LA + Vegas, need tips and recommendations!

[fatboyonadiet]

Planning on going to LA for 7 days and Vegas for 3 days in September and needed some tips and advice.

Firstly, flights - want to fly from Manchester and who's generally the cheapest? Does anyone go direct?

Hotels - need some budget stays for both places, ideally in LA we'd like to stay in Hollywood/Beverly Hills. And in Vegas somewhere near the strip. We're looking for somehting around 3*.

Car - wanted to get a car, would prefer to pick-up and drop-off at the airport just to make life easier. What would the cost be for a family car? How much would petrol roughly cost? Also we would need a hotel with parking too.

Cheers!

[richcaw18]

Not sure that anyone goes direct to West coast from Manchester, therefore best bet likely to be American or United

For accomodation in LA, most places in Hollywood and Beverly Hills are around $100 plus a night. (they also charge extra for parking btw). Best bet is to look at Best Western or Days inn who i think have a few sites in those areas. Alternatively, there are a few independent motels around the Beverly Center (on edge of West Hollywood) that are a fair bit cheaper but not sure whether these would meet 3*. For vegas, plenty of choice for cheap rooms - tardust riviera, tropicana do relatively cheap rooms

[IvanOpinion]

Can't hepl with flights but for Las Vegas look at http://www.cheapovegas.com/index.php .. also do a google search for 'Phil Feldman Las Vegas' ... he quite often puts up deals from the LA times. Vegas is much cheaper Mon-Thu nights and often there are BOGOF deals. Last time we went there we stayed in the Imperial which is centre strip (pretty much opposite Caesars Palace). It is not one of the glitzy themed casinos but offered great value for money (a deal posted by Phil Feldman resulted in me paying £22.45 (ish) for 3 nights for the both of us).

Also look for internal flights from South Western they often have BOGOFs and 'friends fly free' offers.

For cheap deals in Los Angeles keep an eye on the LA Times web site sometimes they have voucher codes for deals etc. Sorry but I have no idea about what hotels are where.

Ivan

[dieseldog]

BMI fly manchester to las vegas direct

[alexandra1]

Our friends are doing a similar trip this summer. The only company they could find to take them from Manchester to LA/SF was a company called Mainstreet USA, they are also hiring a car, but flying onto Las Vegas for a few days. Maybe worth a try.

[fatboyonadiet]

Thanks all, will have a look into this further later. Might just go via Vegas if it's direct.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

BMI do fly direct Manchester to Vegas, but flights can be "ahem" pricey.
Flying with a stop over can save you a lot of ££££'s. daft Isn't it.


A rough guide price for LA to Vegas return in Sepetember is £64.00 incl tax.


It may be cheaper flying Man - Las - LA - Las - Man

try www.opodo.co.uk or www.aa.com on a multistop.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[UnitedFlyer]

Bear in mind, that flights to the US are going to be a bit more expensive this year that last.
All the main US carriers have increased fares.
However, I generally go Vegas every year in Sep & March.
Best bet is to wait about 5 or 6 weeks prior to going, then book the flights.
Not too sure about other carriers, but i know United will do a regional connection to Heathrow from Manchester.
If you can get a deal around the £320 this year, I'd suggest you book it quick!

Hotels: LA - bst to search on opodo/octopus/expedia etc etc as there are loads.
Vegas - 3* for reasonable price your looing at Tropicana/Hooters/Flamingo/Stratosphere/Sahara etc.
Vegas.com will be your best price guaranteed - if not, email them and they refund differrence!

Car hire: Book it here before you go!!
Airline-network.co.uk have always been good for me for US car hire.
They usually have a deal with Dollar.
Prices range from approx £29 /day for basic up to £50 for luxury.
They also do a deal called Platinum, where by you pay about £4 extra and get a free tank of fuel, extra driver etc.
So so worth it!
Petrol prices now approx $2.70 around Vegas.
Worked out per litre it around £0.35.
So drive drive and drive like you cant do here!!
If your feeling rich or have a big win, go to www.dreamcarrentals.com
Hire a Hummer or Viper or something mad for the day in Vegas!
I did it and it was the coolest thing to do EVER!

[fatboyonadiet]

How longs does it take to drive from Vegas to LA? Or Vice-versa

[Murphy_The_Cat]

How longs does it take to drive from Vegas to LA? Or Vice-versa

much much much to ,ong through the boring desert - fly it for abot £35 each way !

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[nelly]

How longs does it take to drive from Vegas to LA? Or Vice-versa

its either 2 or 4 hours cant remember properly

oh and dont stay in excalibur its crap if I ever go to vegas again which I doubt I'd deff stay in a smaller hotel

[Murphy_The_Cat]

its either 2 or 4 hours cant remember properly

oh and dont stay in excalibur its crap if I ever go to vegas again which I doubt I'd deff stay in a smaller hotel

The Luxor was great for us - and we went on an inclinator for the first & last time of our lives.

WWW.luxor.com promises to have the best prices for the hotel (don't know if it's true or not), but the prices do fluctuate a lot (in Las Vegas) if a conference is on.

Also, a helicoptor ride to the Grand Canyon (with a ranch stop off) and a flight back along the strip is worth every $.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[Coveredinbees!!!!]

I've just got home from vegas (got in at 5am Sunday). We stayed at the Stardust which is a bit up to road from the main part of the strip. The room was OK but hadn't got a fridge which I found annoying as you couldn't keep drinks cool in the room. There wasn't a coffee machine in the room either so no laying in bed morning coffee. Dunno if this is standard for LV room but every where else we stayed had fridges and coffee makers (san francisco and yosemite). This end of the strip seemed a bit run down compaired to the rest of the strip, the hotel nextdoor is circus circus which looks like blackpool on a bad day.

On the last night we took the Deuce bus ($5 all day) in to fremont street and it was a totally different atmosphere to the strip, much more lively. the casinos here were all buzzing where as the ones on the strip seem rather somber in comparison.

If I was to return I think I would go for downtown over the strip probably the Goldern Nugget.

Petrol is now $3.05 a gallon but I personnally wouldn't bother with a car in vegas.

For the record I lost a total of $80 playing video poker.

[nelly]

excalibur never had a coffee maker in the room neither and considering its like a half mile walk to the closest cafe it was a nightmare.

[john.xs]

i'll second the luxor as a great place to stay.
if you get a taxi anywhere agree the price before hand as theres a terrifc variation and some dodgy cabbies about particularly from airport to hotel when they know u r tired and having not got your bearings.
try the duelling piano bars for a cheap night of fun entertainment.
you pay for a your drink and they play ,sing and fool around.let others tip for song requests as your favourite will be in their somewhere.depending how much you drink depends on whether you have a cheap or not so cheap night out.

[john.xs]

p.s dont miss the blue man group in vegas !

[UnitedFlyer]

How longs does it take to drive from Vegas to LA? Or Vice-versa

Your looking around 4-5 hours, but its all desert!
Its just as easy to fly as just as cheap.

[IvanOpinion]

Unless you particularly want to site-see some areas then I would say fly between LA and LV rather than drive. We drove once, it took all day but we did various site seeing detours (Palm Springs, Yukka Valley, Loughlin etc.) even managed to get a speeding ticket and had to visit Judge Vida to pay it.

Ivan

[nelly]

p.s dont miss the blue man group in vegas !

Ill second the blueman group show its an excellent night out and very different and funny.

Deffinately DO miss le reve at the Wynn though its crap

[fatboyonadiet]

If your feeling rich or have a big win, go to www.dreamcarrentals.com (http://www.dreamcarrentals.com)
Hire a Hummer or Viper or something mad for the day in Vegas!
I did it and it was the coolest thing to do EVER!I'm loving this!

[fatboyonadiet]

Cheers all, plenty for me to think about, I think I'm getting put off driving from LA to Vegas but need to have a proper think about it. Guess if it's cheaper I'll fly to Vegas and get a flight onto LA as I'd rather go there first. I take it the flight doesn't take long.

People have told me it is worth getting a car in LA, is it not worth it in Vegas? Not even a Ford Mustang :D

[nelly]

No a car in vegas is pointless it aint that big however I dissagree on people saying fly to LA.

When you factor in getting a cab to vegas airport and getting there an hour before then getting another cab in La and having to shift you bags each time too there will be nowt in it I suppose. plus you can have a better look around in a car stop off here and there make a day of it on its own.

I hate flying and airports so I'm slightly biased. :)

[fatboyonadiet]

Decisions, decisions, decisions!

[Murphy_The_Cat]

No a car in vegas is pointless it aint that big however I dissagree on people saying fly to LA.

When you factor in getting a cab to vegas airport and getting there an hour before then getting another cab in La and having to shift you bags each time too there will be nowt in it I suppose. plus you can have a better look around in a car stop off here and there make a day of it on its own.

I hate flying and airports so I'm slightly biased. :)

you pays your money, you takes your choice. If you dislike flying then spending 1/2 a day each way driving through the desert is a good option.

fatboyonadiet ,an idea that you may want to consider is flying man-LA-Las-Man if you can do it economically.

& I don't mean to put a spanner in your works, but I found LA to be (looking for the proper word) crap.
IMHO San Diego is a much, much, much nicer destination for a holiday.

Given that flight prices are so cheap in America, this may be a real (money saving) option for you.
Man - San Diego (for a few days) - Los angales (if you insist for a few days :D )-Las Vegas (for a few days) - Manchester. If you fancy it American Airlines (first airline I looked at) will do it for £518 incl tax or a bit less if you take a slightly less direct route - just a thought for you.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[fatboyonadiet]

Manchester to LA (indirect) is working out around £450 and Manchester to Vegas (direct) is looking at around £700:eek: To Vegas takes around 10 hours and LA takes about 14...

[fatboyonadiet]

fatboyonadiet ,an idea that you may want to consider is flying man-LA-Las-Man if you can do it economically.
Works out well over £700 so let's forget that option.

[fatboyonadiet]

Works out well over £700 so let's forget that option.Sorry just had another go and it's around £600 so is an option!

[john.xs]

dont forget some lip balm as i paid heavily for not bothering as 24/7 air conditioning sure cracks your lips up!
another free tip is to collect all the calling cards as you walk down the strip. by the end of the week you have got a great collection of scantily clad women snap cards for passing time on that long flight home.
enjoyed freemont street but not as big as i had envisaged.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Works out well over £700 so let's forget that option.


hi fatboyonadiet

I love it when I get the chance to sink my teeth into something.

I managed to get the itinerary with aa for £489.80 incl tax. I took a stab at the dates of Sat 09.09.06 from Man to LAX, Sat 16.09.09 LAX to LAS, Wed 20.09.06 LAS to Man. You can tinker with the dates a bit, but it doesn't change the final price much.

Which is a £200 saving and fits in well with your original holiday plan.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[gingin]

Cheers all, plenty for me to think about, I think I'm getting put off driving from LA to Vegas but need to have a proper think about it. Guess if it's cheaper I'll fly to Vegas and get a flight onto LA as I'd rather go there first. I take it the flight doesn't take long.

People have told me it is worth getting a car in LA, is it not worth it in Vegas? Not even a Ford Mustang :D

I know I am in the minority here, but we drove Vegas to San francisco (longer than L.A but you take the same route through the desert) and loved it! It was a proper American road trip adventure and we will definitely do it again. I am also happy to have any excuse to avoid LAX airport.

I agree about the Luxor, we also like the MGM Grand but the Luxor is definitely good value.

[fatboyonadiet]

hi fatboyonadiet

I love it when I get the chance to sink my teeth into something.

I managed to get the itinerary with aa for £489.80 incl tax. I took a stab at the dates of Sat 09.09.06 from Man to LAX, Sat 16.09.09 LAX to LAS, Wed 20.09.06 LAS to Man. You can tinker with the dates a bit, but it doesn't change the final price much.

Which is a £200 saving and fits in well with your original holiday plan.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gifWow and that's exactly my dates! Is it not cheaper to go direct? Which airline came out the cheapest? Looks like I'll be booking this in the next few days!!!

[fatboyonadiet]

Also will I need a Visa for going to the states? And how do I go about getting one???

[Sunnydoo]

Hi Fatboy

No visa is needed for the US if you are a UK citizen
You need to fill in a green visa waiver form which is usually given to you when you check in then you have fingerprints & photo taken when you get to immigration in the US-be prepared for a long wait in the immigration queue !

[gingin]

Assuming you have a British passport and are going for a holiday, you won't need a visa.

[UnitedFlyer]

Also will I need a Visa for going to the states? And how do I go about getting one???

Not really!
You will have a visa waiver.
On the plane, they hand out landing cards, and you will need the green one.
You fill it out with name, DOB, passport number , address while in the US etc etc and hand it in at immigration.

They may ask you why youre visiting, and I usually say vacation.
Sometimes I'm asked what job I do back home.

They then dettach the bottom part of the form and staple it in your passport.
Don't loose this! The airline then takes it back when you fly home!

[fatboyonadiet]

hi fatboyonadiet

I love it when I get the chance to sink my teeth into something.

I managed to get the itinerary with aa for £489.80 incl tax. I took a stab at the dates of Sat 09.09.06 from Man to LAX, Sat 16.09.09 LAX to LAS, Wed 20.09.06 LAS to Man. You can tinker with the dates a bit, but it doesn't change the final price much.

Which is a £200 saving and fits in well with your original holiday plan.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gifI must be doing this wrong, I'm getting £1100 each!

[Murphy_The_Cat]

I must be doing this wrong, I'm getting £1100 each!


Hi fatboyonadiet

regarding the visa issue, if anyone in your party has a criminal record, then things do change on the issue front.

OK, I've opened up another browser and I'm redoing the flights while I type.

log on to www.aa.com.
In the box maked "make reservations" click on "multi city"

then fill in the details/dates that you require (Los Angales airport code is LAX, Las Vegas airport code is LAS), once again I have assumed Man-Lax on Sat 09.09.06, LAX - LAS Sat 16.09.06, LAS - Man Wed 20.09.06.

In section 2 "how do you want to search", select "fare"
In section 3 "number of passengers" fill in your party details
In section 4 accept the default "with restrictions
In section 5 accept the deafult "aa, aa eagle etc"
in section 6 make sure that you check the box "UK", otherwise it will be priced in US/Canadian dollars.

Hit go, wait a minute and hopefully the fare of £427.00 should come up. When you hit the select key, you are taken to another area of the site where the price including taxes come up, this takes the price up to £489.10.

A quick word of warning/advice, the price on www.aa.com fluctuates repeatedly through the day - keep logging on until you get the price that you like. For my AA flight to Florida in November. the flight went up/down by over £300 each on the day, try, try & try again.

Also, may I suggest that you register for AAadvantage, its free and it means that you can pre assign your own seats on the plane (verrrryyyyy handy), especially if you go to www.seatguru.com and find out where the best seats are ! Also, the AAadvantage air mile scheme is very generous (you can get 5000 free airmiles by taking out a AA Visa card (http://www.citibank.com/uk/personal/cards/cards_aadvan.htm), but don't forget to cancel it before year 2 as they will charge you £25.00 for it next year.

Hope I've helped

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

p.s this is a great game. As the day goes on do you want me to keep reposting the fare ? all + tax
10.10 £427
10.54 £427
11.15 £1268.00
11.30 £567
12.00 £1210

[fatboyonadiet]

Cheers MTC, much appreciated. I got £551 but looked at different dates, need to think about when is best as Luxor seems to be cheaper in early Oct, but think the cheaper flights in Sept outweigh the saving. You're a star.

[fatboyonadiet]

What about the helicopter ride? How much and any recommendations?

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Cheers MTC, much appreciated. I got £551 but looked at different dates, need to think about when is best as Luxor seems to be cheaper in early Oct, but think the cheaper flights in Sept outweigh the saving. You're a star.


ahh now you're talking.

If you're flexible enough to go in Nov, thinds get chearper (start of Nov is the AA cheapy time) and £489 incl tax keeps popping up.

The prices at the Luxor fluctuate big time with the conferences that are on in Las Vegas, if you are able to get a list of conference that are on (& then avoid those dates, sorry I couldn't find one), you'll save money big time.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[Murphy_The_Cat]

What about the helicopter ride? How much and any recommendations?

this is the homepage (http://www.looktours.com/) of the company we went with, and this is the actual trip we took (http://www.looktours.com/grand-canyon-western-ranch.html), & it was absolutely fantastic.
Forget about the price !!!! (shock horror, non MSE advice), as flying over the lip of the Canyon with "Ride of the Valkeries" (from Apocolypse Now) blazing through your headset was priceless. If you fancy it, just bear in mind that the Ranch at the peak of the day is very hot !

Other companies are dearer/cheaper, but I can't vouch for them. Lots of firms will sell you tickets "cheap" on the strip - it depends if you fancy that idea or not. The above company does do a healthy online discount for pre booking.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

p.s. folk over 18 stone pay a 50% surcharge.

[fatboyonadiet]

It's pricey, but seems to be worth it, I'll have to have a good think before I book this - it is my b'day round then so maybe someone will feel like treating me!

p.s. folk over 18 stone pay a 50% surcharge.Maybe I could sneak the missis under my jumper and pay less :D

[photome]

Just back from a similar trip.

I had a return flight to LA, stayed for 3 nights at Days inn Los angeles for $79 dollars a night with free parking (not for from hollywood and universal studios). The hotel was excellent value, you can look it up on www.tripadvisor.com BUT i couldnt wait to get out of LA, I didnt like it one bit.

Drove down to San diego (lovely place) then drove to Vegas ( unlike many others on here I love driving in America, whatever the distance), A couple of nights at the stratosphere for $39 dollars a night. Look at www.lasvegastalk.com posters on there are always posting deals that you can get direct with the hotels.

On to Bryce canyon (very pretty) but def go to Grand canyon if it is your first time out there.

Back to vegas 5nights at the alladdin at $59 a night again via a deal on lasvegastalk.

I would personally recommend longer in vegas than LA.

I dropped the car off at vegas after 14nights, I had a top of the range car and paid £320 up front with no one way drop off charge with www.yescarhire.com gold package all fuel paid for.

Took an internal flight back to LA for about £40 each, worst flight I have ever been on because of turbulance.

If they still have DRIVE on when you get there go for it. It is a GM test track both 4x4 and road behind the SAhara and for $10 you get to drive any two cars I drove a hummer round the 4x4 course and a 400hp conv corvette round the road.

I dont normally keep a car when in Vegas but this time I bought a book called the american casino guide for $16 and in it are loads of vouchers for buy 1 get 1 free buffets but they are off the strip so you need the car but we saved a lot of money, there are many other vouchers that are usable in it as well.

I think you do need a car in LA though.

[UnitedFlyer]

WoW, just checkout The Drive. It looks awesome for $10.

I'll be doing that when I go in Sep.

One other thing I forgot to mention, that is also just as good ...

thegunstorelasvegas.com

They have a wall covered with guns and for about $40 approx, you get to fire them - incredible!!

[fatboyonadiet]

Might help someone else but found this company that do helicopter trips to the Grand Canyon: http://www.grandcanyontourcompany.com/

[phill79]

this is the homepage (http://www.looktours.com/) of the company we went with, and this is the actual trip we took (http://www.looktours.com/grand-canyon-western-ranch.html), & it was absolutely fantastic.
Forget about the price !!!! (shock horror, non MSE advice), as flying over the lip of the Canyon with "Ride of the Valkeries" (from Apocolypse Now) blazing through your headset was priceless. If you fancy it, just bear in mind that the Ranch at the peak of the day is very hot !

Other companies are dearer/cheaper, but I can't vouch for them. Lots of firms will sell you tickets "cheap" on the strip - it depends if you fancy that idea or not. The above company does do a healthy online discount for pre booking.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

p.s. folk over 18 stone pay a 50% surcharge.


We booked ours with: www.all-las-vegas-tours.com flying with HeliUSA, cost about £300 but well worth it. (book in UK as it is cheaper)
I know what you mean about the music. Cheesy but well worth it and I have no regrets. plus the chicken we had at the ranch was very nice indeed!!

[catch22]

Does someone have the web site address for The Drive, please? Sounds fun.

[nelly]

We booked ours with: www.all-las-vegas-tours.com flying with HeliUSA, cost about £300 but well worth it. (book in UK as it is cheaper)
I know what you mean about the music. Cheesy but well worth it and I have no regrets. plus the chicken we had at the ranch was very nice indeed!!

We did heliusa too.

me and the wifes headphones plugged into a little black box (I thought we could only speke to each other) we were in the front with pilot and there were 3 in the back.


Knowing how much I hate flying she said as we took off " Are you ok?"

I said NO I'm f*****g sh**ing myself. Yes everybody could hear it including the pilot, made every one laugh though.

A meal at Paris hotel overlooks the Belagio fountains but its expensive.

Get a few beers down your neck and do the rides at the top of the stratosphear too great fun.

[UnitedFlyer]

Does someone have the web site address for The Drive, please? Sounds fun.

Don't think they have a website yet, but its on vegas.com....

http://www.vegas.com/attractions/on_the_strip/gm_thedrive.html?f=m0at&t=stripat

[fatboyonadiet]

MTC you had any luck today? I've been trying a few times for the 10 to LAX, 17 to LAS and 20 to MAN, but coming back with £551 everytime. I've been selecting ALL DAY as my time option, does that make any difference?Tried clearing cookies and temp int files as well.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

MTC you had any luck today? I've been trying a few times for the 10 to LAX, 17 to LAS and 20 to MAN, but coming back with £551 everytime. I've been selecting ALL DAY as my time option, does that make any difference?Tried clearing cookies and temp int files as well.

I tried "morning" as the flight time and I got £529 + tax, changing it to morning,afternoon,morning made no difference to the fare.

Bringing everything forward by one day took it up to £545.00
Bringing everything forward by another day was still £545.00
Flying out originally on the Thursday is still £545.00
Going out a day later is £529 again.

I told you that the AA computer was good fun !!

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

p.s. a really good MSE tip for las Vegas is watching the Bellagio fountains - for nowt, I think they "perform" every 15 minutes.

[fatboyonadiet]

I tried "morning" as the flight time and I got £529 + tax, changing it to morning,afternoon,morning made no difference to the fare.

Bringing everything forward by one day took it up to £545.00
Bringing everything forward by another day was still £545.00
Flying out originally on the Thursday is still £545.00
Going out a day later is £529 again.I just tried Lastminute and Expedia and got about £540 each (inc all fees), tried Opodo and got £499 each! AA is still giving me £551 plus taxes which comes out at about £1200 in total. Plus it's not much but get 1% cashback from Opodo which will come in at about a £10 - every bit counts I guess.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

I just tried Lastminute and Expedia and got about £540 each (inc all fees), tried Opodo and got £499 each! AA is still giving me £551 plus taxes which comes out at about £1200 in total. Plus it's not much but get 1% cashback from Opodo which will come in at about a £10 - every bit counts I guess.

Well fatboyonadiet there comes a time in life when you have to make a decision !

IMHO a fare for under £500 incl tax is very, very reasonable & although I have only flown with BMI once, they were excellant.

decisions, decisions.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

p.s. are you really, really, really sure that you want to spend a week in LA ?
On my list of places that I'd like to revisit, LA is wwwwwaaaaaaaayyyyyyy down the list.

[photome]

]

p.s. are you really, really, really sure that you want to spend a week in LA ?
On my list of places that I'd like to revisit, LA is wwwwwaaaaaaaayyyyyyy down the list.[/QUOTE]



I second that....3 nights/2 day was to long IMO in LA...i could stay in Vegas forever.

[Coveredinbees!!!!]

I found out that the Stardust is coming down next year, might explain why it wasn't as good as expected

[photome]

I found out that the Stardust is coming down next year, might explain why it wasn't as good as expected

I had heard it was this year. along with the tropicana, sahara and the riviera

[fatboyonadiet]

Well fatboyonadiet there comes a time in life when you have to make a decision !

IMHO a fare for under £500 incl tax is very, very reasonable & although I have only flown with BMI once, they were excellant.

decisions, decisions.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

p.s. are you really, really, really sure that you want to spend a week in LA ?
On my list of places that I'd like to revisit, LA is wwwwwaaaaaaaayyyyyyy down the list.Well took the plunge MTC and got the flights for £480 each, can't grumble, was a bit gutted as I thought I'd missed the boat with AA but glad I still only paid this price, especially when the nearest was £550.

It still is a week in LA unfortunately, a place I've always wanted to go, been to a lot of places I wanted to go but this place and Vegas were still on the map, I know I couldn't do more then 3 days in Vegas, just wouldn't enjoy it.

Thanks again for all your help with this and for convincing me to fly to Vegas instead of drive. I've booked the Luxor and paying $119.99 a night which isn't bad and got a convertible to LA which is costing me $269. Just need to sort out my hotel in LA now...

[UnitedFlyer]

Well took the plunge MTC and got the flights for £480 each, can't grumble, was a bit gutted as I thought I'd missed the boat with AA but glad I still only paid this price, especially when the nearest was £550.

It still is a week in LA unfortunately, a place I've always wanted to go, been to a lot of places I wanted to go but this place and Vegas were still on the map, I know I couldn't do more then 3 days in Vegas, just wouldn't enjoy it.

Thanks again for all your help with this and for convincing me to fly to Vegas instead of drive. I've booked the Luxor and paying $119.99 a night which isn't bad and got a convertible to LA which is costing me $269. Just need to sort out my hotel in LA now...

Hi.
Well, I really hope you have a fab time over there.
Also, what dates did you book, as I will hopefully be in Vegas early September.
However, I must say, I agree with most on this board that a week in LA is too long, and 3 days in Vegas too short.
That said, I would make sure that you book some trips and have things planned for LA.

[nelly]

Sandeago <--- ??? you know what I mean
sandiego zoo is supposed to be the best in the world, and also one of the worlds best theme parks is in LA

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain/index.asp

if your into that :)

[fatboyonadiet]

Hi.
Well, I really hope you have a fab time over there.
Also, what dates did you book, as I will hopefully be in Vegas early September.
However, I must say, I agree with most on this board that a week in LA is too long, and 3 days in Vegas too short.
That said, I would make sure that you book some trips and have things planned for LA.We'll have a car in LA so will be aiming to get about, especially having had a look at the suggestion above by nelly. We're in Vegas from the 17th to the 20th.

[UnitedFlyer]

Glad you've got yourself a car.
Just DONT hit rushhour on Highway 710. That the main route to Long Beach. Traffic is always bad in LA, but 710 is like the M25 on a bad day 15 times worse though.
Have fun though when youre here!

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Well took the plunge MTC and got the flights for £480 each, can't grumble, was a bit gutted as I thought I'd missed the boat with AA but glad I still only paid this price, especially when the nearest was £550.

It still is a week in LA unfortunately, a place I've always wanted to go, been to a lot of places I wanted to go but this place and Vegas were still on the map, I know I couldn't do more then 3 days in Vegas, just wouldn't enjoy it.

Thanks again for all your help with this and for convincing me to fly to Vegas instead of drive. I've booked the Luxor and paying $119.99 a night which isn't bad and got a convertible to LA which is costing me $269. Just need to sort out my hotel in LA now...

Hi fatboyonadiet

£480 is a cracking fare, you should be really, really chuffed. Are you going with BMI ?

I've got some bad news for you though, your holiday itinerary is only £350 incl tax on the AA website this morning :eek:

aaarrrrrrghhhhhh, got you, I'm only kidding.

The AA website is a law unto itself, you can hit refresh and the fare can rise or fall by several hundred pounds each time. In the past I have made Mrs Cat absolutely pigged off as I've sat there for ages on end waiting for a cheapy fare to pop up (by mistake, who knows) and then booking it on the spot. I am travelling Manchester - Tampa, then touring, then Miami - Manchester in November this year with my wife and son and I got the flights for £946 inc tax (with superb flight times, pre assigned seats and another 10000 ovely AA airmiles on the card)for the 3 of us. The price for the same flights this morning is £1701.70, the price has peaked at £1898 and has dropped as low as £1200, but it's never got near £1000 again.
Expedia wanted nearly £1200
Airline Network £1027 (which is a lot better than a fortnight ago)
www.opodo.co.uk are after £1290
ebookers £1098.00
traveljungle £1100

I love the AA computer :beer: :confused: :j :beer: :j

When I stayed in LA, I stayed a the Beverley Hills Sofitel, which was very acceptable (bullet proof glass, armed guards, machine gun nests on the roof, sorry I'm just pulling your leg), shop around, get a deal and I don't think you'll be disappointed. Watching the traffic lights change is like watching your own private motor show. Light goes red and they line up in front of you - Merc, BMW, Ferrari, Jag, Range Rover, Lincoln, Hummer, Porsche, Aston Martin, Lambo, BMW, Limo etc etc and it just goes on. However, leave Beverley Hills and the neighbourhoods are "ahem" less nice.
The tacky tours of the stars is good fun, but verrrryy tacky !

If you get fed up with the crazies in LA, I can recommend 2 x drives for you.
No1 is a 200 mile round trip & No2 is a 400 mile round trip, but you end up at one on the nicest places I've ever been to.

& I've got a wild card idea for you as well.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Sandeago <--- ??? you know what I mean
sandiego zoo is supposed to be the best in the world, and also one of the worlds best theme parks is in LA

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain/index.asp

if your into that :)


San Diego is only 120 miles away and is as beautiful as LA is crappy not beautiful. If you decide to look at San Diego, drop me a line and I'll happily give you some ideas.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[fatboyonadiet]

£480 is a cracking fare, you should be really, really chuffed. Are you going with BMI ?

I've got some bad news for you though, your holiday itinerary is only £350 incl tax on the AA website this morning :eek:

aaarrrrrrghhhhhh, got you, I'm only kidding.


You almost had me for a minute then! It's BMI but the internal flight isn't (can't remember who)

When I stayed in LA, I stayed a the Beverley Hills Sofitel, which was very acceptable (bullet proof glass, armed guards, machine gun nests on the roof, sorry I'm just pulling your leg), shop around, get a deal and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Again, almost had me!

Watching the traffic lights change is like watching your own private motor show. Light goes red and they line up in front of you - Merc, BMW, Ferrari, Jag, Range Rover, Lincoln, Hummer, Porsche, Aston Martin, Lambo, BMW, Limo etc etc and it just goes on. However, leave Beverley Hills and the neighbourhoods are "ahem" less nice.

And then there will be me beaming away in my Chrysler Sebring! Fast forward a week to LA and I'll be beaming in my Ford Mustang!

If you get fed up with the crazies in LA, I can recommend 2 x drives for you.
No1 is a 200 mile round trip & No2 is a 400 mile round trip, but you end up at one on the nicest places I've ever been to.

& I've got a wild card idea for you as well.

Tell me more, I might take the sat nav option as well so no chance of me getting lost!

[fatboyonadiet]

Sandeago <--- ??? you know what I mean
sandiego zoo is supposed to be the best in the world, and also one of the worlds best theme parks is in LA

http://www.sixflags.com/parks/magicmountain/index.asp

if your into that :)

If anyone needs it link for the zoo is: http://www.sandiegozoo.org/ and there is a water park next to the theme park: http://www.sixflags.com/parks/hurricaneharborla/index.asp anyone know how long it would take to drive to either of these?

[pbright]

Los Angeles is great...its under-rated from tourists as they dont spend a long time there and only see certain places. Quick tourists to LA have biased opinions, and it is my favourite city in the world and there is still so much i have to see there. The richest, most famous, most successfull people in the world CHOOSE to live their...their must be a reason for that. Universal studios Hollywood is the best of all the universal studios by far because of the location, city walk and on the tour you are dodging desperate housewives and other actors(true story). Six Flags magic mountain is great with the perfect sunshine, and you always see it in movies. Disneyland Anaheim is the original and has the fastest.most thrilling disney ride in the world....the rollorcoaster one...forgot what its called? You have the pacific beaches of Hawaii in Orange County, the City life of Boston down town, the glamour and sights of New York in Hollywood, the Theme parks of Florida in Anaheim/Hollywood, and much more.

[fatboyonadiet]

Los Angeles is great...its under-rated from tourists as they dont spend a long time there and only see certain places. Quick tourists to LA have biased opinions, and it is my favourite city in the world and there is still so much i have to see there. The richest, most famous, most successfull people in the world CHOOSE to live their...their must be a reason for that. Universal studios Hollywood is the best of all the universal studios by far because of the location, city walk and on the tour you are dodging desperate housewives and other actors(true story). Six Flags magic mountain is great with the perfect sunshine, and you always see it in movies. Disneyland Anaheim is the original and has the fastest.most thrilling disney ride in the world....the rollorcoaster one...forgot what its called? You have the pacific beaches of Hawaii in Orange County, the City life of Boston down town, the glamour and sights of New York in Hollywood, the Theme parks of Florida in Anaheim/Hollywood, and much more.Cheers for that, how long did it take to get to 6 flags?

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Los Angeles is great...its under-rated from tourists as they dont spend a long time there and only see certain places. Quick tourists to LA have biased opinions, and it is my favourite city in the world and there is still so much i have to see there. The richest, most famous, most successfull people in the world CHOOSE to live their...their must be a reason for that. Universal studios Hollywood is the best of all the universal studios by far because of the location, city walk and on the tour you are dodging desperate housewives and other actors(true story). Six Flags magic mountain is great with the perfect sunshine, and you always see it in movies. Disneyland Anaheim is the original and has the fastest.most thrilling disney ride in the world....the rollorcoaster one...forgot what its called? You have the pacific beaches of Hawaii in Orange County, the City life of Boston down town, the glamour and sights of New York in Hollywood, the Theme parks of Florida in Anaheim/Hollywood, and much more.

& pbrights post above is why MSE forums is so good.

I really dislike the place and couldn't wait to leave (like others have said), but pbright has given all sorts of reasons why you might like to stay even LONGER.

options, options, choices, choices


Fatboyonadiet, I'll post my suggestions for you later - sadly I have got to get some work done !.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[nelly]

. Disneyland Anaheim is the original and has the fastest.most thrilling disney ride in the world....the rollorcoaster one...forgot what its called? .

California screamin :)

pics --> http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&q=California%20screamin&btnG=Google+Search&sa=N&tab=wi

[pbright]

California Screaming...Thats the one. Seriously though, i even think that the Disneyland parks in LA are just as good as Florida...as Florida is padded out with "dull-kid" rides......Disneyland & Disneys California Aventures(right beside each other) are fun for the slightly older kids with rapids, rollerocasters etc + California adventura looks like a lot of money has been spent on it..its a great park(Dont buy tikets in advance, there will be some offer on a coke can, or a coupon in a guide when you get over there). Six flags was an hour drive for me from Hollywood....its an easy drive aswell. Six flags is great fun, and when you see movies with a theme park scene its usually there, i just recignised it the other night in true romance i think it was? If you stay late till when it closes it is really quiet and we stayed on the rollercoasters time and time again without getting off...it was great seeing the sun set from the top of the highest rollercoaster in California, its a great view from the top. Universal studios is awesome, but i am sure your plan is to go there. Again, dont buy tickets in advance, they will be cheaper than at the ticket office however even more so than Disneyland-there will be 2 for 1 deals or better evrywhere for Universal Studios. Tourists who dont like LA tend to have a typical tourist experience of LA. Typically this is a short visit in a longer trip allowing them to take in what they view as the main spot which is Hollywood, which is great for a day to see the sign, manns chinese, etc but thats it. I know many people who give themselves 4 or 5 days in LA, get the shuttle along that dirty freeway(5 or 101 i think??) to there Hollywood hotel. They are carless and stuck in Hollywood, and have to get bus tours around the area...there opinion is biased as they arent seeing a overall view of the city. Thats great you will have a car, as its vital...dont ever go if you dont to LA. Go to Orange County...Laguna Beach is like St-Tropez, its got a kind of european beach look, mixed with Beverly Hills...its very famous in America, and is just down from Newport Beach also in Orange County. La Jolla in between Orange County and San Diego is really nice aswell...its a town north of San Diego and is popular with american tourists but int. tourists seem to miss it. It has the San Diego Hard Rock Cafe(San Diego want to be associated with is so bad that they pluck their hard rock cafe there :D). Dont know what else to tell you...how old is everybody whos going and where are you staying??? Also one more comment, everybody thinks that New York is the US's gem...i would say its LA and southern California in my opinion. New York is great, but for some reason its surprisignly popular with brits hence all the focus on new york. It may be because of proximity but most brits go to New York mostly when visiting the US, however the rest of Europe, and particulary Italy choose to visit both LA and NY equally. & Asia and Australians tend to visit LA, firstly...but again this is due to proximity.

[fatboyonadiet]

Wow - thanks, did you stop for breath? Ages are 27 and 25. I noticed tickets for 6 flags and the water park are cheaper on their website, should I also wait to get them as well?

[lind]

The Barbary coast has reasonably priced rooms average 80 dollars a night plus the added bonus that this hotel is right bang in the centre not so bonus is that there arent so many rooms as other hotels so be quick to book

[pbright]

Yeah get All your park tickets when your there for sure!! & get the discounts they give to locals through coupons such as coke cans for six flags the last 2 times i have been there. At your age i suggest you stay at the Hard Rock Cafe or the Flamingo Hilton where i stayed. I have only been to Vegas once but i stayed at these places on reccommendations and they dont dissapoint....they give you alot of free drink, they cater for the young crowds, they are modern, and in a great location. I dont know where to reccommend for LA. If you want to stay in Hollywood and want to go out in Hollywood then stay at The Grafton, http://www.graftononsunset.com/on sunset stip, they have free parking(rare) but even better is that they give you free transport anywhere within 2miles in their nice cars, and all the famous and trendy nightspots are within 2miles of here. The website direct was cheapest to book for us, so keep an eye on that. It is a great hotel, not to popular with tourists due to its size. They also put you on the guestlist to the top clubs, and i got the impression that because you are british, and staying in that hotel, they assume your famous or something and they let you skip the Q's, give you a nice table etc. Despite of this the htel is resonably priced and the clubs they can get you on to the guestlist are not mega-expensive, you dont have to buy a minimum no. of drinks or anything...even though you will have Mandy Moore(if you know who she is) to the left of you. Theres loads of stuff i can tell you, just tell me what your interested in and looking for.

[photome]

I have already mentioned it but I can reccomend the Days inn los angeles it cost me $79 + tax a night with free parking and a basic but adequate breakfast. the neighbourhood was ok and it was about 15 minutes from universal studios and hollywood, This was in April this year, the rooms were clean and comfortable for a fraction of the price of most LA hotels.

Dont forget you can always book it and then cancel up to 24 hours before arrival at no cost, it is actually called the los angeles days inn on mariposa ave and the rates in sep are less than I paid

I cant comment on the grafton (above post) only to say it is over $200 a night

[phill79]

The Barbary coast has reasonably priced rooms average 80 dollars a night plus the added bonus that this hotel is right bang in the centre not so bonus is that there arent so many rooms as other hotels so be quick to book

There is also no wait for the lifts to your rooms, unlike most of the others. We had a view of the Belagio fountains too!! I would definately stay there again.

[fatboyonadiet]

Booked my Vegas hotel but thanks for the LA tips

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Murphy_The_Cat
£480 is a cracking fare, you should be really, really chuffed. Are you going with BMI ?

I've got some bad news for you though, your holiday itinerary is only £350 incl tax on the AA website this morning

aaarrrrrrghhhhhh, got you, I'm only kidding.

You almost had me for a minute then! It's BMI but the internal flight isn't (can't remember who)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Murphy_The_Cat
When I stayed in LA, I stayed a the Beverley Hills Sofitel, which was very acceptable (bullet proof glass, armed guards, machine gun nests on the roof, sorry I'm just pulling your leg), shop around, get a deal and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Again, almost had me!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Murphy_The_Cat
Watching the traffic lights change is like watching your own private motor show. Light goes red and they line up in front of you - Merc, BMW, Ferrari, Jag, Range Rover, Lincoln, Hummer, Porsche, Aston Martin, Lambo, BMW, Limo etc etc and it just goes on. However, leave Beverley Hills and the neighbourhoods are "ahem" less nice.

And then there will be me beaming away in my Chrysler Sebring! Fast forward a week to LA and I'll be beaming in my Ford Mustang!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Murphy_The_Cat
If you get fed up with the crazies in LA, I can recommend 2 x drives for you.
No1 is a 200 mile round trip & No2 is a 400 mile round trip, but you end up at one on the nicest places I've ever been to.

& I've got a wild card idea for you as well.

Tell me more, I might take the sat nav option as well so no chance of me getting lost!

Hi fatboyonadiet.

sorry about the late response, but in order, here goes.

BMI is a great airline, I think that your internal airline will be United. Your next step could checking out which planes your flying on,logging on to www.seatguru.com, finding out which are the best seats, contacting the airline DIRECT yourself and asking for them (If you'd taken the AA option, you could have done it online yourself).

Enjoy the convertibles and remember to keep some money spare for your hotel car parking - most charge (& some really charge) in LA.

If you fancy San Diego (& I'd return there in a flash, it was that good), I could give you a few ideas of things to do.

But now for my driving tours.
Tour no1 is straight up Highway 101 (a really nice scenic route) to Santa Barbara which is a beautiful town/city to while away some time in (apparently it has the highest number of Mercs per head of poulation in the world) and It's about 100 miles North of LA. As dingy and crap as LA is, this place is the complete opposite.

At this stage you could return back to the warzone
LA, or you could carry on up highway 101 to San Luis Opisbo (http://www.visitslo.com/). It's about 100 miles but it is about the nices place I have ever been to in my life. It's hard to put my finger on it - it was just how you hoped that little town America would be. If you do go, make sure that your visit coincides with a Thursday night. On Thurday evenings they shut down the amin street and have a big open air Farmers Market / Party / Open Barbecue / Carnival (http://visitslo.com/ecm/What_Is_There_To_Do/Thursday_Night_Farmers_Market.html). Idyllic.

When we went we stayed at The Apple Farm (http://www.applefarm.com/) in San Luis Opisbo. Words can't decribe how pleasant a place to stay at the Apple Farm is - Mrs Cat goes all misty eyed at the mere mention of the place. It's not a cheap place to stay at (by any stretch), but it was worth every cent that we spent there.

Now heres the wild card suggestion. The route from Santa Barbara to San Luis is a beautiful scenic route, but an even better option is going by train as the train hugs the coast nearly all the way up (& takes you through Vandenburg Air Base at one point). A business class return on the Amtrak Surfliner will cost you $68.00, a regular ticket $44.00.
It may not be your thing but it's an option that few would ever consider.

Hope I've given you some ideas.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

p.s. and the double Brucie Bonus is that you're not in LA.

[pbright]

I have already mentioned it but I can reccomend the Days inn los angeles it cost me $79 + tax a night with free parking and a basic but adequate breakfast. the neighbourhood was ok and it was about 15 minutes from universal studios and hollywood, This was in April this year, the rooms were clean and comfortable for a fraction of the price of most LA hotels.

Dont forget you can always book it and then cancel up to 24 hours before arrival at no cost, it is actually called the los angeles days inn on mariposa ave and the rates in sep are less than I paid

I cant comment on the grafton (above post) only to say it is over $200 a night

I payed $100 a night...its down to timing and research

[pbright]

Also Murphy the cats suggestions are taking you north...i disagree...its the south towards San diegio you should be taking in. The north is better suited to older people...the south...Laguna, Newport, La Jolla etc are more fast-paced/trendy and i feel you should def. visit. What kind of rental car are you getting? Go for the Mustang if you can, much cooler than the sebring! If you can get the Grafton for under $150 & can afford it i would go for it. Its an amazing hotel, really trndy and you will meet other young folk at the hotel...not many families and old folks here. + factor is the free parking and free chauffeur car to anywhere within 2miles anytime as much as you like, it could justify the $150 a night. Like i said though...I got it for just over $100, its down to timing.

[nelly]

fatboy. If you deffinately going to six flags, I have some very NON money saving advice but its also priceless.

We went to a different six flags park last year (its a chain) near new york.

They do a fast pass system but what a lot of people dont know (im a full on theme park nerd btw) they have a system called VIP pass. It cost $100 dollars each on top of entry price. You get a sticker that you stick on your t-shirt and you dont queue at all. You walk up the exit ramps and get straight on the very next ride and if you liked it you get off wait for that train to go and get straight back on the next one as many times as you like.

There were estimated 1. 1/2 to 2 hour queues when we did this, that's 6 or 8 rides all day.

We rode 30 coaster rides in 4 hours :) best $200 I've ever spent.

They have a six flags marine world in sandiego too which has some great rides. If you get a six flags season ticket, you make it pay by the second visit

and its good for every park in the country.

all so check out Knotts berry farm http://www.knotts.com/

its another great theme park :)

[fatboyonadiet]

Plenty for me to go on again, thanks all, again some decisions to be made, will keep on trying the Grafton, but otherwise might take the days Inn, also seen the Hollywood Inn Express North and the Hollywood Exec Vagabond Inn. Both with free parking and discounted via Expedia and fall well within our budget. The grafton would be a back if we got a good price, the cheapest at the moment it's showing is $155.

[fatboyonadiet]

[quote=pbright]What kind of rental car are you getting? Go for the Mustang if you can, much cooler than the sebring!quote]Got the sebring for LA as it's much more within our budget but the Mustang for Vegas :D.

I was alos thinking about taking enough extra cash with me to cover the hotels and car hire and convert it to dollars over there to get a better rate and hopefully save myself a few more £££s. Is this a good idea? How much could I save?

[Murphy_The_Cat]

[quote=pbright]What kind of rental car are you getting? Go for the Mustang if you can, much cooler than the sebring!quote]Got the sebring for LA as it's much more within our budget but the Mustang for Vegas :D.

I was alos thinking about taking enough extra cash with me to cover the hotels and car hire and convert it to dollars over there to get a better rate and hopefully save myself a few more £££s. Is this a good idea? How much could I save?

save the time effort & trouble.

Take your credit card and use it for as much as you can.
If you want to take some dabs, the best deal I could find is getting a M & S &more card. Use their foreign exchange service, if you spend over £500 it's comission free, a cracking exchange rate and delivered to your door free of charge. They'll also take back your unspent dabs and you get upto 45 days credit to pay for it all (Oh and no credit card loading for cash advance/currency purchase either).
Travelex also offer a good service, but M&S pips them in my book.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[fatboyonadiet]

I've used Travelex online in the past and then got them to price-match the rate offered by the Thomas Global Exchange in London and then always exchanged a bit abroad as the strength of the £ means I get more buck for my bang as it were.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Also Murphy the cats suggestions are taking you north...i disagree...its the south towards San diegio you should be taking in. The north is better suited to older people...the south...Laguna, Newport, La Jolla etc are more fast-paced/trendy and i feel you should def. visit. What kind of rental car are you getting? Go for the Mustang if you can, much cooler than the sebring! If you can get the Grafton for under $150 & can afford it i would go for it. Its an amazing hotel, really trndy and you will meet other young folk at the hotel...not many families and old folks here. + factor is the free parking and free chauffeur car to anywhere within 2miles anytime as much as you like, it could justify the $150 a night. Like i said though...I got it for just over $100, its down to timing.

Hi pbright

we flew San Diego - Las Vegas - LA so I missed all of the things on the road from San Diego to LA.

as for going North, its horses for courses. I really enjoyed the return to civilisation and Real America after the general crapness of LA.

I suppose its what lights your candle.

We were 34/35 when we did our California holiday (& great it was to), not everyone wants to do the trendy/fast paced thing.

But of course, your comments are as valid as mine.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[pbright]

[quote=pbright]What kind of rental car are you getting? Go for the Mustang if you can, much cooler than the sebring!quote]Got the sebring for LA as it's much more within our budget but the Mustang for Vegas :D.

I was alos thinking about taking enough extra cash with me to cover the hotels and car hire and convert it to dollars over there to get a better rate and hopefully save myself a few more £££s. Is this a good idea? How much could I save?


Maybe you should do that. I booked my rental car whenover there, but it ws cheapr in dollars, its just the hassle, they bank of you not wanting the hassle of booking it there, but i would...save you some more money for the Grafton if yor aiming for it. Also, if you decide to go for the cheap end, go for http://www.supercheapcar.com/ whom are definetly the cheapest. I booked my Sebring(nice car but the coolness of a smimilar prices mustang aint there) with avis at an out of airport location with dollars...cheapest option for me. Seriously though, do a bit of reserach into the south, & what theme parks are you thinking of taking in. If you have two days for parks i would go for Universal Studios(much better than Florida's because its real) no matter what, & Six Flags if you like rollercoasters(it has the worlds second fastest coaster, the highest loop/corkscrew--its scary going upside down at that height, the world first suspended 3dimensional coaster...its called X and it will blow you mind, it has loads of other recordbreakers aswell), but if its quality, and traditon then hit disneyland &/or Disneys California Adventure(next door)...we did both in one day actually...it will take you all day and is an expensive tickets but i luckily got it for free....theres ways of getting real cheap tickets!! Then you should do the Hollywood day, but take in Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica Pier on the same day...you will see a ton of landmarks in one day and they are close. Then have an Orange County day....taking in Hunington, Newport and Laguna...take PCH (highway 1)...its long but great driving through all the famous beach cities...end in Laguna Beach at night for dinner...a place called http://www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com/ it has a giant pation with the best view of laguna beach, and its off the tourist trail because they will all be down in the town below the cliff. Its easy to get to, and is busy with the young crowd (& stars of this show: http://www.mtv.com/onair/laguna_beach/season2/main.jhtml who shouldnt be there at their ages :D).

Then take the freeway back from Laguna to Hollywood. Then your last day should be a chill day at the pool...go to the Grove(again off the mass tourist trail....its a new shopping trendy shopping centre http://www.thegrovela.com/) or the Beverly centre which is also close by. If you are staying at the Grafton just use your free chauffeur to take you there and dont worry bout time.cost of parking or even walk there. If you want to go out in Hollywood there is a ton of places...to say you have been there and to be guaanteed to see loads of stars any night go to http://www.mondrianhotel.com/mondrian_hotel_skybar.asp ....go late on a busy night it might be hard to get in. Your a couple right, that should help, i reckon i got in with the brit accent and when they see you arrive in the black mercedes car that the grafton chauffeur people around in if they are going out(again free.maybe just the driver $3). Also if you are staying at the Grafton and are goin to Universal Studios & enjoy a drink, i would get drunk(enjoy a drink :D) the night before then because with all this driving you have to watch your evening drinking...but even though its 4miles-ish from the grafton they will still happily chauffeur you to Universal Studios in the morning if you are "over the limit".

Did i mention to you that the Grafton has a great pool & pool scene as well and the 2night i stayed there, a women came round and was giving every guest a bottle of grey goose vodka(expensive good stuff)...it was a pomotion, and apparently Grafton guests are their key target market :D. Apparently they do that often, give products away from near by events/product drives....its supposed to be the next best thing giving them away to hotel guests as opposed to celebrities who fit the target market and the Graftons the place they come. But dont go there on my word if its too expensive...keep an eye on it, and worst come to worst email/call them and say the cheapest price you have got is $150 or whatever and ask if they can beat that and mention how long you will be staying for.

Also dont do any tours if you have a car...you will save money and its even better doing it yourelf...buy a hollywood map and im sure people on here have directions for their reccommended sees's. Drive up to the sign viewpoint for a photo as well in your hollywood.beverly hills/santa monica day...its a very cool picture to have. Everyday you will see something there that you will orbably see on tv/films at least once a month. You will see that so much stuff is filmed in Los Angeles and notice it all the time, especially if you are the driver. Seriously 5days isnt enough in LA, i love the people who want to get out quiker...like i said...they are the traditional brit tourists(no car, stay in hollywood, used to New York..take tours, dont see much etc) usually.

Long post here...anything else you want to know???? :-)

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Maybe you should do that. I booked my rental car whenover there, but it ws cheapr in dollars, its just the hassle, they bank of you not wanting the hassle of booking it there, but i would..


Hi pbright, are you sure that this is good advice ?

Hiring a car in America usually means exactly that you hire the car only - WITH NO INSURANCE COVER, which you then need to take with them on the spot at a really high rate. The reason being that Americans when they take a hire car are covered by their own motor insurance.

I've always hunted around online and got the best deal that I can over here before travelling (& for something a little bit different, the sooner the better).

If I'm missing a trick, please let me know.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[pbright]

Just read your first post....i might also be going around then, we are looking into the first 2weeks in September to do LA for 10days and Vegas for 4...i would go in a shot...its just persuading my friends to justify all the money its going to cost. September is a great time. The weather is hot and sunny, but the sticky humidity has died down. All the kids are back at School so the parks are quiter. What i said about staying on the rollercoasters at 6flags at sunset continously should be OK in the month of September. Makes you a little sick but the view at the top of Colloses is amazing, seriously!!

[pbright]

Yeah that could be the best way. It was best for me because i was there a few weeks before i got my car. & my insurance was really cheap...this is because they want you to take their insurance...its more profit and thus they want you to take their so if you crash your insurance is intact..and to do this they offer low prices - or so was the case for me. But do not take my work. Its a gamble and stress, so if you want to feel confident and dontmind "MAYBE" paying a little more then bok before you go. Also, i read about a way that you get insurance for dirt cheap before you go, and then you can rent over there with no need for insurance...anyone know about this??

[wdyw]

Hi folks,

We try and get to Vegas at least once a year - going next week for the grand price of £130 pp.

If you book your flights now you will end up paying about double what the flights will be closer to the time. Airtours fly direct from Manchester to LV every Sunday and in the summer, every Wednesday as well. As you get closer to the flight date, prices drop dramatically, and as you are going in a school period, the prices will be low. (take a look at how their prices vary over the next 3 weeks to see the difference between booking in advance!).

We have never had a problem booking on this flight 1-2 weeks before flying out in August/September. A330, decent seat pitch- quite bearable.

As for cars - get one for Vegas as well as LA. toy don't want to miss the 40mins it takes to get to Hoover dam, or vist thew shopping outlets etc etc.

However, whoever suggested getting a convertible is obviously a night bird or never been to Vegas in September. Temps will be at or above 100F still and havingthe roof down in the day time will have all the locals laughing and pointing at the tourists. Great for the coast though, but why anyone would want to spend a week in LA beats me! A day or two for Universal studios etc and a trip to Venice/Laguna/Santa Monica and then get out ASAP!

Hotels - in Spetember you will be able to book a host of places from about $20 a night upwards. If you want to be on the strip, of the major hotels, Stratosphere, Circuc circus and Stardust will be the cheapest. All are at the north end and if you want to tour the strip, be prepared to do a lot of walking!

For about $80 a night we would recommend Treasure Island. Good central location, good rooms and a few freebies thrown in (2 for 1 cocktails etc). great overall value.

As you are only there for 3 days, don't count out the luxury hotels. I highly recommend the Venetian (suite deals from about $140 per night). MGM is just one notch down imho, and haven't tried the Bellagio.

Unlike others, I'd avoid Luxor, Mandalay Bay etc as they are all on the south end of the strip and require too much walking.

Monorail is ok to get to/from places like the Hilton but as far as the strip goes, walking will be needed!

Off the strip, places like the various Station hotels offer great value (rooms as little as $20 a night), free shuttles to/from the strip but
definitiely not as good as most of the strip hotels.

Downtown is also cheap. We found it seedy, but perfect for underage drinkers/gamblers!

so far this is a list of all the hotels we gave stayed in at Vegas to give you an idea of what we have compared.

Venetian, caesars, MGM, Stardust, Treasure Island, Palace Station, Fitzgeralds, Palms, Hilton.

Prices are a lot more at weekends compared to weekdays. If the prices are too hight, then also consider Primm on the border, Henerson (out towards Hoover dam), or Mesquite (on the way to St George).

Going back to flights, the one flight we have never used is UK - LA. Manchester - Vegas loads of times and normally if we are not going to Vegas first we end up flying to either San Francisco (drive down pacific highway the nacross to Vegas or via the National Parks) or Phoenix (watch a baseball game, drive up to Vegas, occasionally via Grand Canyon / Page). Always found the flights to SF and Phoenix better value at that time of year
(Virgin / BA / AA)

[fatboyonadiet]

pbright you're an absolute star, chears for all that gives me plenty to think about! I reckon we will hit Universal for sure and maybe a day at 6flags and the water park next door. Supercheapcar seems to be shut on the time we're there.

Also neither of us drink so having a drink isn't a problem at all. But you are swinging me round to the Grafton will have to keep checking prices.

Never thought about insurance - what do I need to do? How do I get it, just assumed I would be covered already through Dollar.

Maybe I'll see you there, being driven round by some chaffeur! ;)

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Also, i read about a way that you get insurance for dirt cheap before you go, and then you can rent over there with no need for insurance...anyone know about this??

Yeah I've seen that on a thread on MSE somewhere. I THINK that it comes in about £100 for a years cover.

For a quick comparison of car hire with/without insurance heres an idea for you.

log onto a hirecar company that has both a co.uk & .com website and look at the difference.

here's the first one I came to
1 week in August, convertible, Orlando with Dollar.

Dollar.co.uk is £213 incl all insurances, extra driver, free tank of fuel
Dollar.com is £161 plus insurances + extra driver + tank of fuel for direct comparison.

I'm not for a minute suggesting that you can't get a MUCH better rate than what Dollar are offering. I'm just using Dollar as an example.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[wdyw]

We use Dollar or Hertz for west coast trips. Always booked before leaving the UK. Dollar prices now include the full range of insurances - used to have silver, gold and platinum ...where platinum included extra drivers plus a free tank of fuel. generally stress free while in the USA, too often double charged when back in the UK! Still can change insurance packages if bought through a fly-drive package.

Hertz is great if you catch them on one of the promo periods. Free upgrades, Sat-Nav included etc etc.

One thing we have learnt about hiring cars in the USA - unless your heart is set on a convertible, always book the economy/compact. Non of the above have any at the airport sites we fly into, so thay give you the free upgrade to whatever they have. We have been offered everything from a "full size" to a 4x4 as an alternative to our booked request.

[CCStar]

I would avoid the Hilton by the conference centre - is a bit off the beaten track and baggage takes ages and they still expect a tip:mad:

Lug your own if you have to stay there.

I stayed at the Tropicana, not so new but pretty good, we had a suite with a jacuzzi for a reasonable rate.

The monorail takes you to anywhere on the strip so not a great problem.

The Luxor is surreal - being pyramid shaped, the inside is diagonal, meeting at a point

Vegas is like one great big theme park - great fun and you need lots of energy. There is something for every taste!

Be wary of the slots, there are some good payers but generally very boring.

We are not gamblers, we like Vegas for the atmosphere and themes. Also, people between 18-20 will be peed off as they can't do what they do in the UK drinkwise and gamblingwise.

You can do well on buffets as they want you to gamble, so loss leader on the food.

[wdyw]

I would avoid the Hilton by the conference centre - is a bit off the beaten track and baggage takes ages and they still expect a tip:mad:

Lug your own if you have to stay there.



Got a shiver there ..the thought of paying for baggage handling on a money saving site.

One of the redeemable features of the hilton is that it houses the Star Trek Experience. If you are in any way a treekie, check out their Nemesis package deals. Excellent value

The last week of August is the years biggest Star Trek convention - I would hate to be there then! (bothe for the smell factor and the cost of a room!)

Just though of one other thing to consider when booking a room. Any of the deals that includes "free $10/$0 etc gaming" is near enough that as a discount if for slots.

Just use the freebie ticket in a nickel machine and you will be hard pushed not to get 90%+ back that can be cashed in.

[malid]

Hi

I am responding to fist post so apologies if there is repetition.

My family and I have done the west coast several times and happy to advise. Would advise flying to LA but recommend avoiding Air New Zealand as they do not have seat back screens in all planes (unless they have upgraded for this year).

Yes it is a long trip from LA to Vegas but it's all part of the experience. In LA, we have stayed arround Anaheim (Disneyland area) as opposed to Beverley Hills/Hollywood. Annabella Hotel Katella Avenue is good but don't do direct booking, use a site such as hotels.com (there are many more). Excellent deals always available. In Vegas, Excalibur is a good strip location (nearer the newer hotels and opposite Luxor/MGM). This is a much better location than towards the Stratosphere in my opinion althoug a previous post disagrees. Also, try to stay midweek in Vegas as hotels are usually cheaper between Monday - Thurs.

The last couple of years we have used Dollar and booked direct from UK. Do use dollar.com site as it is cheaper than dollar.co.uk; however, last year, I believe we used a third party site to book and it was cheaper (may have been airline network). You must enure that you have the relevant insurance sorted. CDW/LDW is essential.

Good travel insurance ion direct-travel.co.uk

If you want to phone home, get a phonecard from 1st4phonecards.com - get the stars and stripes one.

Re money, change minimum amount for ready cash when you get there then use ATMs. You should get a Nationwdie Flexaccount so that you can have a Cash card - no charges. Would also highly recommend you get a Nationwide Credit card as you don't pay fees.

Enjoy; it's fabulous!!

[pbright]

Great for the coast though, but why anyone would want to spend a week in LA beats me! A day or two for Universal studios etc and a trip to Venice/Laguna/Santa Monica and then get out ASAP!




I personally think LA is better than Vegas and i love Vegas. It all depends on your experience and Vegas is easier....its there and they over the homogenous tourist products: gambling, pools, hotels etc. Where as LA, with research and a much needed car...your sorted. You need more than a week there and for some reason people dont know this(italians seem to though, i have met italians there for 3weeks). Like i said, the richest, famous people in the world CHOOSE to stay there...its because it has so much on offer. Robbie Williams for example....not know in America, records in Sweeden.....why does he live and love LA so much...because he has seen it all. I was with a friend who had to be persuaded to come to LA with the bad "british" reviews he had heard but when he was there and shown the true experience he loved it. Like you said "fatboyonadiet"...you might get bored of vegas...especially if you want to domething different everyday. I think than itienery sounds great:

Day 1: Six Flags(i would miss out the water park though) - (my fav. theme park in world)
Day 2: Hollywood/Santa Monica Pier/ Beverly Hills
Day 3: Universal Studios (My 2nd fav. theme park in world)
Day 4: PCH through to OC(Laguna & Newport...possibly Nr. to Malibu)
Day 5: The Grove/The Beverly centre/Rodeo Dr/Griffith Audotorium

If you have sorted your acom. in vegas your sorted....you dont need to look to much in what to do/where to go. You will find out when you are there....its all homogenous products, and the ones better than other be it the ballagio fountains to the MGM nightclub...you will find out. Also there is so much promotion of day trips to the canyons etc advertised there its easy to see whats best and cheapest. Tip: Focus less on "sorted" Vegas and more on LA-the potentially best 5days of your life!!

I believe LA is much much better than Vegas and i love vegas also.





Day 4:

[malid]

Oops, should have added this to previous reply. If you like theme parks, especially roller coasters, Knotts Berry Farm (near Anaheim) is a good one. Beach wise, Huntington beach is a must.

[pbright]

Oops, should have added this to previous reply. If you like theme parks, especially roller coasters, Knotts Berry Farm (near Anaheim) is a good one.


Knotts is great fun...but for five days there you should stick with LA's gem...Universal Studios.....& Six Flags Magic Mountain(my fav. theme park in the world.) Knotts is also a little bit further right...i know its further from Disneyland than Hollywood. Did anybody see the international arrivals at LAX on gmtv this morning? Thats where you will be coming out fatboonadiet. LAX is an experience in itself....i totally disagree with the poster who said that they happily avoided LAX at all costs. The decend to LAX gives great views...yu can see downtown, santmonica pier, beverly hills, hollywood sign plus its weird descending low over bare mountains for an hour then you see LA appear from nowhere. LAX is also an experience in its own with landmarks such as the revolving restaurant http://you-are-here.com/architect/LAX.JPG http://www.friedmanarchives.com/California/images/LAX%20and%20Lights%208x12%20300%20dpi%20no%20lampp ost.jpg

[wdyw]

you won't see too much if you are in the middle seats of a 747! an airport is an airport, you get in and out as quick as possible and hope the baggage/car hire all works out. Compare to flying in/out over Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon....

For a first time vegas trip, three days is suffice. Dont miss the easily accessible Hoover dam and there are a stack of day trips to the Grand Canyon via copter or bus. a days shopping to drag back to the UK and the evenings for a wander up and down the strip.

but what about the 7days in LA? Unless I missed the post, Fatboyonadiet is planning on doing 7 days in LA and then 3 in Vegas (first post). Now its clear everyone has different preferences but there are a few things we all agree on.

Universal Studios
Santa Monica

I take the view that if I'm flying 4000odd miles away I want to see/do things I can't on my doorstep.

Is a day at Magic mountain worth it? Sure its a great park, but so is Alton Towers, 50 miles down the M6.

Roller blading/cycling/walking up and down the boardwalk between Santa Monica and Venice beaches ....to me there's nothing comparable in this country - so it gets a big tick.

Sea World, the Pacific Highway, Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, Death Valley, we have nothing like them. Is having a meal in a revolving restaurant a better way to spend valuable time than seeing spectacular scenery (even if it does require a fair bit of driving)? Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Everybody has different preferences.

[scope]

its either 2 or 4 hours cant remember properly

oh and dont stay in excalibur its crap if I ever go to vegas again which I doubt I'd deff stay in a smaller hotel

We stayed in the Excalibur 4-5 years ago and I though it was fine.. The breakfast buffet was EXCELLENT. If you do stay there get a room with view up the strip, its quite nice at night.

[pbright]

Is a day at Magic mountain worth it? Sure its a great park, but so is Alton Towers, 50 miles down the M6.



You abvoiusly havent been to six flags magic mountain then! Alton Towers cant't even be compared, there is nothing like it in Europe.

& of course dont go to a revolving restaurant...thats a crazy idea wdyw...but its good when you drive past it at the airport...it being one of a kind and a landmark. Obviously the plan is to get out of the airport ASAP, i was just saying that its not a bad airport as a poster said avoid it. An airports an airport, but in defence of it...its a great airport and great decend to it even if you are stuck in the middle....are you stuck in the middle fatboyisonadiet. The parks are nice, i have only been to yosemite but i think for your trip they are too far a drive.

So its 7days you have in LA, thats great...it means you dont have so much to cramm in 5days....so what else is it your looking to do....there is so many other things i did not suggest because i thought you were only going for 5days. Also the drive you will be missing out on because you are flying to Vegas you get a taste of on route to six flags. Even though its only a little over an hour from Hollywood, you drive through dessert land and for a strecth you get that "road-trip" feel. You are going to have a great time in LA, there is still so much i want to see and what i have did i miss so much. Where as, with Vegas...take it or leave it....i have did it once, dont feel the need to do it for a while, and theres substitute similar tourism products for it.....where as i have not seen anywhere similar to the Los Angeles experience.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Sea World, the Pacific Highway, Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks, Death Valley, we have nothing like them. Is having a meal in a revolving restaurant a better way to spend valuable time than seeing spectacular scenery (even if it does require a fair bit of driving)? Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. Everybody has different preferences.

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway from LA (yuck) To San Fransico, via Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo (then Amtrak Business class from San Luis Obisbo - Santa Barbara) , Hearst Castle, The Big Sur, Carmel & Monteray was an absolutely outstanding motoring experience and one of the best happiest holiday experiences of my life so far.

It took away the sour taste that LA had put there !

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[fatboyonadiet]

Aaaarrrggghh, this thread is killing me! My head is about to burst!

Just to confirm, current state or plays is 10 - 17th in LA, can't count the 17th as that morning I go to Vegas and I land late on the 10th so cancel that day as well. So far a defo day at the beaches (driving to all 3) a day at 6 flags and the water park, and a day at Universal studios. One day shopping, don't know where yet. And a day doing sight seeing like the walk of fame and the chinese theatre (maybe catch a flick too).

Vegas is 17th to 20th but again because of flights can't count the 20th. One of the days will involve a trip the Grand Canyon either bus or copter depending on what my budget dictates. And a day walking the strip and hotel spotting.

[pbright]

if I ever go to vegas again which I doubt


I share your opinion Nelly...its great fun, they have 1product(hedonism-mass-fun) which is top of its market...but thats it. Once you have been, you are going back for the same...i read last week that it doesnt change. You are going for 3days...great...you might have the best 3days of your trip there...but spend any more time there at the sacrafice of LA and thats a Big mistake. Vegas has one great thing to offer, but you can get bored of it...your photos will all look the same. The more time in LA and its vicinity the better.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Aaaarrrggghh, this thread is killing me! My head is about to burst!

Just to confirm, current state or plays is 10 - 17th in LA, can't count the 17th as that morning I go to Vegas and I land late on the 10th so cancel that day as well. So far a defo day at the beaches (driving to all 3) a day at 6 flags and the water park, and a day at Universal studios. One day shopping, don't know where yet. And a day doing sight seeing like the walk of fame and the chinese theatre (maybe catch a flick too).

Vegas is 17th to 20th but again because of flights can't count the 20th. One of the days will involve a trip the Grand Canyon either bus or copter depending on what my budget dictates. And a day walking the strip and hotel spotting.

a tacky tour of the stars homes is well errr tacky, but good fun as well.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[malid]

Aaaarrrggghh, this thread is killing me! My head is about to burst!

Just to confirm, current state or plays is 10 - 17th in LA, can't count the 17th as that morning I go to Vegas and I land late on the 10th so cancel that day as well. So far a defo day at the beaches (driving to all 3) a day at 6 flags and the water park, and a day at Universal studios. One day shopping, don't know where yet. And a day doing sight seeing like the walk of fame and the chinese theatre (maybe catch a flick too).

Vegas is 17th to 20th but again because of flights can't count the 20th. One of the days will involve a trip the Grand Canyon either bus or copter depending on what my budget dictates. And a day walking the strip and hotel spotting.

For shopping, you really don't need to take a day out as a lot of this could be done in the evening. Westminster Mall (on road heading for Huntgton Beach) is very good and open until late. Re site seeing, what you are referring to is in Hollywood so I would also recomment a trip to the cemetary (macabre I know) but quite interesting.

As you are short of time, try helicopter for Gran Canyon as bus will not give you sufficient time (or you could go back another time!). Hoover Dam near Las Vegas is definately worth a visit.

[fatboyonadiet]

a tacky tour of the stars homes is well errr tacky, but good fun as well.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gifSomeone else told me that but don't fancy it, don't fancy any of the tours to be honest, never done one on any of my previous holidays.

[pbright]

Shopping:

Has to be the Grove and the Beverly centre(both famous landmarks) in Hollywood, these places are big, beutifull and cater for both ends of the market.

Theme Parks:

You've made the right chocie there but the six flags water park is over-rated + it will tear into your day at the magic mountain...but then again if you go early in the morning, move fast and stay till the park shuts then thats what to do, you can probs get both in. Tip for Universal Studios: get there early and hit the popular rides first, whilst also getting fast passes for them later on in the day...the park is designed in a line almost, so you come to attractions such as Back to the future and you automatically take that in first.....dont....run past it and take the escalotors(the biggest escalator in the world built into the side of a hollywood mountain and the views from it...WOW http://garyshaboo.tripod.com/Descent.jpg )down to all the popular rides like the "Mummy", "Jurassic Park" etc & you can nab your fastpast here and come back again in the afternoon when the Q's are massive.

Beaches:

Santa Monica because its close and famous but if its sights and quality you want then head south on PCH taking in hunigton etc(fun in itself in your convertibile) to Newport, then down to Laguna http://www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com/ (A must) for dinner. With 7days you should do the PCH but the southern beach PCH run as its called. With 7days, i wouldnt reccommend the PCH northen run to SF via carmel etc, although its great. As you have 6-7days in LA i reccommend a beach day at Santa Monica and you get there from hollywood via Beverly Hills so take that in on the way there/back. Have a ay solely in Hollywood at Manns, etc, and then a day doing the PCH road trip taking in all the beaches(a great day) + 2theme parks days, a day for shopping & chilling & i dont know what to reccommed you do during the other day...loads of options...hope my suggestions sound good to you....they wont dissapoint and you wont be one of these typical brit tourists like wdym who dislike the LA experience.

[wdyw]

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway from LA (yuck) To San Fransico, via Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo (then Amtrak Business class from San Luis Obisbo - Santa Barbara) , Hearst Castle, The Big Sur, Carmel & Monteray was an absolutely outstanding motoring experience and one of the best happiest holiday experiences of my life so far.

It took away the sour taste that LA had put there !

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

Exactly what we thought as well MTC.

Though September can be hit or miss with the early morning sea fog. When I hit the lottery (and it better be a quadruple rollover!), I've got my house lined up , off 17 mile drive , just beside the 9th(?) at Pebble Beach.

Magic mountain - yep done that, nothing much different to Alton Towers. Queues just as bad 45-90mins ...hope you go on a quiet day!

Reasons to go to Vegas

1/ Its a place everybody should see once in a life time. You either love it or loathe it
2/ You can gamble 24/7 if thats your thing
3/ near certainty of hot temps, low humidity and sunshine

and the best reason....

4/ It's the perfect place to start a tour of Utah,Nevada,Arizona

Bryce Canyon (the most phenomenal landscape I've ever come across), Zion National Park, Death Valley, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Lead Mead, Lake Powell, Moab, Canyon De Chelle, Monument Valley, Canyonlands, The Arches ....etc etc

Spend a few days in Vegas and then get out and experience what the region really has to offer.

[pbright]

Magic mountain - yep done that, nothing much different to Alton Towers. Queues just as bad 45-90mins ...hope you go on a quiet day!



Thats your crazy talk again Wdym :D They cant be compared in the slighest,...so you dont like LA, and your coparing the magic that is "six-flags magic mountain" to alton towers which i was at last month!.....they cant be compared....the day i had at magic mountain was one of the most thrilling, exciting days of my life...to quote the LA times "Take the best ride from your favourite theme park, make it better: and there you have your avergade ride at six flags in valencia".

& dont worry about 45-90mins...again, this is wdyw's crazy talk....a weekday in September is pretty quiet for sure....i was there on a friday last september, at sunset you will be able to stay on rides such as goliath continously and watch the sun go down over the dessert from the top. X at magic mountain(been desribed as the best roller coaster in the world and cost $90million) might have along Q of half an hour but go early or late when the Q's are lower http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/reviews/x/img/sfmm_x_03.jpg

Also because of where your staying, never go to Hunington to shop unless your there anyway. Beverly centre and the Grove, and Melrose(just down from hollywood blvd) will cater for all your shopping needs.

Wdyw doesnt like LA at all, and compares Six flags magic mountain to Alton Towers.........i am thinking she is one of those typical brit tourists to Los Angeles that i was talking about earlier :D :D :D

[wdyw]

Where as, with Vegas...take it or leave it....i have did it once, dont feel the need to do it for a while, and theres substitute similar tourism products for it.....

and i love Vegas

we are looking into the first 2weeks in September to do LA for 10days and Vegas for 4...i would go in a shot

strange.....

[pbright]

I love vegas, had am amazing time there, did think its over-rated though, i dont feel the need to do it again(or for a while to be fair), there is substitute products for it.

.....nah, not very strange!

I define strange, as comparing alton towers to six flags magic mountain...now thats just loco.

& i could say typical brit tourists not liking LA due to bias, clouded opinions etc is weird....but i wouldnt say its weird, everybody is entitled to their own opinions...im not one of these people who would call somebodys personal opinion weird or even strange now would i :D :D :D

...how funny wdyw....you put a smile on my face :D

[wdyw]

i was there on a friday last september, at sunset you will be able to stay on rides such as goliath continously and watch the sun go down over the dessert from the top.

ok, so you've been to the west coast once and loved it......

Goliath ....yep, make sure your health insurance is well and truely up to scratch.

[fatboyonadiet]

ok, so you've been to the west coast once and loved it......

Goliath ....yep, make sure your health insurance is well and truely up to scratch.Thought you were calling me Goliath for a minute then, was about to see I'm not that fat! Anyway mentioned previously but used them before will be Direct Travel for moi.

[pbright]

ok, so you've been to the west coast once and loved it......

Goliath ....yep, make sure your health insurance is well and truely up to scratch.


....Again wdyw.....you put a smile on my face :D :D

No need to make sure your insurance is ok, your there to have fun. Seriously though, we were told about riding goliath at sunset...its breathtaking, and then after you have caught a glimpse of an amazing sight(I took pics at the top:D) you have one of the highest drop in a rollercoaster in the world to look forward to...its brill, another one of those local bits of knowledge that the typical brit tourist misses out on. & like i said as well, with six flags you also get a small taste of the dessert road-trip that your missing out on by flying to Vegas(FYI 3days in Vegas...perfect no. of days in relation to 7 in LA). Then if you decide to do the PCH southern run that i cant stress how much i recommend doing it in your convertibile, then you will also have that road-trip california experince. Also did somebody say it wont be humid in September in Vegas......thats very crazy, its sticky and un-comfortable, dont take my word for it though, you will find out yourself...its not the best month to visit. But if your doing a copter tour and plan on being in-doors in thoe lovely dark casions then your ok, i just put up with the humidity though as there was so much i wanted to see out-doors.

[wdyw]

....Again wdyw.....you put a smile on my face :D :D



I try my best . Yep, someone who spelled my username wrong ,called me a "she" (both deliberatley I presume), and claims i hate LA, despite never saying anything of the sort, will be easily amused.

I can take or leave Magic mountain, PBright thinks its fantastic. Is it the best use of a day? I would do countless other things rather than spend one of my 10 days of holiday there. PBright, wouldn't miss it for the world. Perosnally I think I might prefer the view from the top of Half Dome to the view from the top of Goliath.

Have a look at www.amusementsafety.org for their view.

As for humidity

Los Angeles 83% morning 67% afternoon
Las Vegas 34% morning 17% afternoon

[CCStar]

LA

I stayed at Anaheim in 1988 and didn't like it, despite being right opposite Disneyland - Disneyworld is far superior. Very unfriendly part of LA too.

Santa Monica is nice but as soon as it gets dark it goes dead. Muscle beach is real hoot.

The Hyatt in central LA is great. Had a birthday there and had a great time.

I'm an Eastern USA gal myself and Georgia is fab

[CCStar]

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway from LA (yuck) To San Fransico, via Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo (then Amtrak Business class from San Luis Obisbo - Santa Barbara) , Hearst Castle, The Big Sur, Carmel & Monteray was an absolutely outstanding motoring experience and one of the best happiest holiday experiences of my life so far.

It took away the sour taste that LA had put there !

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

We did that in a day and it is gruelling - we did it the other way round San Francisco to LA which was far worse than Frisco

Never again!

PS MTC - love the catclaw

[pbright]

I try my best . Yep, someone who spelled my username wrong ,called me a "she" (both deliberatley I presume), and claims i hate LA, despite never saying anything of the sort, will be easily amused.

........look at www.amusementsafety.org for their view.


Meow, got your claws out there mate....sure your not a girl, and with the safety advice a "dayum old girl"
:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[CCStar]

I recommend Yosemite - fabulous scenery and not at all busy when we went in July and Death Valley - even tho' I felt my eyeballs boil at 50c

[Murphy_The_Cat]

We did that in a day and it is gruelling - we did it the other way round San Francisco to LA which was far worse than Frisco

Never again!

PS MTC - love the catclaw

Hi ccstar

we had 2 or else 3 nights at Apple Farm (http://www.applefarm.com/) in san Luis Obispo (which is even nicer in real life, than its glorious website shows) and then we stayed at Pacific Grove (http://www.pacificgrove-inn.com/), nr Carmel, before we headed to Calistoga in the Nappa Valley and then returned to San Fran.

Really relaxed motoring, an absolute treat on one of Americas most scenic routes.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

I like the claw as well

[pbright]

We did that in a day and it is gruelling - we did it the other way round San Francisco to LA which was far worse than Frisco

Never again!

PS MTC - love the catclaw


We did it in 2days..it sure is gruelling, thats why i would not even suggest it to fatboy(some name :D). I suggested the Southern PCH route for a day, you get to see a variety of places, but you do miss out on some of the northen spots such as carmel, but Laguna Beach just south of Newpoert beach and right on PCH is very similar to these beutiful european influenced towns you find up north(SLB, Carmel, Monterey etc), if not better. That again is what is great about a visit to LA, it has so much and something for everybody. The pacific beaches of Hawaii in Laguna Beach, The theme parks of Florida, in Anaheim/hollywood, the sights of New York in Hollywood, The city culture of Boston in Downtown LA during the day, & all those other attributes unique to LA). Fatboyisonadiet can one day be at the best theme park on earth acting like a big kid, the next day he can be in hollywood acting like a star, the next day at a california beach acting like a beach bum, the next day driving down PCH on a road trip...and so on. Great Variety, Great Options, Great Climate, Great Environment....the big 4.

[wdyw]

...before we headed to Calistoga in the Nappa Valley and then returned to San Fran.


We have never ventured north of San Francisco, but have toyed with the idea of doing it later this year/ next year with a few days holed up in a winery in Nappa Valley.

Must be better than a trip to a French/Italian/etc vineyard!

[pbright]

If thats what into: Wine, Scenic Beuty etc...then holed up in a winery in Nappa or Sonoma is amazing or so accoring to the mother who has went on about it in the past...but i guess this isnt relevent to you fatboyonadiet! This Thread is a great excuse not do my Thesis :-D

[malid]

We have never ventured north of San Francisco, but have toyed with the idea of doing it later this year/ next year with a few days holed up in a winery in Nappa Valley.

Must be better than a trip to a French/Italian/etc vineyard!

North of San Francisco in the Nappa Valley is really nice with some lovely vineyards. Have stayed near Calistoga. It's more pricey than LA/Vegas etc but a must if you like this west coast as I certainnly do.

We really like Palm Springs area and Scottsdale/Phoenix. Very hot in the Summer but a change from the bustle of LA, Vegas and theme parks. Some lovely canyons in Palm Spring.

Not sure what's going on in some of these posts so have tried to keep to the point.

[CCStar]

There are many offshoots from these areas and people have a lot to say about them.

There is so much to see in the States and I love hearing about people's opinions and experiences.

I hope to get across there again very soon

[CCStar]

The pacific drive was great, the doing it in one day is the never again

OH has such stamina

[wdyw]

North of San Francisco in the Nappa Valley is really nice with some lovely vineyards. Have stayed near Calistoga. It's more pricey than LA/Vegas etc but a must if you like this west coast as I certainnly do.

We really like Palm Springs area and Scottsdale/Phoenix. Very hot in the Summer but a change from the bustle of LA, Vegas and theme parks. Some lovely canyons in Palm Spring.

Not sure what's going on in some of these posts so have tried to keep to the point.

As the locals say in Phoenix ....."but it's a dry heat". yep ,got to agree with both Phoenix and Palm Springs, two places we usually stop at if in the area.
Never spent any time at Joshua Tree park outside Palm Springs ..Anyone been there to rate it?

Great golf courses, and enough round and about to keep you busy for a few days. Used to always try and take in a few ball games at what used to be Bank1 Ballpark. Under cover, at a sensible temperature and in those days Johnson, Schilling and Gonzalez to look forward to see playing. Can certianly see why LA descends on Palm Springs after the summer temps have dropped.

[pbright]

Yeah Palm Springs is nice...great to go via if you were driving to Vegas if you took the extended route. However as you are not, and you only have 6-7days in the great city of LA i suggest you miss it, and if heat is an issue definetly miss it....its on the valley floor and factor in the heat and humidity of September...it will cook us pasty brits.

I would also reccommend a dip into Mexico for you both...get another great experience to take from your trip. The drive will take 2.5hours to Rosarita Beach(ill return to why here later!!) from Hollywood and if you are an-anti driver which i do not think you are, then maybe avoid it, however if you dont mind driving(driving in the US is fun i think) then you should do it(maybe the day after or before you do Universal Studios(a day that wont invlove much driving).

Now on to where to go in Mexico...and thats Rosarita Beach for sure. The common destination when doing a California trip is Tijuana(or TJ as its sometimes called) as i am sure you know, yet it had bad reviews...and rightfully so....its a dirty border town...the fact it has almost no hotels tells you this, however a 22mile drive south of here into Mexico will take you to the up-market, beutiful town of Rosarita beach which is very popular with Californians and not many tourists know about it because it isnt the place you think of when doing a trip into mexico for the day. Rosarita beach is safe, and amazing, its not over americanised, yet it caters for tourists. They have great lobster there and its a great mexican experience. It is easy to get here, it is safe, and most car rentals will let you drive here...in fact some might even recommend it. If this is of any interest to you please say, and ill be happy to give you more details.

[pbright]

Oh really...wow, i am guessing as it is below sea level....thats very interesteg. It is still damn hot then however...easily reach 120, i found it hotter when i was there at the end of August last year than Vegas. The air is really thick there, i guess that why it feels like a high humidity level....it is very sticky....and like i said...it will cook us brits. Thanks Stccg...i also see this is your first point :D

[fatboyonadiet]

Cheers all for the tips, pbright and wdyw thanks for all your posts but let's not fight! Let's all be friends! The reason why i love MSE and MTC said the same is you got totally opposite posts but all a useful as one another. All are useful to me and helping to shape up my holiday - no matter who has posted them.

Anyway have a good weekend and enjoy the sun!

[vfm]

My travel flyl direct from Manchester and we found the prices very reasonable.

[vfm]

Mytravel fly direct from Manchester and we found the prices very reasonable.

[IvanOpinion]

Just some other points of interest to consider. If you decide to drive try to take in a little town called Solvang ... its like stepping back in time in a real Dutch community (and does the most fantastic pastries).

If you are heading into Mexico, I notice some people mention Roserita .. if you continue SOuth you will also find Ensenada which is a bit touristy but does have a 'Papas and CHips; (a bit like Senor Frogs) which is good for afternoon.

If you are heading out towards Magic mountain or Knottsberry Farm then not too far from them is Ripleys Believe it or not and 'The Goose' (although the less said about that one the better). If you want a simple bit of fun then also consider Medieval Times where you get a meal while watching your knight joust and battle (ours fell off his horse).

Also, just in case nobody has mentioned it yet, consider going to Venice Beach ... it is not reportedly the safest place in America but it is good for a laugh and you will meet some real weirdos .. including JImmy Hendrix in a turban and roller blades, a man setting himself on fire etc.

So much to see .. so little time to do it.

Ivan

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Mytravel fly direct from Manchester and we found the prices very reasonable.


Hi VFM

Mytravel are asking £575 for travelling in September, which is a wee bit steep.

Also, doing a bit of digging around on T'internet, there appears to be A LOT of people complaining about the seat pitch on the plane Airlinequality.com quotes 29" of seat pitch - if thats the case I would not travel from Manchester to Lonond with them.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[pbright]

If you are heading into Mexico, I notice some people mention Roserita .. if you continue SOuth you will also find Ensenada which is a bit touristy but does have a 'Papas and CHips; (a bit like Senor Frogs) which is good for afternoon.

.......If you want a simple bit of fun then also consider Medieval Times where you get a meal while watching your knight joust and battle (ours fell off his horse).

Also, just in case nobody has mentioned it yet, consider going to Venice Beach ... it is not reportedly the safest place in America but it is good for a laugh and you will meet some real weirdos .. including JImmy Hendrix in a turban and roller blades, a man setting himself on fire etc.


With a Rental car and the time you have, i personally would not reccommend you go further south than Roasarito.....i also found Ensenada dirty, but Roasarito would be a "Must" for me if you want to go to Mexico

I forgot about Medieval times(you will clock it in lots of movies/shows after your trip)....i would reccommend to do it after your night at six flags...(am i right that it is just of the route there??)it would be a perfect way to end the day however if you are doing Magic Mountain and the water park there in the same day...you will be pretty beat come dinner time.

I would also reccommend Venice for the experience....its a bit like Hollywood Blvd at the Beach in my opinion...i would suggest you do it on your Santa Monica Pier/Beverly Hills day(you will go through Bev. hills on the way to SM from Hollywood so do the drive round there then...maximise your time!!). If you like the idea of doing all that on that day i would suggest fat boy you have breakfast in Rodeo Drive or Hollywood(ill reccommend places with directions if you want? just PM me) then head to Santa Monica slowly taking in Beverly Hills/Bel Air etc then turn south on PCH when you reach Santa Monica and go down to Venice Beach(not too far) then come back afterwards and do Santa Monica at sunset, late evening...the best time to do it i think!!


Also Fatboy...before i went i map-quested loads of diretions to everywhere and anywhere from my hotel and back.....obviously your plan will change but i made loads of directions from mapquest when i had all the time here so i did not have to fret with my precious time in the great city of LA

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Also Fatboy...before i went i map-quested loads of diretions to everywhere and anywhere from my hotel and back.....obviously your plan will change but i made loads of directions from mapquest when i had all the time here so i did not have to fret with my precious time in the great city of LA

and don't forget to do some enquiies to find the multiple neighbourhoods of LA that you don't want to go ANYWHERE near.

also regarding visiting Mexico - some of the car rental firms get iffy about their cars leaving the country, it doesn't do any harm to check with them first.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

p.s. pbright, I'm still waiting that pm that you promised me - if you don't want to send it to me, fine. But you were the one that offered to send it in the first place.

[Tommy_C]

What about the helicopter ride? How much and any recommendations?

This is by far the best one to do:

http://www.papillon.com/popris/show_package.aspx?package_id=19&lang=en-US

Includes collection to/from your hotel. Sit next to the pilot, fly over and around Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, etc. and then the Grand Canyon. Land at the bottom for a lunch (provided) and then back again including over and around the Vegas strip. About 4 hours in total.

Best thing I've ever done!

My tip is not to go on the last flight of the day as it is sometimes cancelled if there is any wind. Book direct with the company.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Are we all agreed that (whoever you use) the Grand Canyo helicoptor flight is a "must do" while in Las Vegas excursion.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif

[nevh2001]

2 years ago, we did the trip but we went to New York first, which was direct from Manchester, and flew with contintental, we went to Las Vegas for 3 nights then went to L.A. for 7 nights.
If i were you , i would stay in Santa Monica in LA, there are some very reasonable hotels/motels there, we stayed in a motel, cant remember the name but it was $60 a night and was very clean etc. Santa Monica is a great little place, is famous for having movie stars walk around it (we didn't see any :-( ), has a great beach and is very close to Beverly Hills/Hollywood etc. for day trips. I thoroughly recommend.

We hired a car from LAX, was very cheap and we drove to San Diego and stayed in a motel by the beach for a couple of nights. Was an amazing holiday

[Lifesaver]

I note that no-one has mentioned getting a Voucher book to get cheap accommodation when in the States.

The first thing I ever do is get off the plane and call into the nearest Dennys to pick one up - they're free and can be used in hotels and motels and restaurants. They are regionally printed so available all over the US.

[blindman]

Having finally got to the end of this interesting thread can I ask FboaD to reiterate your plans so far?

Dates of arrival\departure?

Quick tips I'll add while your posting:rolleyes:


Flights
Did you sign up with BMI Frequent flyer to get the airmiles?
If you did then this thread (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=138198) details how to get the best use of the free 20,000 miles you get with the card.


LA
Hotels
Have you used Priceline? Some bargains to be had in the 3\4* range in LA.

Driving
Traffic can be horrendous, avoid the rush hours and around LAX
West coast
Big Sur and Hearst Castle (http://www.hearstcastle.com/) are must do's on the area.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Big Sur and Hearst Castle (http://www.hearstcastle.com/) are must do's on the area.

Hi Blindman

I'm sat here smiling at the mere mention of the Big Sur :D , did you visit San Luis Opisbo whilst you were there ?


MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gifhttp://img118.exs.cx/img118/8246/v4tunitedkingdom.gif

[fatboyonadiet]

Having finally got to the end of this interesting thread can I ask FboaD to reiterate your plans so far?

Dates of arrival\departure?

Quick tips I'll add while your posting:rolleyes:


Flights
Did you sign up with BMI Frequent flyer to get the airmiles?
If you did then this thread (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=138198) details how to get the best use of the free 20,000 miles you get with the card.


LA
Hotels
Have you used Priceline? Some bargains to be had in the 3\4* range in LA.

Driving
Traffic can be horrendous, avoid the rush hours and around LAX
West coast
Big Sur and Hearst Castle (http://www.hearstcastle.com/) are must do's on the area.

Arriving 10th, going to Vegas the morning of the 17th and coming back on the 20th.

Got a car in LA from Hertz and might get a car from one fo the dream car rental places for a day in Vegas. Booked the Luxor for Vegas and the Vagabond Exec Inn for LA. Going to get a helicopter ride for Vegas too but not booked that yet.

When is their actual rush hour? Similar times to ours?

[blindman]

No.
We drove from San Fran (stopped o'nite at Monterey) then down Big Sur with the plan to stop at Hearst Castle for an evening tour.

The route was blocked with a landslide so we had to backtrack the top 1/2 of the journey.
The we drove to LA

I used info from the helpful people at this site. (http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1&tid=1375740)

[blindman]

Arriving 10th, going to Vegas the morning of the 17th and coming back on the 20th.

Got a car in LA from Hertz and might get a car from one fo the dream car rental places for a day in Vegas. Booked the Luxor for Vegas and the Vagabond Exec Inn for LA. Going to get a helicopter ride for Vegas too but not booked that yet.

When is their actual rush hour? Similar times to ours?

10th of which Month?

Not sure about exact times of their rush hour, register (free) on this site (http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1&tid=1375740) and ask there.

Luxor is at the end of the strip, a long walk.....what rate did you get?

Vagabond Exec Inn what was the price and why did you choose this (not a criticism) just wondering.

Stayed here (http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/LAXMH) for $38 per night through Priceline.

My review is here (http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=9113&hl=blindman)

[Murphy_The_Cat]

I note that no-one has mentioned getting a Voucher book to get cheap accommodation when in the States.

The first thing I ever do is get off the plane and call into the nearest Dennys to pick one up - they're free and can be used in hotels and motels and restaurants. They are regionally printed so available all over the US.

Lifesaver, thats a brilliant tip, but did you know that you can get in in Britain before you leave so that you can better plan your holiday ?

If you visit Travellers Guide (http://www.travelerdiscountguide.com/), you can have the guide for the State/s that you are going to posted to you. The guide is free, but the postage is a hefty $7.

If you've never used one of these guides before they can save you some serious $$$$. I'll be honest and say that i don't know how much is available in peak time.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gifhttp://img118.exs.cx/img118/8246/v4tunitedkingdom.gif

p.s. Blindman, I enjoyed Monteray, especially watching the "slotters" play in the sea.:D

[fatboyonadiet]

10th of which Month?

Not sure about exact times of their rush hour, register (free) on this site (http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1&tid=1375740) and ask there.

Luxor is at the end of the strip, a long walk.....what rate did you get?

Vagabond Exec Inn what was the price and why did you choose this (not a criticism) just wondering.

Stayed here (http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/LAXMH) for $38 per night through Priceline.

My review is here (http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=9113&hl=blindman)

September. Not sure what we paid at Luxor exactly but booked it direct on their site, think it was about $109 dollars a night for 3 nights.

Vagabond because we wanted to stay in that end of town and paid £275 for a week, free parking was a bonus too. Might have a look into your recommendation too.

[fatboyonadiet]

Lifesaver, thats a brilliant tip, but did you know that you can get in in Britain before you leave so that you can better plan your holiday ?

If you visit Travellers Guide (http://www.travelerdiscountguide.com/), you can have the guide for the State/s that you are going to posted to you. The guide is free, but the postage is a hefty $7.

If you've never used one of these guides before they can save you some serious $$$$. I'll be honest and say that i don't know how much is available in peak time.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gifhttp://img118.exs.cx/img118/8246/v4tunitedkingdom.gif

p.s. Blindman, I enjoyed Monteray, especially watching the "slotters" play in the sea.:D Maybe if someone is going before then they could pick one up for me and post it to me :D

[blindman]

Use the Las Vegas Convention checker to see how full the hotels might be.

One of them (http://www.lvcva.com/meetings/convention-calendar.jsp)

And another (http://www.lasvegasdirect.com/lvdcalendar.html)

Old thread (file:///H:/My%20Documents/Travel/USA/October%202006/Las%20Vegas/visitingusa.htm)with useful links.

Sign up to email alerts to the hotels, you may get some offers that beat the Luxor.


Tripadvisor review on the Vagabond (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g32656-d281286-r2291949-Vagabond_Inn_Exec_Los_Banos-Los_Banos_California.html), looks good but it is 2004 and only one review.

The Residence Inn has free parking also.

[fatboyonadiet]

It's this one: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32655-d223044-Reviews-Vagabond_Inn_Executive_Hollywood-Los_Angeles_California.html the last 3 reviews looked OK but the most recent one doesn't...

[blindman]

Not sure I'd stay there for a week:eek:

Tripadvisor Residence Inn review.
(http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g32678-d78139-r4739901-Residence_Inn_Manhattan_Beach-Manhattan_Beach_California.html)
Pictures of the place (http://www.realhotelphotos.com/index.php?&direction=0&order=&directory=California/Los%20Angeles/Manhattan%20Beach%20Residence%20Inn), bathroom is a little dated but OK.

Have a look at this map (http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?autocom=custom&page=los-angeles&), which shows the likely Hotels you get using Priceline in LA and how much they were won for and also reviews.

[fatboyonadiet]

Blindman think I will give it some serious consideration later, what's the area itself like?

Also what's my best policy with Priceline? Should I bid now or nearer the time? I noticed people seem to be getting it for around $60 more recently.

[fatboyonadiet]

Also should I bid via the US or UK site?

[blindman]

If your reservation with Vagabond is cancellable (for free or minimum cost) then I'd still hold onto that but do some investigation into Priceline.

Lots of threads on here, this one (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=135846&highlight=priceline) for example.

You can use either UK or US site, prices tend to be the same. As a beginner I'd stick with the UK site.

Once your bid has been accepted with PL then there are NO REFUNDS so best to decide if this is the route you want to take.
You can leave it as late as the same day to bid for hotels:eek:

There is also NO GUARANTEE you'll get the Residence Inn, you need to research to see what else you may get and make sure you're happy with that.

Look at the two sites in the link for info and I'd suggest you ask any questions to the betterbidding site (friendlier!) or this board of course.:rolleyes:

It will take a few hours of research at those sites, but the pay off can be worth it as you can $ave load$

Area around the hotel was fine, you do need a car though.

[fatboyonadiet]

If your reservation with Vagabond is cancellable (for free or minimum cost) then I'd still hold onto that but do some investigation into Priceline.

Lots of threads on here, this one (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=135846&highlight=priceline) for example.

You can use either UK or US site, prices tend to be the same. As a beginner I'd stick with the UK site.

Once your bid has been accepted with PL then there are NO REFUNDS so best to decide if this is the route you want to take.
You can leave it as late as the same day to bid for hotels:eek:

There is also NO GUARANTEE you'll get the Residence Inn, you need to research to see what else you may get and make sure you're happy with that.

Look at the two sites in the link for info and I'd suggest you ask any questions to the betterbidding site (friendlier!) or this board of course.:rolleyes:

It will take a few hours of research at those sites, but the pay off can be worth it as you can $ave load$

Area around the hotel was fine, you do need a car though.Got a car so not a problem, can I specify that hotel? Or do I have to take whatever they offer? I've used Priceline before but a long time ago for a flight.

[blindman]

can I specify that hotel?
No

Or do I have to take whatever they offer?

Yes

[fatboyonadiet]

I guess some research to be done then. Thanks for your help.

[fatboyonadiet]

Blindman does the Residence Inn come under the uth Beach area when looking under Priceline? I take it I can specify my hotel class too? Most of the 2* look OK but will have a detailed investigation when I have time.

Would my best tactic be to offer $40 or is the chance of me getting a 'worse' hotel greater then? I noticed on better bidding that people recently got it for $60, if I was to offer this would this increase my chances?

Thanks.

[blindman]

Residence Inn is in the Redondo Manhattan Beaches area on Priceline.
(links time out on PL so can't link)

List of hotels (http://p070.ezboard.com/fpricelineandexpediabiddinglosangelesareadisneylan d.showMessage?topicID=608.topic) that have been won before

Another similar (http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=65&)list

Map of the hotels (http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?autocom=custom&page=los-angeles&) with links to reviews etc (works now:rolleyes:)

Read how Priceline works
Simple FAQ's (http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=23274&st=0&p=81208&#entry81208)

Comprehensive FAQ ! (http://p070.ezboard.com/fpricelineandexpediabiddinghotels.showMessage?topi cID=2.topic)

Lenghty Blog (http://www.leighwitchel.com/blog/archives/travel/priceline/index.html) Look further down for Bidding for the Timid.

Bidding Strategy.
Rebidding explained (http://hotels.about.com/cs/travelerstools/a/pricelinebid.htm)- VERY important
also in this lenghtly post (http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=16&) with some other tips

One IMPORTANT Tip

When choosing your star level of Hotel with PL, this is the MINIMUM level you will get.
PL will (and does) 'upgrade' you to the higher level.

So if you bid for a minimum of 2.5 star it is VERY likely that you will get a 3*
Most times this is a worse deal as the 3* may charge for parking, will not have free breakfast etc.
So when researching the likely hotels you MUST remember to look at the next star rating higher especially when bidding for 2.5 star and to some extent 2* properties.

Other TIP
If you get a "Counter Offer" (http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=19167&) when you bid then you can usually rebid (using a free bid) at about half the difference between your original bid and the PL offer.


How Much to bid?
Do a search at this page (http://p070.ezboard.com/BBSForum.showForumSearch?boardName=pricelineandexp ediabidding&forumName=pricelineandexpediabiddinglosangelesarea disneyland) using 2.5* as the Search Words and UNCHECK the Case Sensitive Option and choose the Entire Message.
Look through the results for the Residence Inn and you'll see the winning bids over time, gives a rough idea of likely wins.

This link (http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?autocom=custom&page=recentwins&search=428&kw=redondo&kw2=residence&)also gives winning bids for the Residence Inn

Would my best tactic be to offer $40 or is the chance of me getting a 'worse' hotel greater then?
$40 is probably a good bid and NO.

I noticed on better bidding that people recently got it for $60, if I was to offer this would this increase my chances?
NO, you'd overbid and waste money:eek:

Finally :rolleyes:
Remember once you win there are no refunds or changes:cool:

Did I say this would take some hours to understand:D

[fatboyonadiet]

Thanks again Blindman, it will take some time to understand but I'm getting there :) Looks like a lot of people have been getting the Residence Inn lately for $40, the list I looked at only had about 3 winning bids listed.

I'm going to have a read of all the info given and look further into all the hotels and probably will take the plunge and make an offer.

Another quick question, can I specifiy 2.5*? I thought the ranges were only 2 and 3 on PL, but I'll probably make an offer on a 2.5* if I can.

[fatboyonadiet]

Thanks for clarifiying the hotel area too, I was looking at different maps and trying to figure it out but not having much luck!

[blindman]

can I specifiy 2.5*?

YES
If the area has them then the range is in order

1*
2*
2.5*
3*
4*
Resort
5*

Some areas have all in the range, some only have 3*

[fatboyonadiet]

Was just about to say I found that but thanks anyway, makes it slightly easier I guess in that I can do that and check out the 2.5* and 3* and 4* (wishful thinking!) in that area.

[blindman]

You have a PM

[fatboyonadiet]

You have a PMYou have a reply:D

[blindman]

Check your email:D

[millsmum]

I've been to vegas twice now, once to get married! I have stayed in circus circus, which is full of brits, and the stratosphere. both are 3* hotels, clean with large rooms. if you register with the hotels they often e-mail you deals. the statoshphere is doing midweek rooms at $29 a night per room. so thats £17 per room per night, not bad, and to be honest how long do you spend in a hotel room in vegas?

[fatboyonadiet]

With regards to driving, obviously I need to take my license but do I need to get an international license or is the UK one fine? And if I do how do I get it?

[wdyw]

UK one is fine.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

But if its one of the new ones remember to take both parts with you.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e347/Murphy2006/MTCEnglish.gif

[Lifesaver]

The only accommodation I ever book in Las Vegas is the 1st 2 nights of arrival, this is because I am usually so shattered that I want to fall into bed as soon as I get there and as it's usually a Sat night a lot of places are booked up. I then spend those few days checking out the Travelers Coupon guide and move on to a deal!

When I go in Sept I am staying 2 nights at The new Frontier - book 2 nights and get 25% off the cost so for Sat night it's £60.81, which is a bargain as most places add $30 for a Fri or Sat and then £29 for Sunday. Includes fridges and coffee machine in room. www.hotels.co.uk
It's located next to The Fashion Mall shops on the strip and will do me initially.

The cheapest car hire was from www.dollar.co.uk

[wdyw]

When I go in Sept I am staying 2 nights at The new Frontier

Excellent for the Enchilladas and frozen margaritta specials - if you want to know what real pain is, try and drink one of the m through a straw as fast as you can!

[herman2811]

For hotels, I'd recommend doing a search on www.!!!!!!!!!!! - really helpful website with lots of good maps/reviews, and reasonable prices too (which you also don't have to pay in advance!)
Plus for 4% off, use code: BK5HX8W

Hope that helps

[fatboyonadiet]

Can anyone help re: Priceline, it won't let me make the booking, says I need to eneter the state/province and zip code, can only American residents use priceline.com? Help!

[fatboyonadiet]

It's OK, figured it out by going through the .co.uk site, I'm surte you could get cashback with some sites but doesn't seem the case now???

[fatboyonadiet]

If my offer is refused how long until I can make another?

[completely_lost]

If my offer is refused how long until I can make another?

You have to wait 24 hours. What area and star rating did you bid for as you might have some free bids left?

I just came back from Vegas and LA last month. Managed to get Marriott in Marina del Ray for £54 a night on priceline. Was actually hoping for a 3 star in Santa Monica but the hotel was very nice and we're still talking about the beds there now! If you're driving it's not that far from Beverly Hills etc and only 10 mins from Santa Monica. We also stayed at the Westwood on Wilshire which wasn't nice so beware if bidding in the Westwood area. However, the area is only 10 mins from Beverly Hills. Our last hotel was the Westin LAX for £30 a night on our first night in LA as we were flying to San Francisco the next day.

We flew from Vegas to LA and it cost around £30 for a single with Southwest Airlines as we flew directly from San Francisco to Vegas. Then we picked up our retal car from the airport so there were no additional taxi costs involved. All the rental companies have free shuttles which take you to their pickup sites.

In vegas we stayed at New York New York for $89 a night. They had a package deal on which included free room upgrade, free passes to their roller coaster, free drink in bar, 2 for 1 breakfast and free spa admission.

Aladdin and Luxor were really cheap when we went too- around $69. Just make sure you go Mon-Thurs as hotels are half the price.

[blindman]

Can anyone help re: Priceline, it won't let me make the booking, says I need to eneter the state/province and zip code, can only American residents use priceline.com? Help!
Put CA as the State and 99999 as the zip code.

I also use Sandiego and the zip code 92110

[blindman]

If my offer is refused how long until I can make another?
If you've used any free rebids then the lockout period is now 24 hrs (used to be 72hrs).

If you're really desparate then you can have an acoount on both the US and UK site and so can your wife\partner. Use different credit cards and if possible different computers and it usually works.

Not so much of an issue now though as with good planning the lockout of 24hrs is fine.

I see you've won a 4* (http://www.betterbidding.com/index.php?showtopic=26692&hl=) already

Ta

[Stupidspender]

Hotels that i have stayed in Vegas and rating part 1

Ballys good centre location but 15 min walk from car park through pool casino ect to lifts to room.***

Monte carlo fairly central a nice hotel with a nice big pool area and good rooms****

Holiday Inn boardwalk
nice basic smaller hotel with small pool but at least you dont get lost going to your rooms ok ***

Rivera ok hotel down the bottom of the strip, get used to walking if you want to move away from the cheap seats hotel crowds of Circus circus.Small pool but clean rooms **

New York New York, nice hotel tiny pool area and the rollercoster can be noisy if your room is near by, strange decor in rooms but nice position on the strip.***

Golden nugget in downtown section but very nice with no cars and easy to move from hotel to hotel unlike on the strip, very nice pool area ****

Ceasers palace , nice location and rooms although there are rooms and tower rooms, a bit of a pain to move around and enter though ***

Flamingo, coming apart at the seams a little , a bit old time Vegas with worn carpet ect, but one of the best pool areas in Vegas and quite cheap to stay, but again be careful because they have tower rooms and outside chalet type rooms.**

Station palace. A fantastic off strip hotel that does have one of the finest buffets in Vegas, the rooms are nice and cheap and the prices are fantastic.***

phew part 2 of Vegas hotels and also including Laughlin and primm to follow, i have to go for dinner ;-)

[fatboyonadiet]

Should I just use the UK site, or should I try with the US one, is that likely to be cheaper for me with the conversion taken into account?

[Stupidspender]

Well I would use the US site , but some will say the UK site costs the same, I personally think that the US site is cheaper.
But lets be honest your onto a winner what ever of the two sites you use so don’t worry too much!

Are you planning to gamble very much?

will post part2 later.

[heatherw_01]

I am going to California around September. I am going to try to visit LA/Hollywood, San Diego, Las Vegas and maybe San Fransico.

Anyone have any recomendations of hotels?

Many thanks

[fatboyonadiet]

How do you mean gamble? I think I did well with my Vegas hotel saved about 50% which isn't bad and I hear the Golden Nugget is slightly better located then the Luxor, hopefully the construction work won't affect things too much, but not seen any really bad reviews about it on Trip Advisor.

[fatboyonadiet]

I am going to California in September. I am going to try to visit LA/Hollywood, San Diego, Las Vegas and maybe San Fransico.

Anyone have any recomendations of hotels?

Many thanksBest to have a look through this thread, it's mainly about LA and Vegas but a load of hotel recommendations and read the bits about using Priceline, it's worked well for me so far.

[tweetie]

Hi Guys!

quick q - i'm going to las Vegas in Sept and was thinking about maybe going to Los Angeles for a day or so. Does anyone know the best/cheapest internal airway to use for going between the two? And is this better than going by bus (i looked but don't fancy the 5-6 hour trip there and back)

Any info appreciated!

[fatboyonadiet]

Hi Guys!

quick q - i'm going to las Vegas in Sept and was thinking about maybe going to Los Angeles for a day or so. Does anyone know the best/cheapest internal airway to use for going between the two? And is this better than going by bus (i looked but don't fancy the 5-6 hour trip there and back)

Any info appreciated!My journey between the 2 is with United Airlines but American Airlines came out quite cheap as well. Try using a site like Opodo or Expedia to search anf the airlines that come out cheapest search direct on their websites.

[tweetie]

thanks fatboyonadiet

have found them for £108.80 return for the 2 of us - does that sound like a decent price to you?

[fatboyonadiet]

Who is that with? Sounds OK to me but might be best to wait for someone who knows a little more to post a reply. You can also use Priceline for flights so could try naming your own price.

[Stupidspender]

Heather take a look at Huntington beach and Newport Beach on the coast down the pacific highway from LA.
Both those resorts are nice Californian low crime coastal surfing/beach sports area and driving to Disney would take 20 mins max and back into central LA about 60 mins on the LA highway system.
The hotels are good value and you can breath in fresh air instead of smog and take a nice relaxing walk along Huntington pier and have a 50’ stlye shake or burger at Rubbys at the end whilst watching the pro surfers fight the waves.
It means you have both the beach and city in one holiday, Huntington is where surfing originated in the USA and the beach are fantastic.
Newport is very nice again with fantastic beaches and Fashion island , one of Americas most prestigious shopping mall.
You could even take a ferry for a day trip to Catalina island from Newport (well recommended) it’s chewing gum family magnets wrigglies old island that is beautiful.
Its then straight down the coast to San diego.
http://www.ci.huntington-beach.ca.us/
http://www.shopfashionisland.com/
http://www.rubys.com/
http://www.catalina.com/main.html

Another places to consider in that are aon route to Vegas is a visit, Palm springs.

[completely_lost]

thanks fatboyonadiet

have found them for £108.80 return for the 2 of us - does that sound like a decent price to you?

I used the budget airline Southwest when I went in June- we got a single from Vegas to LA for £30.

Also try Jet Blue which is another American budget airline but you have fly to/from Long Beach, CA or Burbank, CA. Check out 'Ted' which is United Airlines budget operation http://www.flyted.com/ and also look at the standard United site too as we found they were cheap for our other internal flights in the States.



Should I just use the UK site, or should I try with the US one, is that likely to be cheaper for me with the conversion taken into account?

I go via the UK site and have found that prices are the same or in some cases slightly cheaper (like by a pound though lol) when comparing the same dates on biidingfortravel.com in the same area.

How do you mean gamble?

Lol I think Stupidspender means in Vegas!

[fatboyonadiet]

Lol I think he Stupidspender means in Vegas! D'Oh! Wasn't even thinking about that! Was in the Priceline zone, doubt I'll do much gambling, planning on going to the Grand Canyon, a bit of sightseeing and going to all the amazing hotels!

[Stupidspender]

Fatboyonadiet, its just that if you are a gambler with a small bankroll to deposit with a Hotel in Vegas you could comp a free room that’s why I asked.
If your going to grand canyon don’t leave your camera on the shuttle bus in the visitors centre at the end of a day like I did
;-( lol.
In that area lake havasu is worth a visit to see London Bridge. and then to Laughlin, one of my fav places in America.
From Laughlin its a 90 min drive onto Vegas.
http://www.visitlaughlin.com/ltourism/index.jsp
http://www.desertusa.com/mag98/aug/stories/lkhav.html

[completely_lost]

That's what we said but the slot machines are really addictive! On our last day my friend won $15 dollars and I won 4 Cents :rolleyes: Mind you we only gambled about $7 on the 5 cent slot machines that day.:rotfl:

Make sure your spend at least a night in the Grand Canyon or do the helicopter tour. We did a day trip and really regretted it as most of our time was spent on the road and we only got about 2.5 hours in the canyon although we did see Hoover Dam too but you can do that anyway if you drive or go by helicopter.

If you want to see a show, there's a ticket outlet near 7eleven opposite Monte Carlo hotel I think, just after Aladdin which sells half price show tickets.

[wdyw]

If you want to see a show, there's a ticket outlet near 7eleven opposite Monte Carlo hotel I think, just after Aladdin which sells half price show tickets.

The three main half price/cheap show ticket outlets (tix4 tonight) are now at Hawaiian marketplace at the south end of the strip, the fashion mall (towards the north end), and opposite the Stardust (even further towards the north end). open each day at noon, Queues start forming quite a bit earlier!

[phill79]

Queues start forming quite a bit earlier!


Or you can go and get a VIP pass from:

http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/las-vegas-coupons.htm

[fatboyonadiet]

Just tried to do Priceline for LA (been more then 24 hours) but it won't let me make another request (have increased price) tells me to add me to add more areas or lower the rating, any ideas why?

[tweetie]

another quick q!

I'm off the Vegas in the middle of Sept and have booked the Tropicana (the island tower) but have just found I can get the MGM (grand tower) for £100 more.

My question is - should I move?

I can cancel the Tropicana at any time prior to going without losing any £ but I was just wondering if the size of the MGM makes it just too annoying to get to your room?

If anyone has any experience of either of these two hotels please let me know.
Thanks!

[Stupidspender]

Hello, i have stayed in the Tropicana, its got a good position and the tower rooms beat the ouside chalet rooms by miles..
The desk always offer you upgrades when you check in to strip view larger rooms. The hotel is showing its age a bit and the carpet it’s a little worn ect but don’t let that put you off.
The pool area is fantastic and large and the car parking is easy and close to the rear hotel entrance.
The hotel is easy to move around and the MGM is linked via a footbridge from the trop.

The MGM, this is a higher class joint that takes some manoeuvring around, a tip if you stay there ask for a room near the elevator stop on your floor, or you could be walking a long way to your room. Allow 10-15 mins from car park to room.
Again the MGM has a very good location and is just generally a lot fresher and newer than the trop, the rooms are modern and its worth extra £ to stay, but how much well? that’s down to personal choice>
But dont be afraid of the trop, its more old vegas and quite sweet!

[wdyw]

another quick q!

I'm off the Vegas in the middle of Sept and have booked the Tropicana (the island tower) but have just found I can get the MGM (grand tower) for £100 more.

My question is - should I move?

I can cancel the Tropicana at any time prior to going without losing any £ but I was just wondering if the size of the MGM makes it just too annoying to get to your room?

If anyone has any experience of either of these two hotels please let me know.
Thanks!

As pointed out, MGM is a pain to get from car park to your room, the place is huge! Buffet is decent enough, pool area is good if and when they bother to open them all, along withe the lazy river. We had a suite while there and it was good (not as good as the Venetian / Bellagio suites, but decent enough) - no idea what the ordinary rooms are like. Too far south along the strip for our liking, but still a decent enough location. If you can change your accommodation at this stage, is it just a choice between Trop and MGM?

[tweetie]

thanks for the replies!

I was just looking at them as they seem to be middle of the road - i've got the trop for £750 for 10 nights which i think is reasonable (still to look into priceline though). But anywhere in the £700 - £900 region would be great - if you have any reccomendations?

[Stupidspender]

Why don’t you try a few night downtown in the nugget to break the stay up, its a whole different feel with no traffic and easy to walk in-between hotels.
Moving from hotel to hotel on the strip can take what seems like years.

Also worth considering is Buffalo Bills at Pimm down the highway 15 from Vegas(60 min drive)
This casino hotel not only has $25 rooms but has a Fashion Outlet Mall with some nice shops.
adjoining it as well as monster Rollacoater called desperado in its adjoining theme park..
It also has a monorail that links it across the freeway to Whisky Petes hotel and casino.
It’s a casino resort in the middle of the desert but well worth a night and full day.

http://www.primmvalleyresorts.com/pages/bb_home.asp

http://www.primeoutlets.com/cntrdefault.asp?cntrid=1045

[fatboyonadiet]

thanks for the replies!

I was just looking at them as they seem to be middle of the road - i've got the trop for £750 for 10 nights which i think is reasonable (still to look into priceline though). But anywhere in the £700 - £900 region would be great - if you have any reccomendations?Look into priceline, even if only for a few days, I worked out my savings the other day and paying a third of what I would have done! Read back a page or two for all the posts about using Priceline and Better Bidding as it has loads of info about doing priceline, maps of possible hotels and previous winning bids too. Before you do a name your price have a look on the normal section and see what is available in that area at that star rating so that you know your possibles and check them out on Trip Advisor for reviews. HTH

[moneysaver]

I am just back from Vegas(2 wks ago) & stayed at the Luxor which was fantastic. We had a look at most of the big hotels & if I had a choice between the Tropicana & the MGM Grand I would go with the MGM for an extra £100 based on the look of the place & location. I never seen any rooms but the MGM looks very nice & clean. The Tropicana looked a bit tired to me.

Hope this helps
Moneysaver

[completely_lost]

Having seen both hotels I would personally prefer to stay at MGM. It just looks much nicer as people have said. It is located at the end of the strip but my hotel was too and we didn't find it too much hassle. You can just get the deuce bus from outside the hotel to take you up the strip.

[IvanOpinion]

The 'fancier' the 'theme' of a casino the more it is likely to cost therefore we which is why we generally go for the 'Imperial' (not strongly themed). We have stayed in many of the casinos and to be honest have never had a bad room. Remember that ALL casinos are open to the public to dander in and out (you are not limited to the casino in the hotel that you are staying in) ... I only mention this because a friend did not realise this and paid a fortune for Bellagio because they were told it was fantastic inside.

The one thing I will say about the MGM though is it is massive .. I keep getting lost in it ... the one thing that amazes many people who have not been to Vegas is when I tell them it can take a good 20 minutes of walking from when you close your bedroom door to actually reaching the front door.

Ivan

[fatboyonadiet]

Priceline isn't letting me make more requests, anyone know why? It gives me this error despite it having been more then 24 hours

Please verify the following information to continue with your request.

Please change at least one part of your original request.

[SomeBozo]

Priceline isn't letting me make more requests, anyone know why? It gives me this error despite it having been more then 24 hours

Please verify the following information to continue with your request.

Please change at least one part of your original request.

Unless you change something (like your star rating, dates etc) you have to wait 36 hours before you can rebid.

My mum and dad go to LA and V?egas every year, and my dad waits until he is in LA before booking a Vegas hotel. He says the back pages of the "LA Times" (newspaper) has the best deals and he has never been able to book one cheaper than that.

Some Bozo

[fatboyonadiet]

Cheers, but thought it was 24 hours? I e-mailed customer services and they told me the same, think i'll leave it a day or 2 and then try, no big rush yet anyway. Already done my Vegas hotel.

[tweetie]

thanks for eveyone whos offered their opinion on my MGM/Trop debate

i'm thinking of sticking with the trop as i really don't want to be spending half my holiday walking to and from my room!

Will check into prceline also to see if i could maybe do half the hol at the trop and half somewhere nearer the other end of the strip?

[edda]

I am just back from Vegas(2 wks ago) & stayed at the Luxor which was fantastic. Moneysaver

We're off to the Luxor in Sept - never been to Vegas before

Any obvious tips from previous visitors that newbies there might not be aware of?

[fatboyonadiet]

We're off to the Luxor in Sept - never been to Vegas before

Any obvious tips from previous visitors that newbies there might not be aware of?Have a good look through this thread, it is about LA and Vegas but includes loads of tips and places to go.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

We're off to the Luxor in Sept - never been to Vegas before

Any obvious tips from previous visitors that newbies there might not be aware of?

I really enjoyed the Luxor and it's Inclinators !!

The only down side of the Luxor is that it is at the End of the Strip, so that if you take a wander to t'other end, it's a long way back (and it is a looooonnng way if it's hot), but taxis are plentiful.

I liked the Luxor and would happily stay there again.

& I'll reiterate fatboyonadiets advice about ploughing through the thread --- although I've gt a freebie tip that MAY not have been mentioned before. Get to the Bellagio for the water display about 5-10 minutes before it is due to start, that way you'll get a proper view.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e347/Murphy2006/MTCEnglish.gif

[blindman]

Cheers, but thought it was 24 hours? I e-mailed customer services and they told me the same, think i'll leave it a day or 2 and then try, no big rush yet anyway. Already done my Vegas hotel.

It IS 24 hrs
They changed the waiting period from 72 hours a while back, never has been 36hrs afaik.


FAQ from Priceline.co.uk Help

If your Name Your Own Price ® request isn't accepted the first time, don't worry - we've made it easy for you to try again. It's all in the details! To protect their retail business and to keep this great savings service available to everybody, participating hotels only allow priceline customers to make one request for the same itinerary (same check-in and check-out dates, zone and hotel quality level) in any 24-hour period. After 24 hours you can come back and try the same request again.

But as you say if you're not in a rush then don't panic.


SomeBozo wrote
dad waits until he is in LA before booking a Vegas hotel. He says the back pages of the "LA Times" (newspaper) has the best deals and he has never been able to book one cheaper than that.
I agree.

Priceline is not the best option in Vegas, it can get you some 5* bargains but quite often you can get some good deals elsewhere.

[tweetie]

ok guys - last question (hopefully!)

MGM deleux room or Caesars Palace Tower Delux room? can get both for around the same price for the last 4 ights of my hol

[wdyw]

ok guys - last question (hopefully!)

MGM deleux room or Caesars Palace Tower Delux room? can get both for around the same price for the last 4 ights of my hol

What dates in september are you looking at? Personally, if it was midweek, I'd be looking at the deals available at the Venetian. Also, for promo codes for all the hotels- check out fatwallet website. Venetian suites are far nicer than MGM suites and imho better than deluxe rooms at either the Bellagio or Caesars. (We need someone to comment on a stay at the Wynn - looks superb, on a walk through)

[tweetie]

i'm staying there from the 11th and leave on the 21st and would love to stay at the venetian - just assummed it was too expensive

was thinking that I could do the 17th - 20th (sun - thurs) somewhere a bit nicer than the trop

will look for codes as cant seem to find any that go beyond the 7th of Sept, if anyone can point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated!

[fatboyonadiet]

i'm staying there from the 11th and leave on the 21st and would love to stay at the venetian - just assummed it was too expensive

was thinking that I could do the 17th - 20th (sun - thurs) somewhere a bit nicer than the trop

will look for codes as cant seem to find any that go beyond the 7th of Sept, if anyone can point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated!Clashes with some of my dates, think a few other people on this thread are going then too, maybe we should arrange the next MSE meet in Vegas! Not sure how money saving it would be though, maybe we could hunt down bargains and gamble on 1 cent machines!!!

[GIRLPOWER]

I have just got to the end of this thread.. spent lots of time copy / paste all info and now have a free west coast travel guide!!!!

I would love to go.. hire a car and spend a few weeks seeing it all.. Has anyone done this with young children??? (aged 4 & 5)

[keepthereceipt]

I AM HERE IN LA NOW. Arrived last Fri 21st. with family. I found this thread very useful.

So far we have been to the beaches in the south bay - Hermosa and Manhattan. These are great spots good for shops, restaurants and swimming. To eat, the Kettle in Manhattan Beach is legendary.

Also been to Universal Studios. Great entertainment but it was hot there. Fortunately they have these systems that spray fine mist over you in the queues and they weren't that bad - max of 20 minutes wait. Waterworld was good as was The Mummy and the Studio Tour.

Drove round Malibu, Sunset Blvd and looked at some of the big houses. Wow!

Planning to go to Beverley Hills and Venice Beach today. I really want to cycle up to Venice from Redondo Beach but it may be too hot for my family. There is a cycle path called the Strand which runs all the way up from Redondo Beach. Around 12 miles to Venice and it takes you throu Marina del Rey. I recommend this to anyone. You can rent bikes from $20 per day.

We'll be heading up to Santa Barbara by the end of the week. Will also visit Ojai and then perhaps visit some fo the wine district around SB - you may have seen the film Sideways - it was set there.

After that, over to Vegas - we are booked into the Flamingo for 4 nights. Got a family room mid week for $80 per night.

I plan to do the helicopter trip over the GC. I've researched all the options with Papillon and Maverick and I hope to get some sort of deal when we are there given the high cost. I'll let you all know.

After that we are touring Bryce/Zion/Monument Valley/Route 66 etc. All pretty flexible. If anyone is interested I'll try and post at intervals as we go.

Regards

Martin

[tweetie]

Clashes with some of my dates, think a few other people on this thread are going then too, maybe we should arrange the next MSE meet in Vegas! Not sure how money saving it would be though, maybe we could hunt down bargains and gamble on 1 cent machines!!!


thats a fab idea! think the 1 cent machines are my limit on gambling anyway - i've no idea what to do!

[wdyw]

I AM HERE IN LA NOW. Arrived last Fri 21st. with family. I found this thread very useful.
Martin

Lucky b......

If you are flexible to be able to do Bryce on Monday/Tuesday 7/8 August, then I highly recommend the full moon evening ranger guided hikes. However, these are booked up quickly, so as soon as you get there, stop off at the ranger station at the entrance and find out whats available. If you are going to be there away from full moon time they also do astronomy sessions. also highly recommend the guided horse/pony/mule trekking!

Have fun.

[GIRLPOWER]

I AM HERE IN LA NOW. Arrived last Fri 21st.

Keep us updated, sounds like your having a fantastic time... do you have young children with you??

[rob_welch411]

Hi,

My mum and 4 friends are going on a trip to San Fran, LA and Vegas later this year.

The thing is they are all over 60/70, and do not drive themselves.

Wondered if anyone could recommend companies offering trips/tours when they are in LA. They are staying at the Marriott Los Angeles Downtown, and wanted to get a tour company to take them to Disney for a day, and for the Hollywood trip another day (including Sign, Star's Homes, Manns, beaches, etc.).

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

[paulie558]

thats a fab idea! think the 1 cent machines are my limit on gambling anyway - i've no idea what to do!
Beware the 1c machines.On some,if you press the max bet button they are $30 a press!.
I was lucky on one though,came off with 900 dollars.

[moneysaver]

We're off to the Luxor in Sept - never been to Vegas before

Any obvious tips from previous visitors that newbies there might not be aware of?

To save a bit of weight in your luggage if you are going to the pool area at The Luxor they issue you with towels for free same as in the rooms.

Free safety deposit box at reception area(use as much as you like 24hrs)

Join the One club for points if you are gambling.

We ate mostly in the Luxor Buffet the food was great & good value. At the Pyramid Cafe try the Chicken Caesar on Focaccia & the French Onion soup delicious.(Big portions)

If you are gambling on machines or tables you get free drinks( I tipped a dollar per drink optional). Play on the 1c machines & get the drinks work oout cheap.

Moneysaver

[paulie558]

Use the Deuce double decker buses that go from one end of the strip to the other.Taxis are expensive in Vegas.
Avoid the trolleybuses.They are very small and soon fill up,but go into most hotel car parks,so take forever to travel the strip.
I really enjoyed the Luxor and it's Inclinators !!

The only down side of the Luxor is that it is at the End of the Strip, so that if you take a wander to t'other end, it's a long way back (and it is a looooonnng way if it's hot), but taxis are plentiful.

I liked the Luxor and would happily stay there again.

& I'll reiterate fatboyonadiets advice about ploughing through the thread --- although I've gt a freebie tip that MAY not have been mentioned before. Get to the Bellagio for the water display about 5-10 minutes before it is due to start, that way you'll get a proper view.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e347/Murphy2006/MTCEnglish.gif

[blindman]

Priceline is not the best option for Vegas but for other areas here's a post (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=233768)on the ins and outs. Hopefully will clear some things up.

BTW the Betterbidding site seems to have problems at the mo.

[keepthereceipt]

Keep us updated, sounds like your having a fantastic time... do you have young children with you??

Two boys 15 and 16. It would have been hard with young children at Universal Studios. It was so hot and humid.

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Use the Deuce double decker buses that go from one end of the strip to the other.Taxis are expensive in Vegas.
Aviod the trolleybuses.They are very small and soon fill up,but go into most hotel car parks,so take forever to travel the strip.

mabye should have added that Mrs Cat was 6 months pregnant at the time, it was VEEEEEEERRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYY hot, her feet were killing her, the taxiwas air conned and to us at the time $10 was an absolute bargain. http://img246.imageshack.us/img246/8399/thumbsup4kk.gif

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e347/Murphy2006/MTCEnglish.gif

p.s. 3 nights in Las Vegas was enough for us. [

[beccatt]

When in LA we stayed at the magic castle hotel - about 5 mins walk max from the main tourist area of Hollywood, pretty reasonable prices (we went in January) and we had no complaints about the room... they served up amazing bran muffins for breakfast! Think they also have apartments/rooms in the hollywood hills which would be good if you have a car.

We also stayed at a motel which I think was the Comfort Inn, right across the road from the theatre where the Oscars are held (forget what it's called now!!) and that was comfy and good value.

If you get a chance, go to Santa Monica - I loved it there and found it amazing to be seeing the Pacific Ocean instead of the usual Atlantic :) We stayed one night in a motel about 3 miles from the beach, which was nice but obv not great for evening strolls and we spent one night in a place with a sea view which was v expensive and not particularly worth it!

The best day we had in LA was on a sunday when we decided to walk (yes walk!) from Hollywood down La Brea Avenue to the tar pits... thought it would be an hour's walk max but ended up taking us all day! But we came across a few yard sales, popped into a Russian bakery in a Russian area and got to see loads of different neighbourhoods and understood a lot more how the city works with so many different ethnic communities there.

[keepthereceipt]

Yesterday we went to Venice Beach. It was pretty quiet there but we could still appreciate the Bohemian atmosphere. I guess the best time to go if you want to see all the action is at the weekend.

We then drove into Santa Monica. There is free parking on Broadway and 4th for 3 hours max. Plenty of time to nip down to the pier, have a swim, walk back and browse the shops in the 3rd street precinct.

Also had some fantastic lunch at the food hall in the mall nearby. The most brilliant tuna sandwich at California Crisp that I think I've ever had!!

[fatboyonadiet]

Finally figured out what the problem was with the request, I needed to make the request as a new one, not trying to resubmit the old one's. Worked a treat but still no luck, bid up to £35 for a 2 1/2 * and above in the Redondo areas and Santa Monica areas. it's advising to bid as much as £80! Could get 2 1/2 * hotels for less going via other routes. I reckon £45 is my top-end as I'm paying that for a hotel across town in the Hollywood area and no point paying much more then that, unless people think these areas is much better?

[blindman]

it's advising to bid as much as £80!

Always ignore what the priceline message asks\tells you.

What are the hotel rates for the areas you're trying to bid for?

Are there any recent wins around the dates you are going?

[fatboyonadiet]

They're about $120 upwards, Can't see any wins for when I'm going (early Sept).

[blindman]

I AM HERE IN LA NOW.

I plan to do the helicopter trip over the GC. I've researched all the options with Papillon and Maverick and I hope to get some sort of deal when we are there given the high cost. I'll let you all know.

I'd be very interested as I plan to do this in October, but the prices are over $300:eek:
I've briefly researched the various agents, first-hand experience would be good:D
I'm hoping to 'walk up'and get a last minute (cheap!) price.

After that we are touring Bryce/Zion/Monument Valley/Route 66 etc. All pretty flexible. If anyone is interested I'll try and post at intervals as we go.
Did this trip a couple of years back
I'm sure you've planned it but:

Web-sites that may help
Look at this US Byways (http://www.byways.org/plan/)site for ideas on car trips.
This National Parks (http://www.us-parks.com/pre_planned_routes.html) site has ideas for car itineraries.
This Southwest (http://www.americansouthwest.net/) site may help too

Do NOT Miss Dead Horse State Point (http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/dead_horse_point/state_park.html)in the Islands in the Sky (http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/canyonlands/island_in_the_sky.html) district.

It will TRULY blow you away!

Also the Grand View Point in this district too

[blindman]

They're about $120 upwards, Can't see any wins for when I'm going (early Sept).

May be too early yet.

This thread (http://p070.ezboard.com/fpricelineandexpediabiddinglosangelesareadisneylan d.showMessage?topicID=3649.topic)gives some kind of info, it was for June this year.

[fatboyonadiet]

May be too early yet.

This thread (http://p070.ezboard.com/fpricelineandexpediabiddinglosangelesareadisneylan d.showMessage?topicID=3649.topic)gives some kind of info, it was for June this year.Really? Well I might just keep trying every few days with a low bid, when is the best time to start with serious bidding, i.e. how long before I actually go away?

[photome]

I have just got to the end of this thread.. spent lots of time copy / paste all info and now have a free west coast travel guide!!!!

I would love to go.. hire a car and spend a few weeks seeing it all.. Has anyone done this with young children??? (aged 4 & 5)


I have an 11 year old son who has been away with us since he was 6 months old, including the west coast and the grand canyon when he was 3. We have been back a few times since.

My sister is on the way back from touring the far east for a month with an 8 year old and a 3 year old.

I guess what I am trying to say is that children shouldnt stop you doing whatever you want to do.

[blindman]

Really? Well I might just keep trying every few days with a low bid, when is the best time to start with serious bidding, i.e. how long before I actually go away?

I don't believe you asked that!

As I know you've seen this thread (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=233768) :D

How many days are you trying to book?

[fatboyonadiet]

I don't believe you asked that!

As I know you've seen this thread (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=233768) :D

How many days are you trying to book?:D I know but i skim read it:rolleyes: Going for 7, but I'll go and have a detailed look at that very very helpful post from a very very nice man!

[fatboyonadiet]

It's OK found the answer (3 - 4 weeks).

[blindman]

IMHO
Ask for a strategy from thereuare on betterbidding, he'll sort you out;)

The 7 days may be a problem as the hotel rates may not be constant throughout.

Too early yet though to be splitting the bid.

[wdyw]

Do NOT Miss Dead Horse State Point (http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/dead_horse_point/state_park.html)in the Islands in the Sky (http://www.americansouthwest.net/utah/canyonlands/island_in_the_sky.html) district.

It will TRULY blow you away!

Also the Grand View Point in this district too

Agreed on Canyonlands and the right-next-door Arches National Park. Moab is the perfect place to stop off to travel around the area and is "home" to excellent slick rock mountainbiking and river rafting. (anyone into Indiana Jones, will immediately recognise the Arches National Park as being the setting of the first five minutes from the third film)

If you have been to Dead Horse State Park, Peter Lik has a tremendous picture of the arch looking down into the valley in his gallery in the Forum shops at Caesars. Other pictures of his are also superb ..."ghosts" (Antelope Canyon) for example. Pictures from all over the USA and further afield.

[trets77]

The Luxor NO THANK YOU looks and feels like a 90,s showcase cinema (not a good thing) i,ll admit i,d didn,t stay there but a spent a long time time in there ( not through choice , long story , thanks to virgin holidays muck up).

we stayed in New York New York and it wasn,t great IT WAS ABSOLUTLY FANTASTIC !!!!!! the rooms, the bed ( best ever on any holiday actually resented my own bed when i got back) the service , the attention to detail, the whole place is MUST see if your going but i really would reccomend it very highly. i never go ANYWHERE without reading a Rough Guide travel book for the place and it reccomended NY NY and yet again they didn,t let me down.

money saving tips

1) if your up for a show check out the two half price tickets for tonight box offices first you wont get blue man group ,celine dion , or O but we saw Mamma Mia , Avenue Q , Rita Rudner, Amazing Johnathan ( reccomeneded if you know what to expect) all for half price.


2) get all the free magazines you can from taxis and hotel lobbys they crammed full of discount vouchers for just about EVEYTHING


3) "THE DEUCE" bus service is by far the cheapest way to travel but it can busy near treasure island , ceasers palace area during peak time meaning the don,t let you on, but at $5 for all day pass it,s very good value. and pretty good

4) get married . WE DID at the World famous Little White Wedding Chapel. they even broadcast it over the net for the folks back home. no offence but if you want to spend £10,000 + thats your choice , but our wedding was at the most famous place to get hitched of them all thanks to TV show Friends, We didn,t spend months organizing it and YEARS paying for it , oh we got a free limo down the strip afterwards and then took a helicopeter ride in the Grand Canyon......BEAT THAT FOR £500 quid !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not special you say, Not Lunacy money i reply and we had a BRILLIANT day !!!!
:money: :beer: :beer: :j

5) HAVE FUN it almost imposible not to i would say. VIVA LAS VEGAS

[completely_lost]

The Luxor NO THANK YOU looks and feels like a 90,s showcase cinema (not a good thing) i,ll admit i,d didn,t stay there but a spent a long time time in there ( not through choice , long story , thanks to virgin holidays muck up).

we stayed in New York New York and it wasn,t great IT WAS ABSOLUTLY FANTASTIC !!!!!! the rooms, the bed ( best ever on any holiday actually resented my own bed when i got back) the service , the attention to detail, the whole place is MUST see if your going but i really would reccomend it very highly. i never go ANYWHERE without reading a Rough Guide travel book for the place and it reccomended NY NY and yet again they didn,t let me down.

I agree I stayed there last month and it was fantastic. Was going to book Luxor becuase it was so cheap but it had got really bad reviews recently and people we knew were adamant we didn't stay there from experience. Glad we listened to them!

[Murphy_The_Cat]

Mabye things must have changed. I stayed ay the Luxor 3 years ago and it was absolutely fine - in fact I've posted on here saying how good it was.

MTC http://ofuabduction.com/images/alex/HissyClaw.gif http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e347/Murphy2006/MTCEnglish.gif

[fatboyonadiet]

IMHO
Ask for a strategy from thereuare on betterbidding, he'll sort you out;)

The 7 days may be a problem as the hotel rates may not be constant throughout.

Too early yet though to be splitting the bid.I posted for some help, fingers crossed!