Where to base our first time in Los Angeles

Question

Hello,

I have been reading this forum and I am still unsure of where to stay. We plan a 4-5 nights in mid July and do not want to rent a car. We plan to use a sightseeing tour and public/share transportation. We probably like to tour tourist places and do not care for beaches or nightlife. We have Hilton points and would like to know which hotel in their networks that is best for this trip.

Thank you so much for your time!

Answer

For a first-time visit to Los Angeles without renting a car, choosing a hotel in a central location with easy access to sightseeing tours, public transit, and rideshare services is key. Since you plan to visit classic tourist attractions and aren’t focused on beaches or nightlife, staying near Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) is usually the most practical option.

Why Downtown LA works well for first-time tourists:

It’s central to many major attractions like the Broad Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Olvera Street, and Union Station.
It offers easy access to tour buses, hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tours, and public transit lines connecting to Hollywood, Griffith Park, and Santa Monica.
It’s well-served by rideshare services for places not accessible by transit.

Hilton has several properties in or near Downtown LA that can fit your needs. Recommended options include:

Hilton Checkers Los Angeles: A historic hotel located close to many downtown attractions, offering classic comfort and easy access to sightseeing tours and public transit.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown: Centrally located near Pershing Square and major metro lines, convenient for sightseeing without a car.
Hampton Inn & Suites Los Angeles/Historic Core: A budget-friendly option that still places you in the heart of Downtown, close to public transit, restaurants, and walking distance to some attractions.

If you want to prioritize Hollywood sightseeing specifically, staying near Hollywood & Highland can also work, but public transit is more limited than DTLA. From Hollywood, you can access the Metro Red Line for trips downtown or to Universal Studios.

Additional tips for navigating LA without a car:

Use hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses for a flexible and guided way to see major tourist sites. Many pick up directly near central hotels.
Plan Metro trips in advance using Google Maps or the Transit app to avoid waiting and to understand travel times.
Rideshare apps are very useful for destinations that aren’t well-served by Metro or tours, such as Griffith Observatory or specific Hollywood hills viewpoints.
Book your Hilton hotel using points in advance, as mid-July is peak tourist season and availability can be limited.

In summary, for a first-time visit without a car, Downtown Los Angeles is the most practical base. Hilton properties like Hilton Checkers, DoubleTree Downtown, and Hampton Inn & Suites Historic Core provide central access to sightseeing tours, public transportation, and rideshare options, making it easy to explore the city efficiently.

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