Los Angeles Travel Forum

Hi! I will be working in town on Westlake Avenue for the week, but I will have Monday and Friday to myself. I would like to stay at a hotel that is close to funspots, but not to far for me to drive into town every day. I would also like the hotel to have a nice bar that people actually go to in the evening to unwind. I like to meet people when traveling. I do not like to stay in my room at night; I like to go out and see people, places, etc. I will be renting a car. I was thinking maybe the Airport Marriott or maybe the Marina Del Ray Marriott. I'm in my mid 30's. Any suggestions, tips. I would really appreciate it. There is nothing worse than staying in a boring hotel all week. Thanks!

Santa Monica would be the perfect place. Marina Del Rey isn't bad either, it's only a 10 minute drive to Santa Monica. Check out the pier area and 3rd Street Promenade.

Is Westlake Avenue in Westlake? If so that is way at the north end of Los Angeles County on the Venture County line. If that is true, then all of the suggested locations are really out of your way.

I would suggest looking around Calabassas. There is a Hilton Garden Inn that I have stayed at and is in a really great location. Walk a few 100 feet to a large center with food, drink, shopping, and fun stuff. Just up the street you can walk to Sage Brush Cantina that is a very hot spot for the locals in your age range. The area is fun to walk and very safe. It is also not far to Malibu beach and the village of Malibu.

Now I did see there is a Westlake Avenue in downtown LA near East LA, which is not a location you might want to hang out at night.

However, I see that Universal City is not to far up the 101 so it wouldn't be to bad or a commute to work. Universal City has several hotels depending on what you want to pay or what your employer wants to pay. Universal City has the studios, theme park, and city walk. City Walk is free except for parking and is a very happening spot.

You could also go north to Burbank. I stay for business at the Holiday Inn & Suites, which is in a great location. You can walk to several places to eat and drink.

My first choice would be Universal City and my first pick would the hotel at Universal Studios. You might even be able to buy a package that includes a couple of day admission to the theme park. Believe it or not, inside the park has several great places to eat, drink, and party.

A fun place to go is Westwood. I feel safe walking alone in the evening, and a fun place to grab a bite to eat is Jerry's Deli.
Diana