Report - LA Hotels that don't require "driving"

Staying in LA without a car…

This question comes up a lot on the board, so I thought I’d start a thread with a lot of info in one place…

This thread will NOT be for people who only want to get to a hotel for the night before leaving from San Pedro or Long Beach.

This thread is for people who want a full day or two, in an area of Los Angeles, that is a good central location to see a lot of things and not "need" a car.

There are a few different areas and specific hotels that I like and recommend for this…

Please look through the information and research accordingly to what really interests you…

#1 Santa Monica

Both BruinSteve and my "first thought" recommendation…

If you want an area with the "Baywatch" beach right nearby, and lots of shopping and restaurants, then this is a good start.

I’m going to recommend reasonably priced hotels, as usually no one is asking about the super expensive ones…

CalMar Hotel

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=423818

Click the link above for my report and info.

This is a great deal if you want a nice area, walking distance to a lot of things, and either have a family, or just want a "suite"…

Hotel California

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=451075

Click the link above for my report and info.

This is great if you want access to the luxury hotel facilities next door, but want a really boutique beach hotel experience…

Bayside Hotel

http://www.baysidehotel.com/

This is a great hotel, clean, but old, but in an amazing location.

The rooms are small, but modern, and I would recommend one of the rooms on the second floor overlooking the ocean.

If you "know" this and "manage your expectations", then it’s a great location…

It is literally across the street from the Casa Del Mar, one of the most expensive hotels in Santa Monica, so you get the same great location…

http://www.hotelcasadelmar.com/home/home.php

You are also just down from there, next to Shutters on the Beach

http://www.shuttersonthebeach.com/home.html

So you are right next to their amenities or restaurants…

#2 Marina Del Ray/Venice

This is a great and less expensive area to stay. Closer to LAX…

It’s basically at the "south end" of Venice Beach, where the Santa Monica hotels are at the "north end".

Easy to walk from these along the Boardwalk and end up at the Santa Monica Pier, to get to the same area…

Also close inexpensive taxi ride (or walk, depending on where you want to go) to restaurants and shop in Marina Del Ray…

Jamaica Bay Inn

http://www.bestwestern-jamaicabay.com/

This is my personal favorite for the area…

You have the nice quiet "Mother’s Beach" in front of the balcony rooms (I’d recommend a second floor and beach view)…

Then several restaurants in easy walking or taxi distance…

Venice Beach is a few blocks west…

I just think this is a great view/large rooms/balcony/location for the money…

The Inn at Venice Beach

http://www.innatvenicebeach.com/

Directly closer to Venice Beach (but still about a half a block or so away from the water)…

This is more of a European Style hotel.

Closer walk to the boardwalk, but you don’t get the marina beach views that you get at the Jamaica Bay. It all depends on what you personally prefer…

Marina Del Ray Hotel

http://www.marinadelreyhotel.com/index.htm

This is great if you want a more "relaxing" experience.

You have great views of the boats and marina.

You have quick access to Chace Park to walk around…

http://beaches.co.la.ca.us/BandH/Marina/chacepark.htm

Then around the "bend" of the marina, you have Fisherman’s Village

http://www.visitthemarina.com/

Great restaurants and views, strolling, and a bit of shopping…

Closest to LAX…

#3 Culver City/The Culver Hotel

Check out my report and info here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=509495

This is a great area if you are into really old original Hollywood history…

And/or want a place with a lot of entertainment/restaurants in very close walking distance.

It would also be a very quick (by LA standards – 5 minutes by cab, 15 minutes by bus) ride to Venice Beach (south end) along Washington Boulevard…

Or to Hollywood (15 minute cab ride, maybe 30 minute by bus)…

#4 Hollywood Area

Grafton on Sunset

http://www.graftononsunset.com/

One of my favorite boutique hotels in the Hollywood area…

I’d definitely recommend getting one the rooms overlooking the City on the back end…

Who is this good for?

If you want to stay in close walking distance to a lot of Sunset Strip activities…

The Comedy Store:

http://www.thecomedystore.com/home.html

The Hyatt Bar/Restaurant

http://westhollywood.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/entertainment/restaurants/index.jsp

Chin Chin’s West Hollywood

http://chinchin.com/locations_whollywood.htm

Best place for California/Asian cuisine, and great people and "celebrity" watching opportunities…

Mel’s Drive In

http://www.melsdrive-in.com/hoursandlocations/westhollywood.html

Local institution, seen on too many tv shows to mention, great 50’s diner food at all hours of the day and night…

Finally, they have their own "PT Cruiser" for hotel guests, so they will drive you to destinations within a 2 mile radius or so…

Quickly and easily get to Hollywood and Highland, etc from here…

http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/

Then if you want, you can easily take The Red Line:

http://www.mta.net/riding_metro/red_line.htm

To Universal Studios…

The Farmer’s Daughter

http://www.farmersdaughterhotel.com/

Another great boutique hotel in a different area of Hollywood…

Walking distance (across the street) from CBS Studios for a tour or TV Show tickets…

http://www.cbs.com/

Then walking distance from The Grove

http://www.thegrovela.com/

Up the street is Canter’s Deli…

http://www.cantersdeli.com/

24 Hours a day great "people watching", actors, musicians, writers, etc., …

You just need to know who you’re looking for, you could be surprised…

And right next door, great 7 days a week – late night for this…

The Kibitz Room

http://www.cantersdeli.com/kibitzroom/

DJs, sometimes bands, etc. Great local Hollywood industry hangout…

Then you’re also easy quick taxi ride to Hollywood and Highland mentioned above, and all of the activities there…

#5 Universal City/Studio City Area…

If you plan on visiting Universal Studios and need a great (no need to drive) home base…

Best place is:

The Sportsman’s Lodge

http://www.slhotel.com/

Historical "Hollywood" Hotel…

Free personal shuttles to and from Universal

(and can then take the Red Line to and from Hollywood)…

This is the original "Rat Pack" hotel.

Great if you want a place with a great pool, and balconies…

Personal shuttles to and from Universal…

Walking distance to some great restaurants…

Jerry’s Deli

http://www.jerrysfamousdeli.com/

This is the one that was featured in Man on the Moon, where Andy Kaufman from Taxi and SNL worked…

Lot’s of potential actor sightings (this is where a lot of the young Hollywood actors go before or after Hollywood nightclub partying)…

I hope that this helps, or gives ideas for people in the meantime…

I’ll add pictures or more info later…

CJW

A couple of other threads that may help with ideas and info...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=511653

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=500138

CJW, I must again say you are amazing, your info is fantastic.

On your recommendation a few months ago, we booked at the Calmar suites, we will be there in May 2007 after our cruise for a week. (It sounds lovely)

This is our first trip to the US and I must say it was all a bit daunting, but after reading all the advice on these boards, we now can't wait.

We are not driving, so this info is invaluable to us.

I truly can't thank you enough for taking the time to post this information,

I would love to meet you some day, you sound like a fascinating person who loves LA.:D

Linda

Adding to this thread:

The Taste Of LA Driving Tour

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=511653

Hollywood Sign Directions

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=404640

The OC Driving Tour (which is really locations and sights between LAX and San Pedro)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=500138

San Pedro Filming Location and Sights Tour

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=567043

Great thread! I am saving this one!

Hey CJW- I will have to save this info for the next time we it LA (cruise/uncruise related). We usually stay at the Hilton when we go to Universal since its right across the street, but it would be nicer to stay someplace that isnt "canned" if you know what I mean.

Thanks!

Thank you Kurt!!! You are amazing... I might have questions.....

but have printed out this world wind of info!!!

thank you thank you!!!!