the greatest value to my clients is my first hand knowledge of the southern california properties in the hinton+grusich collection as many of my clients are beginning to look again at potential meeting destinations out west.

it was a great road trip highlighted by a really diverse group of properties, each with unique qualities. i was joined by my colleague vivian shaw, h+g's director of national accounts for the rocky mountain states. thanks vivian for the being the navigation expert that you are - well at least for bringing your gps. before joining up with vivian in orange county i dropped in to los angeles a day early to experience the loews santa monica. at the loews it's all about the beach and the view. yes all 342 rooms were recently renovated, yes the property is minutes away from lax, yes the hotel is centrally located to great walks and shopping in santa monica and yes all the hotel's meeting space is centrally located and just updated but what struck me as i walked into the large atrium of the lobby were the windows in front that open to a sweeping view of the pacific ocean. the hotel is located on the famous "strand", a beach front path that runs from venice beach south to redondo beach. as you break from your meeting and you experience the pacific ocean air and take notice of the passersby on the "strand", you can't help but notice - this is what california is all about.