What is the best area to stay in LA for the 1st time - in terms of being central to all the touristy things... I will have a car...

Not too pricey please either

Well howzlife.. there is not one single place that is central to all touristy things... this is what makes LA great and lousy! All different neighborhoods have their own feel, attractions, downsides and not any of them are in any way next to each other: So pick your preferred "touristy" thing:
Beach, Movie Stars, Hiking, Hollywood History, Mountin Views, Shopping, Nightlife?
If you let us know which moves you we can suggest a place that is close to or inside of your area of interest.. Los Angeles does have it all, you just have to schlepp to get there

I'd stay near the beach (Venice or Santa Monica) myself. Everything in LA is convenient enough with a rental car, if you're comfortable on the freeways.

As Thyra says - no place is central to everything -- or even to more than a few things.

And as Suze says, everything is reachable by car (though I wouldn't go so far to say "Everything in LA is convenient enough" w/ a car). Some places will take an hour or more to reach by car.

So what are the main things you want to see/do - then we can recommend the best areas to stay.

hey janis, i said it was "convenient enough" i didn't say how long it would take to get there! -LOL

Los Angeles is known for quoting distance byn driving time. question "Where does your friend live?" answer "25 mins. from here."

Hi everyone - thanx for your speedy replies

OK...Me and GF both 25 years old...

Were coming down from San Francisco arriving Saturday - leaving to Vegas Tueday...

So really 2 full days - one of which will be Disney OR Universal (not sure which we don't like rides that much but do like Movies)...and 3 nights...up for anything really apart from food ideas & clubbing...as that can be done anywhere...

Then will see Rodeo Drive, Hollywood and not sure what else??

Basically want to see in LA what we can't see elsewhere (were from London UK)...

Cheers in advance,

Melrose Ave?
Pacific Palasades in Santa Monica?
Santa Monica pier?
Chinatown and Olvera Street?

As mentioned, you can't be central to everything, or even most things. Disney or Universal? Pretty opposite in terms of location. If you haven't decided on your itinerary, I'd just stay in a fun area. You're 25, I assume you'll want to go out? West Hollywood might be just the place. Tons of bars/restaurants along Sunset (granted, plenty of traffic too).

A few years ago I got a great deal on the Wyndham in West Hollywood on priceline. It was very nice. The Standard might have some good deals if priceline is not any option. Very hip bar there.

Also, I assume you're coming soon? If it'll be during a warmer part of the year, you might prefer to be near the beach, but that'll be hard to do for "not too pricey."

Best of luck.

OK young SF hipsters.. here is the deal.
You should stay in WEHO and go to Universal.. forget Disney it's forever away and if you aren't into the "mouse" then it's not worth the lines and the crowds.
If you want the traditional club scene of LA with really hot looking people and velvet ropes you can do Sunset strip. Lots of fake boobs.. and hot bods.. if you are real music fans and want to see where the real music of LA dwells then you can drive over to Silverlake and check out spaceland and maybe hike griffith park.
www.laweekly.com
WEHO seems like a good choice to me, close to Bev Hills.. you can go over Laurel Canyon to get to Studio city and Universal.. or take 101 FWY off at Barham.. Expedia has a deal at the Standard in the heart of the strip for mid-january at about $175.. this is right across from the Hyatt House.. famous Riot House where Led Zepplin used to do all of their wild stuff!

If you're into movies but not rides, think about the Warner Brothers Studio tour in Burbank instead of Universal. Renaissance Hollywood is the place to stay if you can find a deal...or try the Magic Hotel or even the Comfort Suites on Highland.
do your longer-drive excursions like the beach/Santa Monica/ Bev Hills on Sat and Sun, when traffic is lighter...then skip up to WB on Mon(after 10am). Dinner up at the Getty on Saturday night if you can make it (not open Sun eve)...www.getty.edu

Thyra: "OK young SF hipsters . . - huh? They are from London (which might make them more "hip" than anyone in SF or LA, but never mind).

Howzlife: since you are coming from the UK - how important is Disneyland? Have you been to Orlando or Paris Disney? If so I'd skip it. But if you haven't been to either, then I'd say Disney is worth at least 1 full day. But it is down in Orange county and quite a long drive from most of the other places you'll want to visit. The weekends are REALLY crowded at DL - so What I'd do is stay somewhere like Santa Monica Sat. and Sunday. Then drive down to Anaheim on Mon morning and visit DL all day monday.

Then Tues leave for LV. This is good also because the drive to LV will be easier from Orange county since you'd just have to go east a bit to catch I-15.