It's safe, almost West Hollywood, but it might be a bit noisy/trafficky depending on the actual address. Read reviews carefully. Also, where you stay depends on what you plan to see and do while in the city, traffic is bothersome and can really slow you down. You wouldn't want to stay in Santa Monica if, for instance, your itinerary was Universal Studios/ Hollywood/ Warner Brothers Tour/ Griffith Observatory/ The Science Center, The Zoo and The Staples Center.

P.S. Alamo, National and Hertz usually show the best rental car rates for Aussies...all fees and insurances are included in their rate quotes usually(check and compare the FINAL price)l

Is it worth looking at properties such as Residence Inns or Staybridge suite type accommodation, for a family? We have stayed in both Santa Monica and West Hollywood, both locations are great depending on whether you want beach/seaside or city. Yes Santa Monica is a long way from Universal Studios but the distances and/or traffic seems to be great no matter where you stay.

I must say Im surprised that an apt near N Alta Vista Blvd/Fountain Ave in W Hollywood is a well received transpacific family destination by Fodorites

I recommend the Cal Mar Hotel in Santa Monica. Used to be an apartment building so the rooms also have kitchens. Is in an area that is fun to explore - day and night.
http://calmarhotel.com/

This property would be West of La Brea and closer, somewhat, to West Hollywood, but certainly right in Hollywood. I think anything west of La Brea would be acceptable for any family, with the proviso that one be mindful of the children outside, day or night . It being an apartment vs. a house thought -- now that would not be my ideal spot with children.

I remember we had another question about a Hollywood house rental, which we did not recommend for families, as it was located more in East Hollywood, which is pretty grungy.

Any plans to visit Disneyland? If so you need to be aware that Disneyland and California Adventure are in Anaheim, a 45-60 minute drive without rush hour traffic. Anaheim is in a different county than LA. If so, consider splitting your stay.
For car rental, look into traveljigsaw, it gets good reviews from folks from OZ on another forum and will include all your insurance.
Have a great trip.

" . . . a hotel would be very crampy."

An apartment is likely a good choice, but just in case you didn't realize this - there are several chains and many independent motels that have family suites/rooms with kitchens or kitchenettes. And in most price ranges from budget to fairly posh.

Which is why I suggested Residence Inn or Staybridge Suites or something like that (Hyatt as well). It might be easier to book than searching for something on homeaway.

FrankS, Your post doesn't really help anyone. Since you don't say WHY you are "surprised".

Yes Santa Monica generally speaking is a very nice area.

You know why he's surprised, it's because he thinks West Hollywood is for "Modern Families" only. Fodorites should not tread near Sodom and Gomorrah.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts, this is such a great forum!
Our last trip to LA was 13years ago and we stayed in Santa Monica which was a great area...we also had a car then and just cruised around Venice Beach, Beverly Hills looking at all the homes, palm trees etc.

we are open to suggestions.
I don’t mind a bit of action and noise, I enjoy people watching etc.
I like to see where the locals are and where they hang out, eat etc...so that is why I thought West Hollywood would be ideal location for a visitor.

We will be doing Disneyland as a separate 3 day trip after our visit to Las Vegas so will be staying in Anaheim for that.
In LA we will definitely be visiting Universal Studios and the main attractions – I think we will skip the guided tours of stars homes – we found that very boring last time.

I want to go to Farmers Market – we are really into food!
and maybe Rose Bowl? Is that open every weekend? Love thrift shopping...
I heard Griffith Park is worth a visit and Id love some info on vintage Hollywood - is there any glimpses of the golden age of Hollywood anywhere? (maybe I will start a new thread)

We havnt really looked into everything as yet, currently reading and researching.
I also have a friend in Pasadena so hope to go visit her and see a bit of old Pasadena too...

You know why he's surprised, it's because he thinks West Hollywood is for "Modern Families" only. Fodorites should not tread near Sodom and Gomorrah.<<

No biggy, if skippy drops his wallet he can kick it south of Wilshire then pick it up. Otherwise skippy can call his friend in Pasadena and pick out a better place with less CA 70s style urban sprawl.
imo-Pasadena or Glendale work better

Young boys? Strongly suggest a visit to La Brea Museum, these famous tar pits are cool to go see. The huge mastodons and saber tooth cats, etc are awesome. The tar is pretty cool. It will be too soon to see actual excavations but you can see at least one of the pits through a viewing station, as well as the one in front of the museum. Also, this destination is on/near Wilshire.

http://www.tarpits.org/

If they are truly dinosaur nuts, the Natural History Museum near University of Southern California might be the best place to see them outside of New York City and DC. This exhibit has been remodeled and updated since we went, and it was great before.

Much of my favorite stuff to do/see in LA is the 'old timey' stuff. La Brea tar pits, Griffith Park, Farmers Market (the Grove), Chinatown, Olvera Street, walk of the stars, the Hollywood sign.

I also like the Santa Monica pier and the Venice Beach boardwalk.

Do they like cars or are they too young for that. If so, check out the Petersen Automotive Museum, near the tar pits.

skippy???

thanks for the great info everyone - appreciate it!

Hi everyone
Hello from sunny and hot Sydney!

Just following on from my initial post
We found an apt near Sunset Blvd and N. Bonnita Sierra in West Hollywood – is this street very busy or is it a good location to base our LA trip and is it considered ‘safe’?
We will have a car so we'll be out and about but we like to walk too...

For old Hollywood ambiance, catch a meal at Musso & Franks:
http://www.mussoandfrankgrill.com/

thanks peaceout! looks good

It is definitely a step back in time!

Depending on how old your boys are, you could get free tickets to see a TV show taped. You have to be 18 for several of them, but not all. Google search for them.

If you haven't visited the Getty Villa or the Getty Center, they are each worth a visit. Gorgeous settings at each, with gardens and sweeping views. The Villa has antiquities and the Center is more contemporary. Both have free admission, with just a fee for parking. You need reservations for the Villa. Go on-line for them.

What a great idea to stay at a rental house in Hollywood. I second Peaceout suggestions and want to add an infolink for available show choices:
http://www.latourist.com/index.php?page=tv-show-tickets
Musso & Franks is like the Cafe de Flore of Hollywood, people eat there because it used to be an important hang out for the film industry figures in the first half of the 1900's.