1st time in L.A.

After spending a week in orlando in July we are moving on to L.A. for another week. Not entirely pushed about Universal as we ill have has the week in Orlando. Eager to see as much as possible over the course of 6 days in L.A. and wondering where is the best place to base ourselves. No car and budget of approximately $1,200 - $1,500. Nightlife isn%26#39;t a huge issue but would like to be able to go for dinner and a few drinks within walking distance. Help greatly appreciately!

1st time in L.A.

That%26#39;s about $200/night - so I would look to see what you can find, especially at this late date. Try Hollywood or West Hollywood.

1st time in L.A.

Do you think that Hollywood is the best area to stay in so??? Would it be relatively easy to travel to a beach or to even do a day trip to another area? First time in U.S. and trying to squeeze in as much as possible

Hollywood is fairly centrally located and has a vibrant nightlife with bars and restaurants, plus it is a major public transportation hub.

Let us know if you are more looking into doing the sights all over L.A. or want to more relax by the beaches. L.A. is a big city, you are looking into 40/50 min one way rides by bus to the beach from Hollywood but would save a lot of time on the other hand with the sights to see in the area which you can walk to. Downtown L.A. as you can take the subway there and places like The Grove and Farmers Market(one quick busride)

Another option might be West Hollywood, which is right next to Hollywood. Hotels like the Best Western Sunset Plaza has great reviews and is located along the Sunset Strip with plenty of cool hotelbars you could choose from. Besides the bars and billboards along Sunset there are really no tourist attractions in the area, so you would have to take the bus to any point of interest. On the other hand, you are a little closer(like 10/15 min towards the beach and beverly hills)

You can skip Universal or themeparks out here if you already done Orlando(except Magic Mountain maybe if you like rollercoasters and big rides but that place is hard to reach without a car)

I would look into the Orchid, Celebrity or Magic Castle Hotel in Hollywood, all are getting great reviews on here and located in an area you can walk around and explore plenty of fun places to dine and wine yourself

We are more interested in getting to see attractions really. Probably wouldn%26#39;t say no to one day at the beach but it%26#39;s not a necessity. Is it possible to take day trips from L.A. to other areas of interest?

You need to buy a book to become more familiar with LA. Your questions will be answered there, and then you can ask us more specific questions. Also, take a look at a map to get to know the area. LA is one hour from one end to the other, by car.

Or, at the very least, visit a website like Frommers or Lonely Planet.

What are ';other areas of interest'; to you? Anything is possible to do really.

Thanks for all your advice thus far. Possibly a day trip to san diego or would that be an impossibility. . . too much travelling etc???

Trip to San Diego is a good 2 1/2 hours one way and that is without traffic, so you would look into spending half a day on the freeway. Not so much fun.

To make it enjoyable, why not take the train. It%26#39;s a two hour ride, half of it along the coast. Get some wine and enjoy the views. The trainstation is in downtown San Diego, so you can go ahead and explore the city from there. That way you wont have the stress of driving and traffic and it is also a fun way to travel

That sounds like a very good day trip. Do you know a lot about The Hollywood Hills Hotel (90068)? I sit close to public transportation??

You%26#39;ll probably wish that you had a car if you are staying a full week. So much to get out and see within a couple hours of L.A.

If not, try to get into Hilgard House in Westwood. Easy cheap transport from LAX via the Flyaway Westwood. Lots of dining nearby, safe area. Great public transport both east %26amp; westbound. And most of all, after a terribly hot week in Florida July heat, you are going to want to be nearer the west side, Westwood still gets some ocean breezes while Hollywood will generally be stifling.