LA Hotel recommendations

[PirateFrank]

Hey Folks,

So we're coming into California for about 10 days this summer...with the main attraction being our first trip to DLR. However, we've decided to bookend the DLR trip with some LA and San Diego time. We've got the lodging covered in both DLR and San Diego but I'm really at a loss for where to stay in LA. I just don't have the local knowledge to understand what's a good place to stay.

We're planning on going to Universal Holywood, some other studio tours, maybe do Graumans/Walk of Fame, visit the beverly hills/sunset strip, Santa Monica Pier, etc.

The following hotel caught my eye:
http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/hilton-los-angeles-universal-city-BURUCHF/index.html
It seems extremely convenient for Universal and some of the other studios in burbank, etc.

However, it might not be a convenient spot for dropping down into LA or spots near the coast. So first question is - How much of a drive is it from Universal City to get to say Grauman's or the Walk of Fame? How much is it of a drive to get to Santa Monica Pier?

Second question is -- Are there better hotel options out there given what I'm looking to do? Any suggestions will be greatly welcome...

 

[Californian Elitist]

From that Hilton, Hollywood and Highland (aka where the Walk of Fame, Dolby Theatre, Chinese Theatre, and the El Capitan are) is a 3-5 minute drive away. Takes no time at all, unless there's traffic. Santa Monica would be close to 20 minutes away.

Will you be renting a car? How many of you will there be?

 

[PirateFrank]

Thanks!!!
We're definitely renting a car for the LA portion - its 4 of us. Myself, my wife, daughter and son. We're returning the car while we're at DLR and getting another rental for the drive down to SD.

Speaking of car rentals, I just reserved one this morning - holy cow! The litany of fees and taxes for renting a car out of LAX will kill you (on top of the inflated rates). All of the major car rental companies (with Alamo being the worst) are charging practically double for the 4 day one-way rental out of LAX to Anaheim (around $500 for a full sized car) than they are for the 4 day one-way rental from Anaheim to SD ($230 for a full sized car).

 

[Californian Elitist]

Yeah, it's not cheap renting a car out of LAX...at all.

There's the Loews Hollywood Hotel, which is where the tourist sites are, and a short drive away from Universal (exact opposite of the Hilton).

http://www.loewshotels.com/hollywood-hotel/

The hotel sits right near the Hollywood and Highland Center, which is an outdoor mall.

The Roosevelt Hotel is next to the El Capitan and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and across the street from the Chinese Theatre.

http://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/hollywood-roosevelt

It's old, but classy.

The Magic Castle Hotel seems to be one of the favorites among tourists. This one's down the street from Hollywood and Highland.

http://magiccastlehotel.com/

These are the ones close to the Hollywood attractions.

The Wilshire Crest Hotel is more close to Santa Monica, but not far from Hollywood. I believe this one used to be an apartment, like the Magic Castle. It sits in a residential neighborhood near Beverly Hills, and it's pretty small and quaint.

http://www.wilshirecresthotel.com/

The Los Feliz Lodge is further away. It's about a 10-15 minute drive away, depending on traffic, but a 30+ minute drive away from Santa Monica. The lodge isn't really a hotel, but an apartment. You're withing walking distance to some local things, which is pretty cool. Something to possible consider.

http://www.losfelizlodge.com/

 

[Jahona]

I've never stayed outside of Downtown LA as I was usually attending conferences at the convention center. I used the subway system to get to Hollywood and some of the other areas. I've stopped by the Loews while visiting friends that were staying there and it seemed like a nice hotel. Downtown my picks would be Westin Bonaventure or the JW Marriott. The Marriott is right next to LA live which has a lot of great night life. Might get noisy if there is a game going on.

 

[PirateFrank]

Wow @raven24 Great suggestions! thanks!
You too @Jahona! thank you!