california tourist questions
 

1. Plan to drive LA to Oakhurst (Yosemite). Is this trip done comfortably at night. How long should it take.

2. Plan to drive Yosemite to Napa, is this done comfortably at night? How long? Would it be smarter to stay between Yosemite and Napa and drive in the morning?

3. Any hotel recommendations for LA under $100. Want to be near Hollywood, Santa Monica.

4. Any hotel recommendations for night before Oakland departure? Is Berkley a good option?

5. Any hotel recommendations for Napa/Sonoma (or anywhere in wine country) under $100?

Your price point for hotel rooms is too low. $100 in the Santa Monica area, for example, is No-Tell Motel rates. You should probably use Priceline. Hollywood isn't a hugely desirable area in the greater LA region; I would only recommend the Renaissance Hollywood in that neighborhood. Beverly Hills is much better-located, and better-served by acceptable hotels. But either kick up your nightly budget above $100 or go to Priceline. Believe it or not, the greater LA area is a popular tourist destination, and prices reflect that.

And I'm pretty sure you'll have the same problem up in Wine Country.

5. I know that hotels in Napa/Sonoma can be quite expensive, and when I've stayed in the general area I've stayed in Petaluma at the Metro Inn. It's a lovely, clean (hardwood floors and washable bedspreads!), inexpensive small hotel, and Petaluma is a very cute town known for its gardens, Victorian homes and historic downtown. It's a 20 or 30 minute drive to Sonoma, but it's a good option if you can't find a good affordable place in wine country.

Also, I think Berkeley is a fine option. If you stay near the university you will have plenty of dining and shopping options within walking distance. The only place I have stayed in Berkeley is the Rose Garden Inn, which I would hesitantly recommend. It was fine but not spectacular. It did have a nice courtyard but the room was a little worn.

LA to Oakhurst will be at least six hours, depending on where you start from in LA and how long it takes you to get out of town. It shouldn't be too difficult to do at night - I-5 north to Hwy. 99 to Fresno, then Hwy. 41 north to Oakhurst.

Lee Ann

Holiday Inn Beverly Hills/Bel Air should come in under $100 for AAA members, (if not, get an entertainment card.) It is convenient to both Hollywood and Santa Monica, kinda right between them both. Very close to the Getty , and lots of restaurants in the UCLA area (free shuttle).

I've done SJ to Oakhurst, getting to Oakhurst well after dark at it was fine. The road was dark, but that's what headlights are for. We went up on a Friday after work.

check www.biddingfortravel.com and then bid on Priceline.