Hello all,

My husband and I are looking to stay in an area near LA isn't overly touristy - more old buildings, quaint streets, minimal chains. We just returned from a DC trip and stayed in Old Town Alexandria - loved it!

We'll have a car and WON'T be doing the Disneyland, Chinese Theater, or Movie Star homes. Activities we're considering are The Hollywood Bowl, Santa Anita Racetrack, a walk on the beach.

Thinking of Manhattan Beach or Pasadena, 3-4 star hotels. Any ideas?

Thanks!

I stayed at the Biltmore Hotel 2 years ago, and liked it very much. It's a classic hotel downtown with lots of history. The lobby is beautiful, and there's a wonderful old bar there. We stayed in a renovated room on the club floor which included breakfast, which was very good, better than any club floor breakfast I've ever had at more expensive places. Its not far from Chinatown, either, where we had a great dinner at a very small price. For the price, I thought the Biltmore was very good.

I'd also look into any of the walking tours of downtown sponsored by the Los Angeles Conservancy. Everything from grand movie palaces, art deco gems, Little Tokyo, the kitchen of the Biltmore, etc. It's a side of LA few see.

The Biltmore is a good idea; others include the Chateau Marmont ($$$$), the Hollywood Roosevelt ($$$), the R-C Huntington in Pasadena ($$$$) and several tony places on or near the beach in Santa Monica, ranging from incredibly expensive to Am-I-Buying-a-Timeshare? expensive. If you can get a rate at the Huntington, I'd go for that; otherwise the Biltmore (which people can get on Priceline) would be top choice. Sadly, the number of hotels of character in the beach cities is very small. One (heard good things but no personal experience) would be the Beach House at Hermosa Beach, www.beach-house.com ($$$$).

Since you plan on going to the Hollywood Bowl, I'm assuming you're planning the trip for this summer. Based on what you're asking, I would think you might like at least seeing the Venice canals. It's a residential area in a pocket, so to speak, just north of Marina del Rey. Although there's been a lot of remodeling of homes, it still has plenty of old cottages, not quaint streets, but rather quaint paths, many cottages have row boats tied to the decks, and there are ducks enjoying the canals. Pretty bridges, especially pretty at dusk. Although there are no hotels in this area, if you could find a week's rental on one of the canals, I think you'd really like it.

Pasadena doesn't have big beautiful hotels, except for the Ritz Carlton, formally the Huntington (100 yrs old). A newer hotel is the Doubletree. There is a Marriott Courtyard in Old Town Pasadena (a hot spot).

Pasadena's a great place to Bed & Breakfast...and a short ride to Santa Anita.

www.artistsinns.com
www.bissellhouse.com

If you want to be on the beach, try the Beach House in Hermosa-it is the next town south to Manhattan Beach. We stayed there last year-rooms are very nice with sitting area and fireplace.They have a great virtual tour on their website.