another topic: as my visit is short I just need 3 dinner (not fancy) places walking distance from our hotel Thank you I read the post about restaurants, but I don't know where any of them are.

There is a Palomino within walking distance of the Kimpton. They always serve a nice meal.

How far is "walking distance"?

http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc...,34.0747014991

Kimpton has a special for July. BLVD 16 is included, which is in our hotel. 3 course for $35!

http://www.kimptonhotels.com/landing...onth_2013.aspx

Just saw this if for trip in January. Sorry. If you haven't already done so, join Kimptons' In Touch Loyalty program. Great perks and it's free.

"walking distance" depends how tired we are. thanks for the suggestions. Are there lots of places to eat along the street we are staying on? I am going to try to time our visit to the Skirball to coincide with lunch as you have recommended that restaurant. What about the hotel's restaurant? Is it good?

Most of the eating places are on Westwood Blvd or in Westwood Village , 3 to 6 blocks walk from your hotel. This one is consistently good:
www.pomodorowestwood.com

900 degrees is great although the line can be long; I also love Napa Valley and Glendon for drinks and/or good food. Is new Italian Place at that intersection as well (Glendon Gardens, maybe?)

It's 800 Degrees, not 900. Some people don't like the cafeteria-like line as you build your own pizza, but I like their pies. Much more like real Italian pizza.

Napa Valley could fall into the splurge category for some people. ita, you should check the websites/menus for the places mentioned. We don't know what your "not fancy" means in $$$.

I like The Glendon, too.

The "new Italian place" is Skylight Gardens. I prefer Tanino, but Skylight Gardens is slightly cheaper.

Yes, the hotel restaurant at the Kimpton Palomar is good, but it's a little on the expensive side.

If you like vegetarian food, there is a Native Foods Cafe in Westwood Village on Gayley.