an afternoon of shopping from Downtown

Hi,

I know there are lots of shopping threads here and I%26#39;ve read them all, but I%26#39;m hoping for a bit of help!

I%26#39;m staying at The Standard Downtown on S. Flower Street. My flight doesn%26#39;t leave until late Monday night, and I check out of the hotel at noon, so I have the afternoon to shop before heading back to the hotel to pick up my luggage and get a cab to LAX at around 6:30.

Logistically, what is the best area to hit for some shopping? I%26#39;m not shopping for anything in particular, but am looking for ';regular'; shops (not Rodeo Drive!), and don%26#39;t need ';tourist'; shops as I%26#39;ve done all of my souvenir shopping on previous trips!! Is anything reachable from The Standard on foot / on public transport?

Thanks!

an afternoon of shopping from Downtown

I suggest taking the Metro to Pasadena where you%26#39;ll find everything from chains to boutiques to vintage resale.

an afternoon of shopping from Downtown

I agree, the Metro Gold Line to Old Town Pasadena would be a great idea--there are all different kinds of shops along Colorado Blvd. Does the Gold Line also stop near Paseo Colorado mall?

Another place would be to take the Metro Red Line to Hollywood and Highland shopping center. You can look online for their list of stores.

You could also consider taking your bags with you and leaving them at a hotel bell desk. The Renaissance and the Roosevelt in Hollywood are both very close to the Metro stop. I am not that familiar with the Pasadena metro stops, but I know there is a Westin hotel and I think a Sheraton close to Old Town Pasadena. Then you could just take a cab straight from shopping!

You also might want to consider instead of spending $50/60 for a taxi to get to LAX and use the flyaway bus from Union Station. Basically it takes the same route your taxi would take(Direct Freeway with no stops) and drops you off at your terminal right at the airport but is only $4

Are you looking for a mall with chain stores or more unique boutiques?

I also advise you to consider taking the $4 Flyaway bus from Union Station in Downtown to LAX. It will be much cheaper and still convenient.

Thanks so much for all the tips! Will definitely look in to the Flyaway bus. Right, off to get ready for the Grammys......