In front, Doris (matinikitty13) and Mark (travelman727), in back from left Jennifer (jenn79), Sybil (iheart2travel), Jesse (jessejb) Erin (poohstanggt), Will (w_clemmons) and my wife Judy (Hummingbird).
December 8th, 2007 goes down in history as the largest TravBuddy Meetup in history! Well, at least so far.
Held in an alley in downtown Los Angeles. Yep, that’ what I said, an alley! Now if someone had told me before hand that this was going to be the case I may have though twice about attending. I used to live in Southern California and had to go into downtown LA to work once in awhile. I still remember the hundreds of homeless people that would panhandle and generally make you feel less than comfortable. And when we drove down 2nd Street where we expected to see a big building with lights and signage to the Edison, we found nothing. But a homeless old guy said he would be glad to show us where the Edison was. “Just follow me down this alley.” I just wasn’t sure.
And of course we were nearly an hour early so they wouldn’t let us in.
In front Tracy (tre69), Doris (martinikitty13), and Mark (travelman727). In back, Melanie (mellemel8), Jennifer (jenn79), Sybil (iheart2travel), and Jesse (jessejb).
But when they did open and we got in and downstairs to the Edison, it was a step into the past and the old “Speakeasy”. Nicely upscale, with a feeling of the 1920s.
Our group started with eight or ten and grew to past the twenty mark. It was lots of fun and laughter to chat and enjoy the company of all of these members we had read about and seen in pictures.
We will long remember the trip.
Don’t forget to look at the blogs from others who attended, like Jenn79, iheart2travel, martinikitty13, travelman727 and AngelBaby. They also have some great photos.
Located on the eastern side of Pasadena this recently renovated motel features 62 rooms on three levels with parking provided on the lot under the buildings. It should not be confused with the Best Western Pasadena Inn, which is right next door. There is a good large elevator provided for access to upper floors. Exterior corridors overlook the parking area. AAA rates this motel as 3 stars and we were upgraded to a suite which was quite large and comfortable. Amenities were complete and even included a wet bar, refrigerator and microwave oven. Our only grumble was that the full breakfast was served only until 9a.m.
Being the oldest attendee at the Los Angeles TravBuddy Meetup gave me a different perspective of the lounge. I actually recognized some of the original items retained from the days of the power plant that once was home here. But today it has seen a very profound change. This very upscale lounge has tried to bring back the best of the “Speakeasy”. At the door you are met by a gentleman in a black suit, black shirt, tie, and even a twenties style brimmed hat, who “looks you over” to make sure you are properly attired before letting you in. The waitresses, who I might add were extremely excellent, were attired in flapper style attire. They have done a wonderful job of turning this elderly building into a wonderful lounge, and although I wouldn’t recommend eating here, they do offer several items and of course their bar offers a wide variety of drinks to satisfy every taste. They even have several girls who do a Charleston dance routine on stage throughout the evening. Don’t try to go before they open, this is not in the best part of town and is quite hard to locate off the street and down the alley. I never did see a sign. Parking is easy in the very close parking garage.
Looking down into the lounge fro
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