Rose Bowl Parade
 

Am thinking of going to the Rose Bowl parade this next Jan. 1. Any suggestions on where to stay (can get a room) and the best place to see the parade?

The Courtyard and the Westin are two of the best places, probably about $300 per night with 3 night minimum, and already sold out.

Will you have a car? How far away is TOO far away for you? 20 min drive? 40? Any budget in mind?

I think people pretty much camp out on the streets to get a spot along the parade route, so that would take care of the lodging issue. Or you could sit in the grandstands - not sure if there's a big difference between the various viewing spots then.

We took a package tour for the 2007 parade that included the Westin, grandstand seats, and entry to the barns where the floats are prepared. Our after-the-fact reaction was that you see more on TV...you can only see one side of the floats from the grandstand (duh) and you don't get the various camera angles and lingering shots that TV provides. Crowded as all get out, too. But it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing.

"Seeing" the floats being built was a big disappointment...waits of a couple of hours, only to be shuffled along to make room for the folks behind us. One of the floats had been pulled out into the street for finishing, and we saw more there for free, close up, than we saw from a distance after waiting so long. Google "Rose Parade" and you will find lots of packages.

I should add that the package included all transfers from the hotel to the venues. We ate at the hotel (unremarkable, but expensive). The package also included a totally forgettable box lunch after the parade.