Stay in Hotel at Beach or in Hollywood?

[crazy_ciara]

Hey! It's my first time heading to Los Angeles and I was just wondering if it's worth staying in a hotel by the beach (Santa Monica) and travel into Hollywood during the day? Note that we don't drive! Hoping it will be easy to travel into Hollywood or to Universal. Would love some advice please!

 

[cmadara]

I would like to know this as well.
Can anyone help us
Thanks so much!

 

[woody73]

. . . Note that we don't drive! Hoping it will be easy to travel into Hollywood or to Universal.

How are planning to get around? Taxi?

Woody

 

[lcasa]

Good luck without a car in LA! I see there is a metro red line to Universal/Hollywood area, but no access as far out as the beach in Santa Monica - but maybe you could save by just taking a taxi to the metro.

There are a few options here:
http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/visitor_info_transportation.html

 

[skiingfast]

My inclination is to stay near the beach. More hotels dot the place from Santa Monica to Venice Beach than around Hollywood. Also safety wise I'd rather be near the beach at night.

However. I'd stay where you expect to spend the most time. To reduce expensive time on taxis and slow time on buses.

There is subway from Hollywood to near Universal.

 

[woody73]

Also safety wise I'd rather be near the beach at night.

Except at Venice Beach.

Woody

 

[crazy_ciara]

Thanks guys. I booked The Double Tree Suites in Santa Monica!

 

[SweetNovBlue]

Hi! Glad you're making it out to the West. I would stay out over in Santa Monica, especially if you have young kids. IMO, the Hollywood area is great to visit for the day, but I wouldn't stay in an hotel in that area.

If you're in SM, there's more things to do. There are a couple each week (just google SM farmers market) and there's Third Street Promenade and the Pier.

It is feasible to get from SM to Hollywood via public transportation, but it's quite a hassle. I would suggest renting a car. But if you want the details on how to navigate LA through buses and subways, send me a PM. I just did a trek from UCLA/Westwood to Hollywood with a friend who was visiting!

Feel free to PM if you have any questions or want restaurant suggestions!

All the best in your travels.

 

[hsmamato2]

anyone ever take the shuttle or bus form Anaheim to Universal- from the link listed on their site?