Hotel/Motel in LA,
 

Anybody have any recommendations for a inexpensive, clean hotel or motel to stay in an interesting area in LA. First time to LA. 2 couples. We are flying into LAX, staying for three nights, and then leaving on a cruise. So we most likely won't be spending too much time at the hotel, but would like something clean. Not even sure of the area to stay, but would like an interesting area where we could go for a walk in the evening, and nice places to dine. Pool would be nice, but I don't know if we would use it anyway, as we plan on one day at Universal studios, and then we are renting a car another day to tour around, then heading for San Pedro to the ship the next day. So would it make sense to stay closer to the airport in order to take advantage of the free airport shuttle's, or something closer to Universal Studio's for easier access the day we go there? Or?? We may end up picking up a car at the airport when we land, but then we would have to drop the car off somewhere, as we won't be returning it to the airport. Does anybody know if there is car rental drop off at or near the cruise ship terminal in San Pedro? That would be another option if it was available.

We stayed at the Universal Hilton twice last summer, in july and august. They were renovating so the rates were amazing, and we never really saw signs of the work being done. Universal Citywalk is just across the street. Nice pool and hot tub and fresh fruit baskets several times during each stay. (Possibly belonging to hilton honors so be sure to join if you stay there).

Also spent one of our august nights at the Celebrity Hotel near Hollywood Blvd. While it gets mixed reviews, we were attending an event nearby so it worked out perfectly. No frills but very clean, spacious (old apts) and we felt safe.

It would make sense to rent a car the whole time, by the time you pay for airport shuttles to your hotel, or transportation/taxi to Universal etc...the two day car rental will end up cheaper and more convenient.

I think Avis and maybe Hertz will drive you to the Port after you drop off your car at their nearby office.

The Universal Hotels are nice but depends on how early you need to leave for San Pedro on the day of departure (traffic). Inexpensive in L.A. these days means $125 or less.......ParkPlazaLodgeHotel has been recommended by others and is near the Grove and CBS Farmers Market...very close to Museum Row. Easy access to Bev Hills for touring, and to Hollywood...15 min drive to Universal. Hilgard House near UCLA is fine..lots of dining within walking distance.

Check some hotels to see if they have Entertainment Membership Rates available on the nights of your stay. Might be worth it to purchase an online membership to get the rate. Hotel Sofitel, Sunset Plaza Hotel, The Orlando, Luxe Rodeo Drive, Le Parc Suites, The Grafton and the Beverly Pavilion all offer E-card rates at various times of the year. Check on parking fees too, however.

www.InBudgetHotels.com has some cheap hotel listings with $25 back savings.

So you chose Universal for the day? You should enjoy it, maybe post on your other thread so people won't continue giving you their advice.

Don't expect to use a pool in January, unless we have the Santa Anas and even then it wounld't be warm enough.

Rent a car. Have fun.

According to folks on www.cruisecritic.com there are NO car rental places at San Pedro port with the exception of Enterprise (that has somewhat limited hours). You need to check into where you can return the car if you rent from one of the major companies. You can return at Long Beach airport but it's about a $25-30 cab ride back to the port. No matter what company you rent from be VERY sure where you can return it. Cab fare to the port from LAX area is about $45. You can also check SuperShuttle or Primetime Shuttle for rates to the port.

This thread also has some information which may help you:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34872580

Check out priceline, and read some of the reviews. We stayed in San Pedro at a priceline hotel, before a cruise, and it was lovely. (took the Lax shuttle with no problems). After the cruise, we wanted to stay in Santa Monica, but at the price we wanted to pay, never got a priceline hotel. So we stayed near the airport. Big mistake. Since you will have a car, that will help. (There is nothing to see near LAX, so why stay there?) Go over to biddingfortravel and read up. P.S. We really enjoyed the Getty museum.

You DON'T want to stay anywhere near the airport. It's a terrible area and there is nothing there but strip clubs.
If you want to walk in the area where you're staying I would recommend either the Century Plaza (you'll have all of Century City), the Beverly Regent for easy Beverly Hills access, or Shutters in Santa Monica. They'll all give you a pleasant experience.

We enjoyed our stay at Best Western Beverly Pavillion in Beverly Hills. The rate is good and from there it is an easy walk to Rodeo Drive and Beverly Drive (which has "everyday" shopping and dining options). If you like Jewish cousine, check out the unbelievable Nate n' Al's.

Although the Century Blvd. area near LAX is very seedy, there are some perfectly fine, economical properties in the El Segundo & Manhattan Beach areas, which are also close by. They are in safe areas, offer convenient access to the freeway and are 5 minutes from the beach. Many serve free breakfast and have small kitchenettes.

The Century Plaza is nice, but in the middle of a bunch of high-rise office buildings. More of a business destination than a vacation place.

San Pedro does not offer the interesting walking around area that you are looking for. (They're working on it, but they have a long way to go.)

As mentioned above, the Universal, Beverly Hills or Westwood areas would probably fit your needs. Is your cruise ship leaving on a weekday morning? I would not want to drive from Universal City to San Pedro on a weekday morning if I had a cruise to catch. Midday or weekend would be okay though.