With the credit crunch making US getaways affordable, DEREK LAMBIE enjoys the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, California without breaking the bank

CHARLIE SHEEN  looks distinctly unhappy, and a bit startled if truth be told, as we come face to face in one of those unexpected encounters Tinseltown is famous for. He has, after all, just been caught hanging out a studio door savouring a fly cigarette during a break from filming Two And A Half Men in Los Angeles, California.

"Hi, " the embarrassed star manages to muster before waving and disappearing back inside the giant hanger, leaving behind a puff of white smoke.

Around the corner, a set of double doors are wide open giving us the briefest glimpse inside the famous County General Hospital, home to television series ER, while across the street is the Central Perk café, from Nineties sitcom Friends. Minutes later I'm standing in the headquarters of the California Bureau of Investigation, sneakily rifling through case notes likely to be brought to the attention of Patrick Jane, aka Simon Baker, in a future episode of The Mentalist.

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For a movie and television fanatic, this is a dream come true, and all for the princely sum of just £30, shelled out for the two-hour behind-the-scenes tour at the Warner Bros Studio.

Los Angeles may well be the home of glitz and glamour, but it needn't come at a price. It is possible to see a famous face and savour some of the razzmatazz associated with Hollywood on a budget - good news in these tough times.

Indeed, the rising dollar and the general downturn in tourism means there is no better time to visit the United States, and Los Angeles in particular is an attractive and affordable option, with competitively priced flights and reasonable accommodation.

Better still, while the big-name attractions are lowering their admission fees, there is so much to do that costs very little, if anything, at all.

However, Los Angeles is a sprawling city, and many visitors waste their stay by basing themselves in the wrong area. So avoid Hollywood and the Downtown neighbourhoods and head for the coast to the savour the ocean views and laidback atmosphere of Santa Monica.

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In many ways, Santa Monica is like a European seaside town, with grand hotels along the front, and a wooden pier stretching out into the ocean. Pavement cafés and restaurants line the streets, and many of the shops are found in a quaint pedestrian precinct littered with performers and buskers.

Stars including Denzel Washington, Michelle Pfeiffer, Martin Sheen, Tom Hanks and Halle Berry call this part of town home.

There's plenty to do here that won't break the bank, and while there are five-star luxury hotels lining the seafront, if you head back a block or two and you'll find affordable and comfortable accommodation.

At the end of Third Street is a fantastic property called The Embassy, which conjures up images of Hollywood's yesteryear with its Mediterranean architecture and private courtyard. For just £90 or so per night, you can have a spacious deluxe room about five minutes walk from the centre of town.

Take a wander along the famous Santa Monica pier, which celebrated its 100th birthday last week, for great views of the beachfront. Children will love exploring the small amusement park or having their faces painted by artists along the boardwalk.

A year-round climate, which rarely dips below 67F (19.5C) even in winter, and 343 average days of sunshine annually, helps fuel the pursuit of outdoor activities in Santa Monica.

For instance, a 22-mile paved bike trail snakes through palm trees along the beach, weaving in and out of the sand and past some of the most expensive properties along the Pacific coast.

Take half a day to go from one end to the other, stopping off at Malibu and funky Venice Beach, where you'll find the famous outdoor gym once used by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Bike hire is only about £6 per hour or £14 for the day, making it a cheap way to while away the hours as you celeb spot.

Third Street Promenade is the heart of Santa Monica, and it's here you'll find the majority of shops, bars and restaurants, from the budget eateries to the à la carte establishments.

AWAY from the beach community, a walk in the Hollywood hills is another quintessential Los Angeles experience, and it's free. Take your car - possibly plotting a route via Beverly Hills and Hollywood - to Griffith Park Observatory, and then leave it behind as you follow trails through the hills.

There are spectacular views of the entire city and, of course, the famous Hollywood sign. And while there are notices up warning that mountain lions and rattle snakes lurk in the bushes, it's unlikely you'll find anything more than an over-enthusiastic jogger.

A five-minute drive will take you to Hollywood Boulevard where it's worth taking a stroll along the walk of fame, looking out for your favourite star.

There are plenty of picture opportunities here, such as the Chinese Theatre, where you can also secure free tickets to see a TV show, such as American Idol, being recorded.

Los Angeles was once tarnished by a reputation for crime and violence, but is now perfectly safe for families day and night.

Again, head to Santa Monica in the evening if star-spotting is your thing as you'll find some of the best bars in the city here. For instance, our very own Vinnie Jones is a regular in Ye Old King's Head pub when he is not leading the Hollywood All-Stars football team. Prices are generally reasonable, but pop in for happy hour between 4pm and 7pm to grab a bargain. Also make sure to pay at least one visit to Chez Jay, which takes enormous pride in calling itself a "celebrity dive". Dark and dingy, with sawdust and monkey nut shells on the floor, it attracts a number of famous faces, including Drew Barrymore.

There is so much to do and see amid the glitz and glamour of LA - and the best thing is you no longer need the bank balance of an A-lister to savour it.

GETTING THERE:
Air New Zealand flies to Los Angeles from Edinburgh and Glasgow, via London Heathrow, with return fares in economy starting at £479 including taxes, and £998 in Premium Economy. Call 0800 028 4149 or visit www.airnewzealand.co.uk.

For more on The Embassy Hotel Apartments visit www. embassy hotelapts. com or call 001 310 394 1279.

Further details on Santa Monica can be found at www.santamonica.com.

To book a Warner Bros tour, visit www2.warnerbros.com/vipstudiotour.

Budget Rent-a-Car offers car rental for £20 per day. Visit www.budget.co.uk or call 0844 544 4444.