Nice, affordable hotels in LA area

[buzznwoodysmom]

We are headed to Disneyland in Jan. We will be arriving at LAX on Jan. 1st, but won't check in to the Disneyland Resort until Jan. 3rd (start of military discount). We would like to do some other things in the LA area on the 1st and 2nd, and are looking for suggestions on a decent, clean hotel at an affordable price. Any areas we should avoid? Any hotels that offer a military rate would be great. Any and all suggestions welcomed! Thanks!

Editing to add: We will be renting a car. Any suggestions on car rental companies to use (or avoid)?

[BrerGnat]

I can comfortably recommend the Marriott Courtyard LAX (the one closest to the airport), as far as having decent prices, nice rooms, and it's surprisingly quiet. However, its location is kind of a pain. I think I got a good AAA rate there when I stayed...around $135/night. I cannot recommend any other LAX area hotels, as most of them are pretty horrendous.

What other attractions are you going to be visiting. That will help with recommendations. But, just know that when you are talking about L.A. "affordable" is relative, and most places under $200-300 a night are going to be places you do NOT want to stay at.

We have been using Hertz rental car for over 10 years, exclusively. We have never had a bad experience, always get newer cars, always get upgraded, and their prices are good.

[buzznwoodysmom]

Good questions Natalie! I guess I should have included more info!

My kids have expressed interest in the following areas: Hollywood sign, walk of fame, Santa Monica pier, they would like to visit a few beaches. We really don't have a game plan (probably a bad idea). We do know that we don't plan to visit any of the other theme/amusement parks. Any suggestions on things we shouldn't miss with 15 and 13 year old boys would be appreciated.

I also realize that affordable is relative, lol. I was hoping to find something in the $100-200 range. I found tons of options online, but have no clue if these are in desirable areas. Really looking for a somewhat central location that we can have as a "home base" for those first two nights. Willing to pay a little more if it means we are in a safer location. Thanks again!

[BrowncatP]

Do NOT rent from Hertz!! The LA location is the busiest in the country. I was stuck in a line for over an hour before I got to the the rental counter. Then I had to wait another 45 minutes before they had a car ready. This was the wait even with online booking.

[BrerGnat]

Do NOT rent from Hertz!! The LA location is the busiest in the country. I was stuck in a line for over an hour before I got to the the rental counter. Then I had to wait another 45 minutes before they had a car ready. This was the wait even with online booking.

We are Gold members. We got free enrollment through our bank (USAA) and it has been amazing. We never have to visit the counter, book via the app, get a text with our car type and stall number, get in the car and drive out. Takes only as long as loading the car and finding the exit. Return is drop and go. We have no complaints in MANY rentals.

[BrerGnat]

Well, those things you mentioned are located all over LA. I actually cannot recommend any beaches up there. I would recommend Huntington Beach in north Orange County to see a great beach town with surfers. It will likely be cold, cloudy and possibly rainy at the beaches in early January, just so you know. The Hollywood sign is pretty far north, but if you drive up to Griffith Park you can see the carousel that inspired Walt to build Disneyland, Walt's train barn, etc. That park has a lot to see. At least half a day worth.

Hollywood and the walk of fame is something that you can do in a couple hours. I did it once like 20 years ago and have never been back. It's definitely a once and done. There are lots of Tours that might be fun for your kids if they are really into movies.

Santa Monica Pier is okay. Your boys will probably like it. It is iconic so worth a visit. Probably only need a couple hours for that. I would combine that with the Hollywood day.