors will be on-site, but this is an alcohol-free event.

Hollywood Bowl

Every year, the Hollywood Bowl hosts a three-day celebration, and there are fireworks every night, so you could check out this event on the 2^nd or 3^rd, and then hit a different one on the 4^th. After the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Bowl is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. In fact, it is the country’s largest outdoor amphitheater. For 2015, the legendary Smoky Robinson will be headlining the event.

June 17, 2015

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Leonis Adobe Museum: See the Oldest House in Hollywood

By Sharyn Crown Things to Do Leave a comment

If you are fascinated by the simpler life of the 1800s, you definitely want to make a point to visit Leonis Adobe Museum during your stay at the Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center. On the grounds, you will find two historic homes, carriages, old barns, gardens, and plenty of animals, many of which you can even feed.

Leonis Adobe

Built in 1844, the Leonis Adobe is one of Los Angeles County’s oldest surviving residences. It was once occupied by a wealthy rancher named Miguel Leonis. In 1889, he was in a wagon accident and died from the injuries he sustained. His surviving wife, Espiritu Chijulla had to go through a long 16-year battle to prove that she was his legal wife to have the estate awarded to her. She won her case just before she passed in 1906.

June 9, 2015

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Spa Spotlight: Hollywood Beauty Bar

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It does not matter if you are staying at the Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center for business or pleasure; a visit to the Hollywood area is not complete without being pampered at one of the luxury spas here. Of course, with so many to choose from deciding which one to try can be a little overwhelming. Hollywood Beauty Bar is one of the most popular day spas in the area, and after even a few minutes there, you will understand why.

Skincare

Signature Facials – If you read through the countless perfect reviews for this spa, you will see one particular name mentioned in almost every single one: Henry Von Norden. Just call him the “skin whisperer” because he seems to be able to take care of any skincare challenges. The Star Studded Organic Facial is one of the most popular options or if you are dealing with sun damage or acne scars try the Red Carpet Ready Facial.

June 8, 2015

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Fascinating Houses of the Hollywood Area

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Maybe you never get too excited about architecture where you live back home, but during your stay at the Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center, you definitely want to take a little time to appreciate the diversity of the architecture that you will find here. Below are some of the most fascinating homes in the Hollywood area that are adored for very different reasons.

The Spadena House – Also referred to as “The Witch House,” this home looks like it belongs in an old fairytale. You can almost imagine Hansel and Gretel slowly walking to the front door, never to be seen again. It was originally built in 1921 after being designed by art director Harry Oliver. Its pointy lop-sided roof is still considered its standout feature.

Deronda Residence – Designed by Space International, the Deronda Residence sits in the shadow of the Hollywood Sign. It boasts two rectangular portions that are shifted off-axis. Large sliding glass doors and floor-to-ceiling windows award unparalleled views from nearly anywhere in the home.

June 4, 2015

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STAR Eco Station: An Environmental Science and Wildlife Rescue Facility

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If you are passionate about animals or the environment, or both, you definitely can’t pass up the opportunity to visit the STAR Eco Station during your stay at the Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center. This facility has won awards with “Los Angeles Magazine” and “LA Parent” magazine, and truly offers a unique experience.

About

Founded in 1997, STAR Eco Station is a museum that focuses on environmental science and exotic wildlife. When folks from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service confiscate an animal that was illegally trafficked there is a chance it could end up here.

Visitors to the area enjoy hands-on lessons in environmentalism and ecology. The tropical environment provides a safe but realistic jungle setting. The mission of the station is to get people excited about caring for the planet and educated on why it is so important to remain committed to these practices. If you are thinking STAR Eco Station looks really familiar, there is a good chance you have seen it mentioned on Animal Planet, NBC, ABC, Nickelodeon, Los Angeles Times, KTLA5, and Univision, just to name a few.

June 3, 2015

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Commonwealth Restaurant: Serving Globally Inspired Contemporary Cuisine

By Sharyn Crown Burbank Food Leave a comment

You may assume that you need to head into Hollywood to enjoy a fine dining experience during your stay at the Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center, but you don’t. The truth is that Burbank has some of the best restaurants in Los Angeles County. Commonwealth Restaurant happens to be one of the venues that attract locals, as well as visitors from all over the county. You don’t even need to move your car out of its parking space because you can walk there in 5 minutes.

About Commonwealth Restaurant

In an area that is saturated with corporate chain restaurants, Commonwealth is considered a hidden treasure. In fact, it has hundreds of Yelp reviews raving about the food, ambiance, service, and overall experience. You won’t find predictable dishes here. This is where you go when you want to treat your taste buds to something new. The food is globally influenced from several countries to deliver a unique and memorable culinary experience.

June 1, 2015

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Test Your Driving Skills at Racer’s Edge Indoor Karting

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Looking for something fun to do that’s close to the hotel, so you don’t have to drive into the city? Racer’s Edge Indoor Karting is only 1.4 miles away from the Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center, so you can walk there, if you want to.

About

Racer’s Edge Indoor Karting was originally located in Santa Clarita. It moved to Burbank in 2011 to be in a more central location for travelers visiting the Hollywood area.

Here you will find a high-speed concrete race track and all-electric, high-performance karts that can reach speeds of 45 miles per hour. A standard race is 16 laps, which covers about 2.5 miles. There are also other packages available, and if you have a large group customized races are available.

May 21, 2015

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North Hollywood Diner: Open 24 Hours to Curb a Craving Day or Night

By Sharyn Crown Food and Drink Leave a comment

There’s nothing worse than getting a late-night craving on vacation and not knowing where to go. Maybe you will catch a late show, walk on the beach, come back to your room at the Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center, and realize you are starving, but its midnight, so most kitchens are closed. Well, you don’t have to starve till morning. The North Hollywood Diner is open 24 hours, and only about 4 miles from the hotel.

About the Diner

You will hear a lot of locals talk about this diner like it is a landmark. Considering it has been feeding the Los Angeles area around-the-clock since 1959, it probably should be by now. This place won’t match your vision of a typical diner though. There is a diner-like area with counter seating and some four-top tables, but there is also an intimate dining room and a main room with lots of cozy booths. You can also grab a set near the fireplace on the large covered patio

May 18, 2015

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Jump on a Segway with Another Side of Los Angeles Tours

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You will notice that Segways are a big deal in Los Angeles, especially for tours. You don’t have to exhaust yourself walking from one location to the next, nor do you have to deal with getting on and off a bus. You may be saying that if there is something you want to see during your stay at the Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center, you will just go there and see it yourself. You can, but if you take advantage of a Segway tour you won’t be disappointed. Everyone will tell you that this is the best way to experience this great city. Of course, you want to make sure you tour with a reputable company that has responsible and knowledgeable guides. Another Side of Los Angeles Tours fits this description.

About the Company

Founded in 2007, Another Side of Los Angeles Tours offers a wide variety of options, but is most well-known for its Segway tours. Depending on the one you choose, your tour may include attraction entry and food. The guides are fantastic, and the perfect Yelp reviews will confirm this. Don’t be intimidated if you have never been on a Segway. They are really easy to operate and the ones with this tour company are meticulously maintained. Now, you just have to figure out which Segway tour to take. Below are a few favorites.

May 15, 2015

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There’s plenty of time to come join us for a great Valentine’s Day dinner in the 18th floor Crystal View Lounge. 5pm-10pm

Last week from Holiday Inn Burbank's Twitter via Facebook

There is lots of time to come by for dinner in the 18th floor Crystal View Lounge. Join us tonight from 5-10 pm for… twitter.com/i/web/st…

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Join us for Valentine’s Day dinner in the 18th floor Crystal View Lounge #holidayinnburbank #valentinesdaydinner… twitter.com/i/web/st…

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A fun afternoon of taste testing appetizers for an upcoming wedding. — at Holiday Inn Burbank-Media Center facebook.com/6479434…

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Karaoke tonight at 9 pm at the Holiday Inn’s Casting Call. Come join us!

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