Originally Posted by
CIT85
The best SPG property near a beach is St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, south of Laguna Beach. It's not on the beach, but a short tram ride from the hotel.
I don't like the hotels right next to Disneyland. Sheraton Cerritos is close enough and almost always upgrade Plat to Jr. Suite, plus free breakfast.
Check the rates carefully. Weekend rates are always much lower than weekdays. So if your stay covers both weekend and weekdays, then make separate reservations to get the lowest rates.
Thanks for the tips - unfortunately not Plat so upgrades are mostly a small chance.
Weekdays - weekends I'll book separately, I presume it is better to head for Disneyland during the week?
Originally Posted by
KSA_USA
lots of attractions in LA area. for 7 to 8 nights. you could spend 3 nights at the SLS Beverly hills hotel. its a fine hotel and close to lots of attractions such as the chinese theater, Universal studio, Rodeo Drive, etc.. for shopping Beverly center is max. 5 min. walk, Rodeo Drive and century city are 5-10 min. drive. some people may not recommend staying at the SLS with kids. I stayed there twice, I did not observe any thing unusual. its a great property.
if you like meat, there is a great Brazilian restaurant next door to the Hotel. its called Fogo de chao. Fantastic meat selection and salad bar.
then you could spend 4 or 5 nights at the St. Regis monarch beach resort. it is a beautiful resort located in Orange County. Disneyland is about 30-40 min. drive from the Resort. and San Diego zoo is about 90 min. drive. this resort is very relaxing and your little kid will like the pool.
the properties i suggested may be a bit pricy but it's worth it
try searching the property special offer page for better rate
check Z3R, Z3H promotional codes for availability ( stay 2 nights get 3rd free)
or Z3R, Z3H promotional code for availability ( stay 3 nights get 4th free)
or Z6R, Z6H promotional code for availability ( stay 4 nights get 5th & 6th free)
you may want to consider spending your last night at the Sheraton LAX or the Westin LAX.
Thanks for the valuable tips - a different approach which is to be considered. After all moving in the US mostly means driving anyway so perhaps I shouldn't focus too much on reducing driving by picking on the spot hotels.
Thanks for the meat advice as well - a true carnivore here so much appreciated ^
Originally Posted by
OverThereTooMuch
I've found that this drive takes considerably longer than you'd expect by looking at a map (unless maybe you are driving in the middle of the night).
Even a one hour delay is only making it abt 3hrs, which is still ok in my view. I regularly chase around Europe in my car, and even with kids to the south of France it can take up to 10hrs.
Of course, this is sheer personal.
Originally Posted by
Rock72
The drive from LA to SD takes about 2 hours in no traffic. Sometimes you can make it a little faster but I would estimate 2 hours.
The Sheraton in Carlsbad is awesome for legoland. The property itself is also quite nice and spread out.
The SLS is great but there really isn't any room for a child to roam around, etc. I used to always see Khloe Kardasian walking around over there but maybe no more since she moved to Dallas.
The St. Regis Monarch Beach is a great hotel and probably the best SPG property in Southern California. It's also great for kids because there is a lot of space to walk around, etc. They even have a small kiddie pool. The golf cart to go to the beach is a bit of a pain (sometimes it fills up and you have to wait) and the ride is always longer than I think it is. The area is great but is a bit far if you want to go to Disneyland, etc. It's really meant to be a resort where you check in and don't leave.
Sorry to say but the Sheraton Delfina is probably one of your best options for price, location, etc. You can get over to 3rd st promenade, drive over to hollywood, etc.
The airport properties are all dumps but convenient if you have a morning flight.
The Westin Bonaventure is huge but is also a dump. Lots of people stay there because the rates are usually low but it's really a dated property and downtown LA is pretty boring on weekends.
LX outbound is 19.35h so not a problem there. I usually take a late check-out and return my rental, taking it easy.
In any case, yet another fan of the St Regis, looks like I'll have to seriously consider that one as a candidate.
Originally Posted by
Out of my Element
Consider a day at Universal Studios and the Sheraton Universal. Nice lounge, they have a free shuttle every 30 minutes to the park (or it's a 10-15 minute walk, make sure you take the elevator to the Hilton parking lot to avoid having to climb the hill!), good pool and hottub.
I know that bloody hill all too well!! Never ever will I park down there again @:-)