Hotels near Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard is the symbolic heart of the film industry, where the Hollywood Walk of Fame sets more than 2,700 brass-and-terrazzo stars into the pavement honouring actors, musicians and directors. Outside the TCL Chinese Theatre, the handprints and footprints of screen legends are pressed into the forecourt concrete, drawing crowds and costumed characters.

The strip around Hollywood and Highland takes in the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards, the historic Egyptian Theatre and the views up toward the Hollywood Sign. It is gaudy, crowded and a little rough at the edges, but it is an essential first stop for any film fan.

Pro Tip: Come in the morning to photograph the stars and handprints before the crowds and street hustlers arrive, and keep your wits about you. Look for your favourite star's name using the online Walk of Fame map rather than wandering blindly.