HELP! me with a first time trip to Los Angeles!
 

My family and I are planning a first time trip to Los Angeles at the end of July. My husband, 2 daughters ages 14 and 20, and I will be flying into LAX. We need suggestions on where to stay and what to do. We are interested in shopping on Rodeo Drive, sightseeing the famous homes, and behind the scenes movie or tv shows. We will be staying for 3 days and then we are going to Las Vegas for 4 days. We also need suggestions on how to get from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. We are very familiar with Las Vegas and do not plan on renting a car there.

We were in LA last September. We stayed at the Renaissance Hollywood, which is in a great location on Hollywood Blvd., really gives you a feel that you are "in" on the action.
For behind the scenes of movies & TV, I would recommend the Warner Bros. Studio tour. Have fun!

The cheapest hotel in the LAX area is thru Priceline. I was there about a month ago and got the Crowne Plaza at the airport for $30/night. Also--I just stayed at a Hyatt near Disneyland for $38/night. Just select the areas around LAX you want to stay and start with $30--and a moderate plus hotel. Of course it is prepaid and you are screwed if you cancel---but if you are sure, it is totally the way to go for the LAX area. Southwest usually has great cheap flights between LAX and LAS. As far as suggestions on what to do--the Hollywood area is crowded and hot--kind of cool to see once in your life but the freeways can be slow as you go back to LAX. Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills is fun to see really nice houses and fancy stuff that most people can't afford. I think cruising thru the beach cities is the funnest thing. Walking and shopping around Venice Beach is my favorite thing to do there. I think your daughters would enjoy that. Have a great time!!

If you can drop your car rental at Long Beach---Jet Blue is offering a flight from Long Beach to Las Vegas for $29 on their website right now.

The Holiday Inn Bel Air is a great location for you...around the corner from UCLA and lots of dining, a couple of miles from "restaurant row", next door to Beverly Hills, 15 minute drive to the beach and 20 minute drive to the studios.

Best Western Sunset Plaza is another great family hotel and I believe rooms have 2 queen beds rather than two doubles.

Note that there are very few tv shows shooting in July. Check out tvtickets.com

Thanks SO much for the info. I'll definately check out the places that you suggested!