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sActually, reading more of the thread, I see you are particularly interested in Universal.
Great ! There are worthwhile differences between Universal here compared with Florida, including a unique topographical aspect. You also have the rest of Hollywood nearby.
There is something to be said for staying onsite and perhaps taking some kind of ticket package with the hotel. It comes down to Hiton or Sheraton, so not cheap but then, maybe that's the level you'd be going for anyway, I don't know. You'd be right next to the off park attraction areas - Universal City Walk, etc.
Staying here, you'd have good proximity to other Hollywood things, like Warner Bros, Downtown Hollywood, the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park. Unlike downtown Hollywood, which is fun but grotty, here its is more of a safe, resort nature. Yet close to the film industry and stars related attractions by taxi, metro train or bus. Sightseeing bus tours, including "stars homes/Beverly Hills" type tours will certainly pick up from these hotels, to cover anything else that interests you, however I will say that if it is something distant like Disney, its a convoluted thing, a long day and it would be better in a way to go stay right next to it, depending on durations, level of interest etc.
I highly recommend the VIP tour of Warner. Its a different animal from the backlot tour at Universal. That's not to criticise Universal, just that one is an interesting and compehensive behind the scenes look, the other more an extended theme park ride - both great, just different !
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Speaking of Metro, the Red Line now extends up to Universal City, which gives you local train access to downtown Hollywood and ultimately to Union Station, for downtown LA i.e. the main high rise business district but also an historic old town centre. Usefully, if you don't mind taking your luggage on the Metro, Union Station is your departure point for Amtrak to San Diego, or to Anaheim for Disney by either Amtrak or the suburban Metrolink service.
If you are going to train it to San Diego, I'll give you a nicer way to do it. Take a taxi to the Amtrak station at Burbank Airport. You can pick up the same Pacific Surfliner service from there instead of Union Station ( but use Union Station for checked bag service - see website for carry on restrictions )
www.Amtrak.com
Usefully, if you are coming to stay on site at Universal as your LA stay, one airline flies from New York to Burbank airport, which is just up the road ( as opposed to flying to LAX ). JetBlue do it on certain days of the week and happen to be one of the nicest and best domestic carriers.
https://www.jetblue.com/#/
While in my earlier post I said that LA works best by staying in two or three different locations, that is relevant more to a comprehensive LA/so-Cal holiday. For a short visit and for what you have indicated is your interest, a single stay close to Universal and in particular on site at Universal City, is just fine as a single location. That, augmented perhaps by sightseeing tours and use of the Red Line Metro.
By the way, if you're also interested to finish your trip in Las Vegas for another high octane blast, then Southwest fly from Burbank, once again letting you fly more conveniently. |
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