It almost seems that LA has been a second home over the last few years as work commitments have seen me spend a total 3-4 months out there over about 10+ trips since 2000.
I was always based around the Hollywood / Beverley Hills area and would certainly recommend this. Hollywood itself went through a bit of a downturn in the 70's and 80's and the area became quite seedy but it is back with a vengeance. Base yourself at the reasonably inexpensive but historic Hollywood Roosevelt hotel.
http://www.hollywoodroosevelt.com/ The first Acadamy awards were held here in the 1920's and it has featured in many films - most recently 'Catch me if you Can' and has recently been fully renovated. The hotel is right on Hollywood and opposite Graumans Chinese Theatre (handprints in courtyard), the new 'Hollywood and Highland shopping centre
http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/home.html and the Kodak Theater - where the Oscars are held. Pick up a free Hollywood Walking tour brochure and stroll down Hollywood Blvd, gazing at the stars on the ground - marvelling at how relatively few you've even heard of. Stop at the Pig and Whistle or Musso and Franks Grill (fantastic old Hollwood charm) for a bite to eat.
Other great places to eat - well head down Sunset one evening and take your pick - valet parking virtually everywhere. I tended to shun breakfast at the hotel and instead wandered down to Mel's Diner just off Hollwood. If you like Pizza - the California Pizza Kitchen (various locations but in Hollywood and Highland) is superb. Try to eat at Yamashiro
http://www.yamashirorestaurant.com one evening - on a hill overlooking Hollywood.
There is a metro station opposite at Hollwood and Highland so you can get around (if you want to) for a day ot two without a car - Universal Studios is a couple of stops away and you can get all the way down to Long Beach if you want to.
I would recommend a car - it is a bit difficult otherwise and Santa Monica - wander down 3rd Street Promenade or spend a couple of hours on the pier - is not served by the Metro - If you're starting in Hollywood take a leisurely drive along Santa Monica Blvd or take Sunset all the way through the hills to the coast road and then head South.
Some of the movie theaters are stunning - try to get along to the impressive ArcLight
http://www.arclightcinemas.com - more of a moviegoers club that just a theater. Take a look in some of the old theaters on Hollywood (Graumans, Egyptian, El Capitan) For shopping pop along to the Grove at Farmers Market (Third and Fairfax) and ride the street car - plenty of good eats. Alternatively other shopping at the Beverley Centre or Century City.
There are so many places to go and things to do around Hollywood and out to the coast that I did not really make too many long excursions but if you do venture further afield I would certainly recommend a drive up the Ventura highway to Ventura which is a charming little town with a lovely marina - take the coast road back but don't leave it too late. Likewise head South to Long Beach and take a trip over to picturesque Catalina Island.
The glamour and glitz will get to you as you survey the 'beautiful people'. Keep your eyes open and you may get lucky and see someone famous. Take a Movie Stars Home Tour - wonderfully tacky but a must do if you can overcome your own revulsion - I saw Peter Falk dressed as Santa CLause outside his house.
Overall - I have to say - get the flight booked and get over there.
Phil (Buffy)
