Hi again,

I had previously posted a topic for Christmas in Vegas and got some great insight. The hotel/airfare packages have gone up 50% since I first started looking so I'm expanding my search to try and stay within budget.

I've been looking at airfare/hotel packages for LA as this is a place I've always wanted to go but never been. Vegas I've been to many times. So I'm looking for some help with the LA area as I have no idea where to stay, visit, etc.

My husband and I love to shop, walk & sightsee. We want to stay in a safe area. I'll be looking at packages including hotels which are either 3.5star or 4star. We would rent a car. Areas to stay would be where we would need the most help. I've heard LA is spread out a lot.

Thanks for any help!
Sadie

If you want downtown near Ahmason Theater, Chandler Pavalion, Disney Concert hall, Grand Central Marke. Olivera Street and shopping at the LA City Mall, ARCO Plaza, Macy's there are the usual chain hotels, Hilton, Marriott, Westin, etc. Much of that is fine for walkingduring the day.
If you get out of Central LA, you can look at Universal City Walk next to Universal Studios. There are at lease a Hilton and a Sheratoh within walking distance.
There are the typicall malls such as the Beverly Center, South Coast Plaza, and, of course, Beverly Hills and Rodeo DRive.
OF, there is always the Disney complex south of LA itself.

Hi, You could visit the Best Ice Rink in LA!!! www.woodlandhillsice.com

It'a Olvera Street, not "Olivera". There are two ice rinks downtown this winter, no need to go to Woodland Hills! I like downtown and you might get a very good rate there, a safe location is the Bonaventure or the older Marriott on
Figueroa.

If you have a car why not Manhattan Beach? They should have some reasonable rates since it isn't summer. You would be in a safe area and reasonable walking distance to the beach or restaurants.

Another option might be West Hollywood or Westood.

I enjoy the downtown LA neighborhood, as there's actually a lot to see - both old (1920s Art Deco buildings) and new (such as MOCA, WDCH).

However, since you put "shop" before "walk & sightsee", how about staying in Santa Monica? Definitely lots of shops to choose from, and a nice area to walk as well.