Going to the movies is a lot of work. Think about all the work that comes with a trip to the movies: For one thing, you have to wear pants the entire time. And I’m not particularly partial to pants, unless they’re made from yak’s fur, woven by Tibetan monks during a full moon. If you haven’t worn full moon yak pants, you haven’t worn pants at all.

Where was I? Oh, yes: Wouldn’t you prefer to relax by the pool while watching a great movie with the kids? If it gets a little hot, you can take a dip in the pool or maybe find yourself a cocktail at the nearby bar. Maybe order some tasty morsels from a menu designed by Wolfgang Puck? Does that sound a little appealing?

Well, if it does, make your way to our weekly series of Dive-In Movies, playing every Saturday this summer on our celebrated Pool Deck, starting at 8 pm. And you don’t even have to wear pants, so hurrah! (Editor’s Note: But swimming suits of some kind are obviously required.)

This week’s flick is Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. Exciting and funny, this is the perfect summer night movie for the whole family. It stars Ben Stiller as he returns to the role of the museum security guard who simply is way over his head when all the exhibits in a museum come to life… again.

This is Bruce, signing off.

Did you know July 4th is just around the corner? Independence Day, our country’s biggest holiday, is this Sunday and isn’t it right to celebrate a bit? I certainly always do.

When I was in London in the 1960s, I spent a few weeks on the tail of two English intelligence officers, David Cornwell and Ian Fleming, and they were very demure folks, never having a good time, not even once. And one evening, it was July 4th, and I had gotten tired of watching, waiting, for these fellows to make their pickup, so I walked up to their table in this little French estaminet, Le Petit Espion, plopped down a bottle of champagne and proceeded to regale them about the wonders of America, the Constitution, and the Revolutionary War. Needless to say, they were nonplussed. But neither refused a glass, and soon, we were friends, and so began our “special relationship.”

What was I trying to say with that? Ah yes, we were announcing something very exciting: our July 4th “Holidays in Hollywood” Giveaway! You could win a two-night stay at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa! Does that sound fun? So starting at 12 pm PST on Tuesday to noon the next day, we will be taking entries for our giveaway. How do you enter? Just tell us why you deserve to win! Either reply to the giveaway thread on our Facebook page, write on our Facebook wall, or RT and reply to us on Twitter. Super simple, right? Remember, you’ll have to be following us for us to be able to communicate with you, so don’t forget!

The contest starts in 20 minutes, so get ready to go!

This is Bruce, signing off.

We always love it when the media stops in to take a gander at our hotel’s weekly offerings. This time, Pasadena Now, the daily newsmagazine and city guide to lovely Pasadena, was on hand for the latest performance by local jazz legend, Ernie Andrews. The video gives a nice overview of the brunch series and what people can expect from the all-you-can-eat brunch and all-you-can-eat mimosas. So check out the great video and make sure to read Pasadena Now!

We’ll make sure to post the companion article once it goes live on Pasadena Now’s website. Until then, enjoy moving pictures!

This week’s Indie Thursday in the Lobby Bar will feature Elyse & the Aftermath. In an era over saturated with Britney’s, Lady Ga Ga’s, and other power pop females, Elyse proves that chicks can still hold their own in the rock scene. With Mark Needham’s incomparable mixing (The Killers, Fleetwood Mac, Green Day) and Grundman Mastering (Thriller etc…), their self-titled album, The Aftermath, was just released this April to rave reviews.

While enjoying the music, guests are encouraged to try the delicious appetizers, delightful entrees, and handcrafted signature cocktails available from the Lobby Bar.

All ages are welcome to these family-friendly events and, unlike a lot of venues in Hollywood, there’s no cover. That means free for everyone!