Southwest USA & The West Coast (California, Arizona etc) - General Thread

rorylando45

Hi all, I will be stopping at Los Angeles next summer for one night only, on Friday 5th June. I am looking for hotel/motel options, was wondering if anyone could help.

Ideally I would like to stay near the beach (Santa Monica/Venice Beach area). We are flying from LAX the next day and the airport seems quite accessible from the beach, is that right? Worst case scenario we could take a cab.

I am looking for a twin room somewhere, thought I'd be able to get some good prices this far in advance, but so far I've been surprised at how expensive everywhere has been? I suppose it's a Friday night in June, is that normal?

vanilla8

rorylando45 wrote: »

I am looking for a twin room somewhere, thought I'd be able to get some good prices this far in advance, but so far I've been surprised at how expensive everywhere has been? I suppose it's a Friday night in June, is that normal?

I cant recommend a twin room but I can tell you it was expensive when i went too, we ended up getting a good deal with priceline.

blindman

rorylando45 wrote: »

Hi all, I will be stopping at Los Angeles next summer for one night only, on Friday 5th June. I am looking for hotel/motel options, was wondering if anyone could help.

Ideally I would like to stay near the beach (Santa Monica/Venice Beach area). We are flying from LAX the next day and the airport seems quite accessible from the beach, is that right? Worst case scenario we could take a cab.

I am looking for a twin room somewhere, thought I'd be able to get some good prices this far in advance, but so far I've been surprised at how expensive everywhere has been? I suppose it's a Friday night in June, is that normal?

Once had a 13hr lay over at LAX and caught the bus to Santa Monica Pier.
Mind you had no luggage as it was checked through.

So a cab ride wouldn't be too far (IIRC)

Many moons ago we used Priceline to get a bargain for our last few nights near LAX
Residence Inn Manhattan Beach
Had a car then though.

So you have plenty of time to research suitable properties on Priceline or Hotwire near the beach\airport and some will have airport shuttles.

Another alternative-which is what I now use the most -is to sign up to the IHG rewards points scheme.

if you get their free (or soon to be released fee paying[£99] card) you will get 20,000 points (cost £99 fee) which is just about enought to get a LAX hotel for one night.

Look at Headforpoints for the credit card updates.

Doesn't have to be IHG, just pick a CC that give generous Hotel points on opening.
You have plenty of time to get the points-and these are usually refundable nights-unlike Priceline.

Bri1

Both Santa Monica & Venice beach are very expensive to stay at, we used the Super 8 LAX (Airport Blvd), V cheap for an airport motel in the area, free shuttle bus both ways from Terminal, & not too far from Venice beach

itsanne

Just thought I'd say 'Hi' from Port Hueneme. :beer:

Road problems around Yosemite meant we went with Plan B, not a disaster as we've been before. We also decided to keep San Francisco (again, been before) for another time and go before picking up a car. So far it's been:

LAX - Corona for first night

Flagstaff (for Grand Canyon South Rim) (2 nights)

Las Vegas via Hoover Dam (2 nights)

Wofford Heights via Death Valley (1 night)

Monterey (2 nights)

Morro Bay (1 night)

Port Hueneme (Here now for one night)

Tomorrow we'll head for Palm Springs via LA as the end of the road trip part of the holiday. Where has the time gone? :eek:

PeacefulWaters

I'm now scoping out another trip.

Likely to be July or October. Maybe 2015 but probably 2016. Probably looking at 12-14 nights.

Here's my first stab at a route. Wide open to adjustment based on information from others. No sacred cows this time (although I'd love to see Death Valley again). Vegas isn't an essential starting point. Would consider Denver.

Vegas
Death Valley
Mammoth Lakes
Lake Tahoe
Elko
Salt Lake City
Arches
Canyon Lands
Monument Valley
Amangiri
Zion
Vegas

- Mrs PW has developed an interest in the night sky, inspired by Grand Canyon and Mammoth Lakes overnighters, so any suggested motel locations in the middle of nowhere with minimal light pollution are welcome!

- Additionally, where would be best for a couple of two night stops?

- Any weather concerns in July / October?

Alas, no camping. Mrs PW won't allow it!

Thanks in advance.

northwest1965

I know what you mean about the GC night sky. It's something else isn't it.

For Monument Valley, I can recommend http://www.kayentamonumentvalleyinn.com/

before we went, it had some bad reviews, I was really concerned but it must have had a refurb, because it was great. I think I have some pics somewhere.

Where are you staying in DV? Stovepipe Wells is worth an overnighter (I adore DV, had 5 nights here over 2 trips)

PeacefulWaters

northwest1965 wrote: »

Where are you staying in DV? Stovepipe Wells is worth an overnighter (I adore DV, had 5 nights here over 2 trips)

Don't know yet!

We had a tremendous burger passing through Panamint Springs, but the accommodation looked a bit err rustic.

So very much a blank canvas.

northwest1965

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Don't know yet!

We had a tremendous burger passing through Panamint Springs, but the accommodation looked a bit err rustic.

So very much a blank canvas.

We stopped off in Beatty, that looked quite nice. Near to the ghost town Rhyolite

Crispy_Ambulance

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Don't know yet!

We had a tremendous burger passing through Panamint Springs, but the accommodation looked a bit err rustic.

So very much a blank canvas.

We stayed at Panamint Springs this year and were really impressed. I was expecting a bit of a shed, but the room had aircon and fans and was very comfortable. Water pressure wasn't great in the shower but that was the only niggle. It was lovely to sit out and watch the sunset on the hills and it felt very much away from it all.

We all loved Zion Canyon and had a couple of nights there. Springdale is right by the entrance and is a lovely little town, thoroughly charming and laid back. We hiked Observation Point and it's a great walk. You could do 2 or 3 nights at Springdale and get the most out of the park.