Hollywood with 17yr old son
Dec 4th, 2013, 09:40 AM
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Hollywood with 17yr old son
Taking my son on our first mother/son trip ever. Any ideas as to whether we should stay in W. Hollywood or Santa Monica or elsewhere? Flying into LAX 12/29 and leaving 1/2.
No plans yet. not going to be shopping anywhere fancy if at all. More likely to hit the boardwalk, tour Warner Bros, maybe Universal. Want to stay in 4 star hotel. Thanks
No plans yet. not going to be shopping anywhere fancy if at all. More likely to hit the boardwalk, tour Warner Bros, maybe Universal. Want to stay in 4 star hotel. Thanks
Dec 4th, 2013, 12:26 PM
#2
Without knowing what you or your son like makes the question a little hard -- I think the only question you're asking is where to stay.
For this trip with the 2 of you, you're probably going to want 2 queen beds, and I'll bet some complimentary wifi, since I haven't met a 17 year old who doesn't have at least 2 devices that they take everywhere with them.
And considering the places you mention, and the time you're going, I'd recommend West Hollywood. While there's a lot of options on Sunset Strip, I think you'd like the Hyatt Andaz.
The Andaz has a bit of a previous glamorous, yet rock-star "riot house" history, but has been cleaned up, remodeled, and retooled to look and feel amazing. The view from the rooftop pool is outstanding. And it's right in the middle of everything. Across the street from the House of Blues, and down the street from legendary rock and blues clubs.
Over the New Year, the boulevard is hoping and lively, particularly New Year's Eve. When our son was your son's age, we took him and a friend to see a Doors' tribute band play the Whiskey on New Year's Eve. They had a blast.
If neither you nor your son is into music, however, or a lively scene, there's a number of places to hole up in Santa Monica that would meet your needs. My cousin likes Loews practically on the beach in Santa Monica. It's close to the Santa Monica Pier, which can get seriously lively NYE. My only problem with Loews and places like that are they nickel and dime you for everything.
For this trip with the 2 of you, you're probably going to want 2 queen beds, and I'll bet some complimentary wifi, since I haven't met a 17 year old who doesn't have at least 2 devices that they take everywhere with them.
And considering the places you mention, and the time you're going, I'd recommend West Hollywood. While there's a lot of options on Sunset Strip, I think you'd like the Hyatt Andaz.
The Andaz has a bit of a previous glamorous, yet rock-star "riot house" history, but has been cleaned up, remodeled, and retooled to look and feel amazing. The view from the rooftop pool is outstanding. And it's right in the middle of everything. Across the street from the House of Blues, and down the street from legendary rock and blues clubs.
Over the New Year, the boulevard is hoping and lively, particularly New Year's Eve. When our son was your son's age, we took him and a friend to see a Doors' tribute band play the Whiskey on New Year's Eve. They had a blast.
If neither you nor your son is into music, however, or a lively scene, there's a number of places to hole up in Santa Monica that would meet your needs. My cousin likes Loews practically on the beach in Santa Monica. It's close to the Santa Monica Pier, which can get seriously lively NYE. My only problem with Loews and places like that are they nickel and dime you for everything.
Dec 4th, 2013, 01:19 PM
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If you stay someplace that's in a good area for walking, then you and DS can get some quiet time apart, taking walks on your own, if you want. I know how claustrophobic it can be when traveling and sharing a room with your DS or DD.
Is the Loew's the same as Shutters on the Beach? That's a gorgeous property. We like to eat at their Coast restaurant, outside looking at the water.
There's also The Ritz Marina del Rey, which has great beachfront walking right behind it. Great views from breakfast patio, too.
Is the Loew's the same as Shutters on the Beach? That's a gorgeous property. We like to eat at their Coast restaurant, outside looking at the water.
There's also The Ritz Marina del Rey, which has great beachfront walking right behind it. Great views from breakfast patio, too.
Dec 4th, 2013, 02:24 PM
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I work in Santa Monica and know WeHo pretty well also, so I'll give this a shot.
Santa Monica puts you pretty close to the Venice Boardwalk (short drive, long walk) but makes your other points of interest fairly long drives, just so you know. There are many hotels in the SM area; the Loews is a good choice overall. The Loews is most assuredly NOT Shutters on the Beach, which is lovely and even more expensive than the Loews. There's a brand-new property on Ocean Avenue called the Shore Hotel; it looks quite stylish and chic, a bit more WeHo in its sensibility. It could be fun. These are all quite close to the SM Pier and the Third Street Promenade (shopping & dining pedestrian-only street), so there are places to walk.
WeHo isn't ALL gay. The northern part (i.e., Sunset Blvd. and the Sunset Strip) and the eastern part (the La Brea corridor) are not gay at all; the northern part is more Rock & Roll, the eastern part is, oddly enough, dominated by ex-pat Russian culture. The southern part of WeHo (Santa Monica Blvd. and surrounding streets) are, however, the epicenter of LGBTQ life in that part of LA Metro. Knowing that, you can rest assured that a stay at the Andaz would be cool without being too Out There for people not accustomed to the slightly more liberated social mores here in CA. I can tell you that WeHo puts you central to all of the touristy stuff in LA Metro.
Accept that you MUST have a car.
Oh, and another thing: Although both the Warner Brothers tour and Universal Studios Hollywood give you a spin through real live working motion picture and TV studios, they are vastly different experiences. Universal has invested a great deal in its theme park (the studio tour takes place on a tram-- unless you spring for a more in-depth experience), while Warner Brothers takes you onto their lot for an actual tour of the studio.
I'm withholding any more suggestions since I don't know what else you're really interested in. LA is much more than Hollywood. MUCH, MUCH, MUCH more. This metro area is larger than some countries and sometimes seems like the whole world in one place, even more so than New York City (due to its varied topography and messy, scandalous history). Sometimes it's a dream to live here-- other times, a complete nightmare. Give us a bit more to work with and we can help you find the dreamy among the dreck.
Santa Monica puts you pretty close to the Venice Boardwalk (short drive, long walk) but makes your other points of interest fairly long drives, just so you know. There are many hotels in the SM area; the Loews is a good choice overall. The Loews is most assuredly NOT Shutters on the Beach, which is lovely and even more expensive than the Loews. There's a brand-new property on Ocean Avenue called the Shore Hotel; it looks quite stylish and chic, a bit more WeHo in its sensibility. It could be fun. These are all quite close to the SM Pier and the Third Street Promenade (shopping & dining pedestrian-only street), so there are places to walk.
WeHo isn't ALL gay. The northern part (i.e., Sunset Blvd. and the Sunset Strip) and the eastern part (the La Brea corridor) are not gay at all; the northern part is more Rock & Roll, the eastern part is, oddly enough, dominated by ex-pat Russian culture. The southern part of WeHo (Santa Monica Blvd. and surrounding streets) are, however, the epicenter of LGBTQ life in that part of LA Metro. Knowing that, you can rest assured that a stay at the Andaz would be cool without being too Out There for people not accustomed to the slightly more liberated social mores here in CA. I can tell you that WeHo puts you central to all of the touristy stuff in LA Metro.
Accept that you MUST have a car.
Oh, and another thing: Although both the Warner Brothers tour and Universal Studios Hollywood give you a spin through real live working motion picture and TV studios, they are vastly different experiences. Universal has invested a great deal in its theme park (the studio tour takes place on a tram-- unless you spring for a more in-depth experience), while Warner Brothers takes you onto their lot for an actual tour of the studio.
I'm withholding any more suggestions since I don't know what else you're really interested in. LA is much more than Hollywood. MUCH, MUCH, MUCH more. This metro area is larger than some countries and sometimes seems like the whole world in one place, even more so than New York City (due to its varied topography and messy, scandalous history). Sometimes it's a dream to live here-- other times, a complete nightmare. Give us a bit more to work with and we can help you find the dreamy among the dreck.
Dec 4th, 2013, 02:32 PM
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Good advice, rjw.
I will have to Google to see the Loews hotel. Which is the very nice hotel, also on the ocean, just south of Shutters? Old style and elegant place? Gorgeous to have drinks in its expansive lobby with fireplace.
I will have to Google to see the Loews hotel. Which is the very nice hotel, also on the ocean, just south of Shutters? Old style and elegant place? Gorgeous to have drinks in its expansive lobby with fireplace.
Dec 4th, 2013, 02:44 PM
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http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Santa-...gallery/photos
Wow-- the Loews is gorgeous. We'll price that one next time we visit.
Wow-- the Loews is gorgeous. We'll price that one next time we visit.
Dec 5th, 2013, 07:09 AM
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The older-style hotel across the street from Shutters is Casa del Mar (www.hotelcasadelmar.com). Very nice indeed, according to clients who have stayed there (we've held small conferences there in the past). The two properties were once held by the same owner (or so I heard), but I'm not sure of that.
The Miramar, which is a Fairmont hotel (for now-- rumors of a sale are in the air), is not on the sands, but it is a very, very nice hotel with a storied past (and, if you're a believer, a few ghosts, including an occasional appearance by Marilyn Monroe-- when she's not haunting the Hollywood Roosevelt for some reason). The Georgian is a mid-range hotel with lovely Hollywood Déco architecture right on Ocean; again, a ghost or two roam the halls according to legend. The Shangri-La, between the Miramar and the Georgian, is also a 30s-era hotel (with Miami-esque Streamline Déco architecture) that was recently heavily and stylishly renovated and modernized. I used to use it for overnighters (when I was single and pulled occasional all-night work sessions), but the rack rate is MUCH higher now. But it's a cool place with a WeHo vibe. It might be too chi-chi for the OP and her son, however.
Just a couple of other possibilities.
The Miramar, which is a Fairmont hotel (for now-- rumors of a sale are in the air), is not on the sands, but it is a very, very nice hotel with a storied past (and, if you're a believer, a few ghosts, including an occasional appearance by Marilyn Monroe-- when she's not haunting the Hollywood Roosevelt for some reason). The Georgian is a mid-range hotel with lovely Hollywood Déco architecture right on Ocean; again, a ghost or two roam the halls according to legend. The Shangri-La, between the Miramar and the Georgian, is also a 30s-era hotel (with Miami-esque Streamline Déco architecture) that was recently heavily and stylishly renovated and modernized. I used to use it for overnighters (when I was single and pulled occasional all-night work sessions), but the rack rate is MUCH higher now. But it's a cool place with a WeHo vibe. It might be too chi-chi for the OP and her son, however.
Just a couple of other possibilities.
Dec 5th, 2013, 07:21 AM
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WOW- thanks for all the input. We are liberal minded, so WeHo would be great, but the Shore gets great reviews too and I'm a sucker for an ocean view. We will definitely rent a car. I love live music, and although my son plays awesome guitar and sings, he doesn't care to see it live unless it's a concert....having said that, a live show for NYE would be phenomenal. I suspect he'd play along. I have a contact at Warner Bros so we will definitely do that tour one day. But I love OBP stuff too, so if you have suggestions that would appeal to my 17yrold son, bring it on. We both like sushi too, so would love an OBP suggestion for that as well. And a good steak one night 
Dec 5th, 2013, 09:59 AM
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I wish I knew what was going on NYE in Santa Monica. Unless you have a car and driver, I wouldn't plan on venturing far from your hotel that night; you can Google NYE events for Santa Monica and Venice. A lot of them will be 21+, which complicates things. There might be things on Third Street; just plan on taking the usual precautions for large crowds in an urban area. (My husband and I are getting together with another couple, renting a limo and planning to party up in WeHo for NYE. They make us feel young-- they're quite a bit older than we are but act like they're 22, so it's fun AND a bit pathetic-- but I've said too much already...! I just might be getting too old for club/pub crawls-- at 49.)
You can't swing a California Roll without hitting a sushi joint around these parts; there are dozens in every city in LA Metro, so you'll have lots and lots AND LOTS of choices. In SM, out-of-towners really like Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa and Sushi Roku; locals like them, but a bit less overwhelmingly (we tend to eat sushi a LOT, so we're quite selective). If you want the country's best sushi, there's Urasawa in Beverly Hills, but the meal STARTS at $395 per person; maybe a bit pricey.
You want OBP ("off the beaten path", I assume)? In my home town of Long Beach, a new place opened on the way to Seal Beach called White Wasabi that serves artisan rolls and sashimi like nothing you'll find elsewhere; there's an overlay of Italian technique and ingredients that turns Japanese seafood on its ear, and it's gathered a following of Long Beach locals of all ethnicities. It's funny, but it turns out a shrimp-tempura-and-goat-cheese roll, wrapped in salami and prosciutto and deep-fried and served on a wood skewer like an Italian sushi lollipop, was just what my life was missing all these years. In fact, now I want to drive down and have that roll for lunch; it's that great.
Steak? There is a Santa Monica outpost of BOA Steakhouse. I haven't been in a while, since the last time I went the steak was a bit oversalted and done a bit more than I asked for. But recent reviews suggest that they've hit their stride and are doing a good job, so it's always an option. Classic steakhouses are thin on the ground in SM and Venice, to be honest; people rave about places like Gjelina and the Barnyard in Venice, but they don't serve your usual steak-and-potato mains. Cut and Mastro's in Beverly Hills (and Lawry's the Prime Rib, also in BH) are the usual go-to joints for steak (with 555 East in Long Beach being another excellent old-school steakhouse).
I just thought of a VERY OBP option (although it might be expensive): Sir Winston's on the Queen Mary. Old-school to the max: A menu straight out of the first-class dining room of an old ocean liner (beef Wellington and the like), served in a first-class dining room ON an old ocean liner (dry-docked in Long Beach). Food and service are a delight.
A really, really fun place in SM is Ye Olde King's Head, a British pub run by ex-pat Brits with a loyal crowd of ex-pat Brits. Great fish and chips, bangers and mash and all the horribly-named English pub offerings you know and love. I also like Border Grill, which is Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger's flagship restaurant, serving their tasty versions of Mexican classics in maybe the loudest dining room in southern California. It's not my favorite Mexican place (naturally, my favorite is in Long Beach), but it's a good choice here. On top of Santa Monica Place (at the end of the Third St. Promenade) you'll find La Sandía (Mexican), Zengo (pan-Latin), Sonoma Wine Garden and Redwood Grille; these are way beyond the usual Red Robin/Taco Bell joints you find in shopping malls-- these are actual fine-dining restaurants,and the food is really good. Go figure.
For more classic seafood places, I've dined at the Lobster, on the Santa Monica Pier (surprisingly good the last time I went). There are a few new places I haven't tried: Blue Plate Oysterette, Enterprise Fish Co., and the Water Grill (I know other restaurants by the owners very well, as most of them are in-- you guessed it-- Long Beach). All have good word-of-mouth and reviews.
Bottom line: You won't starve. LA Metro has surprisingly few super-high-end restaurants, but no other major world city has such excellent dining options in the casual mid-price range. Nor such a huge range of cuisines served in high-quality eateries within its borders.
As far as activities: What else are you planning? Will you do any kind of guided city tour? There are hop-on/hop-off bus tours that can be fun.... Let us know what else you would like to know!
You can't swing a California Roll without hitting a sushi joint around these parts; there are dozens in every city in LA Metro, so you'll have lots and lots AND LOTS of choices. In SM, out-of-towners really like Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa and Sushi Roku; locals like them, but a bit less overwhelmingly (we tend to eat sushi a LOT, so we're quite selective). If you want the country's best sushi, there's Urasawa in Beverly Hills, but the meal STARTS at $395 per person; maybe a bit pricey.
You want OBP ("off the beaten path", I assume)? In my home town of Long Beach, a new place opened on the way to Seal Beach called White Wasabi that serves artisan rolls and sashimi like nothing you'll find elsewhere; there's an overlay of Italian technique and ingredients that turns Japanese seafood on its ear, and it's gathered a following of Long Beach locals of all ethnicities. It's funny, but it turns out a shrimp-tempura-and-goat-cheese roll, wrapped in salami and prosciutto and deep-fried and served on a wood skewer like an Italian sushi lollipop, was just what my life was missing all these years. In fact, now I want to drive down and have that roll for lunch; it's that great.
Steak? There is a Santa Monica outpost of BOA Steakhouse. I haven't been in a while, since the last time I went the steak was a bit oversalted and done a bit more than I asked for. But recent reviews suggest that they've hit their stride and are doing a good job, so it's always an option. Classic steakhouses are thin on the ground in SM and Venice, to be honest; people rave about places like Gjelina and the Barnyard in Venice, but they don't serve your usual steak-and-potato mains. Cut and Mastro's in Beverly Hills (and Lawry's the Prime Rib, also in BH) are the usual go-to joints for steak (with 555 East in Long Beach being another excellent old-school steakhouse).
I just thought of a VERY OBP option (although it might be expensive): Sir Winston's on the Queen Mary. Old-school to the max: A menu straight out of the first-class dining room of an old ocean liner (beef Wellington and the like), served in a first-class dining room ON an old ocean liner (dry-docked in Long Beach). Food and service are a delight.
A really, really fun place in SM is Ye Olde King's Head, a British pub run by ex-pat Brits with a loyal crowd of ex-pat Brits. Great fish and chips, bangers and mash and all the horribly-named English pub offerings you know and love. I also like Border Grill, which is Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger's flagship restaurant, serving their tasty versions of Mexican classics in maybe the loudest dining room in southern California. It's not my favorite Mexican place (naturally, my favorite is in Long Beach), but it's a good choice here. On top of Santa Monica Place (at the end of the Third St. Promenade) you'll find La Sandía (Mexican), Zengo (pan-Latin), Sonoma Wine Garden and Redwood Grille; these are way beyond the usual Red Robin/Taco Bell joints you find in shopping malls-- these are actual fine-dining restaurants,and the food is really good. Go figure.
For more classic seafood places, I've dined at the Lobster, on the Santa Monica Pier (surprisingly good the last time I went). There are a few new places I haven't tried: Blue Plate Oysterette, Enterprise Fish Co., and the Water Grill (I know other restaurants by the owners very well, as most of them are in-- you guessed it-- Long Beach). All have good word-of-mouth and reviews.
Bottom line: You won't starve. LA Metro has surprisingly few super-high-end restaurants, but no other major world city has such excellent dining options in the casual mid-price range. Nor such a huge range of cuisines served in high-quality eateries within its borders.
As far as activities: What else are you planning? Will you do any kind of guided city tour? There are hop-on/hop-off bus tours that can be fun.... Let us know what else you would like to know!
Dec 5th, 2013, 11:28 AM
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RJW- you're awesome. Just booked the tix so no plans yet other than Warner Bros. Hop on and off bus tour sounds fun. He LOVES cars, so Jamie, the auto museum sounds perfect.
I suspect a guided tour would be worth it so we actually see the cool stuff without wandering aimlessly...at least for one afternoon.
I suspect a guided tour would be worth it so we actually see the cool stuff without wandering aimlessly...at least for one afternoon.
Dec 5th, 2013, 12:09 PM
#13
I wouldn't waste my time on the WB tour since the studio will be mostly shut down for the holidays. You will see outdoor sets and empty soundstages as well as the Harry Potter museum, but no filming or taping or "action". At Universal you will at least have the amusement park/attractions to visit and enjoy.
Dec 5th, 2013, 01:00 PM
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Clark's right...! Most of the studio will indeed be dark. If that doesn't bug you, cool. If not, Universal will be a lot of fun.
I LOVE the Petersen Auto Museum. Even if you don't make it there, the streets of greater Los Angeles provide a moving museum of the world's auto industry. Well, sometimes moving. But not Monday through Friday between 4 and 7:30 PM.
If he doesn't get museumed out, the California Science Center has the space shuttle Endeavour on display.
I LOVE the Petersen Auto Museum. Even if you don't make it there, the streets of greater Los Angeles provide a moving museum of the world's auto industry. Well, sometimes moving. But not Monday through Friday between 4 and 7:30 PM.
If he doesn't get museumed out, the California Science Center has the space shuttle Endeavour on display.
Dec 5th, 2013, 01:37 PM
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Dec 6th, 2013, 08:45 AM
#17
Really OBP if he likes classic cars is the Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar. You can see half without the tour but I think it's worthwhile to book the second part. Best of all, it's free.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...alifornia.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...alifornia.html
Dec 7th, 2013, 04:34 AM
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Just drove from the 405 - via Sunset into Hollywood - to a post funeral reception up in the West Hollywood Hills. We ventured into Hollywood a bit and it's a fun place to nosh around - and one of my favorites if the Mel's Drive In/West Hollywood on Sunset - reminiscent of the movie American Graffiti - and they have the producers/scenes up on the walls. Good drive in food too - shakes, burgers, etc.
http://www.melsdrive-in.com/hoursand...hollywood.html
http://www.melsdrive-in.com/hoursand...hollywood.html
Dec 7th, 2013, 04:38 AM
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And here are some pics from American Graffiti which feature the Drive In, cars, etc.
https://www.google.com/search?q=amer...w=1182&bih=466
https://www.google.com/search?q=amer...w=1182&bih=466
Dec 7th, 2013, 04:43 AM
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And for you film history buffs - who was the mysterious blond driving the classic - white Thunderbird?
Give up?
None other than a young Suzanne Somers - and here is some more car history for the movie. http://www.filmsite.org/amerg.html
Give up?
None other than a young Suzanne Somers - and here is some more car history for the movie. http://www.filmsite.org/amerg.html
