Will my son be safe in Los Angeles?

MY SON AND A GROUP OF MATES ARE GOING TO LAS VEGAS IN SEPTEMBER, AND MY SON WILL THEN BE SPENDING THREE NIGHTS ALONE IN LOS ANGELES. CAN YOU RECOMMEND BUDGET ACCOMMODATION THAT IS CLEAN AND SAFE? MY SON SUGGESTED WEST HOLLYWOOD. IS THERE A SHUTTLE SERVICE BETWEEN LAX AND THE CITY, AND ANY SIGHTSEEING YOU CAN RECOMMEND?

A. BENDER, BAULKHAM HILLS

West Hollywood is safe enough by the standards of LA; you need have no fears on that account, although staying safe anywhere in the world depends on being sensible as much as avoiding risky areas. Provided he's mature and street smart enough to survive Las Vegas with his mates, he should be fine in LA.

At the cheap end of the scale you're looking at hostels – stay away from budget motels. The Banana Bungalow West Hollywood http://www.bananabungalows.com gets good reviews and it's in a prime location close to Melrose, great for cafes, shops and delis. Santa Monica and Venice Beach are hipster hubs for your man to hang out, and tell him to check the scene on Robertson Boulevard between Beverly Boulevard and Third Street, where megastars shop. Book a shuttle ride between LAX and the city with Jayride us.jayride.com.