“These speakeasy bars are so secret, even the drinks whisper their recipes to the bartenders.” -Tour Guide on a Private Los Angeles Tour

The Wolves - DTLA

Sometimes finding a good speakeasy is like trying to find Waldo in a crowd of thousands, except Waldo is a secret door and the crowd is about 4 million people in the City of Angels! We digress. On Private Los Angeles Tours, clientele will often express to us in one way or another that they do not want to “feel touristy” or that they want to go “somewhere special” that even the average Los Angelian may not know about. While categorically there are many different ways to respond, nothing quite “checks the boxes” like the vibe of classic speakeasy.

1. The Varnish - We're starting off with a classic speakeasy bar located in Downtown LA. You'll need to enter through the back of Cole's French Dip restaurant and look for an unmarked door. Once you're inside, you'll feel like you've been transported back in time to the prohibition era.

2. The Edison - This speakeasy bar is a former power plant that's been transformed into a stunning space. To enter, look for a small plaque on the outside of the building. Once you're inside, you'll be surrounded by vintage decor and live entertainment.

3. The Slipper Clutch - This speakeasy is located in the heart of Hollywood, and you'll need to enter through a vintage shop. Look for the neon sign that says "Record Shop" and head to the back. Inside, you'll find a jukebox, pool table, and plenty of retro decor.

4. The Del Monte Speakeasy - This hidden gem is located in the basement of the Townhouse bar in Venice Beach. Look for a small door and make your way downstairs to find a vintage-style speakeasy with classic drinks.

5. No Vacancy - This speakeasy in Hollywood is set in a historic mansion with a vintage circus theme. There are multiple rooms to explore, each with its own unique atmosphere. Look for a small sign outside to find the entrance.

6. The Roger Room - This speakeasy in West Hollywood is known for its extensive cocktail selection and vintage decor. Look for the small sign outside and head in for a cozy space with dim lighting.

7. The Wolves - This speakeasy in Downtown LA has a minimalist decor with a focus on high-quality cocktails. The entrance is easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled for a small door.

Remember, these bars are hidden for a reason, so don't go shouting about them from the rooftops. Kidding. Do whatever the hell you want, just tell them an awesome tour guide sent ya! Cheers to a great night out in LA!

AI & Hollywood - the good, the bad, and the "who knows?"

Wow! This has been an unavoidable conversation on our private Los Angeles tours. We are ready to talk about it! Or are we? Wanting to remain objective as professionals in the tourism industry, we have to look at this as - the good, the bad, and the “who knows?” So, as we see it….

The Good (maybe)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already having an impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry, and its influence is likely to continue growing. Here are some areas that we see as “good.” Maybe.

1. Better audience analysis: AI can be used to analyze data from social media, streaming platforms, and other sources to gain a better understanding of audience preferences and behavior. This information can be used to make better decisions about what movies to make and how to market them. A quicker way to give the people what they want!

2. Improved special effects: AI can be used to create more realistic and sophisticated special effects. For example, deep learning algorithms can be used to create computer-generated imagery (CGI) that is indistinguishable from real life. A long as it stays in the movies and we know the difference going in, a good thing!

3. Streamlined production: AI can help streamline the production process by automating certain tasks such as scheduling, budgeting, and even scriptwriting. Mostly good. Call us old-fashioned but we like our stories written by good old human beings.

4. Personalized content: AI can be used to create personalized content based on individual viewer preferences. For example, Netflix is already using AI to recommend movies and TV shows to its users based on their viewing history. This changes the entire concept of “other people also watched” to a much more robust function.

5. New storytelling techniques: AI can be used to create new and innovative storytelling techniques, such as interactive movies or choose-your-own-adventure-style content. Maybe good. Maybe weird.

With a big “maybe” stamped on it, there is good potential for AI to revolutionize Hollywood. However, just like the devil that sits on the opposite shoulder, there are concerns.

The Bad (without question)

Elon Musk has expressed concerns about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and has called for caution in its development. Musk believes that if AI is not properly regulated, it could pose an existential threat to humanity. One of the reasons why Musk wants to pause AI development is the potential for AI to become superintelligent and develop goals that are misaligned with human values. This could lead to scenarios where AI takes actions that are harmful to humanity, either intentionally or unintentionally. Musk has referred to this as the "AI control problem" and believes that it is crucial to solve this problem before AI becomes too advanced. He has also expressed concerns about the potential for AI to be used as a weapon in warfare, as well as the potential for AI to exacerbate wealth inequality and other social issues. Musk's concerns about AI stem from a belief that it is a powerful technology that could have unintended consequences if not properly regulated and controlled. By pausing AI development, he hopes to create a space for researchers and policymakers to carefully consider the ethical implications of AI and ensure that its development proceeds in a way that benefits humanity as a whole.

The “Who Knows?” (just for fun)

Who knows, maybe private Los Angeles tours will be conducted by robots that escort you around major cities and have evolved into being able to give a good hug.