L.A. hotels
Apr 28th, 2005, 10:09 PM
#22
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Air Canada does fly into Burbank and if you're staying in Hollywood or Universal I would definitely look into it. Even if it means a plane change in San Fran, still better than dealing with LAX.
Starline Tours is generally dependable for the Bev Hills/homes type tours but you can always get stuck with a lousy tourguide so it's hit-or-miss. The double decker bus tours look fun too. Hollywood and Highland mall has tour pickups and an LA Visitors Center desk. Not sure about tour pickups at hotels in Santa Monica.
Starline Tours is generally dependable for the Bev Hills/homes type tours but you can always get stuck with a lousy tourguide so it's hit-or-miss. The double decker bus tours look fun too. Hollywood and Highland mall has tour pickups and an LA Visitors Center desk. Not sure about tour pickups at hotels in Santa Monica.
Apr 28th, 2005, 11:40 PM
#23
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The idea to stay in Santa Monica is a great one. It will be much cooler by the ocean. You might want to consider The Georgian in Santa Monica. It's a renovated 1930's art deco hotel and is currently #1 on tripadvisor for hotels in SM. Even though you are not beach people you can't help but enjoy the beautiful scenery. Its a short walk to Third Street Promenade with restaurants and shopping. The veranda looks wonderful to sit on and enjoy breakfast or lunch. I drove by there this afternoon (after a morning rain storm) and it was absolutely beautiful. Next time I'm in Santa Monica (I go there on business every few weeks), I am going to stop and have a drink there before I head home. A good way to wait for traffic to die down.
I am sure you can do tours to Hollywood and Beverly Hills from Santa Monica. You could think about renting a car for a couple of days, if you don't want one the whole time. I know people are afraid to drive in the LA area but it actually is a very easy town to navigate. If you don't want to get on the freeway, just use the car to drive up and down either Wilshire Blvd or Santa Monica Blvd. That will take you into Beverly Hills and a little further east into Hollywood. There are some threads on this forum about driving in LA and most visitors think it's not too bad. Actually most LA drivers are pretty courteous about letting you into lanes, etc as long as you use your turn signal. I have seen less courteous drivers in many other cities.
I am sure you can do tours to Hollywood and Beverly Hills from Santa Monica. You could think about renting a car for a couple of days, if you don't want one the whole time. I know people are afraid to drive in the LA area but it actually is a very easy town to navigate. If you don't want to get on the freeway, just use the car to drive up and down either Wilshire Blvd or Santa Monica Blvd. That will take you into Beverly Hills and a little further east into Hollywood. There are some threads on this forum about driving in LA and most visitors think it's not too bad. Actually most LA drivers are pretty courteous about letting you into lanes, etc as long as you use your turn signal. I have seen less courteous drivers in many other cities.
Apr 30th, 2005, 09:40 AM
#24
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Thank you so much for all the help and suggestions! This is the first time I've used this forum and it's been a highlight of my day checking to see the new responses and suggestions. I welcome all the help possible!
Apr 30th, 2005, 02:43 PM
#25
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We have now decided that your advice is great and we should stay in Santa Monica. We have been searching for a clean, comfortable and really nice hotel close (walking distance) to the Santa Monica pier and Third Street Promenade. Although oceanside would be nice I think budget allots us to oceanview or nearby ... which is fine. We checked out the Georgian at a rate of $200.oo a night. It looks lovely, is that the about what we can expect to pay? Can you suggest another hotel maybe not quite as upscale that would be a little more reasonable?
Apr 30th, 2005, 05:30 PM
#28
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Ocean access is always expensive. The greater Los Angeles area is a very popular tourist destination, and the prices in the better areas reflect that.
The Georgian is just about the best-priced choice with ocean views. There's a place called the Cal-Mar Suites that I've seen people recommend. Another choice could be the Radisson Huntley (it MAY have changed hands again)-- there is a Four Points Sheraton on Pico that is a LONG walk to most everything (and across the street from Santa Monica High School), but is usually cheap and certainly acceptable.
I don't mind Marina del Rey, but if you stay there you MUST have a car. Unless you change your mind and rent a car, you are pretty much limited to the areas I've mentioned. The Valley would be great in the spring or the fall, but summers are just too hot and smoggy.
The Georgian is just about the best-priced choice with ocean views. There's a place called the Cal-Mar Suites that I've seen people recommend. Another choice could be the Radisson Huntley (it MAY have changed hands again)-- there is a Four Points Sheraton on Pico that is a LONG walk to most everything (and across the street from Santa Monica High School), but is usually cheap and certainly acceptable.
I don't mind Marina del Rey, but if you stay there you MUST have a car. Unless you change your mind and rent a car, you are pretty much limited to the areas I've mentioned. The Valley would be great in the spring or the fall, but summers are just too hot and smoggy.
Apr 30th, 2005, 07:48 PM
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socialworker, confused by your name.... sorry, I'm not well-versed in your geographical area, which is why I'm asking for help ... if you ever need help in my geographical area, I'll offer non-confrontial advice.
May 1st, 2005, 05:46 AM
#32
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HI calamity--my name is just a screen name I picked at registration on this board. I am a clinical social worker and that is the 1st thing that came to mind when I had to pick a name.
I don't live in CA but DS does and so we go there frequently and b/c he is a young man in a typical "bachelor pad", we always have stayed in hotels there which is why I have sampled many of the LA neighborhoods.
I hope that none of what I have contributed has seemed "confrontational" to you--if it has, please let me offer you a heartfelt apology!! I guess I also was confused by your mentioning that but then confusion is a state that is easier to evoke when one is "talking" on a keyboard and not face to face!! All my best wishes...
PS--what is the story behind your name?-(if you want to share)
I don't live in CA but DS does and so we go there frequently and b/c he is a young man in a typical "bachelor pad", we always have stayed in hotels there which is why I have sampled many of the LA neighborhoods.
I hope that none of what I have contributed has seemed "confrontational" to you--if it has, please let me offer you a heartfelt apology!! I guess I also was confused by your mentioning that but then confusion is a state that is easier to evoke when one is "talking" on a keyboard and not face to face!! All my best wishes...
PS--what is the story behind your name?-(if you want to share)
May 1st, 2005, 08:24 AM
#33
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Socialworker,
My apologies,also. I think I misunderstood the "voice" of your message ... easy to do online, I'm sorry. I've been reading too many of these messages on other forums I guess. Have you read the the LA shootings one? This poor person asked a question and everyone ranged on him. I felt sorry for him. Anyway, again, my apologies, I appreciate the advice you've contributed. Calamity is a nickname my dad gave me when I was young. It has to do with being a klutz, not having numerous husbands!
My apologies,also. I think I misunderstood the "voice" of your message ... easy to do online, I'm sorry. I've been reading too many of these messages on other forums I guess. Have you read the the LA shootings one? This poor person asked a question and everyone ranged on him. I felt sorry for him. Anyway, again, my apologies, I appreciate the advice you've contributed. Calamity is a nickname my dad gave me when I was young. It has to do with being a klutz, not having numerous husbands!
May 1st, 2005, 08:26 AM
#34
RJW's idea of the Huntley is a good one. It's across the street from the Miramar and in a great location is Santa Monica -- short walk to the promenade and pier. It's also close to Wilshire Blvd., which is one of the main access boulevards east to Beverly Hills and beyond. You will be able to use the Santa Monica Big Blue bus (75 cents a ride), and it will take you to Westwood Village.
I would also consider the Beverly Hills Hilton, sandwiched between Wilshire and Santa Monica. Both streets have buses that will take you points east (although now it's the MTA bus and not the SM bus, so it's not as nice and costs more). From there, you can either walk (about a 15 minute walk) to the Century City Shopping Mall (you can also take the bus there). The shopping mall is undergoing a huge transformation right now, as is Santa Monica Blvd., so there is lots of construction going on. You shouldn't notice it at the mall so much, but the bus ride westbound on Santa Monica you will. Although there's a Bloomingdales there, it is the mall of choice for the locals, especially in summer because it's open air. The Westside Pavillion also is the local's choice, with anchors Robinsons and Nordstrom's at either end and lots of shops in between. That's on Pico, where you can catch the blue bus to the beach.
I would also consider the Beverly Hills Hilton, sandwiched between Wilshire and Santa Monica. Both streets have buses that will take you points east (although now it's the MTA bus and not the SM bus, so it's not as nice and costs more). From there, you can either walk (about a 15 minute walk) to the Century City Shopping Mall (you can also take the bus there). The shopping mall is undergoing a huge transformation right now, as is Santa Monica Blvd., so there is lots of construction going on. You shouldn't notice it at the mall so much, but the bus ride westbound on Santa Monica you will. Although there's a Bloomingdales there, it is the mall of choice for the locals, especially in summer because it's open air. The Westside Pavillion also is the local's choice, with anchors Robinsons and Nordstrom's at either end and lots of shops in between. That's on Pico, where you can catch the blue bus to the beach.
May 1st, 2005, 08:51 AM
#35
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Paying summertime Santa Monica prices when you're more interested in touring & sites than in the beach?
I like the Westwood idea, especially if you're planning to take in any museums (and I'm sure you're not going to miss The Getty, are you?) Bus service is great there due to the University. 30-40 restaurants within 4 or 5 blocks, big movie theatres where you might see a premiere happening, a couple of theatres plus who-knows-what happening on campus, easy to get to Bev Hills, Santa Monica, and even Hollywood, all just one short bus ride away.
I like the Westwood idea, especially if you're planning to take in any museums (and I'm sure you're not going to miss The Getty, are you?) Bus service is great there due to the University. 30-40 restaurants within 4 or 5 blocks, big movie theatres where you might see a premiere happening, a couple of theatres plus who-knows-what happening on campus, easy to get to Bev Hills, Santa Monica, and even Hollywood, all just one short bus ride away.
May 1st, 2005, 10:46 AM
#36
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Okay, now I think we're zeroing in on the Westwood area, this is Beverly Hills, am I correct? The Beverly Hills Hilton was a little pricey. I found the Doubletree Hotel LA-Westwood on Wilshire Blvd. to be more reasonable. Comments on it or other suggestions for the Beverly Hills area?
May 1st, 2005, 01:06 PM
#37
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Westwood is NOT Beverly Hills. It is the neighborhood of west Los Angeles that contains UCLA. The Village area is nice for strolling and shopping. The Doubletree is acceptable. There is a W (the old Westwood Marquis) in Westwood Village that is wonderful, but might be out of your price range.
May 1st, 2005, 03:48 PM
#38
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Westwood and UCLA border Beverly Hills/Bel Air to the east and north and West Los Angeles to the west. There is frequent bus service to Santa Monica via "the big blue bus". The Doubletree on Wilshire is a 4 minute bus ride to Rodeo Drive. Ask for a quiet room if you stay here as the hotel is on a very noisy street.
The Hilgard House is a smaller hotel in a nice neighborhood but i don't think it has a pool. If a pool doesn't matter I'd probably choose the smaller hotel at probably a $50 per night savings.
The Hilgard House is a smaller hotel in a nice neighborhood but i don't think it has a pool. If a pool doesn't matter I'd probably choose the smaller hotel at probably a $50 per night savings.
May 1st, 2005, 04:22 PM
#39
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Calamity, if you're considering the Doubletree, call the hotel direct and ask about their "entertainment card rate". Rooms are sometimes heavily discounted for members, and if the rate is right, you can just purchase your membership (currently $15) at entertainment.com
Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive, and Wyndham Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood also offer the entertainment discount at times of lower-occupancy. Usually the rate is only available by speaking directly with the hotel, not through the national 800 number.
If you're staying 5 or 6 nights, even if the card just saves you $10 or $20 per night, it's worth the price.
Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive, and Wyndham Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood also offer the entertainment discount at times of lower-occupancy. Usually the rate is only available by speaking directly with the hotel, not through the national 800 number.
If you're staying 5 or 6 nights, even if the card just saves you $10 or $20 per night, it's worth the price.
May 1st, 2005, 05:32 PM
#40
The Doubletree on Wilshire is not exactly IN Westwood, although it's closer to Westwood than Beverly Hills. It's probably a good compromise between the two areas and easily accessible to both by bus. But as a previous poster mentioned, it's on a busy street. Ask for a room facing away from Wilshire.
