LA + Vegas, need tips and recommendations!

Murphy_The_Cat

paulie558 wrote:

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.

MTC

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

fatboyonadiet wrote:

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

keepthereceipt wrote:

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 site for ideas on car trips.
This National Parks site has ideas for car itineraries.
This Southwest site may help too

Do NOT Miss Dead Horse State Point in the Islands in the Sky district.

It will TRULY blow you away!

Also the Grand View Point in this district too

blindman

fatboyonadiet wrote:

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

May be too early yet.

This thread gives some kind of info, it was for June this year.

fatboyonadiet

blindman wrote:

May be too early yet.

This thread 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

GIRLPOWER wrote:

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.