So I am not sure how far I will get with posting more from our Hollywood/LA trip. I have divided my photos into three groups, so perhaps three postings.
This is the little hotel (about 20 rooms I believe) where we stayed, just around the corner from Hollywood Blvd., within walking distance, but far enough away from all the hullabaloo to be able to sleep. I would recommend it, but don't expect anything fancy. It is desperately in need of renovations and although breakfast is included in the price, you virtually have to beat the crowd to get
anything - just some items (cereal and muffins, tea, coffee and juice) laid out on a small table in a dining room as small as a ship's galley. People were stacking their plates the minute the door opened, and taking it all back to their rooms. (As one reviewer said, "Who needs breakfast if there is a Starbucks nearby!") We didn't mind the conditions at all - all we did was sleep there! You can find more info
here. If you plan to visit anytime soon, read the reviews and you will get a good picture of how it was. If we were ever to go to Hollywood again (which I doubt), we would, for sure, use the same hotel.
On one of the days, we booked the small Hoppa bus and did the 'tour of the Hollywood stars' homes.'
Like most of Hollywood, it really wasn't what we expected - mostly speedy drive-bys of gates and roofs. It, and the narrative, was all too quick to even remember whose gate or roof was whose!
This is 7515 Mulholland Drive. Looks like it might be for sale. You can find some stats and an aerial view
here. Mulholland Drive runs for 55 miles through Hollywood and the Hollywood Hills and many stars make it their home - not sure who lives here, though.
Spaceship landing in Hollywood Hills
"...and there you see the roof of...."
The gate to Ringo Star's home - note the stars!
Silver fire hydrants - even the dogs live in style in Hollywood. Why should we be surprised?!
Click on this one to read the sign on the roof of the Hoppa bus. Our tour guide was Mick, from...ta da... England. He used to be a Beefeater at the Tower of London. He has a pretty cushy job, if you ask me - a $10 tip from each tourist; the bus holds approx 15 people, and he probably runs the tour at least 4 times a day. He works for Starline Tours, so probably gets a salary too. Plus the working environment is great! He's a great guy, though, and did a good job.
End of the tour. Note the stool for oldies like me! (Two young men from Germany, waiting to get a photo of themselves on it)
More in my next post!
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