My husband and I will have two days of sightseeing in Los Angeles in January before heading to Palm Springs for a business trip. We haven't been to LA since we were much younger so would appreciate hotel recommendations. As the subject line says, we're probably not the hard-rock ultra chic boutique hotel types but appreciate 4 and 5 star hotels. We've accumulated Marriott and Holiday Inn frequent guest points so Crowne Plazas, Renaissance, Doubletrees, Intercontinental and Marriott are all possibilities. We're renting a car plus we haven't planned sightseeing yet so we're not tied down to one certain area. I've used the search option but it's not really giving me the info I need. Fodorites haven't let me down yet--thanks for your help.

There are about a bajillion hotels in the Los Angeles area that fit your description. You really need to narrow it down to a particular area before we can help.

There's the problem--how do you narrow it down when you don't know the area? New York City, Denver, Vegas, Miami, Chicago--I can narrow down the choices there--in LA I just don't have a clue. Santa Monica sounds fun plus I'd like to see the Queen Mary in Long Beach (but don't know if there's anything else around to warrant staying nearby). Guess it was worth a try--

Isn't the brand new hotel in Hollywood at the spot where the new venue for the Oscars is, a Renaissance? Frankly I'd think that would make a good base.

I've heard Le Merigot in Santa Monica is plush and it's a Marriott property. I haven't stayed there, though; maybe someone else can tell you more specific details.

The Holiday Inn just outside of Beverly Hills is a very nice place to stay, especially if you only have 2 days. The Getty Center is a must, and it's right around the corner. You can hop the freeway down to the Queen Mary. Easy access to the ocean (Malibu) as well.

It's just a 3 to 3 1/2 star hotel but we enjoyed our stay.

Downtown Westin Bonaventure is great--one of the ONLY high-rise hotels in all of LA where you can actually see for a distance.

Hi,

IMHO, I would not stay in Long Beach and I would not stay downtown. Go for Santa Monica. Hotels there are Loews, Miramar Sheraton, Doubletree, Casa Del Mar, Le Merigot. The Doubletree is nice, nothing outstanding, but if it is free then I might go for it.

Loews and Casa Del Mar are as close to Beach front as you can get in SM--both lovely and upscale and pricey. Easy access to the Getty Museum from SM. The Holiday Inn near the Getty is not near anything but the Getty.

What do you want to see? Museums, fine dining, the beach, amusement parks, outdoor activites? Let me know I I will add more.

Thanks all for your help. I think we've narrowed it down to staying in Santa Monica. Of the hotels Alisa mentioned (Loews, Miramar Sheraton, Doubletree, Casa Del Mar or Le Merigot), which of these would you recommend? Good/bad experiences? I was on Le Merigot's website last night and the hotel looks lovely.

As far as sightseeing, we won't have our kids with us this trip so can skip the amusement parks, etc. We live near the mountains so outdoor activities aren't high on our list--we're lucky enough to have access to them every day. We'd like to do some of the 'touristy' things but know we can't fit a fraction of them into our timeframe. It would be fun to see a tv show taped and fit in a fabulous meal or two. Haven't really narrowed it down any further yet but I appreciate your suggestions.

ttt

We stayed at the Renaissance Hollywood late September, it's a great location for doing touristy things, right in the heart of Hollywood. Also the subway is right there, so you could hop on that to go to downtown L.A. or even Universal Studios. The hotel is very nice, awesome views of the Hollywood sign, L.A. in the distance & even the Griffith Observatory.

From the Renaissance Hotel you could also hop on the subway and make your way down to Long Beach if you really want to take in the Queen Mary.

I agree that Santa Monica is a fabulous place to stay for an LA visit. However, if the hotels there are too pricey, there are two Marriotts in Marina del Rey--a full service one on Admiralty Way and a Courtyard on Maxella that has rates of about $109/night. Marina del Rey is about 10-15 minutes south of Santa Monica and a pleasant destination in its own right with restaurants and shopping.

I recently stayed at the Doubletree in Pasadena and enjoyed being there very much. Parking was easy, it was fun to walk around in the evening, there was fun shopping and restaurants and it is very easy to get to Hollywood, LA, etc. from there.

Hi again,

One of the main attractions in Santa Monica is the "Third Street Promenade", a walk street with many shops and restaurants. Of the hotels I mentioned, the Miramar Sheraton is within close walking distance, the other are a bit farther though still a 5 minute drive/15 minute walk.

The Doubletree is the least fancy and is located next to the freeway. Nice hotel but not much of a view. That said, it is less expensive than the others and if you use your points you can spend your money elsewhere.

I love the Casa Del Mar--lovely lobby and bar area with a view of the boardwalk at night. Loew's is also very beautiful. Miramar is great but someof the room are a bit older--furnishings are not as nice. Still a great hotel and across the street from Palisades park where you can walk in the morning with your coffee.

Have not been to Le Merigot. Whereever you stay, ask for ocean-view, higher floor rooms.

BTW, I agree that Marina Del Rey is also a good choice, especially if you use points. Close to Santa Monica and the freeway.

allaboutsantamonica.com lists other hotels.

I would perhaps spend an afternoon at the Getty, drive through Beverly Hills and Hollywood. The LA Museums and the Farmer's Market on Third and Fairfax.

Either Marina del Rey or Santa Monica would be great, but in January I wouldn't toss out downtown LA either - the weather will be pleasant, and there is a lot to do and see downtown - historic districts, museums, shopping, etc. BTW, we stayed not long ago at the Marriott in Marina del Rey and thought it was okay, nothing more. Most of the high end hotels in Santa Monica are flat overpriced IMO.

Notwithstanding your Marriott or Holiday Inn points, you might think about using Priceline.com - we just booked the Omni (4*) in downtown LA during December for under $60 a night, and the Biltmore (gorgeous old hotel) is also coming up in the $60-$70 range. See biddingfortravel.com for guidelines.

Westwood is a great area, walking distance to great food, every wednesday there's a farmer's market, shopping all along Westwood Blvd, walking distance to the Geffen Playhouse (catch a show!), easy bus access to the Getty center, fours malls within a 10 mile radius (Bev Center, Westside Pavilion, Century City and Santa Monica)...dont worry about it being a college town either bc most of the action is away from the hotels and closer to fraternity row on Gayley

GUARANTEED AGENDA: Beverly Hills Hilton. January is a terrific month, low pollution, beautiful views, nice pool, lots of stars in the lobby as it is an events type hotel, and walking distance for BH. For everything else you need a car anyway. Santa Monica --IMO too many homeless people and overrated. Be sure to do breakfast or dinner at Gladstones 4 Fish, at the end of Sunset Blvd. right on PCH. Go early for dinner, no reservations but great sunsets. Downtown is good for one thing only: discount diamond and jewelry shopping. Stick to Bev Hills, Westwood has gone to the dogs (used to live there) and Pac Palisades and Malibu if you only have two days, include the Getty as suggested. Then find the Inn of the Seventh Ray for dinner in the Malibu Hills (your hotel can explain how to get there) -- THAT IS SPECIAL -- you will probably find yourself sitting next to stars, surrounded by gorgeous nature.

IMHO So many good restaurants in LA - Gladstone's is not one of them though view is nice. Inn of the Seventh Ray is far if you only have a few days to explore LA. Westwood hasn't quite gone to the dogs though hotel choices are limited - and the W is trendy.

Farmer's Market is Thursdays. Downtown has some great sights and museums and shouldn't be dismissed out of hand.


Have a great trip.