Help with a one night stay

Question

Hi fellow trippers!

We are a family of three adults and two kids, aged 17 and 9 years, on a west coast tour. We will land late night from Honolulu and stay at an airport hotel at Lax for the night. Next day morning, we could move into 'mainstream' LA to get a feel for the place. We will have a day and a half before joining a group tour which will cover Hollywood walk of fame etc and universal studios.

I would like advice on which hotel to book for our one night stay in LA, with no car. After going through the forum, I decided to narrow down to one main activity for our group. We are planning to visit Griffith observatory and would love to walk around/people watch in the evening. The options I am considering are Mondrian, W Hollywood and Residence inn, Glendale, the last two for their proximity to Griffith.

Thank you in advance ☺️

Answer

For a one-night stay in Los Angeles after arriving late from Honolulu, your priorities seem to be convenience, proximity to Griffith Observatory for the next day, and ease of getting around without a car. Each of the hotels you are considering offers different advantages depending on what you value most.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Mondrian Hotel, West Hollywood: This hotel is located in West Hollywood, a lively area with restaurants, nightlife, and boutique shopping. It is stylish and modern, offering a central LA location that’s good for exploring parts of Hollywood and the Sunset Strip. However, Griffith Observatory is about a 15–20 minute drive from Mondrian, and public transportation is limited, so you may need rideshares or taxis to reach it.
W Hollywood: Located near Hollywood Boulevard, this hotel gives you very easy access to iconic LA attractions like the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and Hollywood & Highland. It’s slightly closer to Griffith Observatory than Mondrian but still not within walking distance. It’s a good choice if you want to combine a quick visit to Hollywood with your evening stroll, but again, rideshare or car service will be needed for the observatory.
Residence Inn, Glendale: This hotel is in Glendale, closer to Griffith Observatory than the West Hollywood options. It’s more residential and quieter, with a more family-friendly atmosphere. Being closer to Griffith makes it easier to visit the observatory in the morning without a long commute, especially useful if you’re traveling without a car. It also provides amenities like kitchenettes, which can be convenient for families.

Additional considerations for a one-night stay without a car:

Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) will likely be necessary regardless of hotel choice, as Griffith Observatory and many LA attractions are not easily accessible by public transit from these hotels.
Evening people-watching and walking: West Hollywood and Hollywood Boulevard areas are more vibrant for strolling, dining, and entertainment, whereas Glendale is quieter and less walkable for nightlife or sightseeing.
Check hotel amenities for late-night arrivals: all three hotels accommodate late check-ins, but having in-room options or dining available may make your stay easier after a long flight.

Recommendation:

If your priority is being closest to Griffith Observatory and minimizing travel for the morning visit, Residence Inn Glendale is the best choice.
If your priority is experiencing the energy of LA in the evening with restaurants and nightlife, and you don’t mind a 15–20 minute ride to Griffith Observatory, Mondrian or W Hollywood are better options.

In summary, for a family without a car, Residence Inn Glendale provides convenience and ease of access to Griffith Observatory, while Mondrian and W Hollywood offer more of the classic LA “Hollywood vibe” for an evening stroll. Choosing depends on whether you value proximity to the observatory or a lively LA evening experience.

Help with a one night stay

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