Los Angeles tips

[bbradk]

Hello all.

Wondering if anyone out there has been to L.A.

Planning a late May trip.
1 week in L.A. then 1 week in San Francisco.

I've never been so any tips (where to stay, what to see, what to avoid, where to eat, XXXattractions) would really be appreciated!

I know this is an odd place to ask for travel advise, but I got some great tips on New Orleans when I asked a while back.

Any advise is appreciated.

p.s. trying to keep the costs low.

Thanks to all in advance

 

[DenWa]

what kind of stuff do you want to do in LA? I've lived here for three years and can definitely help you out.

DW

 

[bbradk]

Really just the whole tourist thing.

Planning to try see Jimmy Kimmell, and Jay Leno, take a tour of the city, take it all in

 

[DenWa]

When are you gonna be in LA? I can put some thought into it and then email or pm you some suggestions and must-sees.

DW

 

[bbradk]

Awesome, thank you for the offer.

I'll be there from May 22nd until May 29th then off to San Francisco, and possibly a quick stop in vegas.

Quick question for you in regards to neighborhoods.

I found a great hotel rate (49.00) in downtown L.A. but Hollywood seems closer to all of the touristy stuff.

Is Hollywood better?

Again thank you for your generous offer.

 

[DenWa]

Downtown LA is as dead as a doorknob. Place is a ghost town after dark, for the most part, and there's really no reason to be there.

Hollywood can be rough depending on where you are. If you want to stay in Hollywood, in a good central location relative to everything else, then you might want to try the Renaissance Hotel http://www.renaissancehollywood.com/intro.html.
It's located on the corner of Hollywood and Highland, which is a relatively new "Times Square" kind of area with lots of shopping and nightlife. Plus it's right on the Walk of Fame so you can take in the touristy delights of the Boulevard and walk around staring at those damn stars on the ground. The hotel is also right next to the Chinese theatre and the Egyptian Theatre, which are both places you need to see.

PM me your email address and I'll write up a more detailed list of what to see and what to avoid. The problem with LA is it's hard to tell when you're in a bad area until it's too late, and the palm trees can be deceiving. I'm from Detroit, and you know damn well you're in a bad area cause it looks like Beruit. But you can be in a neighborhood or area that looks great in LA but it's actually gangland.

I'm going to bed, but make sure you PM me your email addie.

DW

 

[Lil'Miss]

You should also check out Santa Monica. The boardwalk at the beach is fun and the third street promenade is cool to walk around too. If you want to take a great drive, go from santa monica up the pacific coast highway to malibu (30 minute drive). There is a great seafood restaurant on the right called the Reel Fish Inn. In the hollywood area, the best hot dogs you will ever eat are at Pink's on La Brea. Be prepared to stand in line for 30-45 minutes at least, this place is popular. I'm sure I'll think of more.

Miss

 

[Lil'Miss]

Don't forget to check out the sunset strip. The Rainbow Room has awesome food. Another place to check out is melrose. I'd take a cab there and plan on having lunch, parking can be crazy. It's a fun, hip place to spend an afternoon though. If you're bringing a lady along, this just may be her favorite stop.

 

[bbradk]

Unfortunately I wont be driving, so hopefully these places will be easy to get to.

Doubt if I'd make it to Santa Monica unless I can find a tour that goes there.

Thanks for the tips though.

I've already written down Pink's I plan to visit, plus I'm a big music fan, so the Rainbow is already on the list.

Denwa, I've PM'd you

 

[bbradk]

Is there much difference between Hollywood and West Hollywood?

Check out the L.A. map on www.hotwire.com
click hotels, then search for a room in Los Angeles.
That will display their version of L.A.

Looks like Hollywood and West Hollywood are about the same, although you mentioned it's easy to wander into a bad neighborhood.

 

[Lil'Miss]

Hollywood is where the chinese theatre and walk of fame are. West Hollywood is where the Sunset Strip is. They run into each other. West Hollywood is much nicer and Hollywood does have some bad areas, but if you won't be driving around you likely won't end up in them. The biggest difference between the two is cost of living, which doesn't apply to you. DenWa and I lived in west hollywood for 2 1/2 years. VERY pricey. You'll notice the difference while you're here, West Hollywood is a bit cleaner.

Miss

 

[Travel4fun]

lil miss has it down, follow her advice.
FYI, i live close to LA...pm if you have specific questions.

 

[bbradk]

I'm thinking of getting a room at the Orbit Hotel 7950 Melrose Avenue
Is this a good area?

Has anyone heard of this place?

 

[Everyone Else]

It's pathetic to have no car in LA.

If you must, then get a place in Venice Beach
which has everything you can think of and more.