Nosy

So we are thinking of going to the Rose Bowl Parade this year (have never been before). We'll probably buy tickets for the grandstand & parking, since we'll be doing this with children and want to make it as easy as possible. When they get older, they can do the camping out thing, but not quite yet. Looking for hotel recommendations (or at least town recommendations)...we just want something quiet, clean, & child-friendly. While I realize that Pasadena is already booked, does anyone have recommendations for where we should stay? (Easy driving to the parade would also be a plus). We'll be driving back to San Luis Obispo after the parade, so just need something for New Year's Eve night.

Thanks for any suggestions!

tracys2cents

I'd try Burbank....Best Western Suites, Holiday Inn, Courtyard by Marriott...avoid the Ramada or Quality Inn. Glendale has a hilton but rooms are kinda small for a family...Glendale Days Inn is acceptable for one night I guess.

ltr

They are a few hotels in Monrovia that might work. I think most all of the chain hotels are there, and I can't think of any that would be unacceptable, although I can't say that I have stayed at any except the Residence Inn when our house was flooded.

Depending on what you were planning to do on New Years Eve and the ages of the children, there is a Dave and Busters in the Santa Anita mall nearby, as well as a movie theatre.

Arcadia is close as well, and the Santa Anita Inn there may be ok, but they do not have a restaurant nearby. Don't consider the Motel 6 if you were thinking of an inexpensive place to stay. It seems to have a few drug raids every year.

Nosy

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check out Burbank, Glendale, & Monrovia. I found a Courtyard in Arcadia, but so far not much luck. I'll be sure to stay away from Motel 6. I have a preschooler & a one year old, so we'll not be doing much reveling on New Year's Eve.

moondoggie

We did this last year--and it was excellent. Check out the nice hotels near the airport--they are primarily used for business travelers, so have good rates around NYE. Priceline should also get you a good rate if you specify LAX. Drive to the venue while its still dark, and you can park where you want. WARNING! Portapotties are available but were, ah 'well used' by the overnighters. Drink sparingly! Give the kids ice cubes rather than water or drinks. We learned this the hard way!

1scs1

moondoggie made a good point about the portapotties. Two years ago when we were at the parade, our seats were right in front of Pasadena City
College. There was easy parking there AND bathrooms were available on campus.

TC

Several years ago my husband gave me the Rose Parade as my Christmas present. He bought a package that included hotel, bus transport to and from the parade with a very nice box lunch and great grandstand tickets. We sat right on the corner where the floats make their turn and then perform for the television cameras. It was spectacular. The package also included a trip to several of the float barns the day before the parade to watch the last minute decorating. You can actually volunteer to work in the barns on the last few days through several different organizations. I always thought that would be fun to do if we ever returned. You may have to buy a package in order to get a hotel.

Here are some good links for information:

http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/cal...roseparade.htm