LA Hotel Help

Question

I’m traveling with two other families (9 total on our group, adults/teens) in early August from St. Louis to see the Cardinals play the Dodgers. We’re struggling to find a centrally located hotel that will not break the bank in ride share costs for the activities we’re interested in: Dodger game, WB studio tour, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood sign, and Rodeo Drive window shopping. Time is getting short and we’re out of our depth since none of us have visited LA before. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

Finding a hotel for a large group in Los Angeles can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors who want to minimize ride share costs while visiting key attractions. Since your group includes adults and teens, comfort, safety, and convenience should all be balanced with budget.

Here are some considerations and hotel options based on your itinerary:

Hollywood/Mid-Wilshire Area: Staying near Hollywood Boulevard or the Mid-Wilshire area (around La Brea/Normandie) puts you within 20–30 minutes of the Dodgers Stadium, WB Studio, Griffith Observatory, and Hollywood attractions. It’s a central spot for ride share and metro access.
Koreatown: Koreatown is another central option. Hotels tend to be more affordable than Hollywood or Beverly Hills, and it’s a short ride to Griffith Park, the Dodgers stadium, and Hollywood sites. Plus, it offers lots of dining options for teens and adults.
Beverly Grove / West Hollywood: If Rodeo Drive and shopping are a priority, this area puts you close to high-end shopping and still within reasonable distance to the other attractions. Hotels may be pricier, but you save on ride share to Rodeo Drive.

Some practical tips for your situation:

Look for hotels with family suites or connecting rooms; for 9 people, multiple rooms will likely be necessary. Booking early may allow some group discounts.
Consider hotels near Metro Red Line stops. For example, Hollywood/Highland station or Wilshire/Vermont. The Red Line connects Hollywood to Downtown and can reduce reliance on ride shares.
For the Dodger game, note that the stadium has its own parking, but Uber/Lyft can drop you near the entrance. Staying near Echo Park, Silver Lake, or Downtown LA can shorten this ride.
WB Studio Tour is in Burbank, roughly 30–40 minutes from Hollywood/Mid-Wilshire by ride share. Staying in Hollywood keeps you relatively central to both Burbank and LA hotspots.
Check hotels that include free parking if you decide to rent a car for flexibility, especially for large groups.

Recommended hotel chains or options that frequently work well for groups include:

Loews Hollywood Hotel (central, walking distance to Hollywood attractions)
Best Western Plus Hollywood Hills (more budget-friendly, central location)
Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood (good for teens, modern, pool)
Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE / Downtown (if you prefer slightly more upscale, central location, closer to Dodgers Stadium)
Airbnb or vacation rental in Hollywood or Koreatown (sometimes best value for larger groups, especially with shared common space)

In summary, a hotel in the Hollywood/Mid-Wilshire area is likely your best balance between convenience, centrality, and ride share efficiency. Koreatown is a strong budget-conscious alternative. Booking quickly is key since early August is a busy period in LA, especially around major attractions and events like baseball games.

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