jacolis

Hi all,

We are looking at VRBO and AirBnB for a 4 night stay in LA next July. We are two adults and two school aged kids. We definitely want to spend a day doing the Hollywood stuff like TCL/Ripley's/walk of fame, a day at Santa Monica pier/beach and also see La Brea Tar Pits and Griffith Observatory.

We are not sure if it is a good idea to stay near Hollywood/Highland area where there seem to be a lot of places for rent. Is it a safe neighbourhood for families?

Not sure what other neighbourhood would be good. DH and I stayed in Santa Monica years ago before kids and we liked it but it will be far for the other things we want to see (other than seeing the pier/beach one day).

Grateful for suggestions of good neighbourhoods to search in!

Thanks in advance!

Lisa

mlgb

Airbnb is outlawed in Santa Monica. You might want to ask if any of your options has permission.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...514-story.html

DebbieDoesDulles

Airbnb isn't "outlawed" in Santa Monica, but you say that you don't want to stay there anyway, and the only rentals allowed are rooms or guesthouses where the owner is on the premises...so not much that's family-sized for sure.

I would look around Beverly Grove, zip code 90036, reviews should state that it's easy walking distance to "The Grove"and has a parking spot included.

jacolis

Thanks. That is right that we are not looking to stay in Santa Monica. But we aren't sure which area to stay in that is more central for seeing the Hollywood sights. I will look into the Grove. I think that is also near the farmer's market?

MmePerdu

I lived in LA, apparently close to the area Debbie speaks about, although I never heard the term "Beverly Grove". I agree that it could be a good area for you. I refer to the compact area just west of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (you can see it on the Airbnb map) to the edge of Beverly Hills, Doheny Drive. And between Beverly Blvd and 3rd Ave. Lots of 1920's 4-plex buildings that are attractive, roomy for a family and a safe neighborhood.

jamie99

Hollywood sights only take an hour or two unless you take one of the "celebrity homes tours". You can even combine Hollywood and Universal. Just an FYI.
Marina del Rey might be nice, in July I would rather be closer to the ocean so you can catch a breeze. Plus if you are here over July 4 they used to shoot off fireworks at nearby Burton Chase Park.

Guenmai

I'm an L.A. County resident, of over 50 years, and agree with Beverly Grove for your situation.

Happy Travels!

jacolis

Thanks Fodorites! We are booked to stay at a nice two bedroom place walking distance from the Grove! It even has a pool in the complex which the kids will love.

Guenmai

The Grove has some really nice concerts on the lawn across from Nordstrom. There's a box with blankets where one can just borrow one and sit on the grass and listen to the various groups that play during the weekend. Kids and adults dance along with the music. It's fun to go there. There might be an online schedule, listing who might be playing or whatever other things might be going on. I usually just drop in although I live in Pasadena and it's a 40-minute drive.

Have fun in our fun city! Smiles.

Happy Travels!