Sign Up in Hollywood! (Hollywood Fantasy Tours)

Member Name: denise40

Product:	Hollywood Fantasy Tours
Date:	23/10/08 (276 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You get to see the sign up close without obstructions

Disadvantages: None that I can think of

Hollywood Sign Tour

When I was in Hollywood I searched everywhere to get a tour which took me up close to the Hollywood sign and we came across Hollywood Fantasy Tours.

**Hollywood Fantasy Tours Company**

This tour company is on the Hollywood Blvd beside the historical Pantages Theatre (which is also worth while checking out). The actual office of this tour company is small and tacky with memorabilia everywhere. Even so the staff are quirky and very friendly. It was the only tour company which we could find that took you up into the hills so you could get up close to see the sign, something I found worthwhile as you really be disappointed seeing it from Hollywood Blvd.

The directions for the office are to take the freeway to Hollywood Blvd then go west for ¼ mile. Look for the Pantages Theatre on the right just before Vine Street and the office will be beside it. Parking spaces are available however limited. If you go on the subway there is a stop more or less beside the offices however you will have to cross the road. It says on the leaflet reservations are recommended and to call (323) 469-8184 however we got a space no problem, for all of their tours running on that day. The Hollywood Sign Tour lasts one hour and costs $18 dollars for an adult and $13 for a child. One American Dollar is equal to roughly 0.61 United Kingdom Pounds.

**TOUR**

Fortunately for us we were the only people to do this tour so we had the guide's full attention for any questions we had. He took us up into the hills in a small pick up like truck which was comfortable however it had no roof so you would need to make sure you bring some suncream. I got slightly sunburnt while on this tour. You are taken up windy roads and go through Beachwood Village community. We seen where one of Madonna's favourite restaurants used to be (you will be surprised as how small it is). Your journey will take you to the top of Mt Lee where you will get up close to the sign. It was really nice as there were no crowds of people and you got a lovely view of the area below.

The guide gave us lots of information about the area. Also he gave us some information about the Hollywood sign which is over 70 years old and how it has changed over the years. Up at the top here you will see a house, which Madonna used to live and now Peggy from Love and Marriage lives in. It is a gorgeous huge house with stripes up the wall in front of it. Trees and the wall obstruct some of it.

On the way back you will see another house that Madonna used to live in when se first got married. At the top the guide took our picture for us and told us where was best to stand to make the best of out photo opportunity of the sign. The Hollywood sign itself was way smaller than I though however it was just like in the movies and tv. We had a great close up view of the sign plus the added bonus of seeing the area. On our decent we went past a park where the rich and famous bring their dogs so they can play with other dogs. It was so strange as it was just an ordinary park

**OVERALL**

I enjoyed this tour it was casual yet you got to know interesting information on the Hollywood sign and surrounding area. Any questions we had were answered which was nice. Our guide was friendly and helpful. We had enough time at the sign to have a proper look and get any photographs taken and didn't feel rushed at all. I feel it was well worth the money as a bus would probably cost as much and you wouldn't of had the guide. If you have an hour to spare it would be nice to get a look around this area and do this tour I would definitely recommend it. This tour had a personal touch. It didn't seem posh or super exciting before we went on it yet I feel it was one of the best tours I did in Hollywood as we were not rushed and felt we got treated properly as it had a personal touch.

Summary: Worth while tour