Looking for inputs on best places to stay that are safe, and have easy access to hop on hop off buses , and are next to at least one major attraction such as Universal studios or Santa Monica pier. Budget is $150-$200 for the hotel. Also looking for recommendations for transportation to the hotel from LAX.

I would avoid Santa Monica unless you just want to hang out in Santa Monica.

Downtown and Hollywood have the best access to the rail system, eg the Red Line gets you to Universal Studios.

Thanks, but is downtown safe for a single woman?

I would not stay in downtown.

Here's a rather recent and unfortunate case of someone who stayed in a dodgy hotel in downtown without a car:
http://bc.ctvnews.ca/vancouver-woman...-ago-1.1145813

I just finished a trip where I stayed at Westin Long Beach, which was great for a weekend, and I saw and did plenty, but other than an LA bus tour, not the typical tourist things. I know people have suggested staying in hotels like the Andaz Hollywood without a car.

Thanks everyone for your inputs!

First, the Cecil is in the middle of skid row, I would never recommend anyone stay there.

Long Beach is a terrible suggestion. I live here. Unless of course you want to see Long Beach.

I would not hesitate to stay downtown at one the hotels that are in the Bunker Hill area, such as the Biltmore, Bonaventure, Marriott, etc.

Hilgard House in Westwood near UCLA. Nice residential street, good fast Flyaway Bus from LAX will get you 3 blocks from the hotel. Great bus service in the area since it's a student and hospital hub. 12 minutes on bus to Santa Monica beach, 7 minutes to Getty Center, 7 minutes to Beverly Hills. Universal is a 20 minute bus ride followed by a 3 minute walk up Highland Avenue and a 5 minute subway hop.

The Andaz is in West Hollywood, and that is good place to hang out for nightlife. The Hop on Hop off bus stops nearby at the Comedy Store.

It's a bit more difficult from WEHO to travel on your own by public transit, since it isn't near the light rail/subway. You'd need to take busses which are slower.

mlgb, I just did a long weekend with Long Beach as a base with no car, and had no problem occupying myself, with a combination of walking, public transit, and a bus tour. But it wouldn't be a good base to see the main attractions of Los Angeles by public transit, I agree.

Most of the hotels in West Hollywood are going to be over your budget, unless you find a deal on a discount. Eg the Andaz rack rates are like $400 a night.

In Hollywood, the prices may be a bit lower and you can take the Red Line to Universal (try the Holiday Inn Express).

WillTravel, I've lived here in Long Beach since 1980. I will occasionally take the Blue Line and Green Line for transit, but because of the neighborhoods that you pass through, I don't think first time visitors would enjoy using public transit.

You can get around nicely in Long Beach itself using the Red Passport bus which are more visitor oriented. And the hotels are quite a good value. I notice that the Avia is now part of Hyatt, nice hotel.

Check SeaShore Motel in Santa Monica (on TripAdvisor, etc.). This is a great location ... you could walk out of the motel at any time of day or night and you'd be safe ... I think bus tours stop here. Westwood is also a nice area.