I will be traveling with my elderly mother and 15 and 20 year old sons June 2 stop off inLA on our way to NYC. We thought we would spend a full day at the Getty. I want to stay in a nice hotel in a nice area so we can stroll around and eat or window shop . I love Santa Monica and love The Border Grill. Is there another area where my boys can have fun and my mother feels safe? We have no car, we're cabbing it to the Getty and the airport. thanks allot If you say Santa Monica what hotel?????

well there is westwood--not too far from the getty

Westwood (the area around UCLA) would be very convenient to the Getty if you're taking a cab. There's the campus itself, as well as plenty of restaurants, stores and movie theatres. Also, it's very easy to arrange for a SuperShuttle to the airport from the area.

Although don't get me wrong, you can't go wrong with Santa Monica either...

Westwood sounds good. We love nice hotels so we might get more for our money in westwood. Also I like the idea of a super shuttle. Any suggestions for a hotel or restaurant......

The W Hotel in Westwood is deluxe, though a long two block walk to shops and restaurants. The kids are just the right age for Westwood, plenty of restaurants, plenty of UCLA students walking around (your sons can visit/dine on campus) and classic movie theatres where Hollywood premieres are held. A very easy ride to the Getty from here.

The Holiday Inn Brentwood is closest to the Getty but may not be as deluxe as you are seeking. They have free Getty shuttle and free shuttle to Westwood area however.

Restaurant Row Beverly Hills is just a short ride from Westwood so you should have no trouble finding a restaurant that interests you.