Hi.

My wife and I are in out late 20's and going to California in the next month.

We're planning on taking in hockey games at both the Staples Center and the Arrowhead Pond. Any tips on parking, eating or driving for these venues?

We've decided to stay in Orange County and, for the moment, we're booked at the Hawthorn Suites in Orange. The thought is that the Block at Orange is close by with lots of restaurants so if we wanted to have a few drinks we could walk there and back. But is the area alright to do so?

Would it be an okay walk if we were staying at the Doubletree in Orange or the Hilton Suites?

I'm not too concerned about anything else because I've rented a car and I'm not sure where I want to go.

All I really want is a hotel that is nearby some upscale chain restaurants/sportsbars/brewpubs and decent access to the freeways.

Since I am going to be me with my wife the whole trip will I see a significant improvement in driving times by using the carpool lanes around LA?

Thanks.

Somebody reply to this, I am going to the same area in the near future and am very interested!

Okay, let me take a stab at these. I live in Orange County myself, but I'm a Kings fan and NOT a Ducks fan so I think I can help.

As for your drive, the straightest shot is to take the 5 North for quite a ways up out of Orange County and into the downtown LA area, then transition to the 10 West, then about two offramps down you take the 110 north. The transition road from the 10 to the 110 actually puts you right where you want to be to get off for Staples, which I believe is Flower (it's clearly marked Staples Center). There is a carpool lane on the 5 for a few miles, I believe until you pass the 22 and then you are on your own.

The best and cheapest parking is in the lots to the north of Staples, the further north the cheaper they get. Sorry, can't recommend any restaurants in downtown LA as I usually eat at Staples.

Orange is okay for walking from your hotel to the Block. It's a decent, older, middle class residential area. The Block has some choices for eating, you might also consider driving to Anaheim and eating at the Downtown Disney area. You mentioned sports pubs, there is an ESPN Zone there. If you want to try something along the beach, the most accessible beach area to you would be Belmont Shore on the east side of Long Beach. It's a straight shot down the 22, then jump down to Second Street via Studebaker and you have a street full of eateries and bars, including another sports pub, Legends.

LA driving is a congested affair, but should not be intimidating. I find that LA drivers are very orderly and "let people in", but you have to be decisive about it. Allow more time during rush hour, ask the front desk on drive time estimates.

Oops, brain spark, the offramp to Staples is NOT Flower. I believe it is 9th street, or Olympic. Pardon my lapse here, but trust me it's right off your 10 to 110 transition and it's marked. It runs east-west about a block north of Staples and you'll see lots on either side of you.

The 5 fwy out of OC into LA is the worst! Potholes from all of the trucks, windy at points and always crowded!

I live in Orange County and work very close to the Arrowhead Pond. Sorry, can't give you any suggestions about the Staples Center - never been there. But perhaps I can give you input on hotels/restaurants.

The Hawthorn Suites is okay, but if you can get into the Doubletree or the Hilton Suites, I think you might enjoy your stay a bit more. Hawthorn Suites is a little bit of a distance from The Block (not much), but you are very close to the outskirts of Santa Ana and is in a more industrial area, and might not feel comfortable walking at night. The Doubletree is the closest to the Block - an easy walk. The Hilton Suites is a bit farther up the road, but not bad.

I don't know where the previous poster gets that the area is an older residential area. ??? Nothing of the sort. Actually, unless one travels a bit farther west, the area is largely industrial. The major county hospital is directly across the street from the Doubletree. Also, three major freeways intersect at this point, the 57, the 5, and the 22. It's not the most attractive area to take a stroll, but if you want some place to walk to The Block and back, then the Doubletree can't be beat.

The Block has quite a few restaurant chains - enough to keep most people happy. (TGIFs, El Torito, Wolfgang Puck, Dave & Busters, just to name a few) Also, just a few blocks away, and within a stone's throw of the Pond, there is another entertainment area with even more restaurants. Up the street from the Doubletree (between the Block and the Pond) is the National Sports Bar, a favorite with locals to watch sporting events. It also serves food.

Downtown Disney is something to consider, but lines are extremely long, prices are way over-priced, and, quite frankly, you have to deal with Disney. (Unless you like Disney, then it might be something you would enjoy) You would not be able to walk to Downtown Disney, and parking anywhere for Disney is a nightmare and a half. If you do drive there, be careful about pricing to park. They do validate, but only for a short time - and you will be in line waiting for a table while your validation time runs out. I had a friend who misread the signs in the parking structure (very easy to do), and ended up having to pay $24 in parking after just 3 hours.(And that was with validation) Personally, for me, Downtown Disney is the biggest rip off Orange County has going. I would stay away unless you absolutely have to have a Disney experience.

Not certain what is available as far as eating establishments around the Staples Center, but there are many, many different restaurants all within close proximity of the Pond.

As far as parking is concerned (for the Pond), you can only enter on Katella. (From the hotels you listed, you would take City Drive/State College north to Katella and turn right) When there is an event at the Pond, traffic control is fairly good. There are also other parking areas very close to the pond that offer cheaper parking. (Industrial office buildings that allow people to use their parking lots after business hours and on weekends) You will still pay to park there and will have a bit of a walk. I always figure it's best to pay the parking at the Pond and be closer to the venue.

Sorry I can't give you any info on the Staples Center, but you should have a great trip. Enjoy!

I frequently go to Staples for hockey games and can give you a couple of tips. If you don't mind walking, you can park at the corner of 8th & Figueroa and walk down to Staples (about 10 minutes at most). There is a California Pizza Kitchen right across from the lot on Figueroa and an Arnie Morton Steakhouse. There are a couple of restaurants on the way down which are: Wokano (Chinese/Japanese/sushi), The Original Pantry (American diner with long lines), Zucca (upper scale Italian), another Italian I believe called Bella Cucina that's a little less expensive. These are the ones closest to Staples, but Fox Sports Sky Box is right at Staples, so you could eat right there. This place gets really busy prior to the game. There are other restaurants downtown, but a little further from the arena. Hope this helps.

Hi,
I, too, am visiting this area. We are staying at the Residence Inn on Chapman. It is very near the Hilton and DoubleTree. The reasonable price includes a hot breakfast, light dinner and free shuttle (5 mile radius) every day. I got a rate of 64.00/nt on their website, but now it is going for about 89.00. Good luck and keep me posted on this thread!