I need some opinions please (don't know who else to ask :o(

[aussiegirls]

Ok, first take a look at the link attached

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g32655-Los_Angeles_California-Hotels.html

When we first get to LA we are going to be staying in Hollywood for 4 nights before we head off to Anaheim. We will be arriving on Thanksgiving day, and plan on spending our first full day shopping as it is Black Friday and I am hopeful of getting some bargains (and even if I don't, I am sure it will be an experience ). We also want to do the Warner Bros Studio Tour, spend a bit of time in the middle of Hollywood, going to the Disney Soda Fountain, seeing a movie at El Capitan and maybe Madam Tussauds. We will also be spending a bit of time at The Grove/Farmers Market and probably a whole day in American Girl Place. We won't have a car so I will be relying on buses to get around, but I think it will be ok because we are not going too far from where we will be based.

Now here is my problem. We are booked into the Farmers Daughter Hotel (#20 on the attached link) which is across the road from The Grove. I figured the girls would like to be close to American Girl, plus there is plenty of shopping and restaurants etc.

Now that I have looked at a few other places I am really having second thoughts. I am really tossing up between where we are booked and Holiday Inn Express (#9 on the link) and a place called Hollywood Orchid Suites (#18 on the link). The two in Hollywood are roughly the same price and in virtually the same area. They also include breakfast (which the one I am booked into doesn't), which is not a deal breaker, but if I can get it for free, why not.

Orchid Suites in particular is quite inexpensive. It looks a bit old to be honest, but the reviews are great. Has big rooms with kitchens.

Please help me guys. Should I just leave things as they are or would it be worthwhile changing to one of the other hotels, and if so which one?

Thank you so much if you have read this far. This is one of the things that sucks about being the only adult doing the planning - there is nobody to talk these things over with and help me decide

xxx

 

[aussietravellers]

I would stick with what you have. All of the reviews from that hotel are either four or five spots and on the first page of reviews, not a bad one. It says that it's a family run place and in a fabulous location. It's also a three star and the other are two and two and a half, but they do both get great reviews too. I think where you have chosen looks great and I would just stay with what you have got, just my opinion of course

The Grove is just a fantastic spot and the farmers markets (YUM), across the street is a whole foods market too which we just love (I've already staked out the whole foods markets in NY and Orlando )

Anyway I completely understand the rethinking things and changing, gosh I was ridiculous with WDW, chopping and changing

 

[aussiegirls]

Thank you so much for your opinion aussietravellers

xxx

 

[OzCath]

I agree with aussietravellers, stick with what you have booked. You've got the Grove across the road, yay lots of shopping! You will be spending the day at American Girl and can walk straight back to your hotel after, and yummy food at farmers market. Plus the reviews of farmers daughter look really good. I second guess myself with so much, but so many people say to me go with your first instinct! In this case your first choice.

 

[Jacintabelle]

I also agree, The Farmers market will see you with plenty of choices for breakfast and l too have booked two nights at the Farmers daughter - the spot is excellent and has transport at the door to the attractions especially with the hop on hop off bus..I cant wait to get back and do our day at American Girl in April 2011..and then to a Disney Cruise..have a wonderful Disney time...

 

[Oz-kateer]

If you do every change your mind and stay at the Holiday Inn Express in Hollywood, rest assured this is a good hotel, close to the attractions. And seriously clean, the rooms are big and they have kitchenettes. I've stayed there before and am staying there again next month.

 

[aussiegirls]

Thank you so much lovelies.

I have decided to stick with what I have got. The Farmers Daughter does seem very nice and I do so love The Grove/Farmers Market, so being across from there will be wonderful (I can picture us ending up in American Girl every single day ).

I have also from here on in, BANNED myself from looking at other hotels

You guys are awesome - Thank you

xxx

 

[lovintheland]

Aussiegirls, even though you have already decided to leave things as they are I also vote not to change things.

I really applaud you doing everything on your own. You're an awesome Mum! Parenting is hard even when you have an awesome supportive Dh as I do, but I can't even imagine making many decisions without a sounding board.

Well done to you! Your girls are lucky to have a great mum who just happens to be even greater taking them on Disney holidays.

p.s Personally can't wait to get back to FArmers Market (best pizza slices and hot jam donuts), American Girl, and having some time to wonder around the Grove. Last time had about 15 mins at the Grove after American Girl as we had to get DD to a Hip Hop class at Hollywood

 

[aussiegirls]

Awww thanks lovintheland. That is so sweet, almost made me cry

xxx