2 nights in Los Angeles only

Question

Hi, hoping for some advice on our quick visit to LA. We are spending just 2 nights in LA before heading to San Diego for our cruise. We're not hiring a car for just 2 nights but want to do a hop on hop off tour of LA for one day. Any recommendations for where we could stay conveniently for these 2 nights without spending a fortune on ubers, etc.

Answer

For a short 2-night visit to Los Angeles without a car, your main goal should be to stay somewhere centrally located to minimize Uber/Lyft rides and make the most of your hop-on-hop-off tour.

Convenient neighborhoods for short stays:

Hollywood: Staying near Hollywood Boulevard or Highland Avenue puts you close to many hop-on-hop-off stops, TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Plenty of budget to mid-range hotels are available, and you can walk to some attractions.
Downtown LA (DTLA): Offers easy access to the Financial District, LA Live, the Staples Center area, and Union Station. Many bus and rail connections are here, plus a growing number of mid-range hotels. Ideal if you want a more urban experience and easier transit access.
West Hollywood (WeHo): Central for sightseeing and nightlife. Close to Sunset Strip and not far from Hollywood. Hotels can be pricier than Hollywood proper, but you may find deals for 2-night stays.

Hop-on-hop-off tour tips:

Most tours have multiple loops covering Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Downtown LA. Staying near a major stop reduces walking or rideshare needs.
Buy tickets online in advance for possible discounts and skip-the-line advantages.
Plan to start early in the day to hit the major stops, including Griffith Observatory (note there’s a short walk uphill), Rodeo Drive, and Santa Monica if you choose a full-day loop.

Additional practical tips for 2-night stay:

Check for hotels that include free breakfast or parking for any short Uber drop-offs; even a 10-15 min drive can save money and time.
Consider walking or using scooters for short hops in Hollywood or Downtown to further reduce costs.
If you want to squeeze in a beach visit, Santa Monica or Venice will require either a dedicated Uber ride or using the tour if it covers that route.

Overall, Hollywood or Downtown LA are your best bets for minimizing rideshare expenses while keeping you close to the hop-on-hop-off route. Booking a hotel near a major stop ensures easy access to all the sights in your brief stay.

2 nights in Los Angeles only

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