Family hotel recommends in Hollywood(ish)
Discussion
Can anyone recommend a decent family hotel in LA - haven't a clue where the best areas are.
Will be staying over for just 3 days in May so would like to take the kids to the film studios, but would also like to be near the razzmatazz of the Hollywood boulevard of stars stuff (for the daughter).
Also, need to hire a car to drive to the Grand Canyon - any recommendations for that too? (I've found some surprisingly cheap hires, but is it too good to be true?)
I've obviously looked on the web, but there's so much to choose from.
Will be staying over for just 3 days in May so would like to take the kids to the film studios, but would also like to be near the razzmatazz of the Hollywood boulevard of stars stuff (for the daughter).
Also, need to hire a car to drive to the Grand Canyon - any recommendations for that too? (I've found some surprisingly cheap hires, but is it too good to be true?)
I've obviously looked on the web, but there's so much to choose from.
Had a couple of nights in Hollywood on honeymoon - stayed here http://www.loewshotels.com/Hollywood-Hotel - you can't beat the location if you want to be in that area - we walked out of the hotel one night to find a premiere happening right outside. Was also handy for Universal studios.
That said, Hollywood itself isn't the greatest area, I always felt a little uneasy when out and about. My brother travels to LA a lot on business, and always stays in the Santa Monica area, that could be worth a look.
That said, Hollywood itself isn't the greatest area, I always felt a little uneasy when out and about. My brother travels to LA a lot on business, and always stays in the Santa Monica area, that could be worth a look.
Agree that Hollywood does not feel all that great.
http://www.mosaichotel.com/
I have stayed at this place in Beverley Hills a couple of times - very nice and pretty good value (Saying that, its still around £150 per night). You are more likely to see stars on Rodeo Drive, if that is what you are looking for.
Otherwise stayed at a Marriott in Santa Monica. it was Ok.
http://www.mosaichotel.com/
I have stayed at this place in Beverley Hills a couple of times - very nice and pretty good value (Saying that, its still around £150 per night). You are more likely to see stars on Rodeo Drive, if that is what you are looking for.
Otherwise stayed at a Marriott in Santa Monica. it was Ok.
jazzybee said:
Otherwise stayed at a Marriott in Santa Monica.
If you're expanding to Santa Monica, we stayed at the www.seashoremotel.com/ and found it good, on a budget.Depending where in the Grand Canyon you want to go and stay, you're looking at one very long day of driving each way from LA. We did Santa Monica to Vegas, via Joshua Tree, in a day, and it was far enough, with 5 adults. With kids? No thanks.
Looking at a ranch somewhere in GC - possible stop off halfway, but do the drive back in one go.
We've decided to possibly cut a day from LA and have a day longer in GC.
The drive does concern me a little, but I can't seem to find flights from LA to GC, and then back to Portland OR where my relatives are.
I'm also wary of too many different hotels - becomes a ballache after a while!
(will be staying in Portland at the beginning and end of the trip, flying into and out of)
We've decided to possibly cut a day from LA and have a day longer in GC.
The drive does concern me a little, but I can't seem to find flights from LA to GC, and then back to Portland OR where my relatives are.
I'm also wary of too many different hotels - becomes a ballache after a while!
(will be staying in Portland at the beginning and end of the trip, flying into and out of)
My recommendation would be "don't", but if you are set on it, Santa Monica is a much better location than the rather seedy areas of Hollywood as others have said.
Personally, if I never go to LA again that'll be just fine with me, although I did quite enjoy the Queen Mary in Long Beach, worth a visit, I reckon.
Hire cars - Unless you want something cool (convertible, Corvette, etc), never pay for an upgrade if they offer you a deal, it probably means they haven't got the smaller car you paid for and you'll probably end up with a better car anyway.
If the price looks cheap, check what's included (miles, CDW, etc), that can make a big difference to your final bill, but renting in the US is much cheaper than in the UK.
Why are you going to Portland? There aren't any direct flights there from the UK are there?
M.
Personally, if I never go to LA again that'll be just fine with me, although I did quite enjoy the Queen Mary in Long Beach, worth a visit, I reckon.
Hire cars - Unless you want something cool (convertible, Corvette, etc), never pay for an upgrade if they offer you a deal, it probably means they haven't got the smaller car you paid for and you'll probably end up with a better car anyway.
If the price looks cheap, check what's included (miles, CDW, etc), that can make a big difference to your final bill, but renting in the US is much cheaper than in the UK.
Why are you going to Portland? There aren't any direct flights there from the UK are there?
M.
Edited by marcosgt on Thursday 3rd January 11:11
All change!
Been to see Kuoni who did a great job of our Japan/Hawaii trip, and have juggled it slightly.
Will be flying into Portland ( elderly relatives there who we need to see, and no direct flight but still only an 11 hr trip)
4 days there then fly to SF, pick up car (Alamo gold all inc) and drive to Yosemite for 2 nights.
5 hr drive down to Santa Barbara for 3 days on the beach, then short drive to LA for two days, back to Portland for 3 days, then home.
Cuts a lot of driving and gives us a rural/beach/city holiday in one!
The Lowes hotel previously mentioned is in the itinerary.
Been to see Kuoni who did a great job of our Japan/Hawaii trip, and have juggled it slightly.
Will be flying into Portland ( elderly relatives there who we need to see, and no direct flight but still only an 11 hr trip)
4 days there then fly to SF, pick up car (Alamo gold all inc) and drive to Yosemite for 2 nights.
5 hr drive down to Santa Barbara for 3 days on the beach, then short drive to LA for two days, back to Portland for 3 days, then home.
Cuts a lot of driving and gives us a rural/beach/city holiday in one!
The Lowes hotel previously mentioned is in the itinerary.
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