traveling101

Thanks for the feed back on the W Hotel and others. I have heard that the Avalon is not in the best location, what about the location of the W? Is there good stuff within walking distance or will we need to get in the car for that? If so, is there a better choice of hotel location for walking to coffee houses, cafes, shopping, etc? I don't know too much about the Westwood area except for the college.
Thanks for your input!!

Veronica

johnc - I loved all your comments!

rjw_lgb_ca

The W in Westwood (the old Westwood Marquis) is a short walk down to Westwood Village, which is the little walking town for UCLA students and Westwood locals. It used to be THE place to hang out on the weekends, but it's quieted down a bit in the last 15 years or so. It's still fun-- nice restaurants, a club or two, movie houses, shops, etc. The W is basically adjacent to the southernmost part of UCLA's campus and in a mostly residential neighborhood. The area is safe and clean. And it's just off Wilshire, which is your straight shot to Beverly Hills (east) and the beach (west). Not a bad choice at all!

bluefan

Love the comments by rjw_lgb_ca, fluffy and johnc. Listen to them traveling101, they really know what they're talking about since I live in LA as well. I too think highly of the W in Westwood, especially when it was the Westwood Marquis back in the day, as well as the Miramar in SM (although I personally prefer Shutters, but both are great choices).

Although I tend to avoid the "hip" areas nowadays--Sunset (W Hollywood) and Santa Monica--they're still as happening as ever.

Hey fluffy, glad to see you giving local advice as well as all those on Italy. I enjoyed viewing your colorful comments...keep 'em coming!

traveling101

We'll everyone, I think we have finally made our decision to stay at the W. Thank you so much for your input and ideas to help make our vacation more special. We will be in LA next week, so I will be able to jump in to give travel advice on LA soon. Thanks again, you have been a blessing to us!!

johnc

Funny, but as a result of this thread I've talked myself into extending my next LA trip (W) to include 3 days at Shutters and maybe a jaunt to Santa Barbara. Thanks everyone!

rjw_lgb_ca

johnc, I envy you being able to extend holiday jaunts!

One of my secretaries is a big Shutters fan as well-- she has a big-spender boyfriend who takes her there for Special Weekends By Themselves. I may have to try that myself one weekend.

johnc

RJW LGB CA:

Well why not if she loves Shutters so much....(hee hee).

I'm actually extending a business trip. Definitely try it some weekend and remember, the key is to get a high floor room with a view and balcony without paying the full freight of the "beach house". Then rent a couple of bikes downstairs and go cruisin'!

texastraveler

I'm planning a trip to LA sometime this year, and have really enjoyed this thread. I'm going with my sister, and we are mid 30s and am looking for a nice hotel. We'd prefer a smaller hotel. We plan on going to the Farmer's Market, Museum of Tolerance, and Venice Beach. I'm sure we'll add some more to the itinerary - but not sure what.

Does anybody have any other suggestions for hotels? I'm hoping to keep it around 150 a night or so.

Alisa

I think the W in Westwood is a great location and definately "hip". My Dad loves to stay there when he is town. But, the bar can be over-run with college kids at night....

tracys2cents

texastraveler.....check out the specials at www.maison140.com

also I enjoy sunsetplazahotel.com

kindra178

Another vote for the W. Great location and very cool. The rooms are really large -- it's an all suite hotel, which is crazy for a W.