Summer Budget Travel to Hollywood and Greater Los Angeles

Summer fun is just around the corner; how about a trip to Hollywood and Greater Los Angeles? California is the biggest economy in the United States, and a place where "discount" is rarely spoken. But, with some wise planning, a week in the California sunshine can be fun and affordable.

When choosing a hotel, the location is key to crunching the budget. Car rental, with insurance, gas, and parking fees, if you're lucky enough to find a space, can mount to hundreds of dollars for just one week. By using a one week Metrolink pass at $17, that makes your transportation costs capped at $2.42 per day. The Los Angeles train system will take you from LAX international airport to downtown Hollywood in less than an hour, and it covers all Los Angeles buses in addition to the trains. www.metro.net

The first connection from LAX is from Metrolink's Aviation Station. From there, you travel eastward on the Greenline about 12 minutes to the Rosa Parks Station. Exit the Greenline and board the 25 minute northbound Blueline, terminating at the Metro Station in the upscale financial district of Los Angeles.

This area, known as Bunker Hill, is notoriously expensive, but there are two fine quality budget hotels that will put you in the heartbeat of Los Angeles for under $100 a night. The first is the Bonaventure, best known for it's presense in many a Hollywood movie, such as Clint Eastwood's "In the Line of Fire". The Bonaventure, located on the corner of Flower and 5th Street, sells it's rooms at full price on their website. By booking through Hotels.com, the rates are reduced to $96 a night and you are a two minute walk from the Metrolink station. In addition, some of the cheapest Bunker Hill dining is had inside this hotel, with an array of fast food, American and international cuisine on floors four,
five and six. www.thebonaventure.com

Staying on the Metrolink route, another two minute walk from the Metrolink station brings you to the Ritz Milner, located at 831 Flower Street, The Ritz Milner has the comfort and convenience of the neighboring hotels, but at a fraction of the cost when booked through Hotels.com. For just $80 a night, they include a free continental breakfast, in-room coffee makers and suites are available. The downtown area has spectacular views at night and is just minutes from Hollywood Boulevard via the train. For sports enthusiasts, it's a five -block southbound walk to the Staples Center, home to the Los Angeles Lakers. www.staplescenter.com, www.milner-hotels.com

If you prefer to stay in the heart of Hollywood, then board the Metrolink Redline from the downtown station.
A 16 minute ride will take you to Hollywood Boulevard, where the city is at your fingertips from your hotel. By choosing a budget hotel in the 5000 to 7000 blocks, you can walk to most everything from tourist attractions
to fine dining and shoestring meals.

For an old-world 1950's flair hotel, try the Hollywood Downtowner at 5601 Hollywood Blvd. Well-priced at $80, they offer late checkout at 4pm, free breakfast, swimming pool, cable TV, wireless connections, fridge, coffee makers and in select units, a microwave oven.
www.hollywooddowntowner.com

Located just off Hollywood Blvd at 6364 Yucca Street, is the condo-style Westside Rentals Hollywood Hotel.
They offer concierge service, breakfast, a fitness center and a brief walk to the famed intersection of Hollywood and Vine Street, starting at $72. Also, your pets are welcome here.
866-539-0036.

Two blocks away from American Idol's Kodak Theatre,Hollywood Blvd and Mann's Chinese Theatre (formally known as Grauman's), is the clean and cozy Rodeway Inn. This price-cruncher is in the heart of all the action and offers free breakfast, cable TV, wireless internet access, pool, and coffee makers for only $74. www.rodewayinn.com

A half mile south of Hollywood Blvd, is the beautiful Saharan Hotel at 7212 Sunset Blvd This location is a five minute walk to the Metrolink at Hollywood and Vine St. and offers large, stylish accomodation with free breakfast, a tour desk, coffee maker, fridge, cable TV and more. In addition, if you wish to book a day trip from the top Hollywood tour companies, they will pick you up at this location. Half day tours start at $15. www.starlinetours.com and www.hollywoodtours.com
www.saharanhotel.com

Economical dining lies between the 5000 and 6000 blocks on Hollywood Blvd and all within walking distance from your hotel. Some of what you'll find is the Sizzler Steakhouse Mc Donalds, Denny's on Sunset, open 24/7Starbucks and Coffee Bean.

Along side the cheap eats are some Hollywood hotspots with surprisingly reasonable rates. For a moderately priced meal (under $15) try the famed Pig N' Whistle at 6714 Hollywood Blvd. Opened in the 1920's, it was a wateringhole for the likes of Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy. Revamped today, Pig N' Whistle is a favorite of the new Hollywood crowd.
www.pignwhistle.com

Other moderate hot spots are Cinespace and the always opened Kitchen 24. Favorite attractions within walking distance include the Kodak Theatre, which runs daily tours for $15 , Mann's Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Wax Museum . Universal Studios is four miles north, and the Metrolink will take you to the door from Hollywood Blvd. By ordering your Universal Studios passes online, you will receive a two-day pass for the price of one and discounts on your dining at Universal City Walk.

www.cinespace.info
www.kitchen24.com
www.kodaktheatre.com
www.manntheatres.com
www.hollywoodwax.com
www.universalstudioshollywood.com