The Biltmore

Question

Hi All,

Myself and my fiancé are visiting in a couple of weeks time from the UK and we are staying at the biltmore in downtown LA. Everything I am reading seems to be so negative which really isn’t making me feel great. I am looking to do the “touristy” things I.e visit universal, go to the Hollywood sign & Santa Monica. My plan is to use public transport going such as the trams and get an Uber coming back. My questions are:

• is it safe/feel safe getting public transport to such areas?

• where can I purchase a TAP card to allow me to get onto the tram system?

• is it all doom and gloom or are people overly negative?

Thankyou!!!

Answer

Visiting Los Angeles can definitely be an exciting experience, and staying at the Biltmore in downtown LA puts you in a central location with easy access to many attractions. While it’s true that some reviews online can be negative, much of that is exaggerated or based on isolated incidents. Downtown LA has areas that are perfectly safe for tourists, especially around well-traveled streets, hotels, and cultural landmarks.

Regarding safety and public transport:

Los Angeles Metro, which includes the Metro Rail (subway and light rail) and Metro Bus system, is generally safe during the day and early evening. Like any major city, it’s best to remain aware of your surroundings, keep personal items secure, and avoid less crowded stations late at night.
Using public transport to popular tourist spots like Universal City (via the Red Line subway), the Hollywood area, and Santa Monica (via the Expo Line to Downtown Santa Monica) is common and convenient. Many locals and tourists use these services daily.
Combining public transport with rideshares like Uber or Lyft for the return trip is a sensible approach, especially if you’re out late or in less familiar areas.

About the TAP card:

You can purchase a TAP card at any Metro Rail station, from ticket vending machines, or at some local convenience stores. It can be loaded with stored value or passes for multiple days.
Using a TAP card allows you to seamlessly access Metro buses and trains without worrying about exact cash fares.

As for the general sentiment:

Los Angeles does have areas with challenges such as homelessness and traffic congestion, which often attract negative headlines online. However, these do not define the city or your visit experience.
Touristy areas like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Universal Studios are very well maintained, heavily monitored, and frequented by visitors safely every day.
Many people online tend to focus on worst-case scenarios, so it’s often more doom-and-gloom than the reality most visitors experience.

Tips to make your visit smoother and more enjoyable:

Plan your Metro routes ahead of time using the official Metro app or Google Maps to check schedules.
Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables openly while on public transport.
Start your trips early in the day for attractions, as mornings tend to be less crowded and safer on public transport.
Consider combining walking tours or guided tours in popular areas, which can enhance safety and enjoyment.

Overall, your approach of using public transport to go to attractions and Uber to return is a reasonable and common strategy. While it’s wise to stay aware, there’s no need to let negative reviews overshadow your plans. Enjoy your time exploring LA and its famous sights!