Where to stay in LA for a week? Car needed?
May 8th, 2023, 02:56 PM
#21
Without a car, they should really study the public transportation before choosing the location of their lodging. Hermosa is a great base for young people who want a beachy/party atmosphere, but it's not well served by public transportation. Manhattan is only slightly better for sightseeing in that it's closer to a light rail station. Santa Monica is far from my favorite part of L.A., but it does have its own bus company (Big Blue Bus which is separate from L.A. Metro service) and access to light rail.
https://www.metro.net/
https://www.bigbluebus.com/
I'm not surprised about the Vegas idea... It seems to be every foreign visitor's "dream." But would this be part of the week in L.A.? That would eat up nearly half of the week. If their trip is in the middle of summer, they should know that temperatures could easily reach over 100F nearly every day. My younger English relatives couldn't take it and left earlier than planned. Vegas should be avoided July 1-9 because of the July 4th holiday and Sept. 1-9 because of the Labor Day holiday. Very crowded, higher rates. I would hate riding a bus in either/both directions, but I dislike Las Vegas.
https://www.metro.net/
https://www.bigbluebus.com/
I'm not surprised about the Vegas idea... It seems to be every foreign visitor's "dream." But would this be part of the week in L.A.? That would eat up nearly half of the week. If their trip is in the middle of summer, they should know that temperatures could easily reach over 100F nearly every day. My younger English relatives couldn't take it and left earlier than planned. Vegas should be avoided July 1-9 because of the July 4th holiday and Sept. 1-9 because of the Labor Day holiday. Very crowded, higher rates. I would hate riding a bus in either/both directions, but I dislike Las Vegas.
May 9th, 2023, 06:00 AM
#24
Without a car, they should really study the public transportation before choosing the location of their lodging. Hermosa is a great base for young people who want a beachy/party atmosphere, but it's not well served by public transportation. Manhattan is only slightly better for sightseeing in that it's closer to a light rail station. Santa Monica is far from my favorite part of L.A., but it does have its own bus company (Big Blue Bus which is separate from L.A. Metro service) and access to light rail.
https://www.metro.net/
https://www.bigbluebus.com/
I'm not surprised about the Vegas idea... It seems to be every foreign visitor's "dream." But would this be part of the week in L.A.? That would eat up nearly half of the week. If their trip is in the middle of summer, they should know that temperatures could easily reach over 100F nearly every day. My younger English relatives couldn't take it and left earlier than planned. Vegas should be avoided July 1-9 because of the July 4th holiday and Sept. 1-9 because of the Labor Day holiday. Very crowded, higher rates. I would hate riding a bus in either/both directions, but I dislike Las Vegas.
https://www.metro.net/
https://www.bigbluebus.com/
I'm not surprised about the Vegas idea... It seems to be every foreign visitor's "dream." But would this be part of the week in L.A.? That would eat up nearly half of the week. If their trip is in the middle of summer, they should know that temperatures could easily reach over 100F nearly every day. My younger English relatives couldn't take it and left earlier than planned. Vegas should be avoided July 1-9 because of the July 4th holiday and Sept. 1-9 because of the Labor Day holiday. Very crowded, higher rates. I would hate riding a bus in either/both directions, but I dislike Las Vegas.
May 9th, 2023, 06:50 AM
#25
The Vegas-L.A. bus can take anywhere from 4-6 hours depending on traffic... and then you have to get from the drop point in L.A. to your lodging location. The closest Flixbus stop to any of the beach towns is a light rail station east of Santa Monica. From there, I'd take Lyft/Uber. About 20 minutes to Santa Monica, or 40 minutes to Hermoa. The Megabus drop point is Union Station in DTLA... 60-90 minutes from the beach no matter how you go.
May 9th, 2023, 02:08 PM
#26
>> Vegas should be avoided July 1-9 because of the July 4th holiday and Sept. 1-9 because of the Labor Day holiday.
That's not really true. Vegas should be avoided in early July because of the heat, but prices should be low. Labor Day only because it is a weekend. The costs go up on the weekend, especially flying back on Sunday, staying Saturday night, flying there Friday night. It is cheaper other times but also less lively (i.e. pretty dead).
I think crellston has the idea that Vegas can be added to their existing RTW airline ticket at low cost. That is probably true and anyway, airfares between LAX and Las Vegas can be cheap. Taking the bus is a bad idea, but I think that it could be entertaining to ride it across the desert. They would see landscapes that they won't see in UK.
>> The pool parties in the day, the restaurants, the clubs.
Back in the day when tom42 was young, a person could have an inexpensive visit to L.V, (without gambling). The casino/hotels had inexpensive food and lodging options with the idea that they would make their profit when you gamble
Those days ended about 15 years ago. LV became, to soime visitors, a non-gambling destination with people paying $$$$ table fees at the clubs. It has gotten worse over the last five years or so. Everything is a profit center now, not just the tables and slots and book.
You can get a good hotel rate, but then they add on $40 or $50 per night "resort fee" So that pool party isn't free and expect to pay $6 to $12 for a beer up to $20 for a cocktail at the high end at the pool. The buffet restaurants became not inexpensive and are now going away - they are switching to standard restaurants because they are more profitable per person. And the worst of it now is no more 3 to 2 on blackjack with a 7-deck shoe, they now pay 6/5. The hardways went from 10-for-1 to 10-to-1 a looong time ago same with yoleven, and am still pist about that.
Temps of 40 C /104 F and not a cloud in the sky in LV it is not nearly as fun as chillin on the Strand in Hermosa, no matter your age.
I could mention the crime issues, esp. north end of the strip to downtown, hooker motels on south strip. If those girls can find a place to stay in Vegas that they can afford then it will be sketchy and they should be carrying pepper spray and not venture more then a block from the boulevard.
That's not really true. Vegas should be avoided in early July because of the heat, but prices should be low. Labor Day only because it is a weekend. The costs go up on the weekend, especially flying back on Sunday, staying Saturday night, flying there Friday night. It is cheaper other times but also less lively (i.e. pretty dead).
I think crellston has the idea that Vegas can be added to their existing RTW airline ticket at low cost. That is probably true and anyway, airfares between LAX and Las Vegas can be cheap. Taking the bus is a bad idea, but I think that it could be entertaining to ride it across the desert. They would see landscapes that they won't see in UK.
>> The pool parties in the day, the restaurants, the clubs.
Back in the day when tom42 was young, a person could have an inexpensive visit to L.V, (without gambling). The casino/hotels had inexpensive food and lodging options with the idea that they would make their profit when you gamble
Those days ended about 15 years ago. LV became, to soime visitors, a non-gambling destination with people paying $$$$ table fees at the clubs. It has gotten worse over the last five years or so. Everything is a profit center now, not just the tables and slots and book.
You can get a good hotel rate, but then they add on $40 or $50 per night "resort fee" So that pool party isn't free and expect to pay $6 to $12 for a beer up to $20 for a cocktail at the high end at the pool. The buffet restaurants became not inexpensive and are now going away - they are switching to standard restaurants because they are more profitable per person. And the worst of it now is no more 3 to 2 on blackjack with a 7-deck shoe, they now pay 6/5. The hardways went from 10-for-1 to 10-to-1 a looong time ago same with yoleven, and am still pist about that.
Temps of 40 C /104 F and not a cloud in the sky in LV it is not nearly as fun as chillin on the Strand in Hermosa, no matter your age.
I could mention the crime issues, esp. north end of the strip to downtown, hooker motels on south strip. If those girls can find a place to stay in Vegas that they can afford then it will be sketchy and they should be carrying pepper spray and not venture more then a block from the boulevard.
Last edited by mrwunrfl; May 9th, 2023 at 02:21 PM.
May 13th, 2023, 09:46 AM
#28
Took a look at going to Las Vegas. One-way airfares from LAX for $45 most days for the next month. Bus fare $43. Westgate Resort & Casino, 1.72 miles from the strip has rooms for $62. That is the lowest price on May 26 at vegas dot com. That is a Friday night.
Fri, May 26 $62.18 (for four people)
Taxes and fees $8.32
Resort charge due at hotel $45.34
total $115.84
Midweek is cheap at Flamingo:
Wed, May 31 $12.49
Taxes and fees $1.67
Resort charge due at hotel $45.30
Total trip price: $59.46
That is two queen beds, four people. There is a direct bus from the airport to a stop about a block away from the Flamingo, fare is $6. The Flamingo is center-strip and has a fab pool. IDK what the crowd is like at the pool. Saw a lot of young people in the casino a year ago on a Friday night. I walked by the pool area a few years ago at Bally's (now Horseshoe) and it was party time on a Saturday afternoon with booming music. Not sure if Flamingo pool is like that.
Hermosa to LAX is $11, bus to the Green Line station in Inglewood and then shuttle to LAX.
So total transportation cost would be $124 or more per person.
Fri, May 26 $62.18 (for four people)
Taxes and fees $8.32
Resort charge due at hotel $45.34
total $115.84
Midweek is cheap at Flamingo:
Wed, May 31 $12.49
Taxes and fees $1.67
Resort charge due at hotel $45.30
Total trip price: $59.46
That is two queen beds, four people. There is a direct bus from the airport to a stop about a block away from the Flamingo, fare is $6. The Flamingo is center-strip and has a fab pool. IDK what the crowd is like at the pool. Saw a lot of young people in the casino a year ago on a Friday night. I walked by the pool area a few years ago at Bally's (now Horseshoe) and it was party time on a Saturday afternoon with booming music. Not sure if Flamingo pool is like that.
Hermosa to LAX is $11, bus to the Green Line station in Inglewood and then shuttle to LAX.
So total transportation cost would be $124 or more per person.
May 13th, 2023, 11:50 PM
#29
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Thanks for the additional thoughts mrwunfl.However, I emailed the girls with extracts of your previous comments re costs in Vegas and that seems to have frightened them off 
.
Because this is a year long trip, part of which they will fund by working when they get to Australia I have suggested that they try not to peak too soon as far as expenditure is concerned, so it seems Vegas is out and Santa Monica/Hermosa is in. They desperately want to visit California having heard about what a great time we had there last year. In addition it is a RTW trip so part of the reason for going that way around was that they will hit Australia and Asia at pretty much the right time as far as the weather is concerned.
As far as getting around is concerned, with three of them, Uber or similar and some public transport will no doubt be the way they go. Not sure how interested they are in the traditional tourist sites, being early twenties, they may be more into the California beach scene with their American peers.
mjs; great idea re UCLA accommodation. They will likely still officially be students in Sept as their graduation ceremony is not until November. I will get them to check it out with their students union here.
.Because this is a year long trip, part of which they will fund by working when they get to Australia I have suggested that they try not to peak too soon as far as expenditure is concerned, so it seems Vegas is out and Santa Monica/Hermosa is in. They desperately want to visit California having heard about what a great time we had there last year. In addition it is a RTW trip so part of the reason for going that way around was that they will hit Australia and Asia at pretty much the right time as far as the weather is concerned.
As far as getting around is concerned, with three of them, Uber or similar and some public transport will no doubt be the way they go. Not sure how interested they are in the traditional tourist sites, being early twenties, they may be more into the California beach scene with their American peers.
mjs; great idea re UCLA accommodation. They will likely still officially be students in Sept as their graduation ceremony is not until November. I will get them to check it out with their students union here.
May 14th, 2023, 07:38 AM
#30
>> it seems Vegas is out
Good. The new-ish blackjack payout would be discouraging enough.
>> they may be more into the California beach scene with their American peers.
No doubt.
Took a look at bicycle rentals and it is more expensive than I imagined, but probably still worth it. Got to do it, at least for the one-hour rental given that it is 15 minutes between Hermosa - Manhattan Beach piers. Of course, it is walkable for free. Could bike all the way to SM pier with a full day rental. In any case, walk or bike, this is at some level of spectacular.
The map at the following link has the red route labeled as "Bike Path on the Beach" but it is not actually on the sandy beach. It is on the Strand (paved) next to the beach. This place would be practically next door to the hostel, but there are probably other options.
Rentals - Hermosa Cyclery
Good. The new-ish blackjack payout would be discouraging enough.
>> they may be more into the California beach scene with their American peers.
No doubt.
Took a look at bicycle rentals and it is more expensive than I imagined, but probably still worth it. Got to do it, at least for the one-hour rental given that it is 15 minutes between Hermosa - Manhattan Beach piers. Of course, it is walkable for free. Could bike all the way to SM pier with a full day rental. In any case, walk or bike, this is at some level of spectacular.
The map at the following link has the red route labeled as "Bike Path on the Beach" but it is not actually on the sandy beach. It is on the Strand (paved) next to the beach. This place would be practically next door to the hostel, but there are probably other options.
Rentals - Hermosa Cyclery
Last edited by mrwunrfl; May 14th, 2023 at 07:40 AM.
May 14th, 2023, 08:31 AM
#31
IMO, Hermosa gives more of a California beach vibe than Santa Monica. Hermosa is a small town (albeit one in a chain of beach-side towns) while Santa Monica is a fairly big city. The SM pier and nearby beach areas get enormous crowds in the summer.
May 15th, 2023, 08:50 AM
#32
If they stay in Hermosa Beach (Beach Cities Transit) may be useful for them as well as connecting to the Green Line (C) Metro Rail. Not all of these small agencies may show up on Google Maps and it is handy to have their schedules on hand. https://www.redondo.org/civicax/file...3&BlobID=42044
I used Metro Rail to get back from LAX to Long Beach yesterday (Sunday). The airport LAX-it and Uber/Taxi situation there is so out of control I just decided it would be easier to use public transit. It worked much better than the prior time and the new Metro Ambassadors were present in good numbers. Still a few crazy/unhoused on board but it was a better experience than the last time. I think the fact that the Galaxy were playing in Carson helped with more "normal" people riding the Blue (A) Line.
I used Metro Rail to get back from LAX to Long Beach yesterday (Sunday). The airport LAX-it and Uber/Taxi situation there is so out of control I just decided it would be easier to use public transit. It worked much better than the prior time and the new Metro Ambassadors were present in good numbers. Still a few crazy/unhoused on board but it was a better experience than the last time. I think the fact that the Galaxy were playing in Carson helped with more "normal" people riding the Blue (A) Line.
May 15th, 2023, 10:54 AM
#33
That BCT bus line 109 would definitely be useful. There is a stop at the Douglas Metro Rail Station and it goes to the bus center at LAX.
The LACMTA bus line 232 looks to be quicker to/from LAX. It also goes to the Mariposa Station, two stops north of Douglas.
The 232 bus schedule doesn't show all the stops. It shows the PCH/9th St stop as a timepoint but there is also a stop at PCH/11th that is called the Pacific Coast Highway/Aviation bus stop.
232_TT_12-11-22.pdf (metro.net)
The LACMTA bus line 232 looks to be quicker to/from LAX. It also goes to the Mariposa Station, two stops north of Douglas.
The 232 bus schedule doesn't show all the stops. It shows the PCH/9th St stop as a timepoint but there is also a stop at PCH/11th that is called the Pacific Coast Highway/Aviation bus stop.
232_TT_12-11-22.pdf (metro.net)
May 15th, 2023, 01:26 PM
#34
Problem with Metro Bus 232 is that it's the normal complement of bus riders....If you get unlucky and they have to load wheelchairs etc, or stop at every intermediate stop which often happens it can take ages to ride the regular bus.That is a heavily used line that goes through Wilimington and West Long Beach with a lot of transit users. With the Metro Rail the number of stops is fixed and they don't wait for you, doors close automatically.
My travel time from Aviation Station to Long Beach was less than an hour but as is typical half of that was waiting on the platform for the next train. If you get lucky it could be half that time. Getting out of LAX always is a hassle. It was a 20 minute ride around half the loop on to the Green Line Station. Taking a bus is equally bad since you must go to the City Bus Center first. For most Uber/Lyft and taxis, you need to walk or shuttle to LAX-It. When two LAX-it buses didn't even stop, I decided to just go to the Aviation Station and use the Metro Light Rail. My fare was $2.35. Actually .35 but I didn't pack my TAP card and had to buy one to load the fare. Free transfers within 2 hours.
Price for a regular Uber/Lyft to Long Beach was over $50 but that is much farther than Hermosa Beach. Not sure what the limo style (which can pickup at the curb) would have been. It was pretty busy but I don't even think that was a surge price since regular Yellow Cab is about $60 plus tip.
My travel time from Aviation Station to Long Beach was less than an hour but as is typical half of that was waiting on the platform for the next train. If you get lucky it could be half that time. Getting out of LAX always is a hassle. It was a 20 minute ride around half the loop on to the Green Line Station. Taking a bus is equally bad since you must go to the City Bus Center first. For most Uber/Lyft and taxis, you need to walk or shuttle to LAX-It. When two LAX-it buses didn't even stop, I decided to just go to the Aviation Station and use the Metro Light Rail. My fare was $2.35. Actually .35 but I didn't pack my TAP card and had to buy one to load the fare. Free transfers within 2 hours.
Price for a regular Uber/Lyft to Long Beach was over $50 but that is much farther than Hermosa Beach. Not sure what the limo style (which can pickup at the curb) would have been. It was pretty busy but I don't even think that was a surge price since regular Yellow Cab is about $60 plus tip.
Last edited by mlgb; May 15th, 2023 at 01:51 PM.
May 22nd, 2023, 07:46 AM
#35
Just thought I'd mention Fox Rent a Car out of LAX. Their surcharge for under 25 is $20/day and they typically have (relatively) low rates. (They charge for each added driver though). I've used them in Denver and Austin. Their LAX rental location is on Century Blvd (where there seem to be quite few other agencies at the moment.
They also have locations at some of the other area airports.
They may want to see if they can buy insurance where they live or get it covered through an American Express credit card. A UK-resident friend usually does that.
They also have locations at some of the other area airports.
They may want to see if they can buy insurance where they live or get it covered through an American Express credit card. A UK-resident friend usually does that.
Last edited by mlgb; May 22nd, 2023 at 07:49 AM.
May 22nd, 2023, 10:04 AM
#36
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Thanks mlgb. FaceTimed the girls over the weekend and chatted through the options. As there are three of them, I think they are leaning towards just staying somewhere by the beach and using Uber or similar to get around. They will likely leave their driving exploits until they reach Australia where it is relatively easy to buy a cheap car and sell before they leave. Great suggestion re standalone CDW / insurance. I have an annual policy which costs peanuts and must have saved me thousands over the years.
I related the tale of the bike riding Viking we encountered which they thought was hilarious. I think they might be disappointed if they don’t experience something similar 😂.
They are on the cusp of buying their RTW tickets and , having research the cost of stuff over there( studio tours etc. ) I think they may only stay for a few days to avoid overspending right at the start of there trip. We, on the other hand would love a return visit as we felt we barely scratched the surface of California. Indeed if the girls were hitting LA the end of their trip next September we may well have flown out with their parents to meet them .
I related the tale of the bike riding Viking we encountered which they thought was hilarious. I think they might be disappointed if they don’t experience something similar 😂.
They are on the cusp of buying their RTW tickets and , having research the cost of stuff over there( studio tours etc. ) I think they may only stay for a few days to avoid overspending right at the start of there trip. We, on the other hand would love a return visit as we felt we barely scratched the surface of California. Indeed if the girls were hitting LA the end of their trip next September we may well have flown out with their parents to meet them .
May 24th, 2023, 10:16 AM
#38
>> They are on the cusp of buying their RTW tickets ...
Oh! I would book the lodging as soon as possible, especially if I knew my arrival date, at least for a couple of nights. Book the air tix depending on lodging availability.
Oh! I would book the lodging as soon as possible, especially if I knew my arrival date, at least for a couple of nights. Book the air tix depending on lodging availability.
May 24th, 2023, 04:41 PM
#39
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For comparison, you could look at my description of my trip to the Los Angeles area under United States, although it should be tagged as California. But my interests were art museums and parks. I rented a car. I spent over $800 on 8 days with the rental car. I suppose it is common for parents to be mortified for their kids who are 16-24 to drive. Which could be irrational. But I have no kids. I was 39 when I took my trip. It was my second time renting a car. Car rental companies not wanting to rent to people under 25 is fear-based and nonsensical.
May 24th, 2023, 05:22 PM
#40
Plenty of car companies do rent to under 25s but usually surcharge, including the one I mentioned. Fox runs about $400 a week right now, not including insurance or the $20/day surcharge. Rates go up and down depending on demand.
Young driver fees are based on underage drivers being more prone to accidents and DUIs. Most insurance companies think so, to. If it was just "fear-based and nonsensical" they would not be able to get away with it.
Young driver fees are based on underage drivers being more prone to accidents and DUIs. Most insurance companies think so, to. If it was just "fear-based and nonsensical" they would not be able to get away with it.
