The Biltmore

Question

Hi All,

Myself and my fiancé are visiting in a couple of weeks time from the UK and we are staying at the biltmore in downtown LA. Everything I am reading seems to be so negative which really isn’t making me feel great. I am looking to do the “touristy” things I.e visit universal, go to the Hollywood sign & Santa Monica. My plan is to use public transport going such as the trams and get an Uber coming back. My questions are:

• is it safe/feel safe getting public transport to such areas?

• where can I purchase a TAP card to allow me to get onto the tram system?

• is it all doom and gloom or are people overly negative?

Thankyou!!!

Answer

Staying at the Biltmore in downtown Los Angeles puts you in a historic and central location, close to many landmarks, restaurants, and nightlife. While some online reports about downtown LA may sound negative, much of it is overstated. Like any major city, there are areas to be cautious of, but overall, daytime tourism in downtown is generally safe.

Public Transport Safety:

Using public transit in Los Angeles, including Metro Rail and buses, is generally safe during daytime and early evening hours. The Red and Purple Lines connect downtown to Hollywood, Universal, and other tourist areas.
At night or in less busy areas, it’s better to use rideshares like Uber or Lyft to return to your hotel for peace of mind.
Keep your belongings secure, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid empty train cars late at night. Downtown has areas with higher homelessness, but this is not usually a safety issue if you stick to main streets and tourist spots.

TAP Card Information:

A TAP card is a reusable fare card for all Metro buses and trains in LA.
You can purchase one at any Metro station, including Union Station near downtown LA, or select retail stores.
Cards can be loaded with single-ride fares, day passes, or stored value for multiple trips. Reloading is easy at vending machines or online.

Is Downtown LA “Doom and Gloom”?

Online negativity often exaggerates problems like homelessness or petty crime. Most tourists visit without incident.
Downtown has beautiful architecture, great hotels, museums, and vibrant dining options. The area around the Biltmore is well-patrolled and heavily trafficked by tourists.
Popular tourist destinations like Universal, the Hollywood Sign, and Santa Monica are safe, and following typical city precautions is sufficient.

In summary, your plan to use public transport to reach tourist areas and an Uber back is a practical and safe approach. Downtown LA may look intimidating online, but during your visit, you will likely find it lively, historic, and full of things to see and do. Using a TAP card will make your transit experience seamless, and enjoying the city’s highlights can be done without concern if you stay aware and follow standard city safety tips.

The Biltmore

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