The Way to Stay in Downtown LA

	View of Freeways Entering Los Angeles City at Night 1

Known as the entertainment hub of the world, Los Angeles ranks as the largest city in the state of California and as the second largest city in the United States. There are now over four million people spread over 498 sq mi (801 sq km), and that is only counting Los Angeles City. If the plethora of cities it has annexed are accounted for, the numbers soar above 13 million within 4,850 sq mi (7804 sq km). It now boasts one of the most extensive networks of highways, freeways, roadways and byways filled with the highest car-per-licensed-driver ratio in the world. Los Angeles is full of energy and excitement, and will not slow down anytime soon. Take, for example, the L.A. Live Project, now in construction adjacent to the already popular Staples Center, which when completed will have cost upwards of $1.7 billion and will embody a four million square foot tourism-oriented, sports and entertainment hub containing a 55 story hotel, shops, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. At the same time, the $1.8 billion Grand Avenue Development project is also underway, transforming the historic area into a popular tourist destination.

It sounds daunting, but that is the charm of Los Angeles, and the purpose of this article is to help navigate this wonderful city and enjoy it as it is meant to be enjoyed. Whether visiting for business or pleasure, WorldWeb.com Travel Guide offers the information required to find the right accommodation in Los Angeles using three important directories:

1. Accommodation Directory - Detailed information about hotels, bed and breakfasts, resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find that perfect place to stay.
2. Room Reservations - A secure online room search and reservation page, allowing the user to check for room availability and then conveniently reserve their choice online.
   
3. Maps - A detailed map system of Los Angeles and area, designed for the user to easily locate an attraction, restaurant, shop, tour or activity and see where it relates to other locations within the city.
   

DOWNTOWN

Accommodations and Attractions
With the numerous possibilities of places to see, things to do and great food to eat, downtown Los Angeles may start to feel like the center of the universe. Here tourists and business travelers alike will find no shortage of attractions conveniently located alongside most of the big name hotels. Places like the Marriott Hotel, or its neighbor, the newly renovated, Westin-Bonaventure Hotel are found next to the Los Angeles Convention Center and in the heart of the Financial District. Or stay at the Omni, on South Olive Street in the Civic Center district, and it will become obvious it's the right place to be when the Museum of Contemporary Art can practically be seen from the hotel's rooms and City Hall is just around the corner on First Street.

The Biltmore Hotel remains a prominent historic hotel in the business and cultural district of Bunker Hill. With its Italian-Renaissance architecture, and grand European charm, the Biltmore has not disappointed even the presidents and kings who frequent its rooms. Step out the door and it's only a short journey south along the Figueroa Corridor to the Staples Center, home of the Lakers and the Clippers (NBA), the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), the LA Kings (NHL), and host of more than 250 events a year. Or head a couple blocks south on Fifth Street to Broadway and discover the Historic Downtown District, and more of the 1930's art deco architecture found at the Biltmore. Much like New York's Broadway, the Broadway of Los Angeles is known as a cultural centerpiece to the history of the city. This extraordinary historic area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is full of 20th Century commercial architecture.

	The rooftop lounge at the Standard Downtown LA. 2

The Los Angeles Times described Andre Balazs's new hotel, The Standard Downtown LA, in one word; stunning. Andre Balazs himself used the term "so Jestsons". However it's described, finding a reason to leave this retro-themed business hotel, with its rooftop pool lounge, nightclub and, yes, its own barber shop, will be no easy task. Yet, once outside, with the Library Tower high above, and the chrome walls of the Walt Disney Concert Hall shining down Figueroa Street, the excitement of downtown unfolds. To experience the vibrant life of Bunker Hill, with its bounty of attractive amenities, and to stay at the Standard Hotel within this great district, is to know the progressive modern attitude of Los Angeles.

	Moroccan Suite at the Figueroa Hotel 3

Figueroa Street is a hot spot in Los Angeles for business and tourism, and is also the street the Figueroa Hotel is named after and occupies. The stone columns, skylights and Mexican tiles in this exotic oasis may have guests believing they have been transported to another time and place. The plush colorful pillows and draped silk might make them wish there was no going back. Once outside though, immersion into the modern day Los Angeles lifestyle is easy enough. The Staples Center is one block away and there is easy access to the Fashion District and Jewelry District just to the east. Together these districts span over 90 blocks between Broadway, Wall Street, Seventh Street and Pico Boulevard, and form what is known as the hub of fashion in Southern California.

	Detail of The Walt Disney Concert Hall 4

Not too far away from these world class accommodations are a variety of districts that brim with art and culture. The Arts District of Los Angeles, whose borders are roughly from Alameda Street on the west, to the Los Angeles river on the east, and from Temple Street in the north, to Fourth Street in the south, houses and celebrates the areas art's community. The Museum of Contemporary Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the countless art venues found in Gallery Row, are all found just west of the Arts District and are continually showing world class art exhibits. Down on Olvera Street visitors can learn of Los Angeles' history as a cornerstone of American culture at the state historic landmark where the city was first founded, as well as explore the colorful Mexican market that calls Olvera Street home. The city is home to so many nationalities, each with their own lively communities like Chinatown, located just north of downtown near Dodger Stadium, or Little Tokyo found on the east end of town, that at times new comers can become confused as to what country they are visiting. The world famous music and theater of Los Angeles draws many spectators with its numerous venues, like the structurally stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall, on North Grand Avenue, or just down the street from there, the Mark Taper Forum where award winning theater projects continue to please the crowds.

For more personal accommodations, a little further away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, yet with easy access to all its attractions, there are a couple of B&Bs to stay at, like the Hollywood Bed and Spring on Central Avenue, or the Inn At 657, located south of the Santa Monica Freeway.

THE LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

	The Encounter Restaurant, LAX 6

LAX is located on the coast, west of Inglewood, and south of Santa Monica. The Glenn Anderson Freeway (105) serves it from the east and the San Diego Freeway (405) from the north and south. It is the world's fifth busiest passenger airport, with 61 million people passing through its nine terminals in 2005. Because of its vast size, the Los Angeles region relies on a multiple airport system connecting LAX with the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank and the John Wayne Airport in Orange County. These other airports are closer to some of the area's well known attractions such as Disney Land, which the multiple airport system makes more accessible.

For those traveling by air there are plenty of convenient airport accommodations at places like the Four Points-Sheraton, the Hilton, or the Crowne Plaza. There are also many excellent restaurants serving the airport, including the world famous Encounter Restaurant and Bar, found in the distinctive, space-aged theme building that makes LAX so easily recognizable. Transportation to and from the airport includes shuttles, buses, taxis, car rentals, and MTA's Green Line Light Rail. There is plenty of parking and a free shuttle service that runs between the terminals, the parking lots and the Green Line.

TRANSPORTATION

So much to see, so much to do and so many streets. Whether it is a quick trip down the street or a day trip out to see the stars of Hollywood, how to get there depends only on a visitor's tastes, time and budget.

	Los Angeles Freeways 5

There is an excellent public transit system in Los Angeles. It is the second largest in the United States and it can get somebody from downtown to Hollywood in 12 minutes. It encompasses an ever expanding subway system, with the Blue Line, Green Line, Red Line, Orange Line and the soon to be extended Gold Line. Together the five lines provide service from Long Beach in the south to San Fernando Valley in the northwest, and from South Bay in the west to Pasadena in the northeast. This accessible subway, combined with six commuter rail lines, over 1,500 buses and over 200 Metro Buses, (which operate like a rail line running through the most popular areas of the city, and are hailed as a prime example of a successful bus transit program) can get a person just about anywhere in Los Angeles County. Transit maps and schedules are readily available online or aboard.

Have a little more money, or a little less time? Hire a taxi, or take a bus tour and leave it up to the locals to get you there. Renting a car is possible, however, the Los Angeles freeway system is one of the largest in the world, with 27 freeways handling millions of commuters daily. Therefore, trying to navigate it as a novice of the city is not recommended, but if you choose to do so then bring a map. For the adventurous here are a few little tips: it is relatively easy to get into downtown since it is framed by four major freeways (Pasadena Fwy, Santa Ana Fwy, Santa Monica Fwy, and Golden State Fwy), but once there, be aware of the the many one-way streets. A lot of public parking can be found spread throughout the downtown area, and is mostly concentrated at the major attractions and office towers.