Experience Los Angeles Like an Insider

Celebrating my birthday at MAMA Shelter in Hollywood!

There’s a perfect LA out there for everyone.

Whether you’re a fan of grimey dive bars, chic luxury hotels, raucous dance parties or dreamy romantic dinners, there’s no shortage of exciting ways to spend your time in the City of Angels. That being said, the sheer amount of available options for how you can spend your time can definitely be overwhelming.

Not to mention, the pandemic has completely reshaped the LA hospitality landscape. To this day it’s still a struggle to figure out which spots are worth visiting (and which ones have closed for good!)

If you’re a local trying to learn more about your city, or a traveler planning your next Los Angeles vacation, I can promise you–you’re in the right place.

About the Author

Spending the day on a yacht in Cabo, one of LA’s favorite weekend trips

Hey! I’m Maya Irons, a travel writer and content creator who has been exploring Los Angeles nightlife, restaurants, hotels and events since 2012.

I’ve worked onsite in hospitality venues across the city as well as behind the scenes in communications, learning everything there is to know about what makes a venue great.

At some point, it became known amongst my friends and family that I was the best person to ask for LA recommendations (mostly thanks to the adventures I post about on my Instagram).

Eventually, the countless DMs and text messages asking for my expert opinion inspired me to launch LALA Guide. It’s my goal to spread my wealth of knowledge while supporting local hospitality businesses around the city.

Why LALA Guide Exists

As someone who’s spent endless hours researching Los Angeles hospitality, I can tell you that there are a lot of gaps in the info you might be coming across.

LA is a sprawling city with something new happening every day–the internet can’t always keep up!

Luckily, I’m regularly out and about experiencing firsthand what the vibes are like in all types of hospitality venues. I know what to look out for in recommending places that are offering a unique experience that’ll be worth your time and money.

This is your sign to stop making plans based on outdated info from non-local travel blogs and disgruntled Yelpers.

LALA Guide is here to:

Introduce locals to spots you may not know about
Educate visitors and help you make the most of your LA vacation
Provide updated and accurate information about venues and events
Get the word out about local small businesses
Build a centralized hub for all things Los Angeles hospitality

I hope you have fun browsing my expert insights on everything that’s good in La La Land! 🌴

My LA Story

As a Southern California native, Los Angeles was always one of my favorite places to visit. My family used to often “play tourist,” where we’d drive to a popular LA landmark and pretend we were experiencing it for the first time.

We visited museums, watched plays, attended award shows, and always made the most of our LA trips before hopping back on the 60 freeway to the Inland Empire.

Beginning in 2012, I would regularly travel to Los Angeles for nightlife events with friends. In 2014, I moved here to pursue my dreams of working in the entertainment industry as an actor and screenwriter.

Right away (as many have done before me), I got a job working in a hotel restaurant. I went on to work at a lounge, a speakeasy bar, a rooftop restaurant, and finally a tiki bar. Needless to say, I learned a lot about what it takes to curate the perfect guest experience in any environment.

I then spent six years as a copywriter and digital media specialist for a hospitality company, writing hundreds of travel blog posts and learning about the industry from an insider’s perspective.

Over the past decade I’ve also spent my free time with friends visiting hundreds of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants throughout the city.

A glass of wine at **Sunset at EDITION** in West Hollywood

I started LALA Guide in 2022 as a passion project. After years of exploring LA, I knew I had unique insights and context that made my recommendations valuable. (And realistically, there aren’t many people who will visit five bars in one night and go on to write in-depth recaps of their experience… you’re welcome. 😉)

I’ve continued to build LALAGUIDE.com while also making social media content for Instagram and TikTok.

Thousands of readers visit the website each month, helping to grow LALA Guide into a worthwhile destination for finding out what’s good in LA. 😎

Begin Your LA Adventure

Essential Blog Posts

A **roller skating adventure** in Venice Beach

What Are You Looking For?

Nightlife hot spots with a dancefloor
Romantic places for date night
Day drinking bar destinations
Group-friendly locales for gatherings
Bars and restaurants with an outdoor patio
Rooftop essentials to take in a view
Speakeasy bar hideaways
New and cool trendy destinations