First time to LA area. Where should we stay?

Welcome to California. If you call it Cali, you will not be welcomed.

Curious

Looks like Curious was a big help although right about people not using the name Cali. Anyway, unfortunately you can't come to LA and not have traffic. There are ways to get around the worst of it depending on the time you travel. I do love Santa Monica and hotels there including Shutters but getting in and out of Santa Monica does take some time especially during rush hour. Maybe if you let us know more what you want to do besides Disneyland, we can be more specific with area to stay.

ah well, didn't realize i was making such a major faux pas. I didn't want to say LA, as my husband says ppl often stay in beverly hills when in that area and i wanted to keep it general.

In any event, i have no idea what we will do while there. Hit rodea drive? eat alot? if we stay at shutters, we would enjoy the beach but that isn't a must on this trip.

I didn't want to say LA, as my husband says ppl often stay in beverly hills when in that area and i wanted to keep it general.

Ha - "LA" includes Beverly Hills, generally speaking LOL (and Malibu, and the beach towns south of the airport, Hollywood, etc.)

well, as you can tell, I'm not too familiar with the area. perhaps i should just stay home. Thanks for the help.

Since this is just about "Cali" with no specific interests other than a nice hotel, Terranea sounds like a good choice.

http://www.terranea.com/

The restaurants are good there, as well as at Trump National which is just down the road.

La-di-da.

If these places were in my travel budget, I would stay at Raffles L'Ermitage Beverly Hills.

If you don't mind what I hope will be helpful advice, I have a theory about the lack of useful assistance here. You are still rather unfocused about what you want to do--understandably as you are in the very early stages of your planning---and a good guidebook, or two, that you could borrow from the library would be, IMO, a real asset in narrowing your search. People on this board are usually informative, but I think that they need a little more to work with.

Even doing a search of Los Angeles on this US forum will yield lots of info.

Disneyland is 40 miles or more from most of LA and the traffic is bad, no getting around that.

As stated above, have no concern that using the term LA will limit you. No one would ever think that b/c you ask about hotels, restaurants or things to do in LA, that they would therefore neglect to mention Beverly Hills or any of the myriad of places that fall into the LA designation. Generally when saying LA, one means the entire metro area which is huge!

Thanks socialworker. I guess I should have just posted "of the following hotels, which one would you recommend and why", bc in essence that was what i was looking for. I'm a long time fodors forum poster and I understand the need for more info in certain posts. I haven't posted in a few months , but i didn't think my post was that vague. We'd like a luxurious hotel so I listed several examples of the ones we are considering. I'm told LA is nothing like NY- you need a car, nothing is "right there" and traffic is bad (well, that could be true of nY too). As a first time visitor who is just looking to get a feel for the place and dine well and relax (and spend a day at disney) which hotel would frequent visitors recommend? Is shutters to out of the way? Is one LA luxury hotel better than the other?

I do understand you were trying to be helpful SW. I must say though, I don't remember the forums being quite like this before. Very disappointing.

I'm sorry you took my post that way - really, I was just trying to be funny while explaining what sw explained better --that "LA" includes the whole metropolitan area.

On your list, my first choice would be the Bel Air, but unfortunately it's closed for renovations until 2011.

Again from your list, my second choice would be either the Peninsula (better on-site dining) or Raffles (quieter location). The Peninsula is just outside the "Golden Triangle" of Beverly Hills, and Raffles is within walking distance.

The Four Seasons is closest to West Hollywood and Hollywood.

Terranea's location is remote, far from a large choice of restaurants, far from freeways. The property is beautiful and offers many lodging options and activities for families. Early March might be iffy weatherwise, but late March should be good but probably not warm enough to enjoy the swimming pools.

http://www.terranea.com/

On another thread, I was prompted to remember a charming B&B in Pasadena. I don't know if the idea of a B&B full of chintz interests you, but Pasadena has an incredible concentration of good restaurants and a lively downtown. The location of this B&B is in an Old Pasadena residential area.

http://www.bissellhouse.com/

emcash--I see this trip as two parts--relaxation for you two and a Disney day for your child.

So, if I were you I would stay in two places: I would come in from the airport the first evening and make the drive to Anaheim and stay in a really nice property at Disney. My friend who stays in the Disneyland hotels (every Thanksgiving for several years!) tells me the Grand Californian is the nicest and it sure looks that way from the outside. Beautiful lodge, styled after the national parks.

Then you will get an early start into the park with your 4-year-old when your little one is at his/her best. At the end of the day when he/she is tired, into the back of the car, and head for your Los Angeles hotel.

If you check my name, I have a trip report from last year to Los Angeles (primarily Disneyland). We stayed budget, but there is a discussion of the different restaurants in the park.

Thanks for the helpful replies. We get in soooo late (eastern time) the night we arrive, im considering just staying at a hotel near or at the airport and then heading to LA. The disney hotel rec is a good one though.

L'ermitage sounds like perhaps the winner. Thank you

emcash... If you are getting in late and can stand a one hour drive, you will be far ahead of the game to head straight to your hotel at Disneyland! (Often the bad traffic is near LAX)Your late arrival will help you breeze straight down to The Mouse!

The Grand Californian is a wonderful hotel and if you put it in a search, several people on these boards have made comments about it. It really is the newest and nicest hotel there and it is certainly convenient. I'd suggest two days at Disneyland if youre getting in late the night before and will most likely not be back for many years, if ever. A four year old will be the perfect age to see and ride everything!

Also, if you aren't looking to "see the sights" in LA and just want to relax.. I might head south to the Ritz in Laguna Nigel. The property is gorgeous and there are certainly places to shop and restaurants in abundance. Im sorry I havent stayed at any of the places on your list.

Welcome to California!

Two of the beach city options are Marriott's Newport Coast location near Corona del Mar and the Laguna Cliffs. Both qualify as luxurious, have great ocean views and settings. You are convenient to Disney, Fashion Island, and South Coast Plaza from Newport Coast. Many fine dining destinations nearby.

However, you are an hour from the city of Los Angeles or Beverly Hills. These places are a different vacation than the Santa Monica base of operation, but a pleasant alternative.

Well, I'm from California and I LOVE when tourists call it "Cali"! So there!

I would definitely pick Shutters! First it's an easy drive from the airport or a quick 15 min in a cab late at night. Plenty of dining and shopping in the area, plus the Santa Monica area is not just "beach", it's BEACH SCENE....the 4 year old will love to look at the Ferris Wheel in the playland at the Pier just a short walk away....the jugglers, the bikers, the rollerskaters....it's almost like a trip to Coney Island. Plenty of walkable dining etc nearby, no car needed. You wouldn't even need to rent a car if you really didn't want to as Starline Tours and others will sell you a package to Disney and pick you up and drop you off near the hotel. (Disney is almost an hour's drive, by the way, and if you do get the car try to stay on east coast time, get up at 6am, do the drive before 7:30am traffic, and eat breakfast closer to Disney!) However, there is a lot to see in LA and without a car and only a few days...it would be difficult both from SM or from BH. The Zoo, the Observatory, the Tar Pits (fossils)...the auto Museum, the Getty Center...the Studio tours...Disney...Legoland (2 hrs)....with a car your 4 year old will have a real head-spinning 4 days but if you're looking more for just relaxation and an short introduction to the area you'll be fine as well. And while you're THINKING that this is not a "beach trip"....I think you're forgetting how itching you're gonna be to get out of that New York winter in March!

I agree with divineMissM about your child enjoying the ferris wheel and pier scene at Santa Monica, but otherwise I'm not a fan of Santa Monica at all. FWIW, I don't agree with her on the "Cali" thing, and I'm a California native.

I agree with onemoneygirl about heading to Anaheim on arrival if at all possible. Or could you fly into Orange County Airport?

Another comment about Raffles L'Ermitage... I drove past it this morning on the way to work, and the bellmen were out walking guests' dogs. I forgot to mention they allow pets, and I don't know if that's good (fun for your child) or bad (allergies).

We have eaten at the restaurant at the Shutters a couple of times and really enjoyed it. It's a gorgeous hotel in a great setting for walking the beach. (We stayed at the moderately priced Sheraton Delfina, just up the street, which we liked a lot.)

L.A. is such a tangle of freeways and busy streets, it's next to impossible to find the perfect place to stay in relation to visiting the sites there. I would not switch hotels with just 3/4 days, especially with a toddler in tow.

It's L.A. There will be traffic! Enjoy your visit there.

I usually stay at the Chateau Marmont when I'm splurging, and the Magic Castle Hotel when I'm not. Both are more atmospheric than luxurious, but they are both in great areas and a lot of fun.

I thought that this hotel looked interesting, Hotel Angeleno, when someone on Fodor's mentioned it the other day, and I might check it out when I go to the Getty. http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/angeleno/services

As for Cali, my younger friends, especially the European ones, use that all the time. It doesn't bother me, although I do cringe at Frisco (but not so much San Fran). Really, I felt badly when curious started out answering the thread this way.

Traffic is unfortunate, but you can check Google Maps for current traffic info which is helpful for strategizing.

I'm a native Californian (born in L.A...on Hope Street!) and I cringe at "Cali". And "Frisco". And "The O.C."...what's up with that?

First-about calling California "Cali". I am not a native but have lived here 36 years. I never heard people say "Cali" and knew that natives were offended by it. Then just recently, my DD's friends (in their 20's) who are all natives but now live on the East Coast started saying things like "I can't wait to come home and hang with all the Cali girls." Or "The Cali girls are here to visit". Go figure-maybe a new trend!!!

emcash-You have lots of good ideas here. First off, if you are getting in late there is absolutely no reason to stay by the airport especially if you decide to stay in Santa Monica or even Beverly Hills. LAX to Santa Monica is only about 12 miles and late at night you would have a good chance of making it to the hotel in 20-25 minutes. Beverly Hills isn't much further. If you did decide to spend one night near Disneyland, you'd still get there much quicker than during the day. Onemoneygirl is right, The Grand Californian is very nice.

I know some people are fans of Santa Monica and others are not. I think being in Santa Monica would be more interesting for your 4 year old than Beverly Hills. Again though it depends on what you are going to do. If you want to take your 4 yr old to the La Brea Tarpits, Griffith Park, etc than Beverly Hills would be better. Getting from Santa Monica to the Beverly Hills/Wilshire area can take quite a while during rush hour.

Besides going to Disneyland, still a little unsure of what you want to do on this trip. You said you want to get a "feel" for the area so I am assuming you mean LA. However you also talk about relaxing at a luxurious hotel. If you are more intersted in relaxing than seeing LA, then onemoneygirl's idea about staying in Laguna is a great one. There are some amazing hotels in the Newport Beach/Laguna Beach/Dana Point area and you are much closer to Disneyland.

Thanks again to everyone who has posted such helpful replies. I have stayed in laguna at the Ritz before, and while I loved the area and the hotel, I have never been to LA and really want to see what it is like. I think at this point i will get prices on the hotels and consider them accordingly.

One further question, is it worth it for my DD to do a tour of the nickolodean studios or something like that? we have a family member who could probably arrange that for us? My DD is a seasoned traveler, and finds amusement pretty much anywhere we do. However, many of you are painting a very cool picture of Santa Monica.

The idea of going to disney for the first night sounds appealing aswell, though I do hate to switch hotels. But we will be so exhausted,and waking up at the park sounds wonderful. lots to think about!

And to hopefully not belabor the Cali point (though THANK YOU to those who came to my defense of such a senseless crime...) I am so used to texting these days that I shorten almost everything accordingly. I didn't even think twice, though in retrospect, i should have just said LA (less letters too).

Hey, emcash, you may have hit on the origins of Cali. It's the texting!

It doesn't sound like budget is a primary concern, so I think you should figure out what you want to do in your short time in L.A. before you pick your hotel location. For example, depending on the time of day and day of week, it will take 45-60 minutes to get from Santa Monica to Nickelodeon at Universal but less than 30 minutes from Beverly Hills. Other places like La Brea Tar Pits, Observatory, Zoo are also closer to Beverly Hills.

I don't think anyone has pointed out that you could easily spend more than one day at Disneyland.

The Bob Baker Marionettes have been a downtown L.A. institution for 50 years. http://www.bobbakermarionettes.com/

Just my two cents' worth, but I thought the La Brea tarpits were hugely disappointing. I majored in Anthropology, and went to see them expecting them to be really cool. But it's just a small patch of fenced in ground, less than a square block, and really boring. Your four year old would not be impressed! Don't go out of you way to take her there, is my advice.

I also like Pasadena and enjoy the hotel formerly a Ritz-Carlton there; I think it is called Langham now. It is in a beautiful neighborhood that I consider pasadena/san marino. I think it makes a nice base of operations to explore LA.

The Tar Pits may not be impressive, but IMO the adjoining museum is. Not to mention the LA County Art Museum right next door on Wilshire.

PeaceOut, did you go inside the Page Museum? Did you watch the work in progress in the Fishbowl Lab? For the past year or so, they've been excavating sabertoothed cats and kittens, turtles and other animals and preparing a nearly complete mammoth skeleton.

No, I didn't. This was many years ago, so I am probably out-dated with my info. Thanks for updating with the museum info.

We enjoy BH, Malibu or Santa Monica.
FYI, us Californian's do cringe at Cali, Frisco just so you don't get stink eye for it.
Great deals right now on 4* hotels on expedia and other travel websites.
Lots of great food options..do some of the great food trucks that are all around LA.
The Getty is stunning!

Aside to Jean - Did you see where the hotel Bel Air is selling off all of its furnishings?
www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-belair4-2009dec04,0,5120865.story
Though why someone would want to buy a hotel-used mattress is beyond me.

emcash: You might also want to check out what is playing at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood (beautifully restored old theatre owned by Disney) when you are here. They usually play a Disney movie along with a live show and a behind-the-scenes interactive exhibit to go with it. http://disney.go.com/DisneyPictures/el_capitan/
There is also a Disney-themed ice cream parlor next door.

Have a great time!

Great idea! The El Capitan was wonderful but it has been a long time since we went.

Regarding La Brea.... you may not see any action at the Pit, because their most serious work starts in the summer. Last summer they were going to work on Pit 91 but had not started yet in mid June. In the museum, we had a smart yet funny guide who let the kids hold some bones. If your guide is boring, I'd leave the tour and just wander with your child. Watch Ice Age before going on your trip and your child will be fascinated. Mammoths, saber tooth cats all to see up close and big.

I did not suggest that emcash stay two days at Disneyland because she didn't even consider staying one night there until I suggested it. I hate to cross that line between suggestions and disregarding the original poster's intentions entirely.... If,however, you decide to add time to Disneyland, be sure to add one of the shows at California Adventure (Aladdin) or a parade.

We did used to live there and made the morning drive from Los Angeles to Anaheim, about two hours in traffic. Coming straight from LAX, your child will probably sleep in his/her carseat.

lvk, I saw that article this morning and almost jumped in my car! A mattress? No, thanks. Probably no towels either. But tables, lamps, upholstered furniture, art, tchotchkes! I'm in!! Where are my car keys....

More La Brea Tar Pits... Pit 91 is currently closed to excavation. They're concentrating on Project 23 which is the stuff they found at the LACMA construction site. Sabertooth cats, kittens, turtles, etc., and the mammoth skeleton. Anyway, I think watching them work in the Fishbowl Lab is more interesting than the pit.

Before reading any threads, my answer would have been: Santa Monica-- if you can swing Shutters then that's it. Many years ago stayed in Pasadena Ritz Carlton for several Februarys, lovely location but not where it's happening. See the Getty if only for the architecture & landscaping and the tar pits for sure.

Arriving late the first night makes the trip to Disney a breeze without traffic. Enjoy Disney your first full day and then spend a second night there. This way you have the option of returnig to your room mid day to rest. If not you will have to drag your daughter around the park until late to avoid rush hour traffic commuting to your next hotel.

For the last two nights stay closer to the action. I too would have suggested Terranea if you were looking for a restful vacation in a drop dead gorgeous location, but have to admit it is a drive from the places you mentioned wanting to see. LA is huge, distances are great and traffic is thick, making commute times long, especially during rush hour. March is usually beautiful clear crisp weather, not warm enough to lay out or swim at the beach but always fun for a 4 year old to play in the sand. Enjoy your visit!

I like onemoneygirl's idea idea of "breezing down to The Mouse", regardless of when you arrive in LA. There is really no point in staying near the airport, as several posters have noted.

Staying close to Disneyland for your visit there would be a smart thing to do. It takes time to get into the car, drive to the parking lot, and park, so the closer you are, the better.

I haven't been to Disneyland for years, but we went we would go really early (not many lines for the rides) and do several hours, then return to the hotel to rest for a few hours (may even swim a bit), then go back to Disneyland for the rest of the afternoon and early evening. It helped to split up the visits as the little ones would not get so tired.

It does appear that to meet both objectives - one for the little one and one for the adults - you will have to split up your stay.

As a totally separate consideration - if you are willing to give up Disneyland, then I'd suggest spending all your time in San Diego where there's also plenty to do for little kids. Hotel del Coronado comes to mind.

Thanks everyone for your replies. DH and I discussed this and we've decided to take DD to disneyworld in Fla this year for her birthday, so we're probably going to scrap the disneyland idea for the CA trip. That said, I was thinking, what about splitting the trip in 2-- 2 nights at shutters and 2 nights in beverly hills. Any thoughts?

It's only about 7 miles between SM and BH. Granted, driving those 7 miles can easily take 20 minutes... But what's your final itinerary for your 3/4 days here?

If you were splitting time between Anaheim and BH - an argument could certainly be made for that. It would be my choice.

But since you have dropped the Disneyland idea, moving between Santa Monica and Beverly Hills really doesn't make sense. Why pack and move such a short distance - but again, we really don't know what you plan on doing.

I do think you are using "LA" to describe a city . . . "See LA", "Drive to LA from the airport" etc. In general, when we talk about 'LA' we don't mean the bits inside the actual city limits, but the entire LA basin -- which is nearly 500 sq mi. That is sort of why we're trying to pin you down on what you want to see.

I'd like to suggest the Four Seasons at Beverly Hills (hoping I haven't missed this suggestion already).
Find a preferred travel agent to book for you and breakfast will be included.
They are really great with kids amenities. There are always many children at the pool when we stay there and there's quite a pool "scene". Very worthy of the LA you're looking for! They also have a great hotel car that will take you within a few miles of the hotel, complimentary. And their spa is fantastic!
Look at the Four Seasons website for more info. Their pool is far superior to the Beverly Wilshire.

While I would not do this either, I understand how it is 2 very different experiences. At Shutters, you can walk out of the bldg directly on to a beach. They are traveling w/a small chid and might want this type of situation for part of the trip but perhaps not all of it.

It would be bad for those among us who hate packing and the check-in, check-out component with the lost hours between a noon check-out and a 3 or 4 pm check-in. However, these are both luxury properties and March is not a particularly busy time, so I imagine that they could/would accommodate a late check-out and/or early check-in request(s).

If this is what would suit you, em, then I think a combo SM and BH trip sounds fine.

Thanks everyone again, and thanks socialworker for getting where i'm comign from .Not that i relish the thought of two hotels but we would get a 4 pm checkout thru amex, so it would make it more palatable.

Im really all over the place with this, as you can see. It would be so much easier if i could visualize and know what the area is like. My DH keeps telling me its like going from our suburb to our city, so perhaps we won't need to do the 2 hotels.

I will report back to those interested what we end up deciding to do. Thanks again!

welch (and others), what is the difference between teh two four seasons, aside from the pool? Thank you!

I prefer the Four Seasons at BH- just my taste. It has drawn a pretty big celeb crowd in the past. I've had many star sighting there and they've just finished a remodel.
When I go to LA I really enjoy time by the pool as I'm coming from the cooler Bay Area. It's always been my hotel of preference.
Perhaps someone else can give you further insight on the Beverly Wilshire

what about neighborhoods? It's my impression from what i've been reading that the beverly wilshire is better situated for ease of getting around. With a child, would the location make a difference to you?

The Beverly Wilshire Hotel is a Four Seasons hotel, but I think welch is referring to the "Beverly Hills Four Seasons Hotel" which is actually in the city of Los Angeles on Doheny. (Don't you just love the marketing strategy?) It's only a mile between the two, but for some reason it seems farther to me (and I work IN Beverly Hills).

The BH Four Seasons has easier in/out valet service and is in a slightly less trafficky, more residential area if you plan to do much driving around. But, if you just want to walk the streets of Beverly Hills, you can't beat the location of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Or the Montage Hotel. Or the Peninsula Hotel.

My personal fave is the Peninsula in Beverly Hills. Beautiful setting, great service, super comfy beds and they even left milk and cookies for our daughter in the room upon check-in! Love the monogramed pillow cases and all the little extras. The pool is on the rooftop and recently remodeled. We have never used it much because we have been busy doing other things when there. Of course, with a little one, the beach is always a great bonus, so maybe Shutters would be good. Our kids have always enjoyed our time on the beach more than just about anything else we did while in California. I am a native, love the whole scene, but you can't beat the beach. Of course, in March you never know about the weather...

Jean, I believe both Four Seasons (the one on doheny and the wilshire one) are four seasons hotels. Im not sure from your post if you thought only the wilshire was. My DH stayed at the Wilshire one and he said that while it is a great location it feels more like a business hotel. It;s too bad as I think we can get the best rate here.

The peninsula is definitely in the running. I think at this point it migght be between the Peninsula and raffles L'hermitage. I have still yet to call and get rates. Thanks again everyone.

If it's between those two hotels I'd definitely go with the Peninsula.
It think the Rafffles lacks much. The rooms are large but charmless and the service isn't up to par.
The Four Seasons on Doheny is the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. It may not be at Rodeo Drive but it's right around the corner from 3rd and from Robertson, two areas I find more interesting, as well as missing the majority of traffic in the Rodeo area.
Raffles is a little further out of the way than the Four Seasons on Doheny if that matters to you.

Thanks Welch, I was under the impression that Raffles was in a better location. SO much to think about. i'm going to make some calls hopefully today to get some pricing.

I like the location of Raffles. It's about 3 longish blocks from the eastern side of Beverly Hills on a street a little less trafficky than Doheny where the Four Seasons Beverly Hills Hotel is located. Raffles allows pets, so I always see the bellmen walking dogs in the morning. Can't comment much on the rooms or service. Rooms on the back side would have uninteresting views. Mostly likely, all rooms at the FSBHH would have good views, some toward the Hollywood hills and perhaps from the highest floors a view of downtown L.A.

I also like the location of the Peninsula if you plan to spend your time in Beverly Hills, but the ingress and egress is a little less friendly if you're going to do a lot of driving around. I think you can only make a right turn as you're leaving.

Not to confuse you, but have you considered the Beverly Hills Hotel? Probably closer than the Four Seasons on Doheny. Very upscale location on Sunset Boulevard.

But having added to your list, I would advise not to fret much over this. These hotels are among the best in L.A.

Thanks to everyone who helped me with this issue. we have decided to go with the Montage. great reviews, reasonably priced as compared to the other 5 star properties, and a great location.

AH, *that* was the huge construction site I used to walk past when stayed in Century City for the winter of '08! You are right, it is a great location. I looked at the website and it looks like a lovely place.

If you want a moderately-priced lunch or dinner near the Montage, try L.A. Food Show. It's located almost next door to the hotel on the Beverly Drive side. The guys that developed this restaurant were the same ones who started California Pizza Kitchen. No pizza here, but an interesting and eclectic menu. Something for everyone.


http://www.lafoodshow.com/

Thanks jean- that looks like a good place!