I'm taking my two girls out to Los Angeles for two weeks and want to see about getting a cottage or something more affordable than a hotel. Does anyone have recommendations for safe and somewhat quaint accommodations in LA? I know the beach is probably out of my price range but as long as it's safe and in an area where we can walk around, I'll pay a bit more. Don't even know where to start on this. Thanks in advance!

Here's the cottage we rented for two weeks last summer. It is so great. It's just behind the Century City mall a couple blocks, so there really isn't a lot for walking, but it is a very safe area. The owners live in the attached bungalow -- a very nice young professional couple with a little girl.
http://tinyurl.com/kxc25

This was my choice after months of looking at hundreds of listings.

Have you checked out the web site VRBO.com?

I've been looking at VRBO but I thought if anyone had any other suggestions, I'd check those out as well. Thanks for your link NeoPatrick. This one looks really great! Will inquire about some dates.

sweettea, if the cottage is available please feel free to ask me any specifics about it.
The owners may tell you that the bathroom was remodeled by former owner Jason Biggs, the actor.

soo sad; the cottage is not available. I should have booked months ago. But I'll keep it on file for future visits.

wow- nice find Patrick!!

Try the Embassy Hotel Apartments in Santa Monica. Great location for beach, walking, restaurants, etc. We live in the area and our friends have been thrilled with this place.

www.embassyhotelapts.com

Weekly and monthly rentals, lots of old world charm, affordable, 2 blocks from the beach and the Third Street Promenade.