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Los Angeles Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Hollywood soundstage operators are reeling. Will state tax credits help?
The announcement last month that Occidental Studios would be put up for sale marked a historic turning point in a studio once used by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks to make silent films. It also underscored how dramatically the market has shifted for the owners of soundstages across Los Angeles that have been buffeted by a confluence of forces — the pandemic, strikes in 2023 and the continued flight of production to other states and countries. As film activity has fallen to historic levels in the L.A. region — film shoot days dropped 22% in the first quarter of 2025 — the places that host film and TV crews, along with prop houses and other businesses that service the industry, have been especially hard hit. Between 2016 and 2022, Los Angeles' soundstages were nearly filled to capacity, boasting average occupancy rates of 90%, according to data from the nonprofit organization FilmLA, which tracks on-location shoot days in the Greater L.A. area. That rate plummeted to 69% in 2023, as dual writers' and actors' strikes brought the industry to a halt. Once the strikes were over, production never came back to what it was. In fact, last year the average occupancy rate dropped even further to 63%, according to a FilmLA report released in April. So far this year, there is 'no reason to think the occupancy numbers look better,' said Philip Sokoloski, spokesperson for FilmLA. 'It's a trailing indicator of the loss of production,' he said. 'The suddenness of the crash is what caught everybody by surprise.' Studio owners, who have watched their soundstages go from overbooked to frequently empty, are celebrating the new state tax credits meant to boost their industry and create action on their lots. The California Legislature's decision to more than double the amount allocated each year to the state's film and television tax credit program to $750 million could be a tipping point toward better times, studio owners said, but the climb out of the doldrums is still steep. 'This is definitely a defining moment and to see whether or not L.A. is going to get itself back up to the occupancy levels that it had prior to COVID,' said Shep Wainwright, managing partner of East End Studios. 'Everyone's pretty bullish about it, but it's obviously been such a slog for the past few years.' Sean Griffin of Sunset Studios called the tax credit boost signed into law last week 'a massive stride in the right direction' while Zach Sokoloff of independent studio operator Hackman Capital Partners called the decision 'an enormous win for the state.' Sokoloff hopes to see its Southern California facilities, which include Radford Studio Center and Culver Studios, perk up the way their New York properties did when the state increased its film and TV subsidy to $800 million in May. 'We had stages that had been sitting empty, and almost 24 hours after the passage of the tax credit bill in New, York, our phones were ringing,' he said. 'We had renewed interest in soundstage occupancy there.' Los Angeles Center Studios, where such shows as 'Mad Men' and 'Westworld' filmed, also has felt the effects of the production slump. The 26-year-old facility in downtown L.A. has six 18,000-foot soundstages and three smaller stages, along with a number of practical locations on the lot for shooting. Before the pandemic, its stages were 100% full for more than 10 years, said Sam Nicassio, president of Los Angeles Center Studios. He declined to state the studio's current occupancy rate, though he said it was above the average for about 300 soundstages throughout the area, which his company tracked at 58%. 'It's been a struggle,' he said. 'The slowdown in overall production activity, coupled with coming out of the strikes and all of us expecting to have a jump-start again and we didn't, was very difficult. There's a lot of soundstages for not a lot of users right now.' Not long ago, private equity firms saw L.A. studio stages as good business opportunities. A number of firms participated heavily in the construction of new facilities, which seemed like smart bets due to advancements in production technology, the desire of studios and streamers to cut down on unpredictable risk from on-location shoots and — especially after the pandemic — health and safety systems like air filtration and more space to prevent workers from getting sick. 'Stages are critical to being able to do, especially TV, on time and on budget,' said George Huang, a professor of screenwriting at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. 'They are the backbone of making movies in Hollywood.' But after the pandemic, strikes and a cutback in spending at the studios, production slowed. Then in January, the Southern California wildfires hit, further affecting production and causing many in the industry to lose their homes — and reconsider whether they wanted to stay in the Golden State. As Hollywood production slowed, soundstage operators looked for new ways to make up revenue, including shoots for the fashion industry, music videos, DJ rehearsals, video game production and even private events like birthdays or weddings. Hackman Capital Partners, which owns and operates Television City in Los Angeles, recently announced a partnership with Interwoven Studios to open a boutique production facility catering to social media influencers, online media brands and other creators who work in nontraditional formats such as YouTube. Among the well-known creators who have worked lately at Television City — home to such classic shows as 'All in the Family' and most recently 'American Idol' — are Logan Paul and Jake Shane, actress-singer Keke Palmer, livestreamers FaZe Clan and hip-hop artist Big Sean. 'As the segment of the content-creation universe grows on the smaller end of production, we're going to be a partner to them,' Sokoloff said. 'Necessity is the mother of invention.' Sunset Studios, which operates 59 stages in the Los Angeles area, has long made a point of working with short-form creators through its smaller Quixote division, said Griffin, who is head of studio sales. 'We've always been involved with influencers, music videos and commercials.' Such tenants working on smaller stages sometimes move up to TV and movie-sized stages when they land a big television commercial or music video, such as Selena Gomez's 'Younger and Hotter Than Me' music video recently shot at Sunset Las Palmas Studios. Paul McCartney leased a studio at Sunset Glenoaks Studios to rehearse for his 2024 tour and and made a music video there. In general, though, stages are still underused, he said. 'Once the strikes ended, we got a about a good healthy quarter' of production, he said. Then business 'really quieted down, and we haven't seen the show counts rebound very much.' The vacancies have created a tenant-friendly market as studio owners compete for their business on rental prices, Griffin said. 'This is a very tough market,' he said. 'Everyone is competing very, very hard.' One reason for optimism about the new tax credits is that they apply to 30-minute shows for the first time, he said. 'L.A. is a television town,' Griffin added. 'Opening up the tax credit to 30-minute comedies is going to be really helpful.' And there are signs of life for longer scripted shows that take multiple stages and shoot for longer than other productions, Griffin said. Developer David Simon is betting heavily on a turnaround. He is building a new movie studio from the ground up in Hollywood. His $450-million Echelon Studios complex is set to open late next year on Santa Monica Boulevard. 'We think content creation is here to stay in various forms,' he said, and that big soundstages will continue to be used even as the technology to make content changes. Simon said he is close to signing leases with fashion brands that are creating content with celebrities and collaborating with influencers. 'We're not nearly where we were prepandemic,' he acknowledged, but 'California is the entertainment capital of the world, and the producers and directors and actors that want to stay in state will help bring back and retain our fair share of production.' For now , at least, soundstage operators are still 'treading water,' said Peter Marshall, managing principal at Epic Insurance Brokers & Consultants, who works in media insurance and counts some L.A.-based soundstages as clients. 'Most operators are pretty concerned,' he said. Yet, the fact that there are still new soundstages opening and others are in development suggests a 'high level of confidence' that production will eventually return to L.A., Sokoloski of FilmLA said. 'I am optimistic that we will keep more production here than we have in the last few years,' Nicassio said. The new tax credit program 'puts us on a competitive level now with other states and countries.' Others in the industry say that more is needed and have advocated for a federal tax credit that would help make California a morecompetitive location. Gov. Gavin Newsom has pushed for the idea, urging President Trump to work with him on the issue. 'When you have a governor and big private equity firms both focusing on promoting one thing, that might, who knows, get the federal government involved,' Marshall said. 'That would be the game changer.'
Los Angeles Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Historic film studio hits the market at top dollar even as filming dips
One of the oldest movie studios in Los Angeles is up for sale, perhaps to the newest generation of content creators. The potential sale of Occidental Studios comes amid a drop in filming in Los Angeles as the local entertainment industry faces such headwinds as rising competition from studios in other cities and countries, as well as the aftermath of filming slowdowns during the pandemic and industry strikes of 2023. Occidental Studios, which dates back to 1913, was once used by Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks to make silent films. It is a small version of a traditional Hollywood studio with soundstages, offices and writers' bungalows in a 3-acre gated campus near Echo Park in Historic Filipinotown. The seller hopes its boutique reputation will garner $45 million, which would rank it one of the most valuable studios in Southern California at $651 per square foot. A legendary Hollywood studio founded by Charlie Chaplin in 1917 sold last year for $489 per foot, according to real estate data provider CoStar. The Chaplin studio known until recently as the Jim Henson Company Lot was purchased by singer-songwriter John Mayer and movie director McG from the family of famed Muppets creator Jim Henson. Occidental Studios may sell to one of today's modern content creators in search of a flagship location, said real estate broker Nicole Mihalka of CBRE, who represents the seller. She declined to name potential buyers but said she is showing the property to new-media businesses who don't present themselves through traditional channels such as television shows and instead rely on social media and the internet to reach younger audiences. New media entrepreneurs may not often need soundstages, 'but they like the idea of having the history, the legacy' of a studio linked to the early days of cinema, she said. It might lend credibility to a brand and become a destination for promotional activities as well as being a place to create content, she said. Mihalka envisions the space being used for events for partners, sponsors and advertisers as well as press junkets for new product launches. Entertainment businesses located nearby include filmmaker Ava DuVernay's Array Now, independent film and production company Blumhouse Productions and film and production company Rideback Ranch. Neighborhoods east of Hollywood such as Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Echo Park and Highland Park have become home to many people in the entertainment industry, which Mihalka hopes will elevate the appeal of Occidental Studios. 'We've been seeing film and TV talent heading this way for a while,' she said, including executives who also live in those neighborhoods. The owner of of Occidental Studios said it's gotten harder for smaller studios to operate in the current economic climate that includes competition from major independent studio operators that have emerged in recent decades. 'Once upon a time, you did not have multibillion-dollar global portfolio companies swimming in the waters of Hollywood,' said Craig Darian, chief executive of Occidental Entertainment Group Holdings Inc., citing Hudson Pacific Properties, Hackman Capital Partners and CIM Group. 'They are not content producers, but have a long history of providing services for multiple television shows and features.' Competition now includes overseas studios in such countries as Canada, Ireland and Australia, he said. 'When production was really robust and domiciled in Los Angeles, it was much easier to remain very competitive.' Another factor threatening the bottom line for conventional studios is rapidly changing technology used to create entertainment including tools as simple as lighting. 'You used to know that equipment would last for decades,' Darian said. 'The new tools for production are becoming obsolete in far shorter order.' Nevertheless, Darian said, the potential sale 'is not motivated by distress or urgency. Nothing is driving the decision other than the timing of whether or not this remains to be a relevant asset to keep within our portfolio. If we get an offer at or above the asking price, then we're a seller.' Darian said he may also seek a long-term tenant to take over the studio. Occidental Studios at 201 N. Occidental Blvd. comprises over 69,000 square feet of buildings including four soundstages and support space such as offices and dressing rooms. It's among the oldest continually operating studios in Hollywood, used by pioneering filmmakers Cecil B. DeMille, D.W. Griffith and Pickford, who worked there as an actress and filmmaker in its early years. Pickford reportedly kept an apartment on the lot for years. More recently it has been used for television production for such shows as 'Tales of the City,' 'New Girl' and HBO's thriller 'Sharp Objects.' Local television production area declined by 30.5% in the first quarter compared with the previous year, according to he nonprofit organization FilmLA, which tracks shoot days in the Greater Los Angeles region. All categories of TV production were down, including dramas (-38.9%), comedies (-29.9%), reality shows -(26.4%) and pilots (-80.3%). Feature film production decreased by 28.9%, while commercials were down by 2.1%, FilmLA said.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside MAGA actor's plans to build $100M movie studio in Texas as he says 'Hollywood is broken'
Zachary Levi says Hollywood's broken, so he's taking his business - show business - elsewhere. The 44-year-old actor - who feels he's been frozen out of mainstream Hollywood due to his refusal to go woke - is currently in the process of fundraising to fully build a film studio in Austin, Texas that would benefit from tariff-linked movie industry policies President Donald Trump has spoken about. The Chuck actor, speaking Thursday with Variety, said that the studio system - which has been rocked to its core over the past decade amid a horrific history of dysfunctional power structures; rapidly-changing technology and emerging business alternatives - was essentially obsolete a century ago. The American Underdog actor refenced the silent film stars who banded together more than a century ago to form United Artists in 1919, amid inferior conditions in the entertainment industry at the time. 'Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks and all those O.G.s knew it over 100 years ago,' the Lake Charles, Louisiana native told the magazine. 'Hollywood was broken then, and we needed a better system.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Levi in 2008 posed with his Chuck costar Yvonne Strahovski and the then-star of NBC's The Apprentice, Donald Trump, at an NBC Universal promotional event in 2008 Levi added, 'This industry is crumbling around us. In order for us to survive, we need to have a space for artists that will foster certified organic human-made content.' Levi in 2008 posed with his Chuck costar Yvonne Strahovski and the then-star of NBC's The Apprentice - now-President Trump - at an NBC Universal promotional event in 2008. He wound up hitting the campaign trail in support of Trump last summer. has reached out to Strahovski and her reps for comment on Levi's plans and her run-in with the nascent U.S. president. Levi, who lives in Ventura, California with partner Maggie Keating, told Variety he's been ostracized for his views on politics amid the turbulent timeframe. 'I know that there are people that would prefer not to work with me now because of my opinions,' Levi told the outlet. 'My team has let me know.' Variety reported that Levi nodded 'in the direction of Beverly Hills, where his agents at UTA are headquartered' when he made the remarks about professional alliances dissolving due to political disagreements. ' They haven't given me any specific names, but there are people who prefer not to work with me at this time,' Levi told the outlet. 'And it's unfortunate.' Levi said that he 'knew that was probably going to happen' and figured it into the calculus when making a series of public bold statements. Levi said 'Hollywood was broken' in 1919 when silent film stars united to form a company Levi added that he 'didn't make this decision blindly or casually,' as he's landed in hot water at times for his views in support of President Trump, as well as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Levi's ambitious plans were revealed nearly seven months after the actor was widely slammed after linking the COVID-19 vaccine to the death of Gavin Creel at 48, with fellow actor Norbert Leo Butz saying he was 'utterly heartbroken' by the move. Weeks prior to last fall's presidential election, Levi posted a controversial one-hour rant on his Instagram October 22. In it, he said he believed that Creel - his one-time costar in the Broadway revival of She Loves Me who died September 30 following a battle with cancer - 'would be alive right now' had he not gotten vaccinated. Butz left a comment condemning the Shazam! star for mentioning Creel in his politically-charged statement, 'So incredibly disappointed you would politicize Gavin's death,' the Tony winner said. 'Really tried to give you the benefit here. Made it halfway through, which was hard as hell. But was utterly heartbroken, as he would have been, that you felt the need to use his life and legacy to promote this awful platform.' Levi endorsed Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Kamala Harris ahead of the election. Trump dominated with an electoral college total of 312 votes to Harris' 226; according to the AP, Trump garnered 49.9 percent of the votes with 77,304,184 votes, while Harris had 75,019,616 votes accounting for 48.4 percent. In his social media statement, Levi acknowledged there would be significant pushback to his words. 'I know that this is going to offend some people and make some people mad, and I wish it didn't,' Levi said. 'So, a few weeks ago, my friend Gavin Creel died. He was 48 years old, and he was one of the healthiest people I knew.' 'You better believe that, with everything in me, I believe that if these COVID vaccinations were not forced on the American public, that the theaters weren't being pushed and leveraged.' In his statement, Levi said 'people at the top' forced those in the Broadway community, including producers and theater owners, to enforce vaccine mandates coming out of the pandemic. 'They knew the cost benefit of these shots, and it was garbage; guys, it was garbage,' Levi said. He added, 'They knew that there would be plenty of side effects, including turbo cancers - they knew. 'And I, without a shadow of a doubt, I believe that Gavin Creel would be alive right now - right f***ing now - he would still be alive if that stuff didn't get put into his body.' Levi said he felt he was honoring Creel's memory by 'talking about' the divisive issue. Levi faced criticism from a number of other social media users over trying to link Creel's death to the COVID-19 vaccine. One user said in response, 'Some people shouldn't be allowed to talk. Shame on you for using Gavin Creel's passing to spread misinformation.' Another said, 'I've been a fan since Chuck. I have to admit I'm terribly disappointed.' Said one user: 'This…. Was insane. I cannot believe you used Gavin's passing to spread absolutely blatant misinformation. I think he would be incredibly disappointed in you. Like I'm sure much of the Broadway community now is.' One put off fan added, Unfollowed ... good luck with your new direct to DVD movie career.' Some fans lauded Levi for taking the risky career move in making a controversial statement in support of his core beliefs. One said, 'Good for you for standing up for what you believe in!' while another added, 'I don't agree with you politically but I respect your bravery to voice your opinion.' Another said, 'Not even a Trump fan, (I'm DEFINITELY not a Kamala fan) but I absolutely give you respect for coming out in Hollywood and going against the tide!!! Been a fan since Chuck.'
Los Angeles Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Fullerton Fox Theatre turns 100, plans to celebrate in Roaring Twenties style
The Fullerton Fox Theatre officially opened its doors on May 28, 1925 with a gala and dedication by silent movie icon Mary Pickford. This Memorial Day weekend, the historic theater celebrates its centennial with a Roaring Twenties-themed party full of live actors, live music, tours and more. 'People were still getting around on horse and carriage [in 1925], which is hard to believe,' said Brian Newell, current president of the Fullerton Historic Theatre Foundation, which is spearheading renovation efforts for the theater and is also putting on the celebration. 'There was nothing down in our neck of the woods. … So the theater served two purposes: One, bringing vaudeville shows and silent pictures to our area. And also having a place for local communities to gather.' The theater shut down in 1987 and was deserted until 2005. While saving and restoring the location hasn't been without its challenges, the foundation now opens the theater for special events, including the 100th anniversary celebration on Saturday, May 24 from noon to 10 p.m. 'I did the 90th celebration and called it Speakeasy Days and it was not only to celebrate the Fox's 90th, but also an opportunity to have the community visit this historic landmark while it continues to be renovated,' Newell said. At this year's free, public event, there will be vintage cars, photo opportunities with actors dressed from the era, live music themed from the 1920s and a beer garden and food (available for purchase), all in the Fox Theatre's parking lot from noon to 6 p.m. Every 20 minutes, there will also be tours inside the theater. '[Visitors] can check out the work that's been done, find out what's left to complete on the project and [learn] the theater's history. Then we will turn the lights out and turn the projector on,' Newell said. 'And they will sit back and watch a 10-minute section of a silent picture accompanied by live organists, just like audiences experienced a 100 years ago in the Fox.' From 7 to 10 p.m. the day's events will transform into a Speakeasy Party with dancing, mingling and even a birthday cake to celebrate the theater's 100 years. 'We want it to feel very home-style,' Newell said. 'Hey, come on down, bring your family, your friends, enjoy the thematic surroundings and visit your theater.' One of the foundation's goals for these public events is to give locals a chance to see the progress of the theater's renovation efforts, which have been years in the making. Todd Huffman, who serves on the Fox Theatre board of directors and is a past president, has been involved with the theater since December 2003. The building was saved from demolition on Nov. 17, 2004. They were $700,000 short of their goal and in the 25th hour of the 25th hour, he said. 'That's when the anonymous donor walked in and handed us a million dollars,' Huffman said. But that was only the beginning of the long process of restoring the theater. Phase two of construction, which included new restrooms, an air handling system and lobby restoration, has been completed. Newell said over the past 20 years, they've spent close to $14 million in restoring the Fox and need approximately another $18 million just to finish the theater portion — not including other sections like the tea room. They received many in-kind donations that have made a big impact, he said. Ganahl Lumber was one of them. 'Ganahl built us six doors for the lobby. … That's quite a savings,' Newell said. 'We've had in-kind donations on the scaffolding, which is thousands of dollars we don't have to worry about.' Newell said this has been a big community effort. 'Most buildings like this only get saved by a wealthy individual, a corporation or maybe a city,' he said. 'None of those are the players in the story. It's the public that wanted to save the Fox Theatre — and they did.' Huffman said the board is made up of volunteers working on keeping the theater alive because 'we love it, love the building.' 'Mary Pickford came to the grand opening at the Fox Theatre,' Huffman said. 'It was the original home of 'The Mickey Mouse Club.' And Judy Garland danced on the stage at the Fox Fullerton.' Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung said he's lived in Fullerton for almost 40 years and remembers knowing about the Fox when he was in high school. 'There aren't many original places in Orange County that can take us back a full 100 years of our history,' Jung said. 'It is one of the few things that you immediately note when you move in here.' It's not just important to Fullerton locals. 'You know it is not just famous citywide, I think there's a lot of consensus around Orange County that there is a historical importance to it,' he said. The Fox Theatre is located at 510 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. To learn more, visit
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Paw-sitively Romantic Getaway in Banff's Lake Louise
As an empty nester, I believed my toddler-traveling days had ended until Porkchop, the Traveling Corgi, trotted into our lives. I hate to leave him at home so what's a luxury loving gal to do when planning a couples getaway? Book a corgi-friendly getaway at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. This iconic hotel built in 1911, overlooks Lake Louise in the heart of Banff National Park, Alberta. The stunning natural beauty of the area and the luxurious hotel draw visitors from all over the world. Reasons why the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is perfect for couples traveling with a pet Luxury Accommodations – Pet friendly doesn't mean basic. Luxury rooms and suites perfect for a romantic getawayPet Amenities – Pet bed, bowls, treats, and doggie bagsRun of the House – Pets are welcome everywhere except for food service areas and the pool and fitness areasPet Sitters – Off duty Fairmont employees makes scheduling a breeze I paid for our rooms and the hotel hosted us with an upgraded room, meals and experiences. You've probably gazed upon a photo of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise with the gorgeous turquoise lake and the Victoria Glacier in the background. It ranks as one of Canada's most photographed spots. Once I viewed it, I knew one day I would stay here. It lived up to all my expectations. Interesting Facts About the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Famous visitors – Hollywood royalty Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, Alfred Hitchcock and many filmed at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – Eternal Love (1929) and Doctor Zhivago (1965). It was a popular silent film location in the 1920s and considered "Hollywood North".UNESCO World Heritage Site – The hotel is located in Banff National ParkOne of the first hotels for outdoor adventurers – Mountain climbers have flocked to the area for over 100 years and it is considered the birthplace of Canadian mountaineering. Are you ready to explore more destinations? Get inspired with our newsletter! The accommodations at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise offer a luxurious neutral decor which doesn't distract from the gorgeous views of either Lake Louise or the surrounding mountains. The cozy room, elegant furnishings, plush bed with luxurious linens provide the perfect atmosphere for a couples getaway. Porkchop liked it too! He had his own comfy pet bed, food and water bowls, and a welcome gift with treats and waste bags. Resort Experience Fee Inclusions – Highlights, too many to include all Mountain Adventure Guide Program – Discounted rates on a variety of activities and excursions. Family, Recreational, and Cultural, Programs – A variety of mostly free activities including Lakeside Campfire, Live music, Movie night, Lake Louise History Presentation and many moreHigh Speed InternetSki Louise Shuttle Bus – SeasonalDaily Classes – Fitness, yoga, and meditationOutdoor Equipment Use – Ice cleats and hiking poles SheBuysTravel Tip – Rooms vary from the photos on the website and many are unique. Once booked, call and see what your options are. We had a junior suite that had the cutest nook with a window seat with a view of Lake Louise. This little note touched my heart. Elio, Aidan, and Anna took great care of Porkchop during our visit. Due to its isolated location the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise allows off duty employees to pet sit before or after their shifts to earn extra income. We loved the convenience and used the service throughout our stay. Typically guests must book at least 24 hours in advance. Porkchop went for long walks and hung out in "the Living Room" , an amenity area for guests staying at the hotel. Toasty fires, sleigh rides, and cocktails, bring romance to the forefront at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Gorgeous mountains and Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier in the background frame the views of the natural features of Banff National Park. Take time to explore together, relax with a couples massage at the serene spa, or try a new activity with the Mountain Adventure Guide Program. Go for a Sleigh Ride My husband and I climbed aboard the sleigh, and snuggled into a seat for two for a ride along the shores of Lake Lousie. The fresh snow covered trees added to the ambience. Our guide regaled us with history and anecdotes about the area while pointing out the sights along the way. In addition to the snow covered frozen Lake Louise, we had great views of the Victoria Glacier and a frozen waterfall with ice climbers. At the halfway point, guests disembarked the sleigh to take photos of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise from the opposite end of the lake. It was a magical experience and one I highly recommend. SheBuysTravel Tip: For those with no budget or a special occasion guests can book a sleigh ride with the Mountain Adventure Guide Program. Sip Some Afternoon Tea Famed afternoon tea at Fairmont Hotels offers a variety of teas from their tea program and a tiered tea tray with a sampling of savory tea sandwiches, flaky scones and other delicate pastries. Majestic mountain views and the snow covered lake create a peaceful setting for a romantic afternoon tea. Sitting by the grand windows, sipping champagne, and enjoying my husband's company, I savored the moment. The fine china and culinary delights just added to the overall experience. Give a Gift Guests can shop at more than 15 shops at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. I like to purchase a Christmas ornament to remember our travels. Each year our Christmas tree commemorates our life together and we love reminiscing as we decorate the tree. My husband knows my love language is books/ The Mountain Lights Bookstore, a local small business, immerses visitors with floor to ceiling shelves of antiquarian books, Canadian Pacific-Railway posters, and books of the area's history. Guests who want to step it up can visit the Stones Jewelry Store. Have a Cocktail I can't imagine a lovelier or more romantic place to sip cocktails than at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, and the Victoria Glacier, guests will enjoy a diverse and memorable experience. Cocktail menus change seasonally and utilize regional ingredients. From cozy lounges to an exhilarating ice bar, cocktail aficionados will enjoy the variety of venus. Lakeview Lounge – Cozy indoors and gorgeous patio in the warmer monthsAlpine Social – Fun, vibrant mountaineering themed bar and restaurantIce Bar – Seasonal, exhilarating, and unique bar made entirely of iceFairview Bar & Restaurant – Elegant space to sip a craft cocktail Other Romantic Activities for Two The area surrounding the hotel and Banff National Park provide a variety of options for romantic things to do. Options for both winter and summer seasons: Canoe on Lake Louise – Working in tandem, explore the turquoise waters of the with a Couples Massage – Cliche for a reason, the ultimate romance activity, book at the Skate on Lake Louise – Participate or watch, ice skating just oozes a Couples Getaway Package – The hotel offers a variety of themed packages and a romance itineraryGrab a Picnic – The Guides Pantry has to go picnics. Fill out a form and order 24 hours in advance. If the weather is too cold, enjoy at one of the hotel's beautiful common areas such as the Living a Romantic Stroll – Enjoy a walk along the lake. In winter months you can walk out onto the ice. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits within Banff National Park, far from major cities. I live in Washington so I drove to the hotel. Major airports can be found in Vancouver, British Columbia and Calgary, Alberta. For an epic road trip rent a car and drive from Vancouver spending the night along the way. From Calgary, the drive is a little over two hours or visitors can book a shuttle to the hotel. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada +1 404-522-3511 To Book All seasons are beautiful at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Iconic bucklist hotels have high prices. In season even a basic room cost $1500-$2000 a night. I scored a great deal traveling at the end of March. Using my American Express Platinum for the perks and discounts really helped cut my costs. Book with Fine Hotels and Resorts – American Express Platinum benefit for special perks. Upgrade if available, $100 food and beverage credit per stay, breakfast a $90 value for two, early and late check out.$200 Hotel Credit – Each year American Express Platinum offers a $200 for Fine Hotels and ResortsLow Season – Booked a rate of $490 including resort feeAmerican Discount – During my trip $1 USD = $1.42 CAD. A sweet exchange rate. 16 Things to do in Banff National Park: Rejuvenate Your Mind & BodyWhen is the Best Time to Visit Banff? Any Time of the Year!Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Review: Canadian Castle in the RockiesFairmont Palliser Calgary Review: Timeless Elegance Redefined The post Paw-sitively Romantic Getaway in Banff's Lake Louise appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved
