violetm

Hi,

We are planning a 7 day trip to LA in September, and are trying to decide on the best location to stay in.

We like to shop - nosey around the designer ones, but spend money in either department stores (we are from the UK - so they are all new and exciting to us!), but love the more funky unique boutiques.

We love wandering around different areas soaking up the atmosphere, especially arty bohemian areas with speciality shops and galleries.

We want to rollerblade, and spend some time on the beach.

We will hire a car if necessary, but it wouldn't be our choice, we prefer public transport if its reasonably hassle-free.

We love trying different restaurants, but would prefer not to have to drive to them every evening.

We probably want an area that you can walk to restaurants in the evening, and have good access to everything else during the day.

We really fancy the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood but not sure if this fits the bill.

Any advice would be appreciated.

joesorce

Santa Monica sounds like what you are looking for...and on Saturday and Sunday when traffic is lighter, I would get a car to tour around L.A. and Hollywood.

I think you'd also enjoy a day up in Santa Barbara...so while you have that car, maybe keep it until Monday night. On Sunday afternoon head up to Santa Barbara, stay at the Hotel Santa Barbara or the Harbor View Inn for the night...then return to L.A. the next evening.

amaclise

I actually think the Sunset Marquis does fit the bill. I have stayed there many times and it is a great totally LA hotel with a lot within walking distance. And it was just extensively remodeled. And you will see Movie Stars there.

You will get a lot of recos for Santa Monica which is, of course, great (as is Westwood.) But if the Sunset Marquis has captured your attention, it is an excellent choice with much nearby.

happytrailstoyou

We go to LA about once a year, usually staying in Santa Monica (which has its indisputable charms). However, two years ago we discovered that Beverly Hills is perfect place to stay.

There are hotels within walking distance of Rodeo Drive (with all it is known for) and also Beverly Drive which has "average" coffee shops, restaurants, etc. for people who live in the area.

Staying in Beverly Hills gives us satisfying sense of being "in" LA. (On our last visit we spotted Angelica Houston leaving a shop. She smiled at us in the most enchanting way.)

nytraveler

Agreee staying in Beverly Hills is pleasant/in a nice areas. But unless you plan on staying in one small area and shopping for 7 days you will need a car. Public transit in the LA area is abysmal - infrequent, inconvenient and sometimes quite unpleasant.

If you want to explore other neighborhoods, see any of the sights or leave the city for a day trip a car is the only practical solution.

violetm

Thanks ever so much, you've been a great help.

Looks like we will hire a car for at least part of the trip.

I'm now thinking of either staying at the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood for the 7 days with a trip up to Santa Barbara, or maybe staying at the Sunset for 3 days and having 4 days at a beach area, such as Venice or Santa Monica

Is this worth doing?

Also does anyone have any good links for researching different areas of LA such as West Hollywood, Venice, Santa Monica etc.

Thanks

Abby43

Shoppitng-North Third Street area and Robertson Boulevard rock!