Hiring cars - LA and Orlando - and other things!

[smileykyls]

Hello!

I am a newbie to this forum having just booked a USA holiday from Perth.

We will be visiting LA/Anaheim and Orlando with our boys who will be 8 and almost 12.

I've booked accommodation in Anaheim and Orlando (Desert Palms and Cabana Bay Resort) but if anyone has any suggestions on a hotel more in LA for 2 nights I'd love some idea's! Family friendly ones please.

Also, where do most people hire cars from relatively cheaply from, if that's even possible??!

We are away Sept 18th-Oct 11th.

Thanks so much! This is a fantastic forum!!

 

[lffam]

If you want to be right in the Hollywood area then a great hotel is Loews on Hollywood & Highland. It sits above a shopping complex which is right on Hollywood Boulevard ( ie the walk of fame, Chinese Theatre etc) We have stayed there three times and thoroughly recommend. We stayed at LA Live this last trip at the Marriott Residence Inn. It is great if you are seeing a game/event at the Staples centre as it is right there and lots of eating options around, the Grammy Museum also so a short stay it suits well.

I only rented a car once but did that from Hertz San Diego so cant really offer too much help there sorry.

 

[Twilight Terror]

We have use various companies before (Dollar, Thrifty, Budget, Alamo), because we used to go through a UK-based third-party (when we still have UK bank accounts), but this year they are more expensive, so having to look at individual companies and discount codes. They all seem really pricey this year, but so far, Avis is coming up cheapest. Although having Alamo onsite at WDW is a luring prospect. We did Alamo last trip, and had an issue with car pick up at Port Canaveral, which we quickly rectified at WDW. We went back to the UK last year, and I know when looking that time, we tried both the Australian and UK versions of each company, as the prices were not the same, and we got a better price that way.

Also, make sure you check what is included/excluded from the price. If one company shows up at $800 but includes everything, they might work out cheaper than another one that is showing up at $700 initially, but charges fees, taxes and protection cover. Just click through each one until you get the final breakdown. We thought we just found a great deal with Dollar, so hit the 'Pay Now' button, only to go to the next screen to be told there was X charge, Y charge, Z fee, and it worked out $300 more than the other car we looked at that included all of those things in the cost!

 

[viaggiamo]

We always used traveljigsaw.com.au as they give prices for all car rental companies and also include the international insurances.

As far as LA it depends on how much you want to pay...We love the Beverly Wilshire as a treat and have also used airbnb to stay in some cool places for a week in Santa Monica.

 

[aussie shaz]

We also use Traveljigsaw. They include all insurances etc you need. Just remember when you pick up the car, you don't need any more insurance, no matter what they tell you. (They'll always try to sell you more).

 

[SnowWhite09]

We have always used Alamo in both Anaheim and Orlando. I have always found them to be the best price and they include the insurance etc in their price which will show up in AUD as well. Good luck and have a great trip!

 

[carnival kid]

Agree with above we usually use Alamo and book direct with them. Are you looking at getting a car straight away from LAX? When you come out from the terminal you have to get a shuttle bus from the airport to the car yard.

Alternatively look a private car transportation. We use Lansky Enterprise each trip in LA and it often works out cheaper than car hire and is much easier. He picks up from inside the international terminal takes your bags from you (wonderful after the flight) provides car seats and does a grocery stop on the way to your hotel.

Make sure you check parking costs at each hotel... most charge at least $10 per night others much more..... it can add up quickly.

In LA try Magic Castle Hotel. Its a great family hotel in a great location. They book out fast though so need to book early. or as already suggested Lowes is in the same area. these are right in the heart of the Hollywood tourist area. A good place to join tours... many leave from the Chinese Theatre area. This is also close to universal and city walk.

We love to stay in Santa Monica for a few nights each trip. Beautiful area with lots to explore and only a short distance to the airport.

 

[smileykyls]

We do want to see Santa Monica as we didn't see there last time we went - Are we better off staying in SM and driving into Hollywood to do the sign, Chinese Theater, Walk of Fame etc for a few hours or staying in Hollywood and going to SM for a few hours? We want to see the Pier and I'd like to drive around Malibu. Or should we break up our 7 days at Anaheim and do a day trip to break up Disney?? Sooo many decisions!!

 

[carnival kid]

Those are all good options

Accommodation in Santa Monica is very expensive so that may help make your decision

 

[aussie shaz]

But depending what day you're going, you may find it difficult to find car parking in Santa Monica.

 

[viaggiamo]

We also use Traveljigsaw. They include all insurances etc you need. Just remember when you pick up the car, you don't need any more insurance, no matter what they tell you. (They'll always try to sell you more).

Yes we have always have their upsell. Just say no to all of it as you are totally covered.

Santa Monica is OK we spent a week there as a base for LA two years ago. We booked an apartment on airbnb which was great but no longer listed unfortunately. The hotel prices there are ridiculous.
I would look at a hotel around the area near the Grove. It's fairly central and clean and easy to get places on the FWY. Just be prepared for traffic. but the Santa Monica traffic was always terrible, it sort of stops in that area to exit the FWY.

We also use Lanksy Enterprises (he was called something else years ago) and they are clean and good drivers. they also provide car seats if you need them. We would do this when the kids were little and then buy one at Target as they are so cheap and leave them there when we came home.

 

[GrazingGoat1966]

For what it's worth we have used CarRental8 off the internet for years and NEVER had a problem. And they are hands down the cheapest car hire outlet I've found (and trust me I've looked!)

All inclusive prices and easy to use.