About the photo: The The Renaissance Hotel & Spa in the heart of Hollywood at Hollywood and Highland looms large over the shopping complex it is part of. With make-up, shoes, clothes and plenty of restaurants to dine in, this is the best bet for Hollywood accommodations for those willing to pay in the lower to mid $200's per night.

The rooms are great and a real value compared to some of the digs in nearby West Hollywood. With Universal Studios a scant 2 miles distance and West Hollywood just down the road on Sunset, we find the Renaissance is a cut above for our particular travel and conference needs.

Special events, corporate meetings, and just an overnight getaway or a Hollywood / California vacation are options for staying at this hotel. The nearest beach in Santa Monica isn't far but due to stoplights and traffic, can take upwards 20 minutes to get to. This hotel sells out often and one of its biggest nights of the year is during the Oscars / Academy Awards each spring.

Attached and offering private entry into the Kodak Theater where the televised ceremonies are held, you'll find the rooms at this hotel are booked far in advance of the event, though most average people will not have a chance to attend. What they typically do is get in queue for a ticket to watch the celebs arrive. Those who do this ritual every year are quite skilled and it and take off time from their jobs to attend. It's truly a stargazer's dream!