When the UCLA Meyer & Renee Luskin Conference Center officially opened its doors on October 6, 2016, it fulfilled a long‑recognized need at UCLA: a world‑class hospitality and meeting destination that could match the university’s global stature. Funded largely by a generous donation from Meyer and Renee Luskin, the Luskin Conference Center is one of just a handful of conference hotels owned and operated directly by a major U.S. university. In fact, UCLA’s hospitality operations also include the UCLA Lake Arrowhead Lodge, The Inn at UCLA and the UCLA University Club.
To date, the Luskin Conference Center has hosted scholars, dignitaries, families and collaborators from around the world, strengthened UCLA’s academic mission, expanded its cultural reach, supported its community values and become a source of deep campus pride that is open to all guests, regardless of UCLA or University of California affiliation.
In celebration of 10 years, we explore 10 of the Luskin Conference Center’s many successes.
1. A decade of top hotel rankings
The Luskin Conference Center has earned national recognition for excellence, consistently rising to the top of guest‑review platforms and industry lists. Its multiple TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards reflect thousands of exceptional hotel guest experiences, while Kayak’s Travel Award underscores its standout value and service among millions of traveler reviews. U.S. News & World Report named it one of the “20 Best College Town Hotels,” spotlighting its amenities, hospitality standards and trusted reputation. Together, these honors affirm the Luskin Conference Center’s position as one of Los Angeles’ top hospitality properties and one of the country’s most celebrated university‑based hotels — a benchmark for quality, comfort and guest satisfaction.
2. Nearly one million guests welcomed
To date, the Luskin Conference Center has confirmed more than 650,000 room nights and welcomed nearly one million guests — a milestone that reflects both its popularity and its essential role on campus. By filling a higher percentage of its available rooms than any comparable hotel in its defined competitive set, the property has become a preferred home base for visiting scholars, families, alumni and global travelers. Its consistent demand speaks to the trust guests place in its service, comfort and proximity to UCLA’s academic and cultural life. Over a decade, this steady flow of visitors has shaped the Luskin Conference Center into a vibrant crossroads of ideas, celebrations and community connection.
3. Hundreds of conferences and cultural events
The Luskin Conference Center has become a premier destination for conferences that bring thought leaders, innovators and cultural voices to UCLA. Across hundreds of conferences, the Luskin Conference Center has provided a stage for a range of organizations, with more than 30% of overall business coming from education, health and the non-profit sector. Its first decade reflects a commitment to convening conversations that matter — and creating an environment where ideas thrive.
4. Many milestone celebrations
From intimate gatherings to large‑scale celebrations, the Luskin Conference Center has hosted milestone moments that define its first decade. Meyer Luskin’s 100th birthday brought together family, friends and campus leaders to honor the visionary whose generosity made the center possible. Weddings have filled the property with joy, transforming its spaces into backdrops for lifelong memories. And academic celebrations, reunions and cultural gatherings have further cemented the Luskin as a place where people mark achievements and create traditions. These events highlight the center’s versatility — a venue equally suited for personal milestones and community‑wide celebrations.
5. Host hotel for athletes
During Super Bowl LVI, the Luskin Conference Center supported team operations during one of the world’s largest sporting events. The property also hosts several collegiate and professional teams each year. Its modern infrastructure, secure environment and proximity to major Los Angeles venues make it an ideal base for athletes and staff. Hosting these teams showcases the Luskin Conference Center’s ability to meet the demands of high‑profile, high‑security events while maintaining its signature hospitality.
6. A history of community service
Community service is a core UCLA value, and the Luskin Conference Center team embraces it with pride. Whether supporting quarterly Housing & Hospitality blood drives for patients at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, reading to elementary students through Reading is Fundamental, packing boxes at the Los Angeles Food Bank, or mentoring colleagues through the Housing & Hospitality Mentoring Program, their commitment is visible. The team has aided wildfire relief efforts, provided accommodations for hospital workers, and helped deliver meals to low‑income individuals during the pandemic. Additional collaborations include lodging for families of service members receiving care through UCLA Operation Mend and offering job training and employment opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities from the Pathway at UCLA Extension program.
7. Service excellence
For 10 years, the Luskin Conference Center’s team members have been the heartbeat of the guest experience — a group defined by a shared commitment to hospitality that shows up in every check‑in, perfectly prepared room, flawlessly supported event and warm interaction that makes visitors feel at home. Their collective dedication, professionalism and pride in their work have shaped a culture where excellence is the standard, with guest reviews reinforcing this sentiment.
8. Plateia’s rise
The property’s in-house restaurant, Plateia, has grown from a campus dining option into a celebrated culinary destination. Known for its Mediterranean‑inspired menu, seasonal ingredients and warm atmosphere, the restaurant has earned awards from the Los Angeles Times and a loyal following among students, faculty, staff and visitors. Its award-winning cookbook, available online and onsite at the front desk and the UCLA Bookstore, further cemented its reputation by offering guests a way to bring Plateia’s flavors home. Over the decade, Plateia has become a gathering place — a spot for business lunches, family dinners and celebrations that extend the property’s hospitality beyond its guest rooms. Its rise reflects the Luskin Conference Center’s commitment to exceptional food, community connection and memorable dining experiences.
9. Sustainability leadership
The Luskin Conference Center is a model of sustainable design and operations. As California’s second LEED Platinum certified building of its kind, it set a new standard for environmentally responsible construction on university campuses. The Green Seal-certified property was honored by the Los Angeles Business Council with the Sustainability Award at the 47th annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards, further highlighting its innovation in energy efficiency, water conservation and green building practices.
10. Academic and cultural gateway
The Luskin has become UCLA’s modern gateway — the first impression for visiting scholars, families, dignitaries, and global travelers. Its location at the heart of campus places guests steps away from world‑class museums, lecture halls, athletic venues and cultural institutions. Since 2016, it has served as a welcoming hub where visitors begin their UCLA experience, whether attending conferences, touring campus, or celebrating student achievements. The Luskin Conference Center’s role as a connector between the university and the world reinforces its identity as more than a hotel — it is a portal into Bruin life.