I will be going to LA in November but don't know where to stay. Somewhere around Universal Studios would be nice. I was thinking Santa Monica.

Please Help!!

Santa Monica is a fabulous place to stay, but it is nowhere near Universal Studios which is in North Hollywood, over the Santa Monica Mountains.

See if you can find someplace that has close access to the metrorail. There is a rail stop at Universal Studios which would save you a lot in traffic hassles and parking fees.

Diana,

Can you still suggest a hotel in santa monica?

Thanks

Shutters on the Beach is fabulous.

Ana you really need to give us an idea of your price range for a hotel. Santa Monica offers the full range of hotel types. Shutters is a great hotel, but be prepared for a high price.

My price range will be something around $100 or under. I will be sharing the bill with a friend.

I'm sorry I can't remember the name of the hotel - art deco hotel across the street from Shutters. Very nice hotel - the rooms are actually old apts converted to a hotel. We had a tiny kitchen. Views of ocean. I believe the rates were very very reasonable. I will try and find the name and get back to you.

Ana: Do you mean that your total will be $100 and your friend will also be willing to pay $100 per night? So $200 per night total? Or do you mean that you want $100 per night total? Shutters is definitely over your $100 range. Do you want to be in Santa Monica or somewhere near Univeral Studios?

Ask no questions ... just telephone the Casa Malibu and reserve facing the beach: Casa Malibu, 22752 Pacific Coast Highway - 310-456-2219. Managed by Richard and Joan Page, and it is of course where Lana Turner had all her secret love trysts. Utterly charming and fun, with the surf hitting 100 feet away. Have a blast. You'll be asking Cookie to borrow his comb. You'll want some Jan and Dean piped in. Ciao

I believe the name of the hotel was Hotel California. But it appears from the internet that it has been renovated. We went there 6 or 7 years ago. Not sure what it is like now, but it looks quite nice, on the beach, etc. Reasonably priced - I think they were advertising a special fall rate of $99.

My strong opinion is that Shutters on the Beach is WAAAY over rated. Especially when you factor in the price, but regardless. Just not what I was expecting.
For less money you can stay 10 minutes away at one of the top 5 hotels in the entire US (the Peninsula Beverly Hills). I stayed at both Shutters and the Peninsula recently, and for the price of my room at Shutters I got a huge suite at the Peninsula with a 600 sq ft veranda. Furnishings at Shutters are relatively cheap. I checked into 3 separate rooms there (the first two were unsatisfactory for different reasons). The Peninsula is a class act all the way. No comparison.

Ana,
For whatever it's worth there is a Best Western right on Ocean Ave. We have stayed there and loved it, because it fit in our budget, was right across from the Pier and Ocean, and is so close to Third Street Promenade( shopping, restaurants, etc.)Ask for an Ocean view room.
Jana