So you decided on L.A., wise choice. As far as an area close to "tourist stuff", L.A. is so spread out it's hard to suggest a area close to everything. Since you have teenagers I'll assume you'll want to visit at least one theme park, so I'll go with the Universal City area (Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk). This location offers you the advantage of a free shuttle running between the park and nearby hotels, which frees you up to drive over to Rodeo and browse, while the teenagers are off visting Shrek, the Terminator and Jurassic Park for the third time. Hotels- the Sheraton Universal and the Hilton Universal Towers are within walking distance while the Beverly Garland Holiday Inn <a href="http://www.beverlygarland.com/" target="_blank">http://www.beverlygarland.com/</A> is a little further away, it is however cheaper. I just talked to the Holiday Inn (818-980-8000) and they quoted me a $75 airline rate for July 22nd and 23rd, parking $9 a day.

The Oscars are held at the Kodak Theatre, <a href="http://www.kodaktheatre.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kodaktheatre.com/</A> which is in the Hollywood & Highland entertainment complex.
<a href="http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/home.html" target="_blank">http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/home.html</A>
Mann's Chinese is nearby and the Walk of Fame is under foot Here's a site <a href="http://www.seeingstars.com/Immortalized/WalkOfFameStars.shtml" target="_blank">http://www.seeingstars.com/Immortalized/Wa...FameStars.shtml</A> with a few star locations; I wouldn't want you wandering around, eyes down, bumping into street signs.

BTW, parking can be a problem on Hollywood Blvd. When I go down there I usually park on residential streets and walk, however since you don't have time to fool around, I suggest you park in the parking garage at the complex. The site lists parking rates as $2.00 for 4 hours with validation.

If I can be of more help let me know. Have fun and definitely wear your sunglasses .

Keep'em flying



[This message was edited by Migflanker on July 19, 2003 at 02:51 PM.]