Where to stay in LA?

[opusman]

Any recommendations for best area in LA for a 4 night stay?
It would be nice to be somewhere we can walk around the local area without needing a car. Currently looking at either Santa Monica or West Hollywood.

 

[Clivem]

Hello opusman ..... what is your rough budget USD per night ? .... and is it just you / +significant other / family / group of friends-colleges etc. ????

I personally do like Santa Monica - If you are traveling at the right time of the day the drive to and from LAX via Lincoln Boulevard goes pretty well (on early morning departs I have done the trip incredibly quickly)

Blue Plate Taco at 1515 Ocean Ave (front of the Shore Hotel) is always a great spot in the afternoon for some good food and drinks - I just tell them give us a selection of your best and a mix of coughtails while the sun goes down......

Santa Monica Place and 3rd Street Promenade (they feed into each other) are good for shopping (family gifts etc) - Both the Apple and Converse flagship stores on 3rd St. are worth a look if that's your thing.

I would not waste your time going to Venice Beach - its a bit of a dive I my opinion but other may think otherwise.

Re West Hollywood .... If dollars aren't an issue a few nights at Chateau Marmont - 8221 Sunset Boulevard ........is a very nice indulgent experience. Or at least it was at parity......

 

[stoneman]

Agreed about Venice Beach.

 

[cove]

I dream about using a D9 bulldozer to tidy up Venice but maybe it has been deemed "historic".
We stayed at Loews at Santa Monica and it was lovely.

 

[opusman]

Thanks for the feedback. mrsOpusman & myself travelling, at the end of a South America jaunt. Budget probably $500 or so per night.

A friend has recommended the Petit Ermitage in W Hollywood which looks lovely (haven't looked at prices yet) but I'm just not sure what a great location it would be for sightseeing etc. Whereas I kind of like the idea of evening strolls along the pier at Santa Monica. Has anyone stayed at the Georgian?

 

[Milboo]

A friend stayed at Mr C's in Beverly Hills recently and loved it.

 

[waimate01]

The Shangri La (not associated with the 'other' Shangri La) in Santa Monica.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

<boot> ......... Still trying to make decision on Santa Monica hotel for 2 nts Oct 2-4 - cov's reco of Loews noted as is Shangri La - anybody stayed in Santa Monica recently with hotel thoughts?

 

[opusman]

We went for The Georgian at SM in the end, was great. You'd want to go for an ocean view room though.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

<boot> ......... Still trying to make decision on Santa Monica hotel for 2 nts Oct 2-4 - cov's reco of Loews noted as is Shangri La - anybody stayed in Santa Monica recently with hotel thoughts?

So we decided to go with Shangri-La - WOW - just WOW - did I ever pull the right rein here!

When I went to book if you joined 'The Club' (Loyalty program for Small Luxury Hotels of the World) it gave something like 12% disc so that was a no brainer - booked direct. When we came to check in was advised because member of The Club we received upgrade - indeed up graded to biggest room in hotel - 2br self contained Suite right over front entrance corner overlooking beach. Whilst we were only on floor 2 view not as good as on floors 3, 4 or 5 - c'est la vie. Floor plan here for each level of hotel - big room at elbow is the 2br suite on each level:



And a couple pics lounge / living / kitchen - sorry didn't get pics before settling in:



And:

 

[Cruiser Elite]

And the view out 3 of the 5 windows we have:



And:



And:



And I must add service from ALL staff we have encountered so far IMPECCABLE!

 

[cove]

Good research CE! I have driven past that one when we go to Santa Monica from Marina del Rey.