hotel in LA: is this a bad neighborhood?

Yes, it's a relatively bad neighborhood.

Yes, there's an alternative just off the Red Line. The Renaissance Hollywood. For that matter, the Hollywood Roosevelt would be an acceptable choice as well. I'm not a fan of Hollywood (a bit grimy, even for me), but if you MUST stay on the Red Line, those two properties would be fine.

Matt, is there a particular reason you are staying in this part of town? I don't want to put down neighborhoods but this is not a place I would ever walk around at night. Hopefully someone can tell you about proximity to the Metro Red line but depending on why you are in town, I would either stay further west on Wilshire or in Downtown LA. If you choose downtown, check out those areas, also.

Thanks to both of you. I'm in town for a convention at the Staples center but the hotels near Staples are either too expensive or booked up. That's why I was looking at other areas within easy reach of the metro (actually, either Red or Blue lines would work). Someone had recommended me Wilshire/Western (Korea Town) as not being dangerous, but then I read other opinions which you now confirm...
The hotels suggested by rjw are a bit expensive for me unfortunately.

Matt - What is your price range?

Below $100 if possible.
and, is there any other good areas in Korea Town around Wilshire, or should I stick to Hollywood/Downtown?

rjw hop in here but I would say Matt will have a hard time finding anything decent below $100 unless you use Priceline. Depending on your dates looks like some of the downtown hotels would fit in your price range using priceline. Check it out at biddingfortravel.com

paula, you're absolutely right. LA is a popular destination, and Downtown does manage to fill its hotels, so $100/night in a good neighborhood will be very tough. Priceline may be the best bet.

However... You say the rack rates at the Hollywood hotels were too high. Have you tried to call the hotels? Sometimes they can swing deals. And you say you're going to a convention. Do the organizers have host hotels? Have you checked the convention's website?

thanks again to both. yes I did all those checks except priceline.
it sounds like I may have to increase a bit my budget, didn't think LA was so expensive...

What about Universal City? that's also on the Red Line but is the neighborhood good?

And what about Hollywood/Highland?
thanks for the help!

There's a Holiday Inn and a Comfort Suites near Hollywood/Highland and a short walk to the red line. The Magic Castle might be okay, too.

Do you need parking, or are you flying in? LAX? What are the dates of your stay?

Thanks. No I don't need parking and I'm going in early april.
How's the hollywood/highland area?

Matt - Are you working the convention or just attending? The reason I am asking is because I just worked a convention last weekend at the Convention Center. I just know that after all day on my feet talking to attendees about the last thing I would have wanted to do was travel any distance to my hotel. Of course, I always have a car in LA so don't know how convenient the metro lines are to Staples Center, etc. If they are convenient then Hollywood/Highland area might be OK.

Staples Center is a 2 minute walk to the red line, very convenient.....then maybe a 20 min ride up to Hollywood and Highland. A pass to ride the rail and bus lines all day is $3, or $1.25 for a single trip.

Hollywood/Highland area is improving all the time...lots of tourists walking around at night, quite a bit of traffic. The Comfort Inn on Highland at $81 is probably the best budget bet around here, includes breakfast and is maybe a five minute walk up Highland from the metro station. Just exit Metro, turn right and walk through the mall to the opposite end...continue up Highland about two blocks.

clark: Actually, the Convention Center's closest Metro Rail Stop is Pico, on the Blue line. However, it's a not-very-long walk (10 minutes) up to the 7th Street/Metro Center Red/Blue Line station (7th and Hope). Easier to get on at Pico and take the transfer to the Red Line.

That Comfort Inn is a good deal if you want to stay in Hollywood on a budget.

thanks for all the suggestions.

to sum up so far it seems that there are four viable options: K-Town, Hollywood/Highland, Universal City, Downtown.

I'll go for the area with more restaurants, bars, nightlife and animation within walking distance or short cab ride. Which one of the above should I go for?

Most people here seems to agree K-Town is somewhat less safe (I'm a 34 yo man, by the way), and I guess in Downtown there isn't much going on at night...

Hollywood & Highland has plenty of restaurants and shops, and it's just a 4 minute metro ride up to Universal if you want to spend some time dining at Citywalk there.

Matt- What did you decide? I think the Comfort Inn would be a good location for you and if you can get it for $81, I would book it now. Overall, it gets good reviews on tripadvisor. There is the big mall on the corner of Hollywood and Highland with lots of restaurants, shops, etc. People will be walking around in the evning. And as clarkgriswold said, it's a short ride to Universal.

I grew up hanging around K-town. So I agree...stay somewhere else if you can! So it looks like Hollywood/Highland or Universal would be best. Downtown is pretty dead at night, as previously mentioned.