On October 12, the luxury The Redbury hotel in Hollywood is proud to celebrate its five-year anniversary. This iconic Hollywood hotel offers guests a warm, bohemian counter-culture feel …. but in trendy SoCal.

For the last five years, The Redbury hotel has been curated by Matthew Rolston, who is a renowned photographer. The hotel celebrates art, travel, culture and much more! Located on the popular corner of Hollywood and Vine, The Redbury is an all-suite, luxury hotel property that offers true VIP service.

To celebrate the big milestone, The Redbury is offering guests a variety of travel packages and special programs. There will be a selection of hotel, restaurant and lounge packages plus exciting giveaways leading up to anniversary date on October 12, 2015. A fantastic deal will be their “Buy One, Get One for $5” special. This deal will be offered during the luxury hotel’s 5 day flash sale. For each room night reservation during the week of October 12, you’ll receive an additional night stay for only $5. What an amazing deal that is!

The Redbury hotel features 57 luxurious “apartment style” suites. In addition to the bohemian atmosphere, the luxury Hollywood hotel delivers design elements that have been brought in from a variety of old-world cultures.

Below are the current specials at The Redbury hotel:
· Suite Staycation: includes an overnight stay, Prix-Fixe Dinner at Cleo for two (approx.. $110 value), free parking and wifi; starting from $365 and available week of 9/21
· Rise & Ride: includes overnight stay, Soul Cycle class for two and breakfast for two; starting from $289 and available week of 9/28
· Local Love: includes 15% off BAR for California Residents; starting from $289 and available week of 10/5
· Buy One, Get One for $5: 5 day flash sale, with every room night purchased guests receive the second for $5; available week of 10/12

For your dining pleasure, you not only have one but two of Hollywood’s top culinary restaurants to enjoy. Cleo occupies the first floor of this incredible hotel. The Library, features popular Chef Danny Elmaleh’s spin on Middle Eastern cuisine. The fine restaurant conveys a vibrant and communal environment. Located on the hotel’s second floor, The Library provided both indoor or outdoor seating. Enjoy a fine meal and take in the views of the historic Hollywood & Vine intersection.

Below are the current specials at Cleo restaurant:
· Signature anniversary cocktail “Grapes of Wrath,” available 9/14 – 10/18
· $55 cocktail carafes of signature libations the Vinebury, Mezcal Mule and Med Marg, available 9/14 – 10/18

Giveaway: Dinner for 5 (not including alcohol, tax/gratuity), entries will be collected via diner submissions

Below are the current specials at The Library restaurant:
· Signature anniversary cocktail “Grapes of Wrath,” available 9/14 – 10/18
· $55 cocktail carafes of signature libations the Vinebury, Mezcal Mule and Med Marg, available 9/14 – 10/18
· $5 select bar bites, available 10/12 – 10/18
· $5 Vinebury from 5:00pm – 5:55pm, available 10/12 – 10/18
· 50% off all night, available 10/12

In addition, The Redbury will be giving away vinyl record player and Captiol Records-curated album set via a social media content held across the five weeks of hotel’s celebration

If you want to help celebrate the five-year anniversary at The Redbury hotel in Hollywood, California, then contact The Life of Luxury today. We can assist booking your stay and taking advanatge of one of their special packages deals. If you enjoy reading luxury travel stories, return again to follow our luxury blog.

Photo: The Redbury

The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved Hollywood films ever made. But movie buffs were shocked almost ten years ago when the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland were stolen.

The famous ruby slippers were on display at the Judy Garland Museum, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Although there have been countless leads on who may have stolen the size 5 1/2 shoes, they have never been found.

Luckily, there are three other pairs in existence, including one pair at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. In addition, you will be able to see Dorothy’s ruby slippers at the The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Museum once it’s finished being constructed. This museum will become the world’s leading movie museum and will be located in Los Angeles.

If you have any information regarding the theft of the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, there is now a one million dollar reward. To collect from the anonymous benefactor, you must provide the exact location of the stolen slippers, plus the actual name of the thief’s name or names if more than one were involved.

When the ruby slippers were stolen in August of 2005, they were insured for $1 million. The executive director of the Judy Garland Museum is John Kelsch and he told the Associated Press he believes the shoes are now worth between two and three million dollars.

The Wizard of Oz has release in 1939 and once production finished shooting, the ruby slippers were stored in the MGM wardrobe department. The pair that was donated to the Smithsonian Museum, was found at MGM in 1970 and bought during an auction for just $15,000. What a bargain for such an amazing piece of movie history!

If anybody has information on the missing shoes, you can contact the Grand Rapids Minnesota Police Department. Their phone number is 218-326-3464. Solve the ten year old case, and you could be $1 million richer.

The Life of Luxury enjoys sharing interesting stories like the new $1 million reward solving the stolen ruby slippers case. Come back often to enjoy reading our luxury blog. We offer numerous luxury experiences and unforgettable access to VIP events around the world.

Photo: By dbking [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Emma Stone, born Emily Jean Stone on November 6, 1988, was a member of the Valley Youth Theater, making her first stage debut as a child actor in “The Wind in the Willows”.

At the age of 15, she decided to make acting her career, but first she had to convince her parents. As the story goes, she made a PowerPoint presentation entitled “Project Hollywood” set to a Madonna song in an attempt to persuade her parents to allow her to drop out of school and move to Los Angeles. Her parents agreed, and in January 2004, she and her mother moved to a Los Angeles apartment where she was home schooled so that she could spend her days auditioning.

Patrick L., CC BY-SAL 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

She landed a number of small TV roles with her big TV breakthrough being when she won a part on the talent/reality show “In Search of the Partridge Family.”

Her movie debut in “Superbad” in 2007, followed by a number of successful performances, landed her a leading role in “Easy A” in 2010 establishing her as a star.

After registering for the Screen Actors Guild, Stone chose the name “Emma” a nickname her mother had given her, because there was already a listing for an “Emily Stone”. She first chose Riley Stone as her professional name, but decided she was more comfortable with Emma after doing a guest appearance on “Malcolm in the Middle.” Her family and friends call her Emily.

Other Hollywood movies Emma Stone has played in are “The Help”, “Crazy, Stupid, Love”, “The House Bunny”, “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”,”Paper Man” and “Marmaduke”.

Emma Stone along with Seth MacFarlane recently announced the 2013 Oscar nominations.

Stone stars in the film “Gangster Squad” which is due for release on January 11, 2013 in North America.

Machu Picchu

If you are looking for a last minute luxury gift idea, then here are several, incredible travel ideas for that person that has everything.

It’s time to think big and give a travel gift that will provide lasting memories. Spoil that special person in your life, friend or family member this holiday season.

These unforgettable trips range from hiking through the ancient ruins of Machu Pichu in your own South American action-packed thriller to savoring the regional gastronomy and haute cuisine in Peru, to mingling with Hollywood’s “who’s who” and party at famous Elton John’s Oscar’s party.

These lavish vacations can also be customized to fit the travelers needs and wishes. Take a look at these ultimate vacation splurges that will make incredible travel gift ideas.

The Ultimate Hollywood Experience at Elton Johns’ 2013 Oscar Party ­
-from $15,500 per person for 5 days

While millions watch on TV, send your loved one to behold the glitz and glamour of this famous event firsthand with this luxurious Oscar adventure. Mingle with the Hollywood elite at Elton John’s party, the place to be on the most important night in Hollywood. Enjoy a private limousine and driver at your disposal to take you to the hottest shopping area on Rodeo and the top salons and spas. Make your loved one feel like a celebrity this holiday and buy your VIP tickets now.
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2014 Brazil World Cup for the Athletic Type ­
– from $15,995 per person for 8 days

Get your sports aficionado into the game and surprise them with an adrenaline fueled football pilgrimage featuring the edge-of-the-sear, finger-biting excitement and drama of the 2014 Brazil World Cup. Be part of the excitement and experience the culture as Brazil turns up the heat next Summer.
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South America for the Action Adventurer
– from $9,748 per person for 16 nights

Step in to your own South American version of an action- packed thriller as you take on the Sacred Valley river rapids of Peru and experience ice-trekking the Perito Mereno Glaciers in Argentina. Unwind as you enjoy the spectacular views of the ancient Machu Picchu ruins, trek to the majestic Torres Del Paine peaks, and ride the South American pampas. When you¹re not being a daredevil or taking in the breath-taking views, take a moment to explore the captivating cities of Cusco, Lima and Buenos Aires as you immerse yourself in an unforgettable cultural experience too.
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Art & Wine of Argentina for the Cultural Enthusiast ­
– from $4,220 per person for 7 nights

This trip sings to the cultural senses and superior palette. Enjoy private art tours and exclusive wine tastings in two of Argentina’s more enigmatic cities. Your private guide will escort you through the immaculate vineyards where you¹ll learn get the ultimate glimpse into the wine-making process from grape to bottle. You’ll be encouraged to ask questions to the emerging and established local artists as you watch them perfect their craft while on three atelier visits.
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The Taste of Peru for the Culinary Guru ­
– from $3,847 per person for 7 nights

Taking in some of the most famous highlights of Peru’s heritage, this is an ideal trip for those wishing to see the country’s most incredible sights, while enjoying the regional gastronomy and delectable cuisine that Peru is known for. Stay at the best hotels famous for their culinary prowess and resident chefs or partake in optional tours where you’ll visit local salt mines, archaeological sites and local markets. A trip sure to satisfy all the senses.
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Burgundy, Bordeaux & Champagne for the Oenophile­
– from $4,130 per person for 10 days

Take a journey through France’s most famous wine regions where travelers can taste their way through celebrated vineyards, champagne caves dug by the Romans over 2 millennia ago, and the cellars of a XIII century monastery and more. A combination of private and shared tours throughout, visitors will have some free time on their own to explore local villages and landscapes.
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Hollywood Sign

Tinseltown has been a long desired place for those willing to take a chance into become a Hollywood movie star. The rags to riches dream is a long shot but one stable fact is the world famous Hollywood Sign still towers over the L.A. area.

Everything ages with time and so does the Hollywood Sign. It’s time for a major makeover!

The Hollywood sign received its last makeover back in the 1970’s when several celebrities such as Playboy founder Hugh Hefner helped by funding the project.

Originally built back in 1923, the famous landmark the represents the thriving Hollywood movie industry.

The sign will be stripped down to sheet metal, then primed and repainted with white paint. National paint brand Sherwin-Williams will supply their industry-leading Emerald Exterior Acrylic Latex paint.

The makeover is expected to take 8 to 10 weeks and will require about 275 gallons of paint to bring the iconic sign back to a pristine condition.

Next year will mark landmark’s 90th anniversary and ensure it glimmers and remains a beacon for those with aspiring wishes for many years to come.

London West Hollywood

This winter, the London West Hollywood challenges retail therapy to a whole new level, with the emphasis on the “therapy” part of retail.  London West Hollywood guests now can enjoy the same exclusive shopping and dining experience as Hollywood’s famed elites.

Right off the legendary Sunset Strip, London West Hollywood exudes class, modernity, and style.  So it’s no surprise that their new Shop the Hills Package includes all of the meticulous details that transcend shopping into a new level of luxury.

The day begins with a complimentary breakfast at The Breakfast Table in renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Boxwood Café.  Then the shopping begins at world’s premier luxury fashion district, Rodeo Drive.  Next, enjoy lunch at the upscale Marisposa restaurant located in Neiman Marcus.  Rated 90 out of 100 by the users of Urbanspoon, Marisposa begins lunch the Neiman Marcus way, with a bowl of broth and a popver with a side of homemade strawberry jam or strawberry butter.

Lined with glamorous boutiques like Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Armani, Dior, Cartier, Alain Mikli, and country singer Taylor Swift’s favorite, Anthropologie; Beverly Hills is filled with shopping opportunities.  With just a cobblestone walkway away, guests can wander off to Two Rodeo Drive and explore Versace, Lanvin, Jimmy Choo, and Tiffany.  Anchoring the south border of the Golden Triangle is Department Store Row with Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York.

The day can be completed by retreating to a spacious suite and large soaking tub back at the London West Hollywood, or enjoy the panoramic views of the glitzy Los Angeles skyline and Hollywood hills from the hotel’s exclusive rooftop pool deck.

The all-inclusive Shop the Hills Package at The London West Hollywood starts at $399 per night and includes complimentary overnight parking, luxurious accommodations, complimentary breakfast at Chef Gordon Ramsay’s Boxwood Café, and lunch at Mariposa of Neiman Marcus.  For more information, you can call 866-282-4560.

Trailer screenshot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Legendary Hollywood movie star Elizabeth Taylor has died at the age of 79. In the hospital, Liz was surrounded by her four children: Michael Wilding, Christopher Wilding, Liza Todd, and Maria Burton.

Elizabeth Taylor was hospitalized six weeks ago, diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor was born to American parents in London, England, on February 27, 1932.

Liz Taylor quickly grew from a beautiful young girl to become one of the silver screen’s most successful leading ladies. In addition to being an incredible actress, Elizabeth Taylor was also one one of the world’s most famous movie stars.

In 1942, Elizabeth at the age of only 10 years old, starred in her first film – There’s One Born Every Minute.

As a twelve-year-old in 1944, Elizabeth Taylor played the role of Velvet Brown,who was a young English girl in love with a horse, in National Velvet.

Liz Taylor, was a two-time Academy Award-winning actress who starred in many hit movies.

In 1955 Liz appeared in the hit Giant with James Dean. Sadly Dean never saw the movie after tragically dying himself in a car accident.

In 1958 Elizabeth starred as Maggie Pollitt in popular movie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

After numerous Academy Award nomination, Elizabeth Taylor finally was given an Oscar in 1960 for her magnificent performance in BUtterfield 8. Taylor played the role of  Gloria Wandrous who was a c

Starred in the epic film Cleopatra in 1963, Elizabeth Taylor was part of one of the most expensive productions made up to that point. For her role as Cleopatra, Taylor received a staggering $1,000,000.

As Elizabeth Taylor movie career waned, she became an advocate for helping those in need and made generous contributions to AIDS research.

Taylor’s involvement in AIDS started when her long-time friend, Rock Hudson died in 1985.

In 1991, Liz launched the popular perfume “White Diamonds, which eventually became the most successful celebrity fragrance of all time.

Elizabeth Taylor was also known for her multiple marriages. She acknowledged the challenge she had in relationships and it was partly due to eccentric behavior.

Taylor was married 8 time to seven different men including: Conrad “Nicky” Hilton, Eddie Fisher, John Warner, Larry Fortensky, Michael Todd, Michael Wilding and of course Richard Burton.

The passing of Elizabeth Taylor leaves an emptiness in Hollywood and with her millions of movie fans. Liz was known for her elegance and stunning beauty, especially her piercing violet eyes.

Jenn Deering Davis, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Reese Witherspoon is definitely one of the most impressively talented members of the emerging New Hollywood of the early 21st century.

Reese Witherspoon has proven herself to be a talented actress and leading lady, no matter what the Hollywood role is she plays.

Reese has shown she can do far more than just pose winsomely for the movie camera.

Oscar and Golden Globe-winning actress Reese Witherspoon has made her mark as a smart, driven and self-respecting actress.

Reese Witherspoon has not taken the easy road to stardom by taking Hollywood movie roles that feature mindless teen flicks and broad comedies.

Reese Witherspoon was born March 22, 1976, in Nashville, TN. Reese Witherspoon was a child model and acted in television commercials from the age of seven.

Witherspoon had a part in the 1991 Lifetime cable movie titled, “Wildflower” before she made her 1991 film debut in the coming-of-age story “The Man in the Moon” in 1991.

The 14-year-old Witherspoon made an immediate impact on critics and audiences alike, netting widespread praise for her portrayal of a tomboy experiencing love for the first time.

From its initial creation in 1927, one of the first goals of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) was the method to honor achievements in the motion picture industry. A committee of seven members was formed and given the task of creating an Academy Awards presentation.

The first Academy Awards ceremony was held on May 16, 1929. It was definitely a low key affair compared to the glamor and glitz that surround the ceremonies of today.

Two hundred and fifty people attended the black-tie banquet that evening in the Blossom Room of Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

Emil Jannings, who was the winner for best actor, decided to go back to his home in Germany before the ceremony. But before he departed, Emil Jannings was handed the very first Academy Award.

We all know the focal point is the actual Oscar statuette. Early on, the Academy Awards knew that the success of the Awards was the centered around the actual trophy, so it could be presented at the Awards. MGM art director Cedric Gibbons was tasked with designing the statuette.

The statuette is a simple, stylized golden knight standing on a reel of film and gripping a sword. The award was actually created by sculptor George Stanley.

One question that often arises, is how did the Oscar get its name?

The official name of the statuette is the Academy Award of Merit. The statuette is almost exclusively known as the Oscar.

The exact reason is not known, but the most popular story involves then Academy librarian and future executive director, Margaret Herrick. When Herrick saw the statuette sitting on a table, stated “it looks just like my Uncle Oscar!” The name stuck and that magical golden statuette has been called Oscar ever since.

Over the past 80 plus years, the actual Oscar statuette has undergone relatively few changes. Compared to the 1929 version, they are almost exactly the same. It is 13 ½ inches tall and weighs 8 ½ pounds.

But there have been some very fundamental changes. 15 Oscar statuettes were awarded during the first Academy Awards ceremony on May 16th, 1929. They were made of gold-plated solid bronze and placed upon a pedestal made of Belgian black marble.

In 1945, two minor changes occurred with the pedestal. It was made slightly higher and is currently made of metal, rather than marble. Beginning in 1949, the statues began to be numbered. For whatever reason, the starting number began with 501. The number is written behind Oscar’s heels. An example would be: 2008, 2,698

The record for the most Oscar awards during a career is Walt Disney, who was awarded the statuette 26 times.

Charlize Theron grew up on a small farm outside Benoni, South Africaa and was an only child. She got an education as a ballet dancer and has danced both the “Swan Lake” and the “Nutcracker Suite”.

At the age of 15, Charlize Theron witnessed the death of her father, Charles Theron. He was an abusive alcoholic and her mother, Gerda Theron, shot him in self defense when he attacked her. No charges were pressed. At the age of 18, her mother made her go to Los Angeles to try to begin a career in the movie industry.

Charlize Theron is the first South African to win an Oscar for Best Actress. This captivating former model has carved out a very impressive career, by playing some really ugly and bizarre characters. Theron continued her deglamorized cinema streak, as a sexually harassed miner in the movie North Country, which earned Charlize Golden Globe and Oscar nods in 2006.

On the paparazzi, “They try to beat you down so you give in but I’ll never do that. If I have to call as many restraining orders or dump as many water bottles on cameras, that’s what I’ll do.”

We’ve all read the headlines and seen the news clips on the troubles of Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.  It’s like a tabloid circus out there.  Many question, “Where are their parents and specifically their moms?”  Some stars have troubled childhoods. For others, it’s the fame and fortune that undue them.  Are the moms really to blame? Full article