Need Help! First time in LA - where to stay?
 

My wife and I will be in LA in late December. This is my wife's first trip to LA and my first pleasure trip (I've been a few times on business but didn't see much). Is there a region or area where we should stay? We are both 40, love great pubs and bars as well a lots of daytime touristy stuff. I've heard Santa Monica is nice. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
Dave

Santa Monica is fine, but I would consider staying in the Beverly Hills/West Hollywood area. In BH, the streets and stores get decorated for Xmas, and there are great gobs of good bars and clubs in that area. Santa Monica has good clubs too, but BH/WH is a little more centrally located to all the "touristy stuff".

Thanks. Are there any particular hotels you would recommend?

Dave

Beverly Hills has just launched a street beautification project, primarily on Rodeo Drive. I haven't seen the impact yet (I work a block away), but it could potentially be a construction zone for several months.

As far as BH and WH being centrally located to daytime touristy stuff, that depends on what touristy stuff you want to do. I suggest you get a map and find the places you want to see/do and then decide what's centrally located for you.

Hotel recommendations are easier if we know your budget.

RAFFLES!!!!!!!!
Lovely hotel in Beverly Hills

Or The Peninsula, Beverly Hills...

We really liked the Wyndham Bel Age. Our suite was large and we had a great view.
And it was well located for Hollywood and Beverly Hills clubs and restaurants.

Thanks. The suggestions look very nice. Jean, we are trying to keep it under $200 or so. We are not yet sure what touristy stuff we want to do. I need to buy a travel book and do some research I guess...

Thanks for your help.

Dave

Santa Monica is very nice, but since the majority of hotels there are on the beach, they're probably more than $200 a night. If you decide to splurge, Shutters at the Beach and Casa Del Mar are the best hotels in the area, in my opinion.

I second the recommendation of Beverly Hills/West Hollywood. It's very central and you'll be walking distance to a lot of things. I'd check out Maison 140, a great boutique hotel in Bev. Hills. you might also try The Avalon, which is a very hip, retro-styled place that's popular these days.

In West Hollywood, check out the Sofitel and the Beverly Plaza Hotel-- both are right near the Beverly Center and all the shops & cafes on 3rd Street. I'd avoid the places on Sunset only because they charge you a fortune to park and the traffic/ noise is a huge hassle on weekends.

If you want to be more in Hollywood, I recommend the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a classic old gem (where the first Oscars were held) that had a renovation a few years ago and looks lovely these days. It's directly across the street from Mann's Chinese Theatre and I know their rates are generally afforable.

Good luck & enjoy your trip!

If you want a hip (yet reasonable) place to stay in the heart of the Sunset Strip, check out The Standard hotel.

I'm strongly contemplating staying at Maison 140 at the end of Dec -- we'll get a couple rooms as our 21 and 25 yr old "kids" will be with us. A friend and co-worker who lives/works in BH says it is a great little hotel, located well, and high on the "cool" factor. The rates are excellent but there's a one-night cancellation penalty and our dates aren't set in stone just yet. ($124/night)

We stayed in the Beverly Hill Rennaissance on Beverwil that was convenient to restaurants and Rodeo Dr. back in Feb. The rate was under $200 and we got lucky and even got an upgrade to a suite. They have a website.

I'd suggest you check out www.biddingfortravel.com and look at the reviews and prices obtained on Priceline for hotels in the LA area. While the pickings (and chances) in Santa Monica through PL are slim, there are great deals to be had at 4-star places in Beverly Hills ($80 for the Hyatt or Hilton, ditto the Bel Age). Use the savings for a car upgrade or a shopping spree. Book a refundable room for a safety valve if you don't get anything on PL.

OK, I can give you a report on the Beverly Hills street beautification project. All (and I mean all) of the vegetation on Rodeo Drive has been removed. It looks very bleak. Signs say "excuse the mess" through November. I'm guessing the jackhammers are next. They're going to tear up the sidewalks and median planters. Several stores have decided this is a good time to remodel, so there are a few hidden behind tall construction barriers.

But, Davelw, it should look great by the time you visit in late December!