Prep Guide for TCM Film Festival
First off, I will explain my extended leave from posting (to the 10 people who read this religiously). I recently got a full time job that has taken up a significant amount of my time. However, a steady paycheck covers a multitude of sins including lack of free time. That being said, I decided to try my hand at writing a travel guide. Now, I am not an experienced world traveler by any means (there is a week long misadventure in Europe that attests to this). What I am is a life-long resident of Southern California and someone who has spent a considerable amount of time on Hollywood Blvd. Here are my musings upon festival prep:
Lodgings
There are many hospitality businesses up and down Hollywood Blvd and in the Greater Hollywood area. The trick is finding the right bed for the right person.
The Roosevelt- The most centrally located hotel. Also is headquarters for the festival. Good for anyone especially out of towners who don't want to rent a car (more on that later). Allows for late night movies or munchies. The bar on the main floor is open 24/7 and has bomb onion rings. Downside is that the rooms can have a weird layout (guessing due to age) and can be a bit pricey but, there is usually a deal for festival goers.
The Loews- Located right behind (and connected to) the Hollywood and Highland Center, this is the next best thing to the Roosevelt. Bit on the expensive side and they no longer offer a discount for festival goers (they used to until a few years ago). Good back up.
The W- The last of the major hotels on Hollywood Blvd. Good news, they can be cheaper and have large rooms. Bad news, they are past the intersection of Hollywood and Vine. Bit of a step. Medium news, right above a Metro station (more on the Metro later).
Other- There is a hostel on Hollywood Blvd. No real opinion on it as I have never stayed in a hostel before. Personally, not my first choice but, I also prefer some semblance of privacy. (I also really don't like people.) There are other hotels in the area which may be (are) cheaper but, distance is a factor (will be explained in transportation section). If you're lucky, you might be able to find an AirBnB (or other similar site) listing that is close enough.
Transportation
You will become highly familiar with Hollywood Blvd during this festival. Everything (except the Cinerama Dome) will be on this street. DO NOT DRIVE!!!!!!!! Walking is the fastest and easiest option. Also the cheapest.
Walking- The best option by far. Everything is within walking distance. That being said, scheduling is important. While it is possible to get from the Chinese to the Egyptian in ~10 minutes (I have done so) I would not recommend it as you might be without a seat for the preferred screening. Hone crowd weaving skills. They will be instrumental in getting around.
Metro- Great if commuting from the W. The W is built on top of the Hollywood/Vine Station which is a 3 minute trip to/from the Hollywood/Highland Station underneath the Hollywood and Highland Center. The only real problem is that the Metro timetable is not always convenient for when people might actually be using the damn subway. Really only recommend for commuting to the festival.
Car- DO NOT USE!!!!! Traffic on Hollywood Blvd is an absolute nightmare and should not be attempted. Parking is even worse and expensive. If you are staying at a hotel of the Blvd, I recommend using Uber or Lyft. They will be less expensive that renting a car especially when parking is factored in. Unless the festival is part of a longer vacation, do not rent a car. It is a waste of money and effort. Southern Californian traffics gods are cruel and capricious. They do not accept offerings of any sort and I've tried. Human sacrifice might work but, is frowned upon outside of Aztec rituals. Not a great idea.
Wardrobe
As anyone even remotely familiar with LA and Hollywood will tell you, clothes are everything. The biggest decision you make is what you wear. Layers are your friend. SoCal weather is known for being a tad whimsical. By that, I mean that just because everyone says it going to rain does not mean it will actually rain the day of or a storm could blow in overnight to mar a previously foretold sunny day. A lightweight jacket will be fine for most situations. There is a tendency for the nights to be cool once the sun sets. While the sun graces us with her presence, she likes to turn her subjects into crispy bacon if the mood strikes. Comfortable shoes are almost required for the amount of walking this necessitates. Check the weather about 2-3 days before arriving for a not inaccurate forecast.
Supplies
Pack light. You will be doing a lot of walking and standing. Large bags filled with enough gear for every possibility will cause unnecessary pain and take up a lot of room. You want to be agile especially for Saturday and Sunday. Also, bring a portable power pack of some kind for any electronic devices.
Sunscreen- Bring sunscreen. It will be hot and sunny. The Chinese and Egyptian both have the lines outside and the sun can get brutual. This could be optional if your plans are in the multiplex for a significant amount of time but, still a good idea to bring if plans change.
Hat- This can be swapped out for sunglasses depending on personal preference. While a hat can be both fashionable and practical, it does take up room that could be better used for a scarf or jacket. Granted, if the urge to dress like you're going to the Derby hits ya, then go for it.
Sunglasses- A must have. The sun/buildings relationship can get contentious in the evening. The buildings are almost perfectly aligned for the sun to be in your eyes for at least one side of the street. Despite being smaller and easier to pack, sunglasses do have one con. They do not provide face protection with the sun. However, combining sunglasses and sunscreen can combat such issues with ease.
In-line Entertainment- As with most large gatherings of people who share a common interest, there will be Line Con. Line Con is every single line you will have to wait in before the desired event. As many who have worked in some sort of security field will tell you, boredom is the enemy. Be strategic about what boredom annihilating tools are packed. An e-reader is a good all around choice. They don't need internet access once a book had been downloaded also, choices. A classic book is also good so long as you don't finish it halfway through and need another one. The downside to physical copies is weight. A secondary option is to play games on your phone (if applicable). Talking to fellow festival goers is always an option but, as I don't like people, limited interaction is preferable.
Medical- All that should be necessary (beyond medications needed fr medical conditions) is a bottle of aspirin/ibuprofen and some band-aids. The pain meds would be for all over soreness (maybe a hangover) with the band-aids covering any blisters. There is a CVS Pharmacy a short ways from the Roosevelt if anything more serious is needed. DRINK WATER!!!!!! It gets hot and dehydration is a concern.
Fancy- Musso & Frank's might be the most well known restaurant on the Blvd. Problem is, it's also very expensive and better suited (in this case) to opening or closing might as a way to celebrate. The Hollywood and Highland Center also has some fancy places on the upper floors. Hotel restaurants run the gambit of being really fancy to nice and laidback.
Eh, could be worse- For a faster (and cheaper) alternative, there are the requisite amount of typical restaurants. I have been wanting to go to the Hooters only because their wings are supposed to be amazing. Baja Fresh is like next door and is speedy enough to get a bite between films but, is a bit on the expensive side (for fast food). Pig n Whistle is right next to the Egyptian for those who require alcohol before viewing.
Cheeeeeeeeeap- Rejoice! There is a Mcdonald's on Hollywood Blvd. It is next to the Guiness World Records place. Not gonna lie, I do love their pancakes. There are also hole-in-the-wall places that rovided really good food. Personal recommendation: Stefano's across form the Egyptian is great for pizza. They do require a token for the bathroom. Also, on the weekend, mythical beings come forth to provide sustenance for the masses. They are the bacon wrapped hot dog vendors. If you can, get ne fr they are delicious.
I hope that this will help inform the casual festival goer so that they may make the most of this fun time. I should have mentioned bringing a camera at some point but, with most phones having a camera... If this is not informative to you dear reader, I hope to at least entertain and provide some nominal amusement.
Sunscreen- Bring sunscreen. It will be hot and sunny. The Chinese and Egyptian both have the lines outside and the sun can get brutual. This could be optional if your plans are in the multiplex for a significant amount of time but, still a good idea to bring if plans change.
Hat- This can be swapped out for sunglasses depending on personal preference. While a hat can be both fashionable and practical, it does take up room that could be better used for a scarf or jacket. Granted, if the urge to dress like you're going to the Derby hits ya, then go for it.
Sunglasses- A must have. The sun/buildings relationship can get contentious in the evening. The buildings are almost perfectly aligned for the sun to be in your eyes for at least one side of the street. Despite being smaller and easier to pack, sunglasses do have one con. They do not provide face protection with the sun. However, combining sunglasses and sunscreen can combat such issues with ease.
In-line Entertainment- As with most large gatherings of people who share a common interest, there will be Line Con. Line Con is every single line you will have to wait in before the desired event. As many who have worked in some sort of security field will tell you, boredom is the enemy. Be strategic about what boredom annihilating tools are packed. An e-reader is a good all around choice. They don't need internet access once a book had been downloaded also, choices. A classic book is also good so long as you don't finish it halfway through and need another one. The downside to physical copies is weight. A secondary option is to play games on your phone (if applicable). Talking to fellow festival goers is always an option but, as I don't like people, limited interaction is preferable.
Medical- All that should be necessary (beyond medications needed fr medical conditions) is a bottle of aspirin/ibuprofen and some band-aids. The pain meds would be for all over soreness (maybe a hangover) with the band-aids covering any blisters. There is a CVS Pharmacy a short ways from the Roosevelt if anything more serious is needed. DRINK WATER!!!!!! It gets hot and dehydration is a concern.
Food
Many options are available for any price range.Fancy- Musso & Frank's might be the most well known restaurant on the Blvd. Problem is, it's also very expensive and better suited (in this case) to opening or closing might as a way to celebrate. The Hollywood and Highland Center also has some fancy places on the upper floors. Hotel restaurants run the gambit of being really fancy to nice and laidback.
Eh, could be worse- For a faster (and cheaper) alternative, there are the requisite amount of typical restaurants. I have been wanting to go to the Hooters only because their wings are supposed to be amazing. Baja Fresh is like next door and is speedy enough to get a bite between films but, is a bit on the expensive side (for fast food). Pig n Whistle is right next to the Egyptian for those who require alcohol before viewing.
Cheeeeeeeeeap- Rejoice! There is a Mcdonald's on Hollywood Blvd. It is next to the Guiness World Records place. Not gonna lie, I do love their pancakes. There are also hole-in-the-wall places that rovided really good food. Personal recommendation: Stefano's across form the Egyptian is great for pizza. They do require a token for the bathroom. Also, on the weekend, mythical beings come forth to provide sustenance for the masses. They are the bacon wrapped hot dog vendors. If you can, get ne fr they are delicious.
I hope that this will help inform the casual festival goer so that they may make the most of this fun time. I should have mentioned bringing a camera at some point but, with most phones having a camera... If this is not informative to you dear reader, I hope to at least entertain and provide some nominal amusement.
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