Los Angeles is a vast metropolis and a vibrant city. With so many great attractions, restaurants and outdoor activities to experience, it’s helpful for visitors to be aware of money-saving perks. These five properties go out of their way to help guests stretch their travel dollars.
O Hotel Los Angeles
This boutique hotel, located in the heart of Downtown’s Financial District is both stylish and affordable. The 7th Street Metro Station is less than two blocks away, and it’s also convenient to L.A. LIVE, the Music Center and Walt Disney Concert Hall, not mention many trendy eateries and cocktail lounges. The onsite Bar | Kitchen is quite popular, even with locals. Guest rooms total 67, and each has an ultra-comfortable bed and a European-style bathroom. A $12 per day service charge (similar to a resort fee) includes many amenities.
Free perks: Continental breakfast; WiFi; phone calls to within the Continental U.S. and Canada; printing and faxing services; daily newspaper; bottled water; access to the nearby Gold’s Gym on Figueroa (there’s also an onsite, 24-hour fitness center); DVD players, upon request.
819 S. Flower St., Los Angeles, 213.623.9904
www.ohotelgroup.com
The Magic Castle Hotel
As the name suggests, this darling property is located right next door to the world-famous Magic Castle, which features regular performances by the top performers of the trade. The typically members-only venue bends the rules by opening its sliding-bookcase door to guests of the hotel (kids can visit during weekend brunch). Most of the 44-rooms are set up like apartments, with full kitchens, and all surround the swimming pool and courtyard. Underground parking costs $11 per night. It’s less than a half-mile walk to the Hollywood & Highland Center, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and Madame Tussauds Hollywood.
Free perks: Continental breakfast (pastries provided by Susina Bakery); WiFi throughout the property; 24-hour snacks; DVD rentals; popsicles by the 24-hour pool; cucumber water in the lobby.
7025 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, 323.851.0800
http://magiccastlehotel.com
Azul Inn West Los Angeles
Located just east of Westwood Boulevard, the cozy Azul Inn is mere minutes from Westwood Village, UCLA and Persian Square. The Getty Center is also a short drive away, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about seven miles from the inn. From the exterior, the tan, two-story building blends seamlessly into the neighborhood; inside the 56 guest rooms are each outfitted with pillow-top mattresses, and are attractively decorated in blue and brown tones. A fridge and coffeemaker are also come standard. A shared microwave is located in the lobby. Lounge chairs and an umbrella-covered patio table surround the small pool.
Free perks: WiFi; Continental breakfast; parking; kids under 12 stay free, unless they require a rollaway bed ($10).
10740 Santa Monica Blvd., Westwood, 310.474.4576
www.azulinnwestlosangeles.com
Best Western Plus Mikado Hotel
As locals like to call it, "the Mikado" has been a staple in North Hollywood since 1960. It’s situated right off the 101 Freeway and only five miles from Universal Studios Hollywood. The simple, two-story exterior belies a uniquely decorated property has both Asian accents and Old Western bronze art by Frederic Remington. Each of the 58 unites is outfitted with a refrigerator and microwave. There’s nice pool and hot tub area, which is very popular with families. Hotels guests enjoy a 10 percent discount at the next-door Mikado Japanese Restaurant and sushi bar—the oldest in the Valley.
Free perks: Hot buffet breakfast; overnight parking; WiFi; kids under 12 stay free; rollaway beds, based on availability.
12600 Riverside Dr., North Hollywood, 818.763.9141
http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/US/CA/North-Hollywood-hotels/BES...
San Pedro Inn & Suites
Located in close proximity to the World Cruise Terminal, the Port of Los Angeles and Old San Pedro, this affordably priced property has Colonial-meets-beach-chic look on the outside, while it's pure European-style charm on the inside. Each of the 60 rooms and suites are spacious and elegantly decorated, and guests can take advantage of the swimming pool, Jacuzzi and fitness center. Parking is free, unless visitors leave their cars while cruising, in which case, it’s $12 per day (less expensive than parking at the terminal).
Free perks: WiFi; Continental breakfast; 24-hour coffee, tea, hot chocolate and popcorn in the lobby; printing and fax services; access to two communal computers; in-room coffee; in-room toothbrush and toothpaste; shuttle to and from the terminal.
111 S. Gaffey Street, San Pedro, 310.514.1414
www.sanpedroinnandsuites.com