Where to stay in LA/Hollywood area?

[Koda]

We will be spending a few days in the LA/Hollywood area, following our stay at DLR at the end of June/early July. Any recommendations on where to stay? We will spend a day at US, do all of the Hollywood touristy stuff, and maybe see a show in LA. We are flying out of LAX.

Thanks!:)

[Koda]

Anyone have any input? I am debating between staying in the Santa Monica area, to be closer to the beach, or somewhere near the Hollywood attractions.

[sasywtch]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn by Universal, it was called the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn but she no longer owns them. It had a free hot breakfast in the restraunt and a guy from Star Trek would come into the bar nightly :)
I didn't know who he was but my xh did as I didn't watch the old tv show. (it wasn't a sleezy type bar but a nice bar type addition in the restraunt. I haven't been there for 10 years so don't know if it's different now.

[Koda]

Thanks for the info! The Holiday Inn by Universal is actually one of the places that I am looking at. Did you use your car to get around, or use bus/taxi? I read that they have a free shuttle to Universal. Did you use this? If so, was it pretty timely? :)

[jlmarr]

I wonder if the free shuttle to Universal might also be able to drop you off at the Metro Red Line (http://www.metro.net/riding_metro/red_line.htm) station? If not, it's very close by.

[StageTek]

The Garland is a very nice hotel and they have a free shuttle. But
it doesn’t stop at the Red Line station.

Of course there are dozens of hotels/motels in the Hollywood area
- all the usual chains in just about every price range. Super 8,
Days Inn, Quality Inn, Vagabond Executive, Best Western, W,
Renaissance, Magic Castle Hotel.

[Koda]

Is the area that the Beverly Garland Hotel in safe to walk around at night? My only hesitation with booking a hotel in Hollywood, is that I have heard that it is not the safest area.

Thanks!