canadagirl

What would be the best hotel to stay in the hollywood area for quick and easy access to public transport?

I'll be arriving in LA via Union Station.

mdv

Check with the Hollywood Roosevelt and the Hollywood Renaissance ( in the Hollywood/Highland Plaza) . I think there's an MTA line there. Quick and easy public transportation doesn't really exist in L.A. , but there are subway lines from Hollywood to downtown and certain part of the vallley ( Universal City).

SydneyLA

I would highly recommend the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Blvd. directly across the street from the Hollywood/Highland Red Line stop (which you can take directly from Union Station). This hotel is a Los Angeles landmark and has been beautifully refurbished in recent years. Beware though that this is the center of tourist-trap hell in LA, especially in the summer. Hollywood Blvd. is crowded with tourists (and, therefore, lots of t-shirt shops), especially on the weekends.

A cheaper alternative would be the Hollywood Hills Best Western which is on Franklin Avenue - a short walk from the Vine Street Red line stop. They've got a great diner (The 101 Cafe) in the hotel that is always crowded. (A Dash bus stops right in front of this hotel).

Again, depending on your budget you could get off the Red Line at the Hollywood/Western stop and walk about 1/2 block North on Western Ave. There are a few motels on this block. I haven't seen the interiors of these motels so can't comment on the quality. But they look fine from the outside and would definitely work with a lower budget.

JACKIE118

Canadagirl

I to was going into LA's Union Station and trying to find transportation info.

I booked at the Beverly Garland hotel and best info I could get is

1. instead of going into Union Station go to Amtrak's Burbank Airport stop and call a cab ~ 3.5 miles to hotel
or
2. take the LA subway transportation to Universal City and the hotel provides free transportation from there.

supposedly there is public transportation close to this hotel.

I am interested to hear what you finally chose to do - it may work better for me also.

JACKIE118

SydneyLA - the Roosevelt Hotel sounds great, very convenient! How is the area? I thought I read somewhere that the area around Hollywood and Highland is not that great to stay!

Deborah

The area near Highland and Hollywood is fine. I lived a few blocks from there for 12 years. I would also recommend the Magic Castle Hotel on Franklin. Very nice and within walking distance to the metro line on Hollywood and Highland. The rooms are suites and they have a nice pool.

mdv

The Roosevelt is great--lots of atmosphere, very Spanish mission and the area is fine ( if touristy as pointed-out). Also, the Cinegrill is now open. If you like cabaret music, it's a great spot. Michael Feinstein appears there ( he runs it) as do plenty of others ( recently Fredya Paynce and Darla Love, Lorna Luft, Tondy Danza, and Michael Buble--probably misspelled--will be there).

SydneyLA

Yes, I would rather stay in Hollywood than the San Fernando Valley any day! There are alot of good restaurants wtih character within walking distance of the Roosevelt, versus the Valley where nothing is walkable.

I second the suggestion for the Magic Castle Hotel. It would probably be a little noisy if you're in the front, but it is a decent hotel and would probably be a bit cheaper than the Roosevelt.

canadagirl

Thanks for all the info. I think we will end up staying at the Roosevelt. I've e-mailed the sales department and while it takes a day for them to reply they are really helpful with rates and information.
One last question...has anyone stayed in the "petite room". I see this listed on expedia, travelocity, etc... what is the difference.? I am waiting for a reply from Roosevelt too.
Thanks!

clarkgriswold

Have heard a few complaints about the petite rooms at the Roosevelt and the other rooms too, lately. If the Renaissance is anywhere near the price it is a better choice.

For budget, the Hollywood Holiday Inn on Highland is only 3 block walk from the Renaissance.

Jackie the Beverly Garland will pick you up at Burbank Amtrak I believe, as they have a shuttle bus to Burbank Airport which is same place. If this hotel also shuttles you to the Universal subway station, than it is an okay choice...but if they do not I would not stay there.

clarkgriswold

For anyone visiting Hollywood or planning on staying at the Renaissance, the tv talk show "Good Day Live" will be broadcasting live from that corner all this coming week...check tvguide.com and search listings to see if this program airs in your area.