First time in L.A should we move hotels

Question

We are making a trip down the coast from San Francisco to LA. We have booked the Best Western Surestay at Santa Monica from the 23.9.23 to 26.9.23, then the Hollywood Celebrity Hotel from the 26.9.23 to 29.9.23, and finally the Suncoast Hotel Anaheim for Disney from the 29.9.23 until 2.10.23.

We are starting to think about combining the first two hotel bookings into one. Either by extending the Surestay booking or moving both bookings to a Beverly Hills Hotel. One day we are wanting to go to Universal (which we were going to do from the Hollywood Celebrity Hotel). Having one hotel would save us having to pack and move, however we are unsure if it is for the better (having two hotels) with regards to getting around and seeing things.

Any thoughts on which way would be best would be appreciated

Answer

When planning your first trip to Los Angeles, deciding whether to stay in one hotel or multiple hotels depends on your priorities for convenience versus location. Both options have pros and cons.

Staying in Two Hotels (Santa Monica + Hollywood):

Pros:

Proximity to attractions: Santa Monica is ideal for the beach, shopping, and relaxing by the ocean, while Hollywood gives you easier access to Universal Studios, the Walk of Fame, and other Hollywood-area sites.
Less driving: You reduce daily commute time to attractions by staying closer to each area.
Experience two distinct neighborhoods: You’ll get a taste of both the coastal vibe of Santa Monica and the Hollywood urban scene.

Cons:

Packing and moving: Switching hotels requires time to pack, check out, and check in, which can be inconvenient.
Potential additional cost: Some hotels charge fees for late check-outs or early check-ins if your travel timing doesn’t align perfectly.

Staying in One Hotel (Extended Stay in Santa Monica or a Beverly Hills Hotel):

Pros:

Convenience: You only pack once and can settle in, which reduces stress and saves time.
Familiarity: You know your surroundings, parking, and hotel amenities, which can make the stay more comfortable.

Cons:

Longer commutes: Staying in Santa Monica and visiting Hollywood or Universal Studios will require 30–60 minutes of driving each way depending on traffic. LA traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours.
Missed neighborhood experience: You won’t get the full Hollywood experience in terms of walkability and nearby dining or attractions.

Suggestions:

If your main goal is sightseeing and reducing travel stress, two hotels make sense: Santa Monica for coastal relaxation and Hollywood for central access to Hollywood attractions and Universal Studios.
If you prefer a more relaxed stay and don’t mind driving, consider a single hotel in a central location like Beverly Hills or West Hollywood. This allows you to explore multiple areas but requires planning for traffic.
For visiting Universal Studios specifically, staying closer to Hollywood/Universal for at least one night may be beneficial to minimize commute times, even if you primarily stay in Santa Monica.

Overall, many first-time visitors choose the two-hotel option to balance convenience with experiencing distinct parts of Los Angeles. Traffic and commute times are a major factor in LA, so staying near the attractions you plan to visit each day generally improves your overall experience.

First time in L.A should we move hotels

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