Four prominent Virtuoso travel agents recently experienced the luxurious charms of West Hollywood on an exclusive familiarization tour hosted by the West Hollywood Travel + Tourism Board. This two-day event, held from August 7th to 9th, was meticulously planned by Paola Zevallos, the Australian trade representative for the West Hollywood Travel & Tourism Board, and Denis Zyuzin, West Hollywood’s senior director of business development. The agents, who included Melanie Evans from Evans & Turner Travel Associates, Becky Kent-Perchalla from Perchalla & Turner Travel Associates, Leonie Spencer, and Christine McKerrell from MTA Travel, were treated to a series of opulent activities, fine dining experiences, and premium accommodations that showcased West Hollywood as a premier luxury destination.
The group’s home base for their exploration was the Pendry West Hollywood, a luxurious hotel that served as their base for exploring the city’s vibrant offerings. They immersed themselves in West Hollywood’s iconic areas, including the Sunset Strip, Santa Monica Boulevard, and the Design District. Their culinary journey took them to some of the city’s finest establishments, including 1 Hotel West Hollywood, Merois by Wolfgang Puck, The London West Hollywood, and The West Hollywood Edition. They also enjoyed the culinary delights at Ladyhawk, a new addition to West Hollywood’s vibrant dining scene, located at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel.
Beyond fine dining, the agents delved into the city’s shopping and wellness scene. They explored the boutique shops and showrooms in the Design District, indulging in retail therapy and discovering unique finds. Wellness enthusiasts enjoyed a rejuvenating experience at FaceGym. The stunning views of the Hollywood Hills from the Sunset Tower Hotel added an extra layer of luxury to their experience.
Becky Kent-Perchalla of Perchalla & Turner Travel Associates expressed her enthusiasm for the experience, highlighting West Hollywood’s unique charm. “I love that WeHo is its own city within a city. It’s compact, walkable, and has distinct districts. The Design Quarter is fabulous for lifestyle shopping, and the music heart of WeHo gives it a vibe that makes you want to return—again and again. With the wide selection of luxury hotels, there’s truly something for everyone,” she said.
Other Australian travel agents, including Donna Phillips from Donna Phillips Travel (Frontier Travel), Sonia Jones from Sonia Jones Travel (Frontier Travel), and Gabrielle Thackray from Wentworth Travel, joined the group to experience West Hollywood’s luxurious offerings. Sonia Jones, on her first visit to West Hollywood, was particularly impressed. “My first time to West Hollywood and I’m a convert. Gorgeous hotels, great dining experiences, and rooftops galore! It’s also a really walkable area—I felt very safe, and there’s so much to see and do,” she shared.
This exclusive tour provided the Virtuoso agents with a comprehensive taste of West Hollywood’s luxury offerings, solidifying the city’s reputation as a premier destination for travelers seeking an upscale experience. The carefully curated itinerary highlighted the city’s diverse attractions, from its vibrant nightlife and renowned dining scene to its luxurious hotels and stylish shopping districts, leaving a lasting impression on the agents and further solidifying West Hollywood’s position as a top choice for discerning travelers.
