mlgb

There are some suites type hotels in Manhattan Beach a bit inland and nearby El Segundo that were built for business travelers. Still not very convenient but might be all you can find on short notice.

Inland and hotter but not a terrible location, I believe Glendale has not (yet) banned Airbnb. There were some discussions last year although I don't know that anything was adopted.

susanklaw

Thanks. But trying to find a place in/near Hollywood centrally located. Anyone know about the Kimptons or the Montrose?

susanklaw

Anyone's thoughts on whether to stay near the Grove or near Universal Studios?

jacolis

We stayed at an Air BnB near the Grove which we thought was a good location (my kids were especially interested in the La Brea tar pits which was walking distance). We also walked around The Grove at night and had a nice dinner at the Farmers' Market. It wasn't too far to drive to see the Hollywood sights. It was a little further to drive to Warner Bros (which I think is near Universal) but still very do-able (I think @ 30 mins).

DebbieDoesDulles

Suite possibilities:
Magic Castle Hotel
Orchid Suites (Hollywood0
Hotel Celebrity "
Le Parc (West Hollywood)



I think it's a good move to stay in the city. Traffic is lighter on Sat & Sun, especially before noon. Beaches are all cram zones on the weekends. Here are a couple of legal vacation rentals in a good location with parking, and laundry which will be nice at that point in your travel. Note strict cancellation policy:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/19087483
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/13019596

Underhill

Cali is in Columbia; you want California, I think.

dbdurand

I've read all the suggestions in this thread and have a few additional comments.

First, regarding beaches, I suggest you give preference to the State Beaches. They are more likely to have amenities such as grassy areas, picnic tables, fire pits, even camp grounds. ( I know you're probably not planning to camp.) Here's a list, from south to north. Lots of beaches to choose from!

https://www.californiabeaches.com/ma...state-beaches/

As you may have heard, water temps are on the uncomfortably low side. 67F would be typical. Surfers usually wear wet suits.

5alive

Consider going to La Brea Tar Pits while in Los Angeles. If your kids like animals and science, this is up their alley. Not far from Hollywood at all. Mammoths, saber-tooth cats and other prehistoric animals got caught in the tar, and have been fished out and cleaned up to see. You can also see active tar pits, sometimes watching the people while they work. (Check their website for times).

As to lodgings:
There appears to be a Residence Inn by Marriott/Beverly Hills on Pico Boulevard. My own experiences with Residence Inns have been good. They are typically suite style with a kitchen. I don't know anything about this one in particular, though.

dbdurand

Definitely visit one of the California Spanish Missions. There are 21 of them and they are located on or near US 101, which you will be traveling north to south.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o..._in_California

All 4th graders in California public and catholic schools are required to study the Missions and visit one if possible. I suggest you do the same, and I recommend Mission San Juan Capistrano. It's a big mission and has an available recorded audio tour, which I like.

It's located just off the I-5 in the town of (guess who) part way from LA to SD.

https://www.missionsjc.com/