View Full Version : California\Las Vegas I blame DisneyPrincess
I was toying with the idea of California and Las Vegas for our wedding anniversary, DisneyPrincess talking about it has finally swung it.
We have the flights booked and I am now in the process of hotel booking, any advice on this would be a help. We do not need top notch hotels firstly to keep the cost down secondly we won’t spend that much time in the place, it’s a bed for the night. So no need for all the frills, as long as it is clean and half decent we can always eat and drink elsewhere.
Fly into San Diego last week of August (pick up hire car, not yet booked)
I will post a question in the hire cars section.
Stay 4 nights on Shelter Island, so we can have quiet evenings (hotel booked direct)
We both like wildlife and I have always wanted to visit San Diego Zoo, that’s one day. They also now have a separate wildlife park with a must do very long zip line so that’s at least a half day. The remaining time not decided but shopping might get a mention [msncry]
Drive to LA and spend the day looking round the area (I am not interested in looking at famous people’s houses or movie stars, hence only one day)
Spend the night in Long Beach, for a novelty staying on the Queen Mary
One night about half way or so between long beach and Monterey spending a few hours looking at the wine area possibly staying in the Santa Maria area (not booked)
Coming south out of Santa Maria to drive on the coastal route to Monterey spend the night, hotel not yet booked
Spend the day in Monterey then drive the rest of the coastal route to San Francisco
Drop off the hire car on arrival, if it’s before 9pm it works out at 7 days. We have been advised a car is not necessary in San Francisco and parking can get expensive.
4 days in San Francisco hotel not booked but I was looking at Union Square area possibly the chancellor at £500, or something about £350 (advice welcome)
We decided against driving down to Las Vegas it was 2 long days or 3 more comfartable days. We would not mind seeing Yosemite but I have been told it is not the best time to see it and the extra nights can be used else where.
The flights from San Francisco to Las Vegas was only £25 each, another reason not to drive.
We then have 4 nights in Las Vegas the hotels are good value compared to California the hotels I was looking at are: the MGM staying in the west wing. New York New York, one of the refurbished view rooms. The Excalibur, again one of the decent rooms. All of these hotels are about £250 for the 4 nights. One off the wall choice would be Bill’s for low cost and location.
Off strip in downtown area I have looked at the Golden Nugget in the new wing again £250ish, that fish\shark tank looks fantastic. Again off the wall low cost choice would be Main Street Station. Any advice on any of these would be a help (so many choices)
Trips wise Grand Canyon I would like to do the west rim to include helicopter landing and a boat ride. Again anyone with any experience or advice on which trip or company would be useful.
That’s the master plan flights are booked so it’s just the final hotels and any must see does and don’t suggestion I need now.
As I said this is all DisneyPrincess fault :), a sincere thank you I appreciate that final little push. (Only 3 months to go)
sammibabe
17-05-2011, 02:12
Sounds amazing. Can't help with any info but have a great time
San Deigo:- Visit Loma point, interesting place + wild life
Have afternoon tea in Coronado Hotel and visit 'Gas Light' area for meal in evening.
DON'T be tempted to take a short trip over the border into Mexico.
San Franciso:- Not sure of the current price but the St Fancis is very nice. Lift goes through the roof of the old building up the side of the newer tower.
Regards Dave
erowlands
17-05-2011, 10:24
Were off in two weeks to do Vegasand San Fransisco then back to orlando, stsying at Paris hotel right in the middle of the strip, £80 per night, in SF were staying at the club Donatello, one block from union square, both were on advice from friends who has stayed there. If your planning Alcatraz book in advance,it'd $26 each but gets booked out weeks in advance at busy times
Ob a countdown now!!
Eric
florida4sun
17-05-2011, 14:23
Hi,
if your doing 4 nights in Vegas I would advise paying a little extra and staying on strip. We went to the Golden Nugget and it is a nice hotel but very dodgy area. As soon as you go off strip you really need your wits about you.
On strip hotels can be affordable. We had a luxury 2 bed suite in Mandalay Bay at Xmas for $150 a night and 2 adjoining rooms with kind beds, jacuzzis, Tvs in bathrooms etc for $99 each, plus free drinks and useful vouchers worth around $30 per day per room. The Luxor was running at around $60 per night.
There are others middle strip that would be affordable, you just need to hunt out the deals. We found the helicopter flights we discounted considerably if you just turned up and filled empty seats (we did not fly though as weather looked iffy).
Everything we did I found very good discounts for online. Blue Man Group 50% off, Cirque 'o' 50% off, variety show free (thus is a brilliant cheap show and well worth doing).
We started off without a car but soon hired one and found it great as we hopped around a lot, free valet parking everywhere. If I went back in would be mid strip, preferably Cesars Palace (this one costs).
Staying the best hotel you can afford otherwise you will be walking around wishing you had done so. Plus speeding the difference and more on taxis. First two days we spent £100 on taxis then got a car.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by davec
I was toying with the idea of California and Las Vegas for our wedding anniversary, DisneyPrincess talking about it has finally swung it.
We have the flights booked and I am now in the process of hotel booking, any advice on this would be a help. We do not need top notch hotels firstly to keep the cost down secondly we won’t spend that much time in the place, it’s a bed for the night. So no need for all the frills, as long as it is clean and half decent we can always eat and drink elsewhere.
Fly into San Diego last week of August (pick up hire car, not yet booked)
I will post a question in the hire cars section.
Stay 4 nights on Shelter Island, so we can have quiet evenings (hotel booked direct)
We both like wildlife and I have always wanted to visit San Diego Zoo, that’s one day. They also now have a separate wildlife park with a must do very long zip line so that’s at least a half day. The remaining time not decided but shopping might get a mention [msncry]
Drive to LA and spend the day looking round the area (I am not interested in looking at famous people’s houses or movie stars, hence only one day)
Spend the night in Long Beach, for a novelty staying on the Queen Mary
One night about half way or so between long beach and Monterey spending a few hours looking at the wine area possibly staying in the Santa Maria area (not booked)
Coming south out of Santa Maria to drive on the coastal route to Monterey spend the night, hotel not yet booked
Spend the day in Monterey then drive the rest of the coastal route to San Francisco
Drop off the hire car on arrival, if it’s before 9pm it works out at 7 days. We have been advised a car is not necessary in San Francisco and parking can get expensive.
4 days in San Francisco hotel not booked but I was looking at Union Square area possibly the chancellor at £500, or something about £350 (advice welcome)
We decided against driving down to Las Vegas it was 2 long days or 3 more comfartable days. We would not mind seeing Yosemite but I have been told it is not the best time to see it and the extra nights can be used else where.
The flights from San Francisco to Las Vegas was only £25 each, another reason not to drive.
We then have 4 nights in Las Vegas the hotels are good value compared to California the hotels I was looking at are: the MGM staying in the west wing. New York New York, one of the refurbished view rooms. The Excalibur, again one of the decent rooms. All of these hotels are about £250 for the 4 nights. One off the wall choice would be Bill’s for low cost and locatio
Katys Grandad
17-05-2011, 15:18
Las Vegas hotels are a lot cheaper during the week. It's not difficult to get a 5 star property on the Strip for less than $100 a night Monday to Thursday so if you can avoid the weekend, you'll save a lot of money.
florida4sun
17-05-2011, 16:24
Also avoid when big conventions or sports events are in town, that is when they charge rack rates. Plus the place would be heaving.
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Katys Grandad
Las Vegas hotels are a lot cheaper during the week. It's not difficult to get a 5 star property on the Strip for less than $100 a night Monday to Thursday so if you can avoid the weekend, you'll save a lot of money.
[/quote]
San Francisco - we did not have a car and walked everywhere or used public transport. Visited Ghirardelli Square for wonderful ice cream sundaes. We walked up Telegraph Hill (400 steps from bottom to top) in the morning and then up Coit Tower for fabulous bay views (until the fog rolled in).
We took a wine tour from San Fran which came back part of the way on a boat across the bay.
Las Vegas - we stayed in the Paris hotel as, at the time, it was roughly in the middle although a lot of the building at the top of the strip is probably now complete.
The nightly light show at Fremont Street is well worth seeing
We enjoyed visiting the Ethel M Chocolate Factory (very nice chocolate) and walked off the free samples afterwards in the cactus garden (this made a change from normal botanical gardens and it was fascinating to see all the different cacti)
We bought bus tickets in Vegas they were not expensive and are valid for 24 hours so if it is too hot you can jump on a bus plus they go to Fremont Street
San Diego - Highly recommend the zoo - we spent all day there. We also did Sea World
Another vote for Loma Point State Park plus highly recommend Point Loma Seafoods for fabulous fish and chips it is always busy - only better to sit inside than out as seagulls can be a problem!
Monterey - we visited the Aquarium located in Cannery Row which is excellent and you can sit outside and watch the otters in the bay
Have a wonderful trip - we really enjoyed our trip to the west coast and would love to go back and see some more
floridadreamvilla.co.uk
17-05-2011, 17:25
We loved San Diego Zoo and also loved Balboa Park with it's wide open spaces and many museums. Some first class facilities and lots to keep anyone interested. Another place well worth a visit but slightly out of San Diego is the Wild Animal Park - http://www.sdzsafaripark.org/ - which comes highly recommended.
We loved Point Loma too. If you choose the streets up the hill on the way to it wisely, you'll get some of the best cityscapes we've ever seen if you look back over your shoulder (or better still, stop a while to take it all in).
DANESKA18
17-05-2011, 17:28
We've just got back from Las Vegas - stayed at the Bellagio which was absolutely gorgeous.
We did a fantastic Grand Canyon trip to the West Rim - were picked up from our hotel and taken to Boulder airport where we got a light aircraft to the Canyon (flying over the Hoover Dam), then took a helicopter into the Canyon and a boat along the river at the bottom. Then it was helicopter out again and a short coach ride to Guano Point which has some of the most amazing views of the Canyon and where we had lunch (all included in the price).
Finally we coached it back to the West Rim airport and got a flight back before being returned to our hotel.
Fantastic day and all for around USD300 (it was a bit cheaper than normal as we were a group of 14 and you need to book online to get the better rates) but it was worth every single penny. The organisation was fantastic - we weren't kept hanging around at all and I would highly recommend it. The company we used (I hope I can put this link on - if not and it gets deleted DM me) were http://www.papillon.com/popris/show_package.aspx?package_id=25&lang=en-US - we did the Grand Voyager Tour but they do lots of different ones. Hope this helps and enjoy!!
On your way to Monteray, make a stop in Pismo Beach.
A small town with a lot of charm.
San fransico.
We stayed here last year as a stopover en route to Hawaii, we stayed at the Marriott Fishermans Wharf which was very good for us as we wanted to see Pier 29 etc, and it was easy for the Alcatraz tour which was fantastic, also was very close to the cable cars that took us to Union Square. We did the Yosemite Tour which again we loved but it was in March and due to the snow we couldnt do the redwoods.
On our return we stopped off in Los Angeles and stayed at the Viceroy in Santa Monica which was a fantastic Hotel just one block from the beach and 10 mins from Santa Monica Pier, we were able to walk along the beach to Venice beach and as it was a sunday there was loads going on.
Las Vegas,
Have stayed at the Bellagio and the Luxor and we did prefer the Luxor as there seemed more going on but of course its at the south end of the strip so we did have to get cabs or face a long walk upto the Venitian etc. You can get the monorail which is right outside. Have done the hoover dam and the grand canyon tours and think its a must if your staying in Vegas.
DisneyPrincess
17-05-2011, 22:13
You're welcome [msnwink]
E. Cosgrove
17-05-2011, 22:46
The Old Town trolley tour is a great way to see San Diego, hop on hop off and you can check out the places you want to return to.
If you plan to visit Hearst Castle on your costal drive you need to book in advance, when we turned up the next available tour was 3 days away!
Alcatraz would be a must for us but book in advance or you probably won't get a place on the tour and you cant just get a ferry over, they are all full!
We have walked the Grand Canyon, south and north rims and hiked down to plateau point as well....when I was younger and fitter [msnwink]
We also took the helicopter from Las Vegas and landed in the canyon but in my opinion you just don't get any impression of the size and majesty of the place, you need to be up on the rim looking down, it was very disappointing.
We have stayed at MGM and NY NY, MGM would be my preference of the 2, but I would give Excaliber a wide berth. We have stayed at Caesars and didn't feel it lived up to it's reputation but Bellagio was fantastic with a bathroom to die for !!:D
You will have a fantastic time, have fun[msnsmile2]
[clap]Thanks for the replies so far, I will respond to them in detail later. Some useful information already, keep it coming the more the merrier.
If you haven't been to Las Vegas before, don't even think about staying anywhere off the Strip. You'll miss everything that Las Vegas is ... and should be!!!
It's a massive place. You can easily spend an hour getting from one side to the other, more if the traffic is bad ... and it often is.
If you stay about central on the Strip you'll soon get the hang of getting north and south using the assorted monorails, conveyor belts and little cut-throughs. If you're there in August you'll also find out that you want to be getting back in the air conditioning at every possible opportunity.
My own personal recommendation - look at The Mirage. It's a beautiful place to stay. Not quite in the league of Bellagio, The Venetian or Wynn but in terms of value for money I still think you struggle to beat it. I haven't stayed at Paris (mentioned earlier) but it's always looked nice whenever I've been through there; as has Ballys. Caesars Palace is great, but for my money I'd sooner stay next door at The Mirage and just get the conveyors into Caesars. If you want to look a bit more budget, take a look at the Monte Carlo, where I've had many a great stay. If you don't mind the theming, Treasure Island is worth a look as well. Don't be too put off by the theming - it's not too intrusive when you are staying there.
What to see? OMG! See everything!! See Cirque du Soleil (take your pick). Watch the Volcano erupt at The Mirage. Watch the fountains at Bellagio (I love those fountains!!) Grab an evening flight in a helicopter up and down the Strip. If Penn and Teller are in town don't miss them - they're usually at the Rio when they are on. Even if you aren't staying there, the reception area at Bellagio is spectacular. There's a great little piano bar just across from it that does fantastic margaritas and mojitos. Wander through the Forum Shoppes on the way in to Caesars, and then spend an hour trying to find your way out.
If you want to play some blackjack while you are there, learn the Basic Strategy before you go. You'll still lose, but you'll lose gracefully and come away having had a great night's entertainment. Same for [bad language filtered out]s.
If you want somewhere good to eat, head for the brew pub at the Monte Carlo. The chicken wings are to die for and the beer is great. They often have some great bands on there too. The buffets are fantastic but IMHO are now getting a tad expensive. You can only eat so much after all. But you should experience at least one of them. If you're staying at The Mirage, The Roasted Bean does fantastic coffee and cakes.
Personally, I'd give the Grand Canyon a miss. I know that sounds like sacrilege but unless you fly there it's a hugely long day and you won't get very long at all at the canyon itself. It's also such a massive thing that if you are a bit rushed it's a little difficult to take in the full grandeur of it. If you want a canyon and countryside experience, treat this trip as a bit of a fact finder for Las Vegas and then come back asking about Utah ... fly to Salt Lake and then drive Salt Lake -> Moab (Arches and Canyonlands) -> Mt. Carmel Jn (Bryce and Zion) -> Grand Canyon -> Las Vegas. By then you'll know the full SP for Las Vegas and can put together another amazing trip out that way.
Oh boy - what a simply beautiful part of the world you are heading for. Enjoy every minute of it! [msnsmile2]
E. Cosgrove
18-05-2011, 11:20
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Snapper
Personally, I'd give the Grand Canyon a miss. I know that sounds like sacrilege but unless you fly there it's a hugely long day and you won't get very long at all at the canyon itself. It's also such a massive thing that if you are a bit rushed it's a little difficult to take in the full grandeur of it. If you want a canyon and countryside experience, treat this trip as a bit of a fact finder for Las Vegas and then come back asking about Utah ... fly to Salt Lake and then drive Salt Lake -> Moab (Arches and Canyonlands) -> Mt. Carmel Jn (Bryce and Zion) -> Grand Canyon -> Las Vegas. By then you'll know the full SP for Las Vegas and can put together another amazing trip out that way.
Oh boy - what a simply beautiful part of the world you are heading for. Enjoy every minute of it! [msnsmile2]
[/quote]
You are a man after my own heart Steve!
One day we must get together and compare notes[msnwink]
Eddie McStiffs at Moab it is then Liz - nachos and burritos are on me. Oooo - or the beer and cheese soup at the Moab Brewery with one or two of the microbrews. Mmmmmmmmm. [msnsmile2][msnsmile2]
E. Cosgrove
18-05-2011, 22:55
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Snapper
Eddie McStiffs at Moab it is then Liz - nachos and burritos are on me. Oooo - or the beer and cheese soup at the Moab Brewery with one or two of the microbrews. Mmmmmmmmm. [msnsmile2][msnsmile2]
[/quote]
I left my handbag in Eddie McStiffs slung over the back of my chair. Hubby had to run all the way back in 106 degrees heat[msnembarrased]
Fortunately it was exactly where I had left it!![msnwink]
Accommodation is now sorted out in San Francisco at the Chancellor; I got a lower per night price and a 4 nights for the price of 3 offer through Trailfinders. It worked out over £150 less than direct with the hotel or online booking sites. Thanks for the other suggestions some nice looking places, both the St Francis and club Donatello looked good but they were coming in a lot more expensive. Eric you did very well getting the club Donatello for £80 a night [xx(] I was getting over £140 for the club and over £160 for the main hotel.
So in accommodation terms 1 night somewhere between Long Beach and Monterey not decided at which point to stop yet. Anywhere round Santa Maria that looks about half way but the location is flexible.
Then the 4 nights in Las Vegas, the dates are fixed because of flights but its Monday to Thursday which helps the price (5th-9th September): Martin you’re not the first person to make the same observations about the Downtown Area. So looks like with all the comments the strip wins the vote. I have narrowed it down to 3 and the difference in cost is not big enough to be the deciding factor. MGM west wing at £250, New York renovated premium view room at £235, Paris deluxe room at £205.
Once again keep the suggestions coming I am enjoying looking at them and it is helping. I will reply to the what to do when your there section latter.
I recently stayed at Treasure Island. Not the best hotel on the strip by any means, but reasonable prices and decent enough rooms and facilities. It's well placed too, right opposite the Venetian.
For helicopter trip to the canyon, I recommend Maverick, great service.
E. Cosgrove
21-05-2011, 12:42
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:[i]
So in accommodation terms 1 night somewhere between Long Beach and Monterey not decided at which point to stop yet. Anywhere round Santa Maria that looks about half way but the location is flexible.
Once again keep the suggestions coming I am enjoying looking at them and it is helping. I will reply to the what to do when your there section latter.
[/quote]
We stayed at The Best Western right on Monterey Beach.
We got a good deal and it was a really nice hotel, rooms a bit on the small side but pleasantly furnished and an excellent buffet breakfast thrown in. Wouldn't have wanted to stay too long (we stayed 2 nights) as the pool area was small and didn't seem to get a lot of sun, but great for a quick dip when we arrived and an early morning swim next day [msnsmile]
The location was excellent both as a stopping off point to break the journey and in terms of the things we wanted to see around the area.
Appledore
21-05-2011, 16:17
Whilst you're in the San Diego area if you have time it's well worth a day in Palm Springs. We stayed at the Marriott hotel and it was beautiful. I personnally wouldn't waste too much time in L.A. The trip we took around the stars house just meant looking at lots of hedges.
On the way to San Franscisco it's well worth spending a night in Carmel. It must be one of the quaintest places i've ever been and the beach is beautiful. Monterey is worth a trip with the Aquarium and Bubba Gumps Shrimp Factory.
If you are planning Alcatraz please be sure to book before you go again this is fasinating..
We stayed at the Luxor in Las Vegas which gets a thumbs up from me, but whichever hotel you chose on the strip they are all out of this world. We took a helicopter trip into the Grand Canyon which was amazing but I do regret not taking time to go to the Hoover Dam (so it may be worth looking into that.)
You're going to have a fabulous time. I'm quiet jealous.
Elaine
We went to San Diego and you have been given some great advice. We loved SD zoo and all the sights. We took tour 1 at Hearst Castle and it was beautiful.The drive along 101 is really beautifulif you go in that direction Big Sur, make many stops. We fell in love with Carmel, try to include it if you can. SF we enjoyed the Wharf, great restaurants. We were a little disappointed with the Golden Gate Bridge, We enjoy the trip so much we made it several times. We also included LV, lots of fun. Your in for a good time, wish I could make the trip again.
I would not consider a hotel off the strip, but as we used our timeshare and stayed at Polo Towers can't recommend a hotel. However there is really no need for taxis, there is a great bus service up and down the strip - you can buy a 24 hours ticket for very little and just hop on and off as you will. We also enjoyed just walking up and down the strip popping into all the different hotels. We have been twice and certainly plan a return trip soon, what a fantastic place. We took a flight to the Grand Canyon and it was magnificent and certainly not to be missed. Roll on our next trip to Vegas.
Andrena
Hi there, really jealous sounds like a fantastic way to spend your anniversary! Anyway we done two weeks in Vegas a few years ago ! Star wood members so done it through them, at that time they partly owned planet Hollywood so we managed to get a panoramic suite with views of the bellagio fountains for $29 per night!!! A computer glitch which we got confirmed and they honoured it!! Fantastic , this was a fantastic hotel with the miracle mile shops on site and an absolutely fantastic spice Market buffet! Everything about it was fantastic, I think it is now owned by the same company that owns the Paris. The second week we stayed on flamingo just of the strip in the westin, wouldn't recommend it, it is an old hotel that westin have taken over and not up to their usual standards! We were there for two weeks over Christmas and new year and had a fantastic time, we are not gamblers but there is so much o do ! Went to see Tom jones in the MGM reasonable tickets never been a fan but thought it was a Vegas thing to do and it was fantastic ! He put on a great show! Done the whole grand canyon eperience_coach_helicopter-pontoon-skywalks breathtaking!!!! But be warned the whole package deal is quite rushed!!! Went to see cirque de soliel and we were mesmerised ! KA in the MGM thoroughly recommend it far superior to la nouba in Orlando, Here is a money saving tip which was passed on to us! If you are at the slots and a waitress asks you if you would like a drink! They are free!!! And so long as you give her a tip she will usually come back to you again the same rule applies at the tables , apparently drinks are complimentary to gamblers , however if you go to one of the bar and order a drink be prepared to pay quite a hefty price!!! Anyway thanks for allowing me to relive a fantastic holiday and I'm sure someday you will be doing this also!!! Have a great time and allthough this is an Orlando guide forum I'd love to read how you get on! Pauline
The final hotel in Las Vegas is now booked, it took a lot of deciding with so many choices. In the end I went for the Palazzo\Venetian, it is towards the top of the strip but plenty going on at it and the hotels near by. Thanks for all the suggestions of places to visit, things to do and the early booking advice for some trips. I have a list of some of the things we are planning, I will post it later this week.
Good choice, you'll have a great time.
The palazzo just opened when we were there , very impressive it is a beautiful hotel and as it is your anniversary you will be able to take your wife on a romantic gondola ride!!! [msnwink]
Romance, don’t say things like that[msncry] I have a weak heart.
erowlands
06-06-2011, 16:45
Just arrived at our villa,had three nights in Vegas,well worth a visit the hotels are out of this word,did the helicopter over the canyon,a must do,called into hoover dam on our way back,
again not to be missed.
Finally San Francisco,rained on Alcatraz but we really enjoyed it,open top bus tour from union square over the golden gate bridge well worth the $30 to see all the sites as well.
Now two weeks to relax and do all the little jobs in the villa!!
Eric
A little bit north of Santa Maria, you find Pismo Beach. We stayed there in a lovely hotel on the beach and recommend the place.
It is a small town, and the boeardwalk along the beach is lovely.
Is the Palazzo that new bit that they build on at the front of The Venetian or is is the new one a bit further north near the Expo centre?
Well then, how does the saying go? " the way to a mans heart is through his stomache! And the way to a womans heart is through your wallet! [clap][clap][clap][[clap] right across the road from the Venetian is the fashion show mall and almost next door but one to that is ceasars palace with the forum shops! [msncry] Pauline