Hotels in LA

[viewfrommyveranda]

I'm traveling to LA in January for the very first time. I have relatives here, but I am not naman close to them and frankly, I don't want to bother them.    I usually stay at the East Coast so I'm super clueless!!

Can you please recommend good hotels (up to USD200/night) that are close to shopping areas, good restos and perhaps, some attractions? This is just a side trip, coming from a business meeting so it will just be for 3 night. I'm meeting a friend who will take care of driving us around, unfortunately, she's not from LA too! 

Thanks!!!

[mooncake and leaves]

I can't vouch for the service, interiors, etc. since I haven't stayed at any hotels in LA but as far as location goes, first two hotels I thought of were Hotel Figueroa and Wilshire Grand. Hotel Figueroa is a boutique hotel right across LA Live (Staples Center, Nokia Theatre, The Grammy Museum, Regal Cinema + a bunch of restaurants and bars) and is 3 blocks away from the closest subway station. Wilshire Grand naman is half a block away from the subway station and close to restaurants and stores. They're both in Downtown LA. If you choose to stay in downtown, I think the best, safest locations are between 5th and Olympic then Grand and Figueroa. The only issue with downtown LA is it becomes bum central at night. Deserted talaga most areas.

You can check Miracle Mile, Glendale, Burbank and Old Town Pasadena as well. Personally, I'd stay somewhere you can easily access public transportation since you'll never know. What if your friend bails on you? But if your friend is reliable naman and s/he won't mind driving around, it might be cheaper to stay close to the suburbs rather than LA mismo. Most of the attractions kasi are scattered all over so either way, magda-drive at magda-drive kayo

[viewfrommyveranda]

Thanks for the recos. I will check out the hotels you mentioned. Thanks for pointing out "best and safest" -- I do want to stay in a safe location. What about closer to LAX -- or is that not advisable?

She's not gonna bail on me -- I hope our GPS won't fail us otherwise we are so in trouble! 

[mooncake and leaves]

You can check out the Courtyard Marriott hotels too. I just remembered. They have locations all over. I've stayed in one but not in LA. The rooms are clean and the rates are reasonable.

Don't worry about the GPS failing you (though that happens). Driving in LA is easy. What sights/attractions are you planning to visit? You can also check on mapquest the directions just in case-print the directions before you go. But you'll be okay. They spoon feed people with info on the freeways and roads.

The problem with staying near LAX is that you'd be very far from everywhere else. And there's a part there that's really not that nice, forgot where.

[viewfrommyveranda]

Good question -- I really don't know what I want to see! All the years I've been going to the States, it's always been the default amusement parks, broadway musicals, museums, etc. And I don't know what to do in LA!!!    Uhm, maybe try a couple of good local restos? See the Hollywood sign??? The rest I suppose I can track, like going to Whole Foods, Target and whichever Outlets stores are nearby.  Does that make sense?

LAX area is out of the question then. Thanks!!

[mooncake and leaves]

The Hollywood sign is visible from a certain part in Hollywood and Highland. H&H is where the Chinese Grauman theater is also located (Hollywood Walk of Fame). But for me, the best place to view the Hollywood sign is from the Griffith Park and Observatory. The advantage pa of Griffith is everything is free-parking and entrance to the park itself, even shows and activities in the observatory). Plus, at night, it gives you that nice overlooking view of the city.

The outlets are very far from LA. Cabazon is 1 1/2-2 hours while Camarillo is an hour drive siguro, more or less. There's also Citadel at Commerce, which is closer but they say Cabazon is the best.

Madami pa. Pero yun nga sakit ng LA talaga-ang lalayo ng attractions from each other. But if you're not planning to leave LA mismo, you can hit 3 or 4 spots in a day

[viewfrommyveranda]

No, I'm not planning on leaving LA anymore. That's my last stop. I'll be there for 4 days, and looks like we can cover all the areas you described. I'll look up Cabazon -- I have only heard of Camarillo and the shops there seem to be the same as the outlet store that I'll visit in San Diego.

Super thanks for the recos sis. Now I have a starting point. 

[swiTsuplada]

I've booked myself at stayonbeverly for this month. Hope I'm not yet late in recommending this place. Price is cheap and looks clean pa. Nahirapan din ako maghanap kasi just like you, I'm looking for cheap but safe & clean. So far, I think 'eto na 'yun. Ang hanap ko na lang now is balikbayan door to door services dahil mapapa-shopping na naman ako nito

[viewfrommyveranda]

Ako sis I ended up choosing a place at the Santa Monica area. My friend decided to say there na lang. :-) Have fun sis. Take it easy on the shopping!!! 

[swiTsuplada]

Wish me lots of luck!!! Enjoy your vacay sis!

[k_heart]

While in LA, kung mahilig sa seafood, dont forget to eat sa Boiling Crabs! : )

Maganda na ang Citadel ngayon, na-add ang Michael Kors, Coach and a very huge H&M store!

[k_heart]

Yes, Cabazon is the best,thats my fave outlet store.