Accommodation near Hollywood bowl shuttle

Question

Husband & I (in our 60’s) will be arriving in Los Angeles, at the end of our Route 66 trip, on Sunday 23rd June.

We have tickets to the Hollywood bowl for Sunday 23rd & we’d like to return the hire car on that day too, so we will need to use public transportation for the last few days of our trip.

We’ve been to LA a couple of times in the past so have seen a good few of the touristy things.

Ideally I’d to spend 3 nights relaxing in Santa Monica near the beach and I’d also like to visit the Grove area for lunch & ( window) shopping at some point.

With all the other things to plan for the route 66 trip, I’d be really grateful for any recommendations of hotels/ areas where we can get the shuttle service to the Hollywood Bowl which are close to,or in the area of Santa Monica.

Many thanks

Joy

Answer

For your plans in Los Angeles, staying near Santa Monica is a great choice for a relaxing beachside experience while still being able to access the Hollywood Bowl via shuttle or public transportation. While there aren’t hotels right next to the Bowl itself in Santa Monica, there are several options that make getting there manageable.

First, it’s helpful to know that the Hollywood Bowl Shuttle typically runs from various locations including Hollywood and nearby transit hubs, but not directly from Santa Monica. That means you will either need to drive to a shuttle pick-up point, use rideshare, or use public transport. With your plan to return your rental car, rideshare or a combination of Metro and shuttle is likely the easiest option.

Hotel options in or near Santa Monica that offer a comfortable stay and good access to your planned activities:

Shutters on the Beach: Classic beachfront hotel with luxurious rooms and great dining options. Walking distance to the Santa Monica Pier and beach.
Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel: Family-friendly, modern amenities, and beachfront location. Easy to relax and enjoy the pool or beach.
Hotel Casa del Mar: Upscale hotel with Mediterranean-style decor, ocean views, and high-end dining, right on the beach.
Viceroy Santa Monica: Contemporary boutique hotel with stylish pool area and restaurants, near the Third Street Promenade for shopping.
Shore Hotel: Eco-friendly boutique hotel, steps from the beach and within walking distance to shops and restaurants.

For visiting The Grove and window shopping:

From Santa Monica, taking an Uber or Lyft to The Grove is straightforward and usually takes 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
If you want public transport, you can take the Metro Expo Line to downtown LA and transfer to a bus near The Grove, though this can take 1–1.5 hours and may be less convenient with your luggage or after a long drive.

For the Hollywood Bowl:

Consider taking a rideshare directly from your hotel to a shuttle pick-up location, or directly to the Bowl if convenient. Driving to the Bowl early in the evening and using the Bowl’s parking shuttle system is another option, though traffic can be heavy.
If returning your rental on the day of the concert, plan to drop it off in Hollywood or a downtown location and then hop on the shuttle or rideshare to the Bowl. This will minimize stress and maximize enjoyment.

Overall, staying in Santa Monica offers a relaxing beach experience and proximity to restaurants and shops, but be prepared for some combination of rideshare or public transport to reach the Hollywood Bowl. Choose a hotel with good concierge or front desk service—they can advise on the most convenient shuttle or ride options for your evening concert.

Accommodation near Hollywood bowl shuttle

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