Im looking for a nice place to unwind and visit the Center for 3 nights, a view would be a big plus. Im open for nightly rate, sub 200 would be ideal but will pay more

Thanks

The first thing that comes to mind is the Hotel Angeleno in Brentwood.
http://jdvhotels39-px.trvlclick.com/angeleno/

From one Frank to another, a couple of weeks ago, we stayed one night at the Hotel Palomar on Wilshire Blvd, in Westwood, post-cruise just to visit the Getty Center. The hotel is about a 10 minute taxi or car ride from the Getty. There are a couple of hotels closer but none better in my opinion. We paid $229 but that included free dinner in the hotel restaurant, BLVD 16 along with a free movie. The hotel gets rave reviews on Tripadvisor and you can check out my review at the link below.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...ECK_RATES_CONT

Either one of those hotels would work nicely if in your budget.

Ivk, Frank, two excellent choices. Thank you both. I took the Kimpton because it was closer to our friends home out there and I got lucky with a blended $176/nt for my dates

FrankS: If you have a similar experience to ours, I know you'll enjoy it. Let us know when you get back. Enjoy the Getty.

IF you join the Kimpton loyalty program "In Touch" they give you free internet and two items from the minibar (up to $10).

FrankS-I love Kimpton hotels and sounds like you got a great deal. I will pass on a hotel in the area if you ever return and it's The Brentwood Inn. It's a small little place and certainly doesn't have a view but is always in the top LA hotels. It's very convenient to the Getty. Sometimes I feel like this hotel is my little secret but of course that's not true since it always has a high Tripadvisor rating. LOL You can usually get a room $200 or under depending on what's already been booked.

http://thebrentwood.com/

Another fan of Kimpton here, although I do also like Joie de Vivre properties. Sound like you the Palomar will work great for you. Have a wonderful trip.

FYI, a project to re-construct the Sunset Boulevard overpass at the 405 freeway is underway. Expect delays and possible minor detours. I'd ask the staff at the Palomar if they have any suggestions for the best approach to the Getty's parking lot because conditions change. This is one element of a freeway-widening project that won't be completed until 2013.

Jean: We were at the Palomar and Getty 2 weeks ago and the drivers used local roads. Got us there in 10 minutes, no delays.

Good to know, Frank. About a month ago, I got stuck in a confusing detour (I could have walked faster than driving) and have avoided the area. I think it comes and goes.