Los Angeles on a Budget, USA
Airing Date: Jul 31st, 2006
LA conjures up images of glamour and extravagance for most people which roughly translates to an expensive holiday destination. It doesn't have to be this way!
With a few tips to help keep costs down, visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of this interesting metropolis. Toting your own picnic basket under starry skies at the famous Hollywood Bowl is still magic.
Bob Dylan, the Beatles and Igor Stravinsky have played in this historical auditorium. Get a sneak preview of the show: morning rehearsals are free. The Hollywood Bowl Museum has footage of historic performances, live recordings and memorabilia. To find out more about the free morning rehearsals call the Hollywood Bowl on +1 323 850 2000 for the latest information.
Venice Beach is the quirky, off-beat beach neighbourhood famous for its collection of interesting shops and strange characters. This is the home of the muscle beach, bikini clad roller bladers, tattoo parlours, fortune tellers, inexpensive souvenir shops, and hundreds of sidewalk vendors.
The tiny houses in Venice provide some affordable living but hotels are rare in this neighbourhood. Although they pop up in many cities today, Venice has always been a mecca for the Street Performer. The beach is often buzzing but the weekends are a more likely time to see some of the more 'interesting' characters.
This bungalow houses 1 to 6 people and boasts 2 bedrooms, a convertible bed, an air matress which apparently looks like a proper bed and one bathroom. Sitting right at the gateway to the Hollywood Hills and the Hollywood Sign you can literally walk to everything that Tinsel town has to offer.
Accommodation wise, there's the The Hollywood Stars Bungalow. For the history buffs - This little Bungalow, was one of four commissioned in 1918 by film mogul Cecil B DeMille to provide upscale "location housing" for some of Hollywood's early Royalty.
According to the local historians, many of the Silent Film Stars of the 1920's like Charlie Chaplin, Clara Bow, Dorothy Gish and Richard Dix were all temporary guests of the home.It's only two blocks from Hollywood and Vine, and the "Hollywood Walk of Fame" outside Grauman's Chinese Theater; just three blocks from Sunset Boulevard and the World Famous Sunset Strip; a quick walk to the Hollywood Bowl, as well as a five to ten minute walk to the very popular Hollywood and Highland complex, home of the Kodak Theater and the Academy Awards.
To add to the excitement you can even take a 5 minute drive to all of Hollywood's major film studios, with daily studio tours and show tapings and also to the City Walk and Universal Studios. Features include a full kitchen, with china, cutlery, and all normal kitchen utensils, and of course a microwave for warming doggy bags from last night's trendy Los Angeles restaurant fare. So just stock our home with breakfast food, drinks, and light meals for your stay, and save a bundle in LA!
FURTHER INFORMATION
Bungalow from $200 a night. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Minimum 3 night stay. Sleeps up to 6. 10% discount on 8 or more nights/ 20% discount on MORE than 14 nights/ 30% discount on monthly rentals. Conditions apply. There is a 3 day minimum booking and a AUS$101 (US$75) cleaning fee on ALL bookings. Prices correct at 31/7/06. The Hollywood Stars Bungalow - www.vrbo.com/85953
Return to LA from $1403 ex Melbourne, $1403 ex Brisbane, $1421 ex Sydney, $1700 ex Adelaide, $1937 ex Perth. Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 12/7/06. Air New Zealand - www.airnewzealand.com
Roller Blades cost US$6 (AUD$8)for an hour, US$11 (1AUD$14) for two hours. Prices include safety gear. Perry's Beach Cafe and Rentals - Ph: +1 310 372 3138, Web: www.perryscafe.com
Star Spotting Info: www.seeing-stars.com
