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Coming to LA from Portland,OR for the first time with my husband (early 40's) March 28-April 2. I have booked a refundable room at The Aster in Hollywood despite some reservations regarding noise and location/concerns of walkability. However I am second guessing my decision and wanted some more specific advice if there is a better location/hotel for me to choose as a home base. Ideally walkable to coffee/restaurants, reasonably safe, not too noisy, a good central location from what we have planned, $400/night or less. Will be renting a car.

Have plans to visit the following:

- Richard Nixon Presidential Library (I know its far, it's a bucket list thing)

- Jet Propulsion Laboratory (have tickets for a tour)

- WB Studio tour

- Griffith Park

- Santa Monica Pier/area beaches

- La Brea Tar Pits

- Pederson Car Museum

- Architcture/History Walking tour of Downtown

Currently considering switching hotel to Short Stories in the Grove area, Normandie in Koreatown, or The Metric in Westlake. Very open to other suggestions.

Answer

For a first-time visit to Los Angeles with your itinerary and preferences in mind, choosing the right hotel base can significantly impact your experience. Since you are renting a car, walkability is less critical than safety, convenience, and minimizing noise. Here’s a breakdown of your options and considerations.

Hollywood (The Aster)

The Aster is in central Hollywood, which is tourist-heavy and can be noisy, especially at night. Walkability is decent for restaurants and coffee shops, but some streets can feel a bit chaotic after dark. It's convenient for Griffith Park, WB Studio Tour, and short drives to Downtown or Santa Monica.

Other Hotel Areas to Consider:

Short Stories in The Grove area: Excellent for walkability to The Grove, Farmers Market, and Fairfax restaurants. The area is safe and well-trafficked. It’s also fairly central for visits to La Brea Tar Pits, LACMA, and reasonable drive to Santa Monica or Hollywood. Noise is moderate, mostly from commercial areas.
Normandie in Koreatown: Koreatown is vibrant, full of restaurants and coffee shops. Safety is generally okay in main areas, though some streets require caution at night. It’s a central location for downtown, Griffith Park, and mid-city attractions. Traffic noise can be an issue depending on exact location.
The Metric in Westlake: Westlake is closer to downtown, but some parts can feel less safe for walking, especially after dark. Walkability is limited compared to Hollywood or The Grove. Best if your focus is downtown architecture, JPL drive, and museums, but less ideal for restaurants or casual strolls.

Recommended Approach:

Given your plans and preferences, a balance of safety, moderate noise, and centrality is key. If your top priorities are Hollywood attractions and moderate walkability:

Consider staying around The Grove/Fairfax area (Short Stories). You get safety, good dining options, and reasonable driving distances to all planned attractions.
Hollywood remains okay if you prioritize being close to WB Studio Tour and Griffith Park, but expect more tourist hustle.
Koreatown is great for food and nightlife, central for drives, but a bit less serene.

Additional Suggestions:

Downtown LA near Bunker Hill (e.g., The Wayfarer or boutique hotels near the Music Center). Good for architecture/history walking tours, JPL drives, and museums. Walkability for dining is fair, but streets can be quieter at night.
Santa Monica is lovely for beachside access and dining, but would add more drive time to Griffith Park, WB Studio Tour, and Nixon Library. Consider only if you want one or two nights by the coast.

In summary, for safety, convenience, and a mix of city and Hollywood attractions, the Short Stories area near The Grove is probably your best compromise. Normandie in Koreatown works if you want a lively dining scene and central access. The Aster is fine if proximity to Hollywood Boulevard and WB Studios is top priority but expect some noise and tourist crowds.

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