roycifer on May 29, 2009, at 04:16PM – #1

its great that theyre attempting to do stuff for downtown residents but the discounts are pretty weak. only four days in june? and only 10-15% off with this and that restriction? c'mon... thats really not gonna encourage me to spend my time/money there. i hope they improve the offers.

Genevieve Stapleton - Lawry's Carvery on May 29, 2009, at 05:12PM – #3

Hey Eric, Thanks for posting about the L.A. LIVE Summer Residents program.

We'd love to have you and your downtown readers experience Lawry's Carvery on those days - get one complimentary sandwich or salad for each one purchased.

thuyntroy on May 29, 2009, at 05:39PM – #4

That's nice that they are doing something nice for the residents. If they can fix the outrageous parking fees than we would visit more often. We've been there once and got burned and have never been back. :-(

nomad on May 29, 2009, at 09:24PM – #7

to: thuyntroy

as a local resident you should explore other options to get there. even a cab may be cheaper, because yes, their parking situation is god awful!

mark Sanchez on May 30, 2009, at 09:55AM – #8

This is great news from LA LIVE! With all the hype and negative stuff you read about this place, it is after all in my (South Park) backyard! I walk over there every Saturday morning to walk my dogs and it is a nice treat for us. I have wanted to try all the eateries there, but being in this economic budget I'm in, I have to be on the look at for any and all deals. I know I will certainly be checking out Lawry's offer (thanx, Genevieve).

When I first moved here we discovered Arnie Morton's does a late night happy hour from 9:00-11:00 (I think) and that was terrific since things were still in boxes. Loved the idea of being able to go out and have a few drinks and some happy hour priced food and not break the bank!

I will put all these days on my calendar! Cheers to LA LIVE!!

Grnsmrk

AB on May 30, 2009, at 10:39AM – #9

I think that they are greedy with the overpriced parking that is not an incentive for locals to visit. The builders received major tax incentives to build this complex. When Hollywood and Highland opened-- the parking was $10 when the economy was stronger-- now it is reduced when validated to a few dollars. The real test will be the opening of the Regal Theatres later in the year (AEG, the owner and builder of LA LIVE is their largest investor.) Since it will be their flagship theatre, the tickets will possibly be $14-15. If parking is not reduced and validated, what would be the incentive to go? If they did, I would be there EVERY week. If not, I would continue going to the Americana in Glendale where free parking is available for the brand new Pacific Theatres, the Arclight for a few dollars or even the newer Alhambra Regal which is 10 minutes from downtown with free parking.

Got legs? on May 30, 2009, at 08:47PM – #10

Why are "locals" even talking about parking when their Chevro-legs can get them there in minutes?

Lazy, much?

Jon on May 30, 2009, at 09:12PM – #11

I live in Century City and just take the 28/728 to LA Live/Staples Center. Surely the "locals" don't need to drive there.

Tammy Billings on May 31, 2009, at 10:18AM – #12

Parking rates at L.A. LIVE are only $5 for 90 minutes and were significantly reduced (by 50%) after the initial opening and complaints by locals. It is $10 for two hours, plenty of time to grab dinner or a couple drinks on a non-event night. Also, since there are no events in SC or NT on those nights, there's ample space available in the underground parking. The flat rate parking behind Nokia Theatre on non-event nights is also very reasonable, and always $10 after 9 PM.

Tammy Billings on May 31, 2009, at 10:33AM – #13

Also - more dates will be added each week... difficult to determine dates at the current time due to Lakers play-offs. We anticipate dates for first two weeks being: June 1-3, 8-11 - quite a few dates for only the first two weeks.

John on May 31, 2009, at 11:33AM – #14

So how does this work, do you get a card or is it just based on the honor system?

Jon on May 31, 2009, at 12:14PM – #15

In addition to including people who live near USC (like Steve Marks), why not give the discount to USC students also? That's 30,000 starving students just a couple miles south of LA Live, who I'm sure would appreciate the discounts. Or students of LA Trade Tech, which is even closer. Also Loyola law school, which is just west of the 110 on Olympic (I think). Though I suppose it makes sense to start slowly and offer the program to locals first; to see how large the discount pool needs to be to keep LA Live abuzz during off nights at Staples and Nokia.

I plan to attend at least one day of E3 this week. Let's see how much activity the convention crowd generates on Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday should be interesting with closing ceremonies for E3 and game 1 of the NBA finals.

AB on May 31, 2009, at 08:26PM – #16

As a downtown resident, I would gladly take a public transportation to LA LIVE, but since downtown bus routes do not always make sense or operate in tandem, it could take me over an hour to get there for just a few miles and the bus service where I live in Chinatown on the northern end of downtown ends before 8pm so no dinner out or a movie when the theatres open:( Why spend $10 for parking when I can drive anywhere else downtown and have free parking after 6pm?

Eddie on the Hill on May 31, 2009, at 10:30PM – #18

Great idea for Downtown. More should do this.

frankie on June 01, 2009, at 09:46AM – #19

"Got legs?" Is right on the money!

So you live downtown, but drive to LA Live?

I've heard it all now!

So why did you lazy people move downtown, cause ya herd it's cool?

The Farm of Beverly Hills on June 01, 2009, at 10:34AM – #20

The Farm of Beverly Hills at LA LIVE will extend its offer to USC students and will not restrict the offer to non-event nights for downtown residents. Thanks for welcoming us to the neighborhood!

JM on June 01, 2009, at 10:47AM – #21

I would soooo like to hear where frankie lives, far from the madding crowds...

Jasmijn on June 01, 2009, at 02:46PM – #23

Great! We've been wanting to try some of the new eateries so we will use this opportunity. It may be "only" 10-15%, but every little bit helps and I won't be the only one taking advantage of this.

And we will be walking. Yes, it's only about 10 minutes' walk for us, but we do walk to both Chinatown and Little Tokyo for dinner regularly as well, and we don't live there. One of the things I love about living downtown is that nowhere is too far to walk to, and my car can stay in its garage and relax!

Naturallawyer on June 02, 2009, at 01:11AM – #25

Is the 15% deal generally operative during the day or only after certain hours? It was vague as to most restaurants on the web page.

For those complaining about parking who live too far to walk (I live within 15-20 minutes walking and love the exercise myself, and I pass up plenty of open street parking spaces on my way to LA Live), certain restaurants validate for parking (I think Lawry's does), and I'd make it a point to visit those when you drive. I went to Wolfgang Puck tonight and had to drive because of company, and was surprised they didn't validate for parking because it's a pretty nice restaurant. Further, their service was so slow that it nearly took us past the parking time because they apparently couldn't figure out how to calculate the 15% discount. Not much point in a discount there, although I'll cut them a break because they are new and presumably still working things out.

Still, I think most of the offers are generous and I definitely plan to hit up Lawry's again, as that is quickly becoming my favorite spot at the complex.

Rich Alossi on June 02, 2009, at 01:50AM – #26

Went to Lawry's tonight to test the discount. The thing I don't like about these types of discounts -- whether it be Dine LA, Night on the Town in Downtown, or this particular program -- is that restaurant staff never knows about it or what to do about the bill.

The whole process at Lawry's was further complicated by the strange ordering/serving process they have set up. Our waitress didn't know about the program, then the manager said it was a 10% discount. The website says it is buy one get one free. We did get the correct discount applied after some back and forth.

As I was leaving, another couple entered the restaurant and mentioned the Downtown resident discount program. Hopefully their experience was a little easier than ours.

It was a decent dinner, but I'd probably just stick with Cole's if the discount weren't available.

Oscar on June 02, 2009, at 02:22AM – #27

F that! I live in 6th. and Spring, have dozens if not hundreds of places near by, why WALK or DRIVE all the way overthere for some small discount, is worthless.

BTW I am not into sports either and looove the personal service at the laemmle's.

So I guess I won't visit that place at all.

TAMMY BILLINGS: Give me free parking instead of that BS argument of $10 per 2 hrs. and I give you my word that not I will only visit at least twice a month but I will also bring friends from other parts of the city...

Jasmijn on June 02, 2009, at 09:23AM – #28

Hmmm, good to know about the information not being passed down to the people who tot up the bills yet. I'll make sure to take a printout of the web page with me when I go: it might help get things on the right track.

Naturallawyer on June 02, 2009, at 09:30AM – #29

Oscar: I'm a big hockey fan and for years as a poor college student I drove downtown and found free parking on Hope Street for Kings games. And that was on an event night! Admittedly, the increased residents and the Ralphs have taken some of that parking, but I'm confident that if you really want free parking, you'll find it in the surrounding areas (within a 5-10 minute walk) on non-event nights, which LA Live has posted on its website, and various restaurants are even offering a small incentive to do so.

Vanzant on June 02, 2009, at 12:52PM – #30

Im in 90015, but anyone in the zip codes listed should not even be talking about parking..come on!

Im calling out THE YARD HOUSE! Has anyone noticed that the yard house is the only one not participating in this?? ...so they dont need the business!? Ive been to LA live on non-event night and everything is dead..even on a weekend.

Lawrys seems to be the best bargain, but anyplace that gives me a hassle about a discount the ownership has signed up for...I just wont go back. That is bad top-down management. That manager who said 10% needs to check the web-site.

I like Flemmings offering the late night happy hour. I will check that out for sure!

to the others excluding drinks from this special...booo!

JR on June 02, 2009, at 12:59PM – #31

USC resident complaining about your zip code not listed (90007)....stop pretending you live in downtown....USC is in south central, LOL..check the map!

All kidding aside, I think they should target USC (university of spoiled children). Expendable incomes with mansion frat houses.

Guy on June 02, 2009, at 01:37PM – #32

JR = UCLA grad still upset about the football program

Genevieve Stapleton - Lawry's Carvery on June 03, 2009, at 01:38PM – #33

Rich; We apologize for that experience, and assure you that the miscommunication has been resolved. We hope you'll give us another chance.

We can also confirm that Lawry's Carvery saves you $5 in parking costs daily. Expect validation for the first 90 minutes, from 11am - 5pm in the East Garage, with $25 purchase.

USC Students and Grammy Museum Charter Members receive a discount when they show ID.

We feel privileged to be part of the Downtown community and look forward to reading more news and opinions on blogdowntown.

Dave on June 03, 2009, at 06:13PM – #34

I live at 6th and Main and the first and last time I went to LA Live I rode my bike. Not everything was open yet and I had no idea where I was or what I was going to do there. A security guard chased me down and told me I had to leave the premise as bikes were not allowed. I ended up getting some Ice cream at a place next to Lawry's and it wasn't bad but I've never been back. I walk to 24 fitness nearly every day, walk to ralph's every few days but convincing my girlfriend who's probably in heels to walk across downtown or my parents when they visit etc..is just not going to happen. If I'm going to have to pay for parking I'd rather do it someplace else for less money.

MSMC Grad student on June 03, 2009, at 10:25PM – #35

Hey Lawry's/restaurants at LA live!

I think its great that youre getting involved with the downtown community, but what about Mount Saint Mary's College?....ya know, the small private school just south of you on Figueroa? i know were small, but were actually CLOSER to you than the much larger USC campus...were on Adams and Fig, and I, for one, would not like to get left out of this student offer!

LA Live looks awesome, some really great restaurant/bars... I just cant really afford any of those restaurants except for special occasions. but if there were student discounts... 100% honest, i would go often.

please help us. we, unlike other schools in the area, dont have rich parents :)

Oscar on June 04, 2009, at 06:24AM – #36

Naturallawyer;(In friendly manner) You're missing the point, stop thinking like a lawyer, but just for giggles here's a better counter-argument (than your argument) to my own argument...

Oscar; next time you should park around the civic hall usally after 6p there is a lot of free parking, then you can just take the train (1.25 each way) it'll be lots of fun!

Tammy Billings on June 04, 2009, at 08:22AM – #37

Hey Dave, I am sorry to hear about your biking experience. We don't allow bikes to be ridden ON campus for safety reasons, but you can definitely park it at the two bike racks located on campus. One is in the East Garage (easiest if you enter off Francisco & Olympic) and the other is on the south side of STAPLES near LACC. The one in security headquarters. I hope over the warm summer months, you will try again. As for getting your GF to walk in heels - I totally get that! We are evaluating our parking options on non-event nights as well and will keep you posted.

Jon on June 04, 2009, at 12:34PM – #38

Any reports on the business generated by E3 attendees? I was there briefly Tuesday and left the convention center at around 6:30pm. Lots of other folks heading out as well, but many were hopping straight onto shuttles back to their hotels in various parts of downtown. At around 6:30pm, restaurants looked to be about 1/3 to 1/2 full, but Trader Vic's outdoor seating was packed.

As I previously mentioned, should be interesting tonight with E3 wrapping up just as the Lakers game tips off.

Jeff on June 04, 2009, at 01:23PM – #39

RESIDENTS WANT DRINK SPECIALS!!! :-P

greeensmark on June 04, 2009, at 02:36PM – #40

I agree wih JEFF!!!

Has anyone been to Trader Vic's? Went Saturday night after Dane Cook. Disappointing. As one that enjoys one of those foo foo drinks every now and then, I can say, these drinks take sometime to make. When the concert let out, they got slammed. Not good! The vibe was not good either. Only thing that was lacking was cobwebs!! Suggestion: These guys ought to go spend a Sunday afternoon at The Abbey in Weho! Those boys can make those drinks in half the time that it took them. And still flirt with the customers.

Grnsmrk

Dave on June 04, 2009, at 06:36PM – #41

Hi Tammy, Thanks for the info. If I were a business there I'd probably try to work in some coupons to the security and when they see a guy or girl on a bike (local resident obviously) I'd want the security person to say, "excuse me but bikes aren't allowed so I'm going to have to issue you a coupon and tell you that you can park..." Make it a fun way establish the rules there etc.. Personally I'd think in regards to parking it should not be more expensive than The Grove or someplace like that. I don't understand the event/non-event parking differences. I mean I do understand that you guys want to make some more money on event nights but I have no interest in becoming an expert in every single pending LA Live "event" and would have to question every spontaneous idea or suggestion to dine there but then again if it was totally crazy when I got there due to an event then I probably wouldn't go so maybe for the downtown resident that decided to dine or something there on an event night parking is validated by the business at a special rate (even though I don't think this would be used that much). That way downtowners can attempt to go anytime they want without worrying about events but maybe LA live takes it one step further and offers an iPhone application of events, movie times, specials, etc... ?

Maria Bouldin on June 05, 2009, at 12:08PM – #42

Salon Belleza at the Wilshire Grand Hotel, is also discounting their services 15% Monday through Wednesday. They are a full service Salon and Day Spa, I had my haircut with Besma from Paris, and she is awesome! She listened to my needs, and added some very good suggestions, which updated and complimented my style. I also got a massage from Carlos Pamplona, and he worked out some serious knots that I had been carrying around for much to long.

PeteyWheatie on June 05, 2009, at 10:30PM – #43

I live in downtown, and LA Live is a huge disappointment. There isn't much else to do except grab a bite to eat. Maybe it will be better once the theater opens? Parking fees are outrageous, and I would definitely not come here if I did not live in downtown.

I've also been very rudely reprimanded for riding my bike. And I was not even on LA Live property, just around the outside on the sidewalk! I have been told on 2 occassions that there are no bike racks. At this point, the 10% or 15% discount for downtown dwellers is not even to lure me back.

Bert Green on June 06, 2009, at 02:42PM – #44

The bike parking at LA Live needs to be prominent, obvious, and abundant. I suggest that LA Live install the inverted "U" racks throughout the periphery of the complex. A bicycle is not like a car, it does not need to parked far away in a designated zone. Near each entrance could be a moderate number of bike parking stations, and more on the curb along the sidewalks as well.

So far it seems like LA Live is meant as a car-catcher, designed to lure people from the suburbs.

Tammy Billings on June 08, 2009, at 07:41AM – #46

Okay friends, I'll do my best here to respond to all the recent comments:

Jon, E3 was great for business. As were the two city-wide conventions prior. It is one of the reasons L.A. LIVE was developed, to attract bigger city-wide conventions generating business for the entire City. So although some people did leave by Shuttle and pour their dollars into other areas of the city, we fared well.

Jeff, L.A. LIVE as the property management company cannot control the discounts provided. Also, it is technically illegal to discount alcohol, outside of a happy hour - which most establishments have.

Dave, we like the idea of an iPhone application with our calendar information and have considered pursuing. With Nokia as one of our partners however, we are inclined to work with them first. If an outside party were to develop (hint, hint) there wouldn't be much we could do about it. You might even include all events in Downtown. In regards to non-event vs. event nights, it's pretty simple - why would a business offer a discount on a night that they can fill the restaurant and get full price. Generally speaking, these nights, which are packed with folks from outside of the area are NOT the nights residents want to come to L.A. LIVE. I know I like it when it's a little less busy and I run into my colleagues and other friends from Downtown. While the program helps to support our businesses on nights it's not as busy here, it is also giving the residents exactly what they want and the alternative is not doing anything, so I think we're heading in the right direction.

Petey, we are sorry you're disappointed. However, in addition to dining, you may also bowl, see a concert or sporting event, dance at the Conga Room and fairly soon - go to the movies. The retail portion of the Specific Plan is on hold due to current economic conditions and has nothing to do with AEG. We are an entertainment group and are not invested in the retail portion of the Specific Plan.

Kevin/Bert, you are not the first to complain about this. We have done our best to update the bike information on our web site. I will suggest that additional racks be added to the exterior of the property. Additionally, we have suggested to the BID that part of the Figueroa corridor money be used to create biking solutions, i.e. a bike lockers, better lane access, etc. in close proximity to L.A. LIVE.

One step at a time - keep your feedback coming and I'll do my best to respond as long as the comments are clean and civil. Your feedback is how things get changed - people asked for discounts for locals - we delivered.

Bert Green on June 08, 2009, at 10:23AM – #47

Thanks, Tammy. I am encouraged by your engagement with the community.

Dave on June 08, 2009, at 04:15PM – #48

Very impressive indeed! LA Live should consider themselves very lucky to have you. Good point about a downtown iPhone app covering all events. I'll be meeting with the CEO of a tech company later this week that has is HQ'd in downtown LA. Maybe he could deploy some resources to help out.

AB on June 09, 2009, at 11:48AM – #49

Question for Tammy: I am curious whether you have given any thoughts yet about how the parking will be handled for Regal when it opens (especially since your company is the largest shareholder) and what the rates will be? As an avid theatergoer who sees at least 1-2 movies per week, from Downtown I currently drive to the Pacific Glendale and the two Regal Alhambra theaters since they have free parking. I was really hoping that the parking for the movies would be reasonable so I could make this my regular theater. Thanks.

Jon on June 09, 2009, at 01:23PM – #50

And big thanks to blogdowntown for providing a forum where businesses and the community can engage in these types of dialogues.

dave on June 09, 2009, at 04:24PM – #51

I agree with Jon. Big shot out to blogdowntown for doing it right!

Disappointed on June 19, 2009, at 07:00PM – #52

What discounts are given to USC students? or people in the 90007 zip code which is closer then some of the zip codes in downtonw (i.e.90012) that receive the discount. :(

fernando on July 03, 2009, at 11:41AM – #53

I saw bike racks in the LA Live parking structure. I saw them next to the elevator.