Convenient Accommodation suggestions
Jul 31st, 2014, 04:51 PM
#1
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Convenient Accommodation suggestions
Hi,
Wondering if we could have some help in finding suitable accommodation in various places during our first holiday over. We are a family of 4 (2 teens 14 & 15yo) coming over from NSW Australia. We dont need "flash" accommodation, we are happy as long as it clean, comfortable and is central to the touristy things. We would probably be looking at the "middle of the range" in price. As we havent much idea where things are located can I give a list of places we have on our "wish list itinerary" and get you to give us your suggestions on hotels and other things you think we shouldnt miss, that you might think will suit our family. Thankyou in advance ☺
Wish list is
br />
Orlando - Disneyworld, Universal studios, Busch Gardens (any other suggestions?)
LA - Universal Studios, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Holywood tour, Walk of fame, daughter would love to look into a show taping of some sort if anyone has any suggestions)
Las Vegas - Grand canyon (maybe), Fremont Street, M & M World, Titanic Artifact Exhibit, Michael Jackson Cirque Show if still running (any other suggestions?) We realise Vegas probably isnt the ideal place to take teens but would love to show them (& us too) the bright city lights and the numerouse hotels weve seen and heard about with the slides etc.
San Francisco -Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fishermans Wharf (suggestions please)
Honolulu - Pearl Harbour, A Cultural Show, (would like to look into doing the helicopter tour into the area of the Jurassic Park waterfalls etc)
Suggestions on where to do the best shopping would be great too please.
Not asking for much am I ��
Wondering if we could have some help in finding suitable accommodation in various places during our first holiday over. We are a family of 4 (2 teens 14 & 15yo) coming over from NSW Australia. We dont need "flash" accommodation, we are happy as long as it clean, comfortable and is central to the touristy things. We would probably be looking at the "middle of the range" in price. As we havent much idea where things are located can I give a list of places we have on our "wish list itinerary" and get you to give us your suggestions on hotels and other things you think we shouldnt miss, that you might think will suit our family. Thankyou in advance ☺
Wish list is
br />
Orlando - Disneyworld, Universal studios, Busch Gardens (any other suggestions?)
LA - Universal Studios, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Holywood tour, Walk of fame, daughter would love to look into a show taping of some sort if anyone has any suggestions)
Las Vegas - Grand canyon (maybe), Fremont Street, M & M World, Titanic Artifact Exhibit, Michael Jackson Cirque Show if still running (any other suggestions?) We realise Vegas probably isnt the ideal place to take teens but would love to show them (& us too) the bright city lights and the numerouse hotels weve seen and heard about with the slides etc.
San Francisco -Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Fishermans Wharf (suggestions please)
Honolulu - Pearl Harbour, A Cultural Show, (would like to look into doing the helicopter tour into the area of the Jurassic Park waterfalls etc)
Suggestions on where to do the best shopping would be great too please.
Not asking for much am I ��
Jul 31st, 2014, 08:17 PM
#3
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Sorry clarkgriswold, we are planning it for September 2015 and would like to hire a car to get from LA to Vegas, the other cities I assume we will use public transport or the hop on hop off bus we've read about and the Itrolley we've been told about, taxis???
Aug 1st, 2014, 02:59 AM
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We need to know what you mean by "middle of the range" - a specific amount - and if this is US or A $ - this can be completely different amounts in different places. And do you want 2 separate rooms or can you use a single room with 2 double beds?
Aug 1st, 2014, 05:28 AM
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"Orlando - Disneyworld, Universal studios, Busch Gardens (any other suggestions?)"
Even though I live in the Orlando area and know there are literally tons of hotels, I don't have much personal experience with them as a guest...but I do know who does. Let me refer you to Tripadvisor's Orlando forum http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum...o_Florida.html We have many, many UK tourists who are always asking about hotels. This is actually a complicated question (e.g. Disney on-site vs. non-Disney) so I encourage to post your accommodation questions there.
"
Suggestions on where to do the best shopping would be great too please."
This is a pretty good overview of the shopping scene in Orlando: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trave...955,full.story
_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
Even though I live in the Orlando area and know there are literally tons of hotels, I don't have much personal experience with them as a guest...but I do know who does. Let me refer you to Tripadvisor's Orlando forum http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum...o_Florida.html We have many, many UK tourists who are always asking about hotels. This is actually a complicated question (e.g. Disney on-site vs. non-Disney) so I encourage to post your accommodation questions there.
"
Suggestions on where to do the best shopping would be great too please."
This is a pretty good overview of the shopping scene in Orlando: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/trave...955,full.story
_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
Aug 1st, 2014, 11:19 AM
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You really need a car for LA, otherwise you spend a lot of time transferring buses. You can probably find something in Hollywood (kind of gritty), West Hollywood or possibly Beverly Grove in your price range - room rates include tax of 15%.
Read some reviews on Venice, there is a distinct drug culture (mostly MJ) there these days. Santa Monica is a pretty town with lots for your teens to do.
Daughter might not be able to get into a lot of tapings many require a minimum age of 18, check out seeingstars.com
Read some reviews on Venice, there is a distinct drug culture (mostly MJ) there these days. Santa Monica is a pretty town with lots for your teens to do.
Daughter might not be able to get into a lot of tapings many require a minimum age of 18, check out seeingstars.com
Aug 1st, 2014, 12:09 PM
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I would do Orlando OR LA. Orlando is really 'out of your way'.
September is HOT everywhere you have listed. It's 'fire season' in LA. I wouldn't want to drive through the desert or tour Grand Canyon then.
What do Mom and Dad want to see/do?
September is HOT everywhere you have listed. It's 'fire season' in LA. I wouldn't want to drive through the desert or tour Grand Canyon then.
What do Mom and Dad want to see/do?
Aug 1st, 2014, 01:39 PM
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If you want to go to the Grand Canyon, make sure you go to the the actual National Park at the south rim. Lots of stuff in Vegas trying you to get to go to Grand Canyon West and the Skywalk which is on tribal land and not part of the National Park. The skywalk is a ripoff. You are coming all the way from Australia, the Grand Canyon National Park at the south rim is worth doing properly. It is approx a 5 hour drive from Las Vegas. Do spend at least 1 night in the park. Lodging for Sept 2015 will open up in Sept 2014. Xanterra is the lodging concessionare.
Aug 1st, 2014, 02:17 PM
#13
In Honolulu, you will want to stay in Waikiki. It's a very small area and where pretty much all the hotels are located.
I personally like Waikiki Sand Villa and they have "family rooms" available. White Sands Hotel is also nice, reasonably priced low-rise with a beautiful pool area. These are both considered "budget" hotels.
I personally like Waikiki Sand Villa and they have "family rooms" available. White Sands Hotel is also nice, reasonably priced low-rise with a beautiful pool area. These are both considered "budget" hotels.
Aug 1st, 2014, 04:14 PM
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http://www.goldennugget.com/LasVegas/default.asp I've stayed here and if you want a bargain, use their website. Orbitz doesn't offer anything close to their price. (I got a 4star room with a bathrobe hanging in my closet 
for $29)
It's on Fremont Street. Famed Light show, sidewalk entertainment, Zip lines, all right outside your door.
It is home to the world famous (I've seen it on many top ten pool lists shows on tv) shark pool. The teens would love sliding through that!
Really, lots of options in Vegas at that price, I just know my teen loved it and i loved the "old" downtown atmosphere. Others here might not agree, but I love the old Vegas. We stayed at the Stratosphere in May this year and outside your door was a parking lot. Just not the same
If you choose Orlando there is public transportation just about outside any hotel. Most hotels have shuttles to the theme parks. Outlet shopping is big in Orlando, also. Avoid any hotel near International Drive. Tourist trap cluster. Less expensive hotels in Kissimmee, FL and bus stops clearly marked with mile markers all down the town. Orlando is all the way across country...but, flights to MCO aren't bad and there is good public transportation.
TV tapings are doeable. When my daughter and I visited LA we got tickets for Jay Leno. Use the web once you find out your dates and submits requests everywhere. Some have walk up tickets day of, but you end up spending the day in line.
Santa Monica suits teens, Hollywood has lots to see, and I love the quirkiness that is Venice Beach. It would be fun to laugh along with your teens and all that "uniqueness". lol
for $29)It's on Fremont Street. Famed Light show, sidewalk entertainment, Zip lines, all right outside your door.
It is home to the world famous (I've seen it on many top ten pool lists shows on tv) shark pool. The teens would love sliding through that!
Really, lots of options in Vegas at that price, I just know my teen loved it and i loved the "old" downtown atmosphere. Others here might not agree, but I love the old Vegas. We stayed at the Stratosphere in May this year and outside your door was a parking lot. Just not the same
If you choose Orlando there is public transportation just about outside any hotel. Most hotels have shuttles to the theme parks. Outlet shopping is big in Orlando, also. Avoid any hotel near International Drive. Tourist trap cluster. Less expensive hotels in Kissimmee, FL and bus stops clearly marked with mile markers all down the town. Orlando is all the way across country...but, flights to MCO aren't bad and there is good public transportation.
TV tapings are doeable. When my daughter and I visited LA we got tickets for Jay Leno. Use the web once you find out your dates and submits requests everywhere. Some have walk up tickets day of, but you end up spending the day in line.
Santa Monica suits teens, Hollywood has lots to see, and I love the quirkiness that is Venice Beach. It would be fun to laugh along with your teens and all that "uniqueness". lol
Aug 1st, 2014, 06:38 PM
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"Avoid any hotel near International Drive. Tourist trap cluster."
I disagree. There are many fine hotels in the I-Drive area as well as restaurants within walking distance. The fact that it is tourist central does not negate its excellent location with respect to Universal, I of A and SeaWorld. Here are your choices: http://www.occc.net/pdf/map_web.pdf
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Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
I disagree. There are many fine hotels in the I-Drive area as well as restaurants within walking distance. The fact that it is tourist central does not negate its excellent location with respect to Universal, I of A and SeaWorld. Here are your choices: http://www.occc.net/pdf/map_web.pdf
_____________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie
Aug 2nd, 2014, 05:45 AM
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I like condos for families -- more *space*, kitchen, washer/dryer. There is only one on Waikiki Beach, Waikiki Shore. We have also liked the Ilikai -- the hotel rooms are huge, and some have kitchenettes, and there are also condos. "The Bus" stops at the door to take you into Waikiki; across the street to go to the shopping mall.
Aug 2nd, 2014, 12:13 PM
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We stayed at the Waikiki Sand Villa in March, thanks to suze's recommendation, and really liked our room and the location.
http://sandvillahotel.com I would look into a condo if you're going to be in Honolulu for more than a couple of days.
Except for the dinosaur stampede, which was filmed at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, most of Jurassic Park was filmed on Kauai.
Lee Ann
http://sandvillahotel.com I would look into a condo if you're going to be in Honolulu for more than a couple of days.
Except for the dinosaur stampede, which was filmed at Kualoa Ranch on Oahu, most of Jurassic Park was filmed on Kauai.
Lee Ann
Aug 2nd, 2014, 01:27 PM
#19
In September you can usually find a Disney World package that includes dining. The "sports" and "music" family lodges have small rooms and 2 double beds (not queen size) but are perfectly adequate since you won't spend much time in the room, probably. Booking onsite also gets you free transportation to Disney lodges from the Orlando airport, a savings of maybe $100-$140 round trip for a family.
For Los angeles, your best bet is Santa Monica or something west side, since September can bring heat waves. Hollywood is 15-20 degrees warmer, and smoggy. Your Universal/Hollywood choices can be done in one day and night so you may want to rent a car in Santa Monica for 24 hours, or use a taxi ($50 each way).
Las Vegas is fine for teens and probably the best city to do your shopping, at the factory store outlet malls. September will be 110 degrees probably, so plan on an overnighter to Grand Canyon and maybe an overnighter to Zion National Park. I'm not sure how late in September you'll be traveling, but weather-wise Los Angeles and Las Vegas will be much more enjoyable at the end of the month into October, probably, so maybe you can start your trip in Honolulu and end it in Las Vegas/Grand Canyon.
For Los angeles, your best bet is Santa Monica or something west side, since September can bring heat waves. Hollywood is 15-20 degrees warmer, and smoggy. Your Universal/Hollywood choices can be done in one day and night so you may want to rent a car in Santa Monica for 24 hours, or use a taxi ($50 each way).
Las Vegas is fine for teens and probably the best city to do your shopping, at the factory store outlet malls. September will be 110 degrees probably, so plan on an overnighter to Grand Canyon and maybe an overnighter to Zion National Park. I'm not sure how late in September you'll be traveling, but weather-wise Los Angeles and Las Vegas will be much more enjoyable at the end of the month into October, probably, so maybe you can start your trip in Honolulu and end it in Las Vegas/Grand Canyon.
Aug 2nd, 2014, 02:00 PM
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You will have to fly between Las Vegas or California to Orlando Florida, which is on the East Coast and then fly back to the West Coast to return home. Think of it as flying from Sydney to Perth, round trip. Rather than spend a good deal of money and time flying to Orlando and back to the west coast, I would skip it and just go to Disney World in southern
California by car and to Universal Studios in Hollywood.
You can drive between San Francisco and LA if you are comfortable being in the "other" side of the road. If not there are flights that are pretty cheap, between the cities.
You also may want to consider "suite" style hotels that have a kitchenette with a micro wave and refrigerator, and two sleeping areas. That way you won't be on top of each other all the time in your hotel room, and you can have breakfast in, if you buy a few grocery items, and keep cold drinks handy. Some hotels will have a free breakfast.. generally cold cereal and muffins , juice and coffee. not at all fancy but serviceable
Las Vegas has become much more of a family oriented vacation area, and there are shows that are suitable for your two children such as Cirque du Soliel, so long as they are accompanied by an adult. and lots of broadway shows have road tours in Vegas. The kids wont be allowed on to a casino floor. Be sure to stay somewhere with a swimming pool as it will be hot.
California by car and to Universal Studios in Hollywood.
You can drive between San Francisco and LA if you are comfortable being in the "other" side of the road. If not there are flights that are pretty cheap, between the cities.
You also may want to consider "suite" style hotels that have a kitchenette with a micro wave and refrigerator, and two sleeping areas. That way you won't be on top of each other all the time in your hotel room, and you can have breakfast in, if you buy a few grocery items, and keep cold drinks handy. Some hotels will have a free breakfast.. generally cold cereal and muffins , juice and coffee. not at all fancy but serviceable
Las Vegas has become much more of a family oriented vacation area, and there are shows that are suitable for your two children such as Cirque du Soliel, so long as they are accompanied by an adult. and lots of broadway shows have road tours in Vegas. The kids wont be allowed on to a casino floor. Be sure to stay somewhere with a swimming pool as it will be hot.
