I'm travelling to the States next month and have 2 days in LA at the end of the trip.

I'm travelling to the States next month and have 2 days in LA at the end of the trip. This will be my first time in LA - any suggestions for hotels for 1 night, day tours etc?

Mikeh,

Definately head north to the Getty Centre - its very worth it and could easily be a full day of walking around. 

I've not stayed in LA for over a decade but from memory anywhere near LAX and/or Century City is dodgy! 

Mikeh, consider Hilton Universal Studios, accross the road from Universal Studios and not too far from Warner Bros. Would suit if you are looking at those type of tours. We stayed there last year and had the late night flight out of LAX. From memory the trip to the airport at that time of night was about 30-40 minutes, fixed price town car about USD75. Nice hotel certainly worth a thought.

I agree with markpk. Avoid downtown LA (to be fair they have made progreess but it's still not 100% great), CC etc.

I would stay around the Beverly Hills area. It's still close-ish to the airport and definately the nicer part of town with plenty of things to do within walking distance. There is also a good range of quality hotels to suit any budget (and most major chain to suit hotel loyalty programmes)

If I were you I would avoid most of the 'touristy' places as traffic is (generally) a nightmare and there are long queues with families etc, and is not always plesant. However if you wanted to explore I would do a day tour as that will tick the most off your to-do list.

PS. I would get to LAX early as things don't run very smoothly there. Plus the new TBIT has more to do and the new Star Alliance and OW lounges are great.

You could also consider Santa Monica. Last time my friend and I hired push bikes and rode along Santa Monica/Venice Beach. Some nice restaurants in the area too. Also take a visit to the Grove in West Hollywood, it has a good mix of shops and the farmer's market right next door is pretty nice too. In terms of getting around, public transport is crap there so highly recommend Uber in LA. Cheaper than taxi, relaible, don't have to worry about calculating tips, except I think you still can't use it for trips from LAX to the hotel as the airport doesn't like Uber pick ups but you can certainly use it to go to LAX. Or just hire a car:)

Forgot to mention the Mexican village if you do go into downtown.

Thanks everyone for the tips/info!

If you are over 62 you can get Seniors fares  on public transport, it can be a little as 35 cents for the entire journey.

In terms of shopping go to the Citadel outlets in LA, they are situated at Commerce City and there is a free bus that runs from Patsaourus Plaza at Union Station, get a discount book from the management office at Citadel.

Another great place for shopping is opposite the Beverly Centre Mall at 100 N La Cienega Blvd, you can get the bus there or park at the Beverly Centre

Nordstrom Rack , Saks off Fifth are there but Marshalls  are great  as well , they had Levi jeans for $25 when i was there and very cheap luggage

Go on the hop on hop bus on the first day to get your bearings, the red route is worth while