lvk

Sorry, easytraveler, I think that is misleading. The Crowne Plaza is most definitely not "on" the beach. You definitely have to cross Harbor Drive and large parking lots to get to any water -- and that's only the Seaside Lagoon, which is a protected children's beach with entrance fees. The proper beaches, with sand and surf, are about a 10 minute walk away. Just take a look at the satellite view on Google Maps.

You might be able to see boats and water from the upper floors of the Crowne Plaza, but I would not classify it as "beachfront lodging". The only two properties between LAX and Long Beach that are located "on" a proper beach (not across a street from the beach or on a bluff or harbor/marina) are the Beach House and the Sea Sprite, both in Hermosa Beach.

easytraveler

lvK: you could be right. My recollection is that i was able to get to the "beach" from the parking lot of the Crowne Plaza without crossing any streets.

Jean

lvk is correct, and personally I wouldn't even go the beach that's within a 10-minute walk of the Crowne Plaza. The water near the pier and boat marina is not very clean, and the children's Seaside Lagoon has been closed many times for e-coli. (Those little kids can be nasty polluters!) I'd drive south to the beach adjacent to Esplanade in Redondo or north to Hermosa Beach.

celtic71

Thanks, I'll check out these too. Anybody tried the Portofino at Redondo? The college footbal was exactly what we are looking for however we arrive the day after the game on the 19th unfortunatley, I'll try it for the Vegas part of the trip.

lvk

Okay, here's the schedule for the UNLV Football team:
http://www.unlvrebels.com/sports/m-f...tbl-sched.html

I'm not sure they draw the same size crowds as USC or UCLA, but it should be fairly easy to get tickets.

paula1470

Jean-I think I am one who said you can get to the beach from the Crowne Plaza walking in about 10 minutes. I was not referring to the beach by the Redondo Beach Pier but the beach that starts at the bottom of 190th/Anita right next to The Chart House. I think this is technically Hermosa Beach and it might take a little bit longer than 10 minutes to walk. Both my daughers work at The Chart House so I am very familiar with the area. If I was staying at The Crowne Plaza, I'd probably just drive down a little ways into Hermosa. Mid Sept the parking wouldn't be bad and you wouldn't have to carry everything to the beach while walking.

lvk is right that The Crowne Plaza is across from the Marina and not on the beach. I am actually staying at The Crowne Plaza this weekend so I can celebrate July 4th with my daughters and my friends from Arizona whose son lives in Redondo. I live in North San Diego area and ordinarily don't stay overnight but since it's a holiday weekend I figured it would be fun. There are bike rentals in the marina and there are always lots of people riding up and down Harbor Dr. There are restaurants within walking distance which is nice.

The Portofino is nice and by the water but not on a beach. Not sure I'd pay more to stay there.

Again, I think the biggest problem with staying in Redondo Beach is how long it takes to get to the freeway. So it really boils down to whether you are going to be spending lots of time on the freeway sightseeing in LA or spend most of the time on the beach.

I will let you know how The Crowne Plaza is after this weekend. I saw the rooms last year and they seem fine but traveling with teenagers I might a suite type hotel better.

jeep61

Fog will be a rare event along the coast south of LAX during mid-Sept - in fact that can be the warmest season in LA so I would not want to spend my time inland, especially before or after Las Vegas - - the cooler ocean location would be very nice! Of course no way to predict weather but after living in the south bay of LA for more than 30 years it's a safe bet that the fog will not be a problem. Portofino is right on the water and the lovely beaches of Hermosa are a short walk north of there. You would also have a very wide selection of restaurants in the immediate area. (walking distance)

Be sure to visit Terranea - it's a beautiful spot!

Jackie44

Celtic - just got back from a week at a beach house in Newport Beach, rented through VRBO. The drive to Disney was about 25 minutes so you could consider staying at the beach in the Orange County area for the whole week. It would be a lot more relaxing than changing accommodations after 3 days. Plus you don't have to eat out for every meal. If you are planning to sightsee in LA then OC is too far. I wouldn't recommend anywhere near Venice Beach - it's a bit run down.

MomDDTravel

Jackie - what house did you rent? We have rented a few times in Newport Beach... my family loves it. Mom rented a house in Laguna for a week - I actually prefer Newport Beach but she loves Laguna and since she is paying this time - well ya know