I would like to visit LA with my husband and 17 year old son.
It will be on the 9th of December 2010, and will be for 6 nights. We are coming from Melbourne Australia and on our way to New York.

My husband has never been to LA or the USA. I did a quick trip to LA in 1996 when my children were small. Then we stayed across from Disneyland for 3 nights and then Beverly Hills HIlton for another 2 nights. We did not see much then, but we did do Universal Studios and Santa Monica.

This time around I would like to experience a bit more of LA. It would be nice to stay by the beach, so I was thinking of Santa Monica or Venice beach. But from what I have read they are expensive areas to stay in.

So I would really like to be somewhere where we can walk to see parts of LA, perhaps see a taping of a show , and also go to Universal studios.

From what I remember of LA you have huge 'blocks'. I remember walking Rodeo drive to the Beverley Hills Hilton and it was far, so I suppose we would need a car.

Any suggestions, recommendations would be really helpful. I have also noticed on other sites: Villla Del Steele. Has anyone stayed there and is it a safe area.

thanks for help in advance

>>

This is not possible in Los Angeles. Not just that the blocks are long, but that the "city" (or rather, the whole "LA" area) is huge and spread out. You will be well-served by having a car.

The Hilton or Sheraton at Universal City are both walking distance to the Studio park and do a Metro Station at the bottom of the hill, from which you can get to some parts of the city that may be of interest.

With a car you really open up a lot of different options for your visit especially since you have 6 nights. If you want to stay near the beach, you could also consider staying down in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach or Laguna Beach besides Santa Monica or Venice, depending on what you would like to do.

millie, did you mean "Villa delle Stelle"? (on Harold Way in Hollywood) If so, I have not stayed there but the location is good for walking around the Hollywood area. I would feel safe there.

However, as others have said, there is really no central location to stay for all of L.A. If you would like the beach, try Redondo Beach or Manhattan Beach. They would probably be a bit less expensive than Santa Monica, yet close enough to L.A. attractions to drive to them.

stay in redondo beach for sure and you need a rental car

Manhattan Beach is 3 miles south of LAX, and the Sea View Inn is a reasonable place to stay, just up from the beach. They lend out bikes, and the bike path connects with Venice and Santa Monica. Gorgeous sunsets from your balcony.

Many shops and restaurants in the area. They have free parking and are close to Freeways to visit LA.

http://www.theseaviewinn.com/index.htm