Going to LA - Need Location Advice

[FFR]

So, as the title says, I'm going to Los Angeles in April. We're going down for a concert at the Staples Centre, and then some sight seeing, Universal Studios and hopefully the beach.

My question is...what is a good area to stay in. There will be just me and my sister-in-law and we're a little leery of staying in downtown LA (as it's close to the Staples Centre) so I'm wondering if downtown LA really is not bad of an area...or if it's really an area to avoid.

I'm not really looking for specific hotel suggestions. We will be staying at a Starwood Hotel (so Westin, Sheraton, W, Four Points, etc) as we get a good deal there. They are all over the Los Angeles area so we're just not sure where the best place to be is.

We want to be rather central, but obviously, we're ok with taking cabs or trains.

Also, any suggestions of places to see, tours to do, from anyone who's been there before would be great!

[Aeneas]

If you search I think there have been two recent threads on this topic.
I believe CP poster Ice lives there, and Chid was just there for a concert.

[Aeneas]

I am not good at searching I guess, I didn't find them. Spent a whole minute trying too.

Some things mentioned in earlier threads:

La Brea Tar Pits
Jet Propulsion Laboratory (or is it only trouman who is interested)
Santa Monica, and pier
That museum/center who's name escapes me...up on the hill north of Santa Monica
Beverly Hills, Mailbu, shopping...

[ken0042]

We were at the Staples Center for a Lakers game last month. Within a 2 block radius of the arena seemd not bad, but further outlying seemed a little seedy. We ended up parking in the seedy area; I was 1/2 expecting to have our car broken into when we got out. So you are right in asking for alternate places to stay.

I can't give you specific recommendations as to where to stay, but in LA you need a car. Rent a car, get a decent GPS, and practice going from Southland onto SB Deerfoot with your eyes closed so that you are ready for the freeways.

[mrdeeds]

We only stayed 2 places in the LA area. In Anaheim close to Disneyland (a little far from where you want to be) which almost any place is ok, and in Carson after an LA Galaxy game (which neighbours Compton... nuff said). We also visited Santa Monica, Beach, so I suggest somewhere near there myself. It will give you the excuse to see the beach as well. I had that on my itinerary being a die-hard Three's Company fan. It's also the 'original' Muscle Beach and there is a theme park on the pier.

Sights to see beside the beach would be Hollywood, obviously. Walk of fame, Graumann's Chinese theatre are worth a look. Avoid the wax museum, but check out Ripley's Believe it or not. Take a $60 limo tour and you will see a lot of stars' homes as well as a good place to see the Hollywood sign.

[The Goon]

I like staying in Santa Monica. You can just take the one highway (#10, I believe) straight to the Staples Center, and Santa Monica is just nice with the beach nearby and the Third Avenue Promenade.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Aeneas

If you search I think there have been two recent threads on this topic.
I believe CP poster Ice lives there, and Chid was just there for a concert.

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthr...ion+laboratory

[Eric Vail]

I have been to Los Angeles many times and think that Santa Monica is the nicest part that I have seen. I also is close to many other things you may want to see.

[Ice]

Downtown LA isn't bad at all. If you venture out past the downtown area you could end up in Shady areas, and you'll see signs that you might want to turn around before you get yourself into danger, but you're perfectly safe downtown. The hotels downtown are right in the center of downtown. You'd be safe to walk around for shopping or dining. To go sight seeing you'd be taking the freeway to your destinations and you're totally safe there.

Public transportation down here is horrible. If you can use the trains to get where you want to go it will take forever. Your best bet is to rent a car. (by best bet, I mean you'll really regret it if you don't)

If you're really uncomfortable about staying downtown, you could stay near Universal Studios, but that area is kind of boring, IMO.

Carson, yeah, I wouldn't stay there. Dont stay right near LAX either, you can get 15 minutes away from there in Manhattan Beach/El Segundo/Hermosa Beach and be close to the beach in very safe areas yet close to everything. It really comes down to what your personal preference is to where you want to establish as your "home base" during your trip.

[Displaced Flames fan]

Cabs? in LA?? )

Staples Center isn't actually that close to downtown, relatively speaking. Besides, there is nothing in downtown Los Angeles culturally. Everything is in Hollywood and the outlying communities.

Downtown Los Angeles is very much a business district.

I guess that could've all changed since I was there last.

[FFR]

Thanks for all the input.

The issue with renting a car is that I'm not 25 yet, so therefore have to pay a (minimum) $25 dollar charge per day on top of the regular rental fees. Not so sure about that.

And thanks for the suggestions. We'll look into Santa Monica maybe and see how far that is from where we want to go.

Anyone have any ideas about the Beverly Hills area? Is it easy to get around to other places? (By car or taxi)

[OilersBaby]

You will like the Santa Monica area...the pier is nice. If you want to head south a little bit, you can check out Orange County (and Disneyland, the Ducks, and other stuff).

[tvp2003]

I've been to LA a few times -- it all depends on how much $ you want to spend.

I've stayed near the airport -- my dad gets the employee rate for Starwood hotels so I can stay at the Westin LAX for $49 a night (free airport shuttle is a bonus, plus there is a Thrifty car rental next door). As stated above, Santa Monica is a great place to stay (and visit), but expect to pay more as well.

Renting a car is pretty cheap in LA; although it might be a little extra $ for you because you're under 25, it's likely the most convenient option. Beware of parking charges at the hotel though -- that can add another $15-20 bucks, depending on where you're staying. You'll also be on the hook for parking at your destination. Of course, LA's traffic is notorious, so the time savings depends on what time of day you're travelling. Taxi may not be much cheaper either, but I don't have any first-hand experience to speak of.

The first time we went to LA, we ended up taking the Subway to Hollywood. We passed Staples Center on the way -- the subway stops a block or two away. I didn't think it was too bad, although it can take a lot of time, so I don't know if I would recommend this. If you're looking to save $ by taking transit, there is a relatively good bus system that runs through Santa Monica from the airport and into downtown (Big Blue Bus).

[Antithesis]

I understand the trepidation at renting a car with the surcharge but I can't strongly enough advocate that you get one; you already said you get a good deal on the hotel, and in LA, rental cars are almost non-negotiable. Ask your sister-in-law to split with you, or whichever, but for the length of time you will be there (whatever it is), it is BY FAR worth it to spend the extra dough on a car rather than relying on taxis or public transit.

I love it in Santa Monica and there is a lot to do there. It's not a bad drive in to the LA area, Hollywood, even Anaheim and beaches north in Malibu. There's also 3rd Street which is really cool and the pier which is best at night time.

But, again, get a car.

[FurnaceFace]

Another vote for "must have a car". You can easily get to Santa Monica on The Big Blue Bus but I think after that you're relatively stuck. I'd also agree with a GPS if you're not familiar with the areas you're going to.

I have liked Santa Monica it's relatively central I think plus it's a tourist requirement to walk down to Venice beach and gawk at the life there.

I've been down in Orange County a few times with work this Fall and have liked it too. One of my coworkers lives in Hermosa and likes it. We stay in Costa Mesa or down in Laguna where a couple of the guys live (Laguna is really sleepy). Typically ended up in Newport Beach for a night or two. It seems to be a rather young crowd...

[Ice]

Oh yeah, if you're young, there's a good vibe in Hermosa. Many choices of nightlife and some nice little restaurants near the pier. Los Muchachos is supposed to be real good Mexican food.

[chid]

I went for 3 days for a concert at the Greek Theatre, I stayed in a hostel in Hollywood and also took a LOOONG bus ride to Anaheim to do a day in Disney (I'm a bit obsessed...) Anyways, I found transit was pretty decent and enjoyable, but if you have the money (I don't) I can definitely see the advantages to renting a car.

[OilersBaby]

Newport Beach clubs are fun! There is one called Sutra (went there about 2 years ago) and it was FUN!!!!!!!

[Displaced Flames fan]

Snow on the ground as low as Corona right now.

Unreal. My Dad just drove from Huntington Beach to Kalispell and there was snow on the ground all but the first 30 miles or so. That's gotta be a record.