3 night post cruise in the LA area

[gckcswmo]

We will be staying an extra 3 nights in the LA area after our cruise on the Pride May 21st. We are planning on doing a couple of LA tour trips. We would like not having to rent a car so we need a nice hotel that has restaurants close by and where the tour buses will pick us up. Anyone have any good ideas?

[suznf]

I would suggest The Renaissance at the Hollywood and Highland Complex. http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/stay_renaissancehollywoodhotel.php

There is plenty to do there and in the immediate area that you will not need a car. The metro line station is below the center, all things hollywood (and weird) right outside your door. The Jimmy Kimmel show is taped across the street and the tickets are free (get them online in advance). Also the El Capitan Theater is across the street, very historic and beautiful. Usually there is a production for whatever movie they are showing. Splurge and get the VIP tickets and sit in the reserved balcony seats! It is fun! http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/ The Pantages Theater http://www.seeing-stars.com/OnStage/Pantages.shtml and Hollywood Bowl http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/ are down the block. Fantastic restaurants of all kinds to choose from. (Vert is excellent). Also there is an upscale bowling alley and nightclubs on the property. http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/

 

Note: I am assuming you are a party of adults. This is a downtown area and you will be disappointed if you have young children and stay here for an extended period without a car.

 

You might also want to check out Universal Sheraton http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=83 or Hilton. They are located at City Walk with plenty of dining venues and of course Universal Studios.

 

But check with your tour companies to make sure they will pick you up! They can probably give you the best advice about where to stay.

[gckcswmo]

I would suggest The Renaissance at the Hollywood and Highland Complex. http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/stay_renaissancehollywoodhotel.php

There is plenty to do there and in the immediate area that you will not need a car. The metro line station is below the center, all things hollywood (and weird) right outside your door. The Jimmy Kimmel show is taped across the street and the tickets are free (get them online in advance). Also the El Capitan Theater is across the street, very historic and beautiful. Usually there is a production for whatever movie they are showing. Splurge and get the VIP tickets and sit in the reserved balcony seats! It is fun! http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/ The Pantages Theater http://www.seeing-stars.com/OnStage/Pantages.shtml and Hollywood Bowl http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/ are down the block. Fantastic restaurants of all kinds to choose from. (Vert is excellent). Also there is an upscale bowling alley and nightclubs on the property. http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com/

 

Note: I am assuming you are a party of adults. This is a downtown area and you will be disappointed if you have young children and stay here for an extended period without a car.

 

You might also want to check out Universal Sheraton http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=83 or Hilton. They are located at City Walk with plenty of dining venues and of course Universal Studios.

 

But check with your tour companies to make sure they will pick you up! They can probably give you the best advice about where to stay.

 

suznf,

 

Thanks for those recomendations. We will look into those. If we did decide to rent a car, how is it driving around the LA area? We are from the Southwest Misssouri area and are not use to a lot of traffic.

[jimbug]

gckcswmo,

My mom and I (from Oklahoma) rented a car in LA post-cruise last spring. She, according to me, is the "world's worst city driver", but believe it or not, she did just fine cruising down the 405 in heavy traffic. If you can drive in St. Louis, you can drive in LA. Just be prepared for random times of going from 85mph to standstill for no apparent reason.

[greatam]

suznf,

 

Thanks for those recomendations. We will look into those. If we did decide to rent a car, how is it driving around the LA area? We are from the Southwest Misssouri area and are not use to a lot of traffic.

 

Born and raised in LA, now live part of the year in North Central Missouri. If you are like most of my neighbors, you do NOT want to rent a car and drive around LA. Traffic is like leaving a Chiefs game EVERY DAY.

 

My best suggestion would be a stay at the beach, with side trips to Hollywood, Universal studios, etc., etc. At least at the beach (Marina del Rey or Venice), you will have something to do all the time-food, walking around, shops, etc. If you need further info, you may email-greatam@earthlink.net

[jimbug]

PS--I forgot to add my hotel suggestion. It's in Long Beach, rather than LA, but if you rent a car it's extremely handy to the major freeways. The Coast Hotel (http://www.coasthotels.com) is quite nice and quite inexpensive. Beautiful landscaping and views of the waterfront, not to mention right down from the Queen Mary and the Carnival terminal if you want some more "cruise ship watching."

[suznf]

suznf,

 

Thanks for those recomendations. We will look into those. If we did decide to rent a car, how is it driving around the LA area? We are from the Southwest Misssouri area and are not use to a lot of traffic.

 

It is fairly easy to get around...in terms of direction, the 405 freeway is very easy to use, and the carpool lanes can certainly be helpful. Be sure to use mapquest to plot your routes, know what offramps you need and their aproximate distance and you should be fine. Most communities are laid out in grid formations with major streets running forever through different towns (you can tell you are in a new town when the icon on the street sign changes :rolleyes: ) So...if you pass a street you need, there is an excellent chance the you can get back to where you need to at the next major intersection. (hope that makes sense) Of course, if you can rent a car with a talking GPS you will have almost no problem at all.

 

If you do rent a car, you have a million other options available to you. Other than Universal, the other movie studios have back lot tours that are not advertised and certainly not as commercial (and cheaper). The Getty museum is awesome ...and free. Depending on when you come, there are plenty of tickets to be had to watch tv shows tapings (also free) http://www.tvtickets.com/ http://www.tvtix.com/schedule.php

 

The biggest problem we have is traffic....try to avoid driving during rush hours, you will spend hours going nowhere...and expect traffic the rest of the time. And if it starts to rain we go into "Storm Watch" mode here....everyone forgets where their windshield wipers are and crashes into each other. Heavy sigh. You also have to watch out for people who are multi-tasking while driving: Cell phones, make up and reading the morning paper. And oh yeah...stars trying to outrun papparrazzi. lol

 

Parking in LA can also be problematic, but if you are at the Hollywood/highland complex there is no problem, they have a great underground parking facility w/valet parking.

 

The beaches are beautiful, and south of LA there is so much more---and less traffic. It just depends on what you want from your vacation: Tourist/Hollywood; Beaches/relaxation; Spa/Shopping; Wine tasting/Gambling; Sports/Activities; Concerts/Art/Plays; Romance/fun; Kids stuff; Adult Entertainment.

 

If you let me know what you are really hoping for (go ahead...anything....learn to surf, take a gondola ride, go fishing, putz around the tidepools, eat the best burger in the Southland, have a bonfire on the beach, museums, high end shopping, horse racing, drive your own race car.....sky is the limit...it can all be had), and the time of year you will be visiting, I can give you plenty of ideas in a number of different price ranges.

[greatam]

It is fairly easy to get around...in terms of direction, the 405 freeway is very easy to use, and the carpool lanes can certainly be helpful. Be sure to use mapquest to plot your routes, know what offramps you need and their aproximate distance and you should be fine. Most communities are laid out in grid formations with major streets running forever through different towns (you can tell you are in a new town when the icon on the street sign changes :rolleyes: ) So...if you pass a street you need, there is an excellent chance the you can get back to where you need to at the next major intersection. (hope that makes sense) Of course, if you can rent a car with a talking GPS you will have almost no problem at all.

 

If you do rent a car, you have a million other options available to you. Other than Universal, the other movie studios have back lot tours that are not advertised and certainly not as commercial (and cheaper). The Getty museum is awesome ...and free. Depending on when you come, there are plenty of tickets to be had to watch tv shows tapings (also free) http://www.tvtickets.com/ http://www.tvtix.com/schedule.php

 

The biggest problem we have is traffic....try to avoid driving during rush hours, you will spend hours going nowhere...and expect traffic the rest of the time. And if it starts to rain we go into "Storm Watch" mode here....everyone forgets where their windshield wipers are and crashes into each other. Heavy sigh. You also have to watch out for people who are multi-tasking while driving: Cell phones, make up and reading the morning paper. And oh yeah...stars trying to outrun papparrazzi. lol

 

Parking in LA can also be problematic, but if you are at the Hollywood/highland complex there is no problem, they have a great underground parking facility w/valet parking.

 

The beaches are beautiful, and south of LA there is so much more---and less traffic. It just depends on what you want from your vacation: Tourist/Hollywood; Beaches/relaxation; Spa/Shopping; Wine tasting/Gambling; Sports/Activities; Concerts/Art/Plays; Romance/fun; Kids stuff; Adult Entertainment.

 

If you let me know what you are really hoping for (go ahead...anything....learn to surf, take a gondola ride, go fishing, putz around the tidepools, eat the best burger in the Southland, have a bonfire on the beach, museums, high end shopping, horse racing, drive your own race car.....sky is the limit...it can all be had), and the time of year you will be visiting, I can give you plenty of ideas in a number of different price ranges.

 

Suznf,

 

Your suggestions are very helpful, but for those from Southern Missouri (and other parts of the midwest), traffic is VERY daunting. As I posted, born and raised in LA, moved to Northern Missouri part of the year 20 years ago. It was true culture shock. NO TRAFFIC. After 15 years of living there part time, I actually got upset when there was 5 cars at the stoplight in my small town (1100 people). I came home and stated "You should have seen the traffic jam in town today". DH just rolled his eyes.

 

I have taken friends from my area in Missouri to LA (we have an office there). They are truly shocked at the traffic, the congestion, and the smog.

 

There is so much to do in LA, but a rental car, for someone not used to driving in massive traffic, is really not a valid option.

[suznf]

greatam...I can see your point. Luckily there are lots of cars/shuttles for hire. If you want to escape the congestion and smog, I would recommend giving the OC a try. You can spend some time in Huntington Beach, located about 30 miles south of los angeles (supershuttle can get you there safely). The Hyatt is located across the street from the beach and has a private overpass that ends on the sand, and it is in walking distance to the downtown area and pier. Farmers and crafts markets on Friday, performers and activities on the weekends. You can rent surf boards, boogie boards, bikes, rollerblades etc. to ride along the beach (bike path on the beach). You can hike the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, Shop at upscale stores. Have a bonfire on the beach and roast hot dogs or make smores and watch the sun set behind the pier. Try the sea lavendar massage at the spa, it is sooo nice!

 

The Hyatt is located on the central bus line that runs down the coastline a couple of times each hour. It can take you to Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Long Beach, Sunset Beach, etc. You can also take a gondola ride or kyak though the local marinas (Newport, Huntington Harbor, Long Beach) or the Newport Back Bay (a protected estuary). Visit the International Surfing Museum, art galleries, or get a tattoo...http://huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp or the Hilton next door http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=HUBWHHF (saw the Hilton on easy click travel)

[suznf]

oops dp

[petlover]

I have lived in various parts of Southern Cal most of my life. I don't think you realize how spread out everything is here. I think a lot will depend upon your interest. If you stay in O.C. you can go to Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, beaches or just hang out in Balboa, Newport Beach etc. If you go to Santa Monica, I think there would be lots to see and do as well. I think you need to determine just what you want to see and do while you're here. Renting a car would surely be your best option for getting around and I think the signs on the freeway are pretty clearly marked. Long Beach could be a good option as well if you want to head North one day, South another etc. There is less traffic in and around O.C. (but it can still be horrendous). As much as I normally wouldn't suggest this, you may want to consider a 3 day tour where they arrange hotel and site seeing for you if you're adverse to driving yourself. It would make your post stay more stress free.

[sunsetme]

LA is not easy to navigate without a car. the hollywood/highland suggestion was good. LA is a big place its hard to get around with or without a car.

[sunsetme]

check out starlinetours.com It will give you an idea of what you can see on a bus tour. it leaves near hollywood/highland.

[Procajlo]

I need some of your help and advice. I have read all of the above and am now more confused than ever. We are arriving two days prior to our cruise and, never having visited LA before, wanted to see some of the sights, e.g. Rodeo Drive, Grauman's - also maybe the Ghetty museum. My question, where should we stay. We do want to rent a car at the airport and then drive to our hotel. Now my quandry - where should we stay?! First I thought Beverly Hills. We could walk to some of the sights. Then I thought maybe Santa Monica or Venice Beach - we have a car, we can drive to Beverly Hills and also have the beach for beautiful walks. Both locations, Beverly Hills and the Beaches have nice hotels - but the nightly rates - wow!!!! Then I read about the Coasthotel in Long Beach. The hotel seems nice, the nightly rates are acceptable - but - would it be too far removed to the sights?!

Can I get some ideas and input advice from you, please. Where should we stay?

Thanks for your help.

Rose

[newyorkgolfer41]

I can see why this is overwhelming to someone not familiar with Southern California. Many use the phrase "Los Angeles" as a 'catch all' to include everything from North of LA down South and including OC. You are covering a lot of miles.

Personally, I don't see the big draw of Hollywood or Grauman's theater This is something that was popular perhaps in the 1950's and that would go to the bottom of my list. I think the larger draws today are things like City Walk, Getty Museum and OC is always a great place to visit. This site may help you: www.hollywoodtours.us/

According to this there are hotel pick ups from Hollywood, Los Angeles, LAX and Anaheim (OC)

 

You may want to do some "googling" to determine which part of Southern California has sites that are most interesting to you. Unlike Manhattan where things are heavily concentrated and public transportation is a breeze, Southern California is very spread out.

[suznf]

Procajlo- All of the prices are high in CA, as is the real estate:o If you want to stay at the Hollywood/Highland complex but the The Renaissance http://www.renaissancehollywood.com/intro.html Hollywood Hotel is a little to pricey (be sure to check out the special deals on their website), you might want to take a look at The Orchid Suites Hotel which is right across the street. Check out trip advisor for reviews before you make a reservation. Lots of positive reviews, but this IS NOT a 4 or 5 star hotel- http://www.orchidsuites.com/

 

If you have a car, you can stay anywhere. From Long Beach the drive to Hollywood is only about 20 minutes (without too much traffic). You are also only 20 minutes from Orange County. If you stay in Long Beach, you will want to check out Shoreline Village http://www.shorelinevillage.com/ and what is known as the "Pike" and Pine St. http://www.pubclub.com/losangeles/longbeach.htm; http://www.shopthepike.com/

 

Another option just to the south is Seal Beach, check out http://www.sealbeachinn.com/activities.html This looks like a beautiful bed and breakfast, with reasonable rates and a good list of attractions. Seal Beach is a quiet residential beach town, great place for an evening stroll! (and you are STILL only about 20 mins from everything.

and they apparently have tour busses that will pick you up there!

 

FYI The Getty is free, but parking is $7. http://www.getty.edu/visit/

The Getty Villa will be opening in March 2006

 

Again, the question is...what do you want from your vacation? What do you want to see, what do you want to do? Check out the links above and let us know what you REALLY don't want to miss, and we can point you in that direction!

 

newyorkgolfer41 I am with you re:Hollywood as a destination. But it is kind of fun to look at the sidewalk, and that area has definately improved. Universal is only a couple of miles away, and you can easily ride the Metro there. I enjoy going up to the hollywood/highland complex for a play at the Pantages, or concert at the Bowl....and the occasional trip to the El Capitan Theater for something special. And lets face it, if you WANT Hollywood...without a car.... that area is it.

 

Enjoy the links!

[gckcswmo]

Haven't checked the board in a day and when I finally got sometime to do so I noticed quite a few replies. You all have given us a lot to think about. Need to talk to the DW and see what she wants to do. Will let her see all the ideas you all have come up with. Thanks for the comments.:)

[gckcswmo]

Born and raised in LA, now live part of the year in North Central Missouri. If you are like most of my neighbors, you do NOT want to rent a car and drive around LA. Traffic is like leaving a Chiefs game EVERY DAY.

 

My best suggestion would be a stay at the beach, with side trips to Hollywood, Universal studios, etc., etc. At least at the beach (Marina del Rey or Venice), you will have something to do all the time-food, walking around, shops, etc. If you need further info, you may email-greatam@earthlink.net

 

greatam,

 

If you don't mind me asking, where in north central mo do you live? I have lived in Unionville and have relatives that live in Princeton. We live in Republic which is a suburb of Springfield. After living in both parts of missouri I have to say that I prefer the south over the north. Winters aren't so bad. :)

[greatam]

greatam,

 

If you don't mind me asking, where in north central mo do you live? I have lived in Unionville and have relatives that live in Princeton. We live in Republic which is a suburb of Springfield. After living in both parts of missouri I have to say that I prefer the south over the north. Winters aren't so bad. :)

 

We live part of the year on a farm 12 miles northwest of Princeton. Small world, isn't it. We probably know your relatives-it IS a very small town.

 

As far as driving in LA-if you feel comfortable driving in a lot of traffic (like leaving a Chief's game), and read maps well, then you will be OK. Otherwise, my suggestion still holds. Stay at the beach-Marina del Rey, Venice, Redondo, etc., and take day tours (even if you have to take a shuttle to get to the tour departure). It will save you a lot of headaches.

 

Please email me so we can continue this "reunion" in private. greatam@earthlink.net

[gckcswmo]

suznf,

 

We will be back from our cruise on May 28th. We plan on staying in Long Beach the night before the cruise. Have been trying to get a 4 star hotel on priceline, but haven't been successful yet. Looks more like we will probably rent a car for our post cruise. Would you take a shuttle from the port back to LAX to rent a car? The DW really wants to see the star's homes, walk of fame, griffith observatory, and the hollywood sign. She would also like to take a studio tour and see a taping of a tv show. I would like to see some of the beaches. Thanks again for all yours ideas.:)

[suznf]

suznf,

 

We will be back from our cruise on May 28th. We plan on staying in Long Beach the night before the cruise. Have been trying to get a 4 star hotel on priceline, but haven't been successful yet. Looks more like we will probably rent a car for our post cruise. Would you take a shuttle from the port back to LAX to rent a car? The DW really wants to see the star's homes, walk of fame, griffith observatory, and the hollywood sign. She would also like to take a studio tour and see a taping of a tv show. I would like to see some of the beaches. Thanks again for all yours ideas.:)

 

Here are some excellent Hollywood itineraries and links. You will probably want to mix and match them ;)

 

Hollywood 3 day itinerary

http://oscars.about.com/od/oscarparties/a/itinerary2_3day.htm

Hollywood Three days, Another take

 

http://travel2.nytimes.com/fodors/top/features/travel/destinations/unitedstates/california/losangeles/fdrs_feat_92_3.html?n=Top%2FFeatures%2FTravel%2FDestinations%2FUnited+States%2FCalifornia%2FLos+Angeles

Hollywood 5 Days from Fodors

http://travel2.nytimes.com/fodors/top/features/travel/destinations/unitedstates/california/losangeles/fdrs_feat_92_4.html?n=Top%2FFeatures%2FTravel%2FDestinations%2FUnited+States%2FCalifornia%2FLos+Angeles

 

 

Beach Idea

http://travel2.nytimes.com/fodors/top/features/travel/destinations/unitedstates/california/losangeles/fdrs_feat_92_2.html?n=Top%2FFeatures%2FTravel%2FDestinations%2FUnited+States%2FCalifornia%2FLos+Angeles

 

Beach Itinerary

http://gocalifornia.about.com/cs/losangeles/a/itinerary_beach.htm

Here are some alternatives for Hotels in the Hollywood area. Be sure and check out the reviews before booking them (tripadvisor or yahoo travel)

Hollywood Area Hotels

The Standard

http://www.standardhotel.com/

The Magic Castle Hotel

http://www.magiccastlehotel.com/

Elan Hotel

http://www.elanhotel.com/

The Farmers Daughter

http://farmersdaughterhotel.com/

 

Beach Lodging Ideas

 

Bed and Breakfast- Long Beach

Turret House

http://www.turrethouse.com/rates.html

Beachrunners Inn

http://www.beachrunnersinn.com/

 

Guest House International

Long Beach

http://beachcalifornia.travelhero.com/index.cfm/id/64621/aid/68/city/LONG_BEACH/

Bed and Breakfast-Seal Beach

Seal Beach Inn

http://www.sealbeachinn.com/

The Little Inn by the Bay

 

Newport Beach

http://www.littleinnbythebay.com/

 

Ocean View Motel, Huntington Beach

http://arestravel.com/856_hotel-info_h1355.html

 

The Pacific Inn, Seal Beach

http://arestravel.com/856_hotel-info_h4269.html

 

Ocean Front Ramada Sunset Beach

http://www.eztrip.com/Sunset-Beach/Ocean-Front-Ramada/109047.html

 

Here is the link for the Griffith Observatory, but I think it is closed until later next year. http://www.griffithobs.org/

 

Studio Tours

http://www.seeing-stars.com/StudioTours/index.shtml

TV Tapings

http://www.seeing-stars.com/Tapings/index.shtml

Hollywood Calendar

http://www.seeing-stars.com/Calendar/index.shtml

 

Here are things to do in Long Beach, including renting a boat and cruising around the Harbor!

http://www.owsrentals.com/

Long Beach Activites

http://www.visitlongbeach.com/listings/index.cfm?action=cover&catID=15

 

Southern CA Kyak rentals

http://www.ckf.org/Links/Rentals.htm

San Diego to Oxnard!

Learn to Surf Los Angeles

http://learntosurfla.com/html/about.htm

Bluerider Surf

LA Area surfing lessons

http://www.blueridersurf.com/index.html

 

 

Gondola Get Away, Long Beach

http://www.gondolagetawayinc.com/index.html

From $65 per hr for 2

Adventure at Sea

http://www.gondola.com/newportbeach.html

Champagne Cruise to Gourmet Dinners

From $125 per hr for 2

Gondola Company of Newport, Newport Beach

http://www.gondolas.com/default.asp?PageID=128108

From $85 per hr. for 2

Gondola Romance, Newport Beach

http://www.gondolaromance.com/default.asp?PageID=123838

From $60 ½ hr for 2

So Cal Events

http://www.costamesa-ca.com/cm_events_oc.html

 

Hope that helps! Enjoy your trip!

[gckcswmo]

suznf,

 

Thanks for all the links for places to stay and things to do. Will look into them between hanging up X-mas lights and keeping up with the DW shopping.:)

[gckcswmo]

Just wanted to say that we booked our post cruise stay at a Fairfield resort in Anaheim. We own a timeshare on a points system and was able to get a one bedroom deluxe for the 3 nights after our cruise. Thanks for everyones advice.:)

[gckcswmo]

Just wanted to say that we booked our post cruise stay at a Fairfield resort in Anaheim. We own a timeshare on a points system and was able to get a one bedroom deluxe for the 3 nights after our cruise. Thanks for everyones advice.:)

[little britain]

Many thanks for the informative posts - we will be in LA for approx two days after our cruise, staying at the Hilton on Wilshire. Need to know about distances and what we can fit in....

Basically I need advice on..

• Rodeo Drive [is that walkable from Wilshire?]
  
• Are there any more affordable shops in the area [Gap/Banana Republic] ?
  
• Graumans chinese theatre - can you park near here?
  
• The Getty Museum - how long to drive here,
  
• drive up to see the Hollywood sign [where is the best photo point?]
  
• See a beach - the one with the body builders?
  
• We have registered to get tickets for the Tonight Show but will not know that until the day I guess.....

thanks in anticipation for your help!