Los Angeles

We're planning a family trip over the Xmas holidays. I wonder if anyone can recommend a nice hotel (not too expensive) in a strategic location.


Having never been to LA or the US for that matter, I have no idea where to begin my search!


Any info will be much appreciated.

Hi there,


Well, let's see...I'm an American, and lived in LA for almost 3 years before moving out to HK recently. If you *want* to go to LA, I can give you a few suggestions for places/areas to stay. However, let me just offer you my own opinion on LA: its not that great! If you have your heart set on going to California, I would strongly urge you to consider going to San Diego, Santa Barbara/Napa Valley or San Francisco..or taking a road trip to include all of these great cities. I'm a big fan of SD, as it has all the beachy aspects of LA, but not the crazy big city feel. It also has Sea World, if you have kids. SB/NV is the famous wine country area of Cali...you can do some amazing tasting tours and see the worldclass wineries..like Robert Mondavi etc. San Fran is just an all around great city, but as its in the North, prepare to bring winter clothes (it will get as cold as HK in winter).


But, if you must go to LA (lol), and are looking for sun and surf and beach etc, then look into staying in Marina Del Rey (Courtyard Marriott is very convenient to stay at). You MUST drive in LA, there really is no other option. From MDRey, you can also drive down to El Segundo, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Those are the true 'SoCal' beach areas LA is famous for. Santa Monica is the most famous, but it is very expensive to stay there, and in my opinion, to darn crowded to enjoy on a weekend..maybe you can drive up to SM during a weekday morning.


If you end up in LA, be prepared for massive traffic, rude people (and drivers), polluted skies (like HK), and a city that is not anywhere near as glamorous as you may think (i.e. the Hollywood area is actually a crappy area of town!).


Hope that helps, and enjoy your Xmas holiday in the US!

we stayed around Santa Monica, on the waterforn - perfect location for anywherer really - have a look at hotels around there. Shutters on the beach is just lovely

I am a native Southern Californian, lived in LA areas all my life (now in Long Beach), except for my short time in Hong Kong. How much time will you have and do you have kids?


When I have out of town friends I take them to the typical sites, Hollywood Blvd Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinese Theatre with footprints of the stars and then lunch in Beverly Hills, there are some nice inexpensive places there too.


Disneyland/California Adventure (much much more stuff then HK site) and Universal Studios for adults and kids. Warner Bros. and Burbank Studios also have tours.


And I agree with SOHOSGF some parts of Los Angeles and Hollywood are not very nice and I would not recommend staying in those areas.


I would stay in Westwood Village area and nice areas of West LA (next to UCLA) or Santa Monica near the beach or Marina Del Rey as SOHOSGF suggested to see LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Movie Studios (Universal etc.). You can drive to or stay in Anaheim to see Disneyland/California Adventures.


Westwood Village has shops and restaurants all around and is close to the freeway. Santa Monica has a popular shopping restaurant area called the 3rd Street Promenade and Universal Studios has the popular Universal CityWalk also with shopping and restaurants.


San Diego is also a nice place if you have the extra time as is San Francisco with lots of attractions and sites to see.


Check Travelocity for some good hotels and great deals. If you need anything else, please feel free to ask me for anything before and during your stay in Los Angeles.

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