where to stay in LA?

[diningdecadence]

Mum's going to be over there for 5 days by herself. hasn't been for 20 years so will be doing the full touristy things (ex. disney).

Any suggestions of where to stay - both location, and even specific hotel wise? everything looks super expensive for run of the mill chains (A$400+/night).

she is contemplating splitting the stay into 3 nights somewhere and 2 nights for the rest. areas being: downtown, beverley hills, and santa monica. Arriving around 7pm on a tuesday and flying out on the last day on QF12.

thanks in advance!

 

[opusman]

Love the Georgian at Santa Monica.

 

[amaroo]

Hotel Bel-Air ... loved it!

 

[Himeno]

It depends what you want to do. The LA area is a big place. It can take up to an hour to get from downtown to Disney.

The last time I was in LA, I stayed at a budget hotel within walking distance of Union Station (for easy access to the subway and metro/amtrak lines), then moved to a hotel near LAX for the last night for a flight out the next morning.

The first time I stayed in LA, I got the grayhound bus in and was staying in Santa Monica. It took 1 hour on an express Santa Monica Big Blue Bus (on a almost straight main road) to get from the LA downtown bus station to Santa Moncia.

 

[get me outta here]

I like the Manhattan Beach general area. Not far from the airport with quality inexpensive cafes to eat and shop. That trip, I stayed at a Marriott chain near Manhattan beach, which is next to a nice small shoping centre (by LA standards) also with good food places. It's a few minutes drive from the beach and freeways to get elsewhere. The area feels a bit away from the LA madness.

 

[jb747]

Santa Monica or Pasadena.

 

[toottifruitti]

If she is by herself or just with a friend, there is Hollywood Orchid Suites just behind the Highland Centre. Walking distance to Walk of Fame. Metro just downstairs in Highland Centre plus busses along WOF cheap people are lovely older style motel/hotel with a pool big rooms. Holiday Inn Express Walk of Fame just up the road from Highland Centre 10min walk to WOF down the hill. Rooms are good, breakfast is good. If driving not far from the 101 just up the road. Then there is Loews also behind the Highland Centre.

 

[eric2011]

Santa Monica or Pasadena.

Go with the airline crew, they are there all the time. Me personally, I stay at Redondo Beach, (not quite as busy as Santa Monica) or I stay at LAX and catch buses (pretty restricted). If for 3 or 4 days I will go down to San Pedro. (love the port area and history)

 

[cove]

Mrscove might go to Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.
We enjoyed Loews in Santa Monica and Omni San Diego (probably too far south).

 

[newmarket]

Go with the airline crew, they are there all the time. Me personally, I stay at Redondo Beach, (not quite as busy as Santa Monica) or I stay at LAX and catch buses (pretty restricted). If for 3 or 4 days I will go down to San Pedro. (love the port area and history)

I like Long Beach and have a lot of customers in the area, but I've always been uncomfortable in San Pedro. Where do you stay there?

 

[UP4014]

Santa Monica or Pasadena.

Agree, or I also enjoy San Clemente.

 

[eric2011]

I like Long Beach and have a lot of customers in the area, but I've always been uncomfortable in San Pedro. Where do you stay there?

Usually stay at the Crowne Plaza. I'm ok in the area but I can see how some may be a little unsettled

 

[cove]

I only stay in that area when I am working. You would be in a better place if you came closer to LAX between Manhattan Beach and Santa Monica. Friends enjoyed the Ritz Carlton in Marina del Rey with a view over the marina to Catalina.

 

[garybatz]

Not sure if the timing helps but the new metro line to Santa Monica is expected to open in April/May this year. I love staying there and the new line will make it much easier and quicker to get around if you prefer not to drive or catch buses in L.A.

Expo to Hit Another Major Milestone Next Week | Santa Monica Next

 

[jb747]

Mrscove might go to Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.
We enjoyed Loews in Santa Monica and Omni San Diego (probably too far south).

The Westin is pretty average. The whole area is a bit of a desert, unless you happen to like shopping at SCP.

 

[cove]

Yes jb747 it isn't what I really like but it has great access to the shops by way of a bridge and Mrscove likes Scotts next door, Maggianos and Mortons close by all get a tick. Anyway that is the Westin in South Coast Plaza summary with the heavenly bed.
I have preferred the Hilton at 3050 Bristol because I have a car and it is a bit further away from those shops at South Coast Plaza.