re: Los Angeles - Los Angeles - General Tips & Advice Reviews

"Safe" in terms of crime or in terms of water quality? There's no need to worry about crime at any of the beaches, though I'd be mildly cautious about walking around certain parts of Venice or Santa Monica beaches at night. If I'm not mistaken, the worst ocean water quality in town is in parts of Malibu. Everywhere else is fine.

Also not sure what is a "reasonable price" by your standards, but there's a youth hostel in Venice and another in Hollywood. There are plenty of Best Western-type hotels scattered around town that are in good locations but aren't too expensive. Depending on whether you will have a car (a near necessity if you want to get around town... cabs are expensive, there is limited public transportation... though buses do cover most of town, they just require patience), you should stay either in Santa Monica (near the beach), Beverly Hills (centrally located), West Hollywood (also centrally located), or Hollywood (lots of the tourist stuff is up there).

Good luck.