Dear Fodorites,
We're going to LA 5nights May 6th-11th.
Need cheap but safe lodging w. private bath within walking distance of good
restaurants.

Have so far found:
1. Super8 Motel for 47USD+tax located in Hollywood at 1536 N. Western Avenue
Hollywood, CA, 90027 US or
at 1341 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA, 90026 US

2. Motel6 at 1738 North Whitley Avenue
US 101/Hollywood Fwy North at Hollywood Blvd
LA 90028.

What do you think of these locations regarding safety, restaurants, charm of
the area, conveniency to sights (not so important due to car)

TIA & Best regards
Cecilie Thorning Jacobsen, Denmark (Europe)

Honestly Cecilie I don't think much of these choices. Of course, I don't know you and don't know the purpose of your trip. Are you doing business in North Hollywood or Hollywood? Otherwise, there is no charm whatsoever in those Motels or locations. Frankly, I don't think you will be happy there.{Just so you know I lived in LA for 12 years and go back a few times a year.} Since LA is a very big area I don't know where to start to begin recommendations. My preference is Santa Monica, where you will find some charm and definitely a lot of good restaurants. Charm is not why people go to LA-- just so you know. There are pockets of it, however. Reply with some more information and I will try to point you in some more specific directions.

Dear RJ,
My husband and I are going home from LA as the last part of a 1-month SF-Southwest-LA holiday.
I haven't been to LA before, my husband has, but none of us really have any location preferences as long as the neighbourhood is safe and restaurants are within walking distance.
He has some vague idea that the UCLA area might be good for no frills accomodation but we're open to any suggestion.
One problem with the less than 70USD price level is that we may not be able to use www.priceline.com due to our non-us issued Visa cards.
We expect to do the usual touristy stuff - Disney, Universal Studios, the Getty Center, shopping incl. outlets if they seem interesting and whatever seems interesting.
Thanks for your help Cecilie

In response to your post: UcLA or West LA or even West Hollywood would probably be fine as long as you have a car. There are hotels in Santa Monica that might be in that price range if you keep it about 25-30 blocks from the coast. Which is not as far as it sounds. I think you would prefer Santa Monica. I stay at the Cal-Mar hotel/suites on 3rd and California. It's more than you want to spend, but not that much more and would be worth it. It's a funky California style hotel with tropical foliage around the pool. You could have a little kitchen, and would be within safe walking distance of some interesting and attractive areas. (For the cynics on this forum, I do not own the hotel! just a guest)Their phone number is: 1-800-776-6001 If you want to keep searching I will check back to see if you've posted some new options and let you know what I think, if you like. Best of luck

The Hilgard House is two blocks outside of UCLA and very cheap but no frills, probably at least under $90 bucks a night. It is across the street from the W Hotel (very fancy). I don't think there are telephones or TVs in rooms. But, for location, a good deal.