West LA Extended stay apartment
 

Well, after making plans to spend a month in LA -- basically the month of August, I called my old standby Summerfield Suites in West Hollywood. But they're refurbished, changed things a bit and now want about $5000 for a month -- and they've even dropped the free breakfast! I was hoping to keep it down to about $3000 or even less.
So, other than putting something on Craigslist, which worked for me in NYC, any ideas? While we don't really need much of a kitchen, the two of us do like a regular one bedroom apartment with a little space -- and a nicely furnished place, not a dorm-looking room with a futon for a bed. We prefer West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or nearby. Westwood may even be OK.
Any ideas? I've googled and gotten nowhere with "corporate housing" sites.
I am looking at a possibility of The Versailles on Burton Way, but they are vague about availability for a one month stay.

It would be too funny if I was able to help you here. First, I think you have absolutely nothing to lose by running an ad in Craigslist.

I saw 2 things on vrbo.com that looked interesting, both a bit more than you want to spend but negotiation is always possible.

http://www.vrbo.com/22584 $3,500

http://www.vrbo.com/44027 $1000/wk

It would seem to me that in the land of guest houses/pool houses galore, there should be lots of opportunity. Not sure how to tap into it though. Newspaper classified?

Finally, in the dark ages of the 60s ;;), my family used to stay at a classic motel on Wilshire Blvd. in Westwood called the Del Capri. We always had a one bedroom apt with kitchen. There's a pool too. I think the place is still around but not sure in what condition. The owner has been trying to upgrade the property for some time I read. Not sure he ever got permission. It's not listed on tripadvisor but I have seen it on a few other websites.

http://www.losangeles-hotel-finder.c...del-capri.html

Not sure in your shoes I'd chance it for a month, but it might be worth checking.

Try the Oakwood Apartments. It is corporate housing and there are apartments available all over LA, including the west side.

Oakwood.com

I've looked at Oakwood, but other than one on Third Street and not very interesting, there isn't really anything on the West Side -- unless I'm missing something, or unless you're referring to Marina Del Rey. I'm really trying to be in West Hollywood, or near by.

Thanks for those listings McLaurie. I had seen the one, but missed the other. Both are interesting, particularly the $3500 one. I've emailed, but haven't heard from them. You sure gave me a good suggestion in NYC, wouldn't it be funny for you to find me one in LA too? I have posted a "wanted" ad on Craigslist for LA by the way.

Interestingly I also contacted Ramada Plaza at West Hollywood, right by my familiar Summerfield Suites. They have sort of Jr. Suites, not really apartments, and they come out to about $4000 a month, but here's the best part -- parking is an additional $540 a month!! Even the underground gated parking at Summerfield was only $ 240 now (but used to be free for one month rentals).

Yep, I was talking about the one in MDR. There aren't many corporate apartments but I will ask around.

How about the Farmer's Daughter Hotel near the Farmer's Market on Third/Fairfax? They have low rates but no kitchen, I believe. Of course, you can walk across the street to get a delicious apple fritter!

A month in a small, dark hotel room where you keep the draperies drawn or watch the passersby, especially one as "cheesy" as The Farmer's Daughter doesn't appeal to me. Sorry, I'm not into their "cutesy" and "homey" approach.

By the way, I apologize about Oakwood. I've been talking to their corporate office and have discovered they have quite a few apartments they sublet in various buildings in addition to their own buildings that I had checked out in the past. They have two quite close to the Grove which are new and nice and seem like good possibilities - both at $3780 a month for a one bedroom without maid service. Still not what I'm really looking for, but at least I'm feeling better about possibilities.

McLaurie, if you get a chance, take a peek at VRBO #12945 which is $2550 a month. Looks intriquing.

Good Luck. It would be cool to stay near the Grove!

Funny Patrick, I saw that listing and didn't suggest it b/c of something I once remember you said about needing a lot of photos and looking at furniture to see if there was comfy seating. I thought the photos left a lot to the imagination and there didn't seem to be a comfortable place to sit down (besides the pool and it was unclear whether this would be private or sharing with owner). If they have more photos to share, might be worth pursuing.

Gee, McLaurie, you should know better than to listen to what I said! LOL
Did you click on the link for more pictures -- still not a lot, but I do see what looks like comfortable seating, ample room and a king size bed, lots of light, just looks comfortable -- actually considerably more comfortable, but less stylish than the one for a lot more.
I've asked the owners a lot of questions.
Now I'm trying to think if we'd be happier up in the hills where you have to drive everywhere, or in a regular complex near the Grove.

OK, scratch that last one. I got an email from the owner saying that before he answered ALL my questions, he wanted to let me know the apartment is 38 steps up from the street, and that it is a 10 minute drive down to Sunset Blvd -- not walkable without "danger".

Something didn't seem right about it to me anyway. All the photos were cropped weirdly. Did you notice that in "nearby activities" they listed people watching as the first "activity"? :-o

And? Surely you've been to LA, McLaurie. Isn't that the number one activity?