pre/post cruise hotels
 

hi
We are cruising out of the World Cruise Center, San Pedro, in March and need both the night before and the night after hotels. We will not have a car, so need LAX to hotel transportation and transportation from the hotel to the pier (then back again). I don't want to spend a fortune, yet don't want a total flea bag. Free breakfast would be great as well! Any hope of finding all of this?
thanks
Liz

Many hotels near LAX offer free shuttles from the airport. However, for transportation from the hotel to the port, you will have to pay. Check rates on: http://www.primetimeshuttle.com/loca...es_Harbor.html
or www.supershuttle.com

I would recommend hotels in El Segundo or Manhattan Beach. The Doubletree in El Segundo often offers rates under $100 with free breakfast and free airport shuttle. The Hilton Garden Inn might also work. These are in office park areas. The Manhattan Beach Marriott,Towne Place Suites or Spring Hill Suites also are good choices because they are within walking distance to good restaurants and shops. However, I don't believe they offer free shuttles from the airport. I would stay away from the hotels on Century Blvd.

thanks, unfortunately, it seems that supershuttle and primetime only do airport to pier, not hotel to pier. Any recommendations for good private shuttle/limo services?

opps, I just looked at your link for prime time and they do hotel/pier transportation - thanks! Must have missed that when I looked before

There are some hotels near the pier that offer free shuttles on cruise days. I was looking at taking a Mexico cruise from San Pedro and read about some of them on <cough> Cruise Critic. But I can't remember the names. That might be a good place to start your research if you don't get any specific suggestions here. I see no reason to pay for transport to the cruise pier on the day of embarkation if you don't have to. But LA does have taxis, so I wouldn't be too worried if you decide to stay farther away.

The OP has to decide whether she wants to pay for transport to her Port-area hotel from LAX (I don't know of any that offer free shuttles to/from LAX) or from her LAX-area hotel to the Port. I live a few exits north of the Port, and LAX is about a $60-$70 cab ride for me one-way.

The Crowne Plaza and the Best Western Sunrise are across the street from the Port complex and the San Pedro DoubleTree is a mile or so away in the Cabrillo Marina. Those are the only hotels I would consider in San Pedro.

thanks all! I'll look into your suggestions

"<i>The OP has to decide whether she wants to pay for transport to her Port-area hotel from LAX . . . or from her LAX-area hotel to the Port</i>"

Yep - you'll have to pay for something. Either you get a hotel w/ free shuttle to LAX, OR, a hotel w/ free shuttle to the port -- but none will do both.

If you are on a tight budget - maybe consider using priceline for a LAX zone 3, 3.5 or 4 star property. They regularly come in for around $40 to $55 plus tax. All are better quality business type hotels like the Westin or Crowne Plaza. If you haven't used Priceline - check out biddingfortravel.com