Thanks for responding Becky. Great info. We're planning on flying from New York to Los Angeles. Do you know of any decent moderately priced hotels in the LA Metro area that are close to Hollywood and the major attractions?

After seeing the Hollywood sights, we then want to visit some of the other places I mentioned for a day (or two), then return to LA. So we'd be returning to the hotel every night or if not the following day. How does that sound to you?

Hollywood's pretty much of a letdown for most first time visitors. Don't bother restricting your hotel choices to this location.

In April I stayed at the Beverly Garland Hilton. Really nice for the price. Not far from Universal Studios and right off the freeway. I'd definitely stay there again. The only drawback is that the only restaurant is really a cafe, but there are so many restaurants in LA that it's hard to go wrong with your hotel, because there are always good ones within a few miles.

Larry,
Check out the Hollywood Roosevelt, right on Hollywood Blvd. It's a beautifully restored Spanish mission style building. There's a lot going on in Hollywood these days from the art deco glory of the Pig 'n Whistle restaurant, the almost completed new home of the Motion Picture Academy, the Metro that can take you to Universal or downtown to the old stand-bys of Musso and Frank's Grill (oldest restaurant in Hollywood--gorgeous bar--a real no nonsense staff--lots of atmosphere)to Miceli's --Chianti bottles with candles kind of Italian place to Catalina's jazz spot. Yes, there still is the gritty side, but you are in the city. If that doesn't appeal to you, the Beverly Garland is a good suggestion for a more suburban atmosphere. Lots of restaurants in the area and great freeway location.

Michele

With all due respect to Bob, I don't know the last time you were in Hollywood.. but it's totally changed now. They're recreating De Milles Bablyon set from the silent era, into a new venue to house the next Academy Awards, the Roosevelt hotel is totally refurbished and lovely, the Newly Restored Pig and Whistle is ultra trendy and a great place to hang out. Plus the new Metro Redline next the the Manns Chinese theatre provides easy, clean and inexpensive access to downtown L.A and Universal Studios/Citywalk for much less then you would pay for parking in either of those places...
Plus, if you stay in Hollywood, you can enjoy a stenuous hike up 2000 acres of scenic hillsides in Runyon Canyon, go for a moonlight horseback ride up through Griffith park. I would highly recommend staying in Hollywood.