renting a car and lunch in Hollywood

[princess@heart]

Crazy as it may be, this will be our first time ever renting a car. Our AAA TA got us a great deal at Alamo, which she says is right across the street from DLH.

We have unlimited mileage and I know to return the car with a full tank. Is there anything else I should know?

DH wants to know how much it would cost to upgrade from a mid-size to a convertible, and can we do that when we get there?

Also, we were thinking about eating lunch at the DSF in Hollywood since we wanted ice cream there, anyways. Anyone have any opinions or suggestions for really good, but not too expensive lunch?

TIA, everyone!

 

[hlbtimes2]

You can ask about the cost to upgrade when you get there. From what I've seen its very expensive to go with a "fun" car. A mid size for a weekend is usually around $30-40 for us (from Alamo). A convertable is more like $200.

 

[RMH]

Generally speaking getting additional insurance with the car rental company is not a good deal. If you have you own car insurance policy it will generally cover you when you drive a rental car but double-check your policy and don't take my word for it.

 

[Itinkso]

Yes, I agree you should check about insurance with your own insurance company or pay with a credit card which provides insurance for a rental. I think Gold MasterCard and Visa have this. Have a fun trip!

 

[princess@heart]

Thanks! I'll have to look at my insurance. I think it does cover rentals, too.

As for the upgrade, it's a difference of $34 (from $33 for the mid-size). But I have to decide if I want to pay the difference for a "fun" car or if I want that money for souveniers.

Thanks everyone!

Anyone with suggestions for lunch?

 

[tinkermell]

Thanks! I'll have to look at my insurance. I think it does cover rentals, too.

As for the upgrade, it's a difference of $34 (from $33 for the mid-size). But I have to decide if I want to pay the difference for a "fun" car or if I want that money for souveniers.

Thanks everyone!

Anyone with suggestions for lunch?

Hey Amber, You're getting adventurous!!! I remember "back when", you were kind of apprehensive about driving to the beach. Now you're going to Hollywood!!! WOO HOO!!!!!

Anyways...j/k!!! And I'm glad you are taking advantage of some So. Cal locations. I still can't help you with lunch in Hollywood though...sorry.

Don't forget the Strips and Cheese at the beach. That's a must have!! And what beach are you going to visit??? Actually, you can do quite a bit of beachcombing in one day. Is that your plan?

OK..enough said. Talk to you later, I'm sure!

PS- Go for the car!!!!! So you can drive down the Pacific Coast Highway in style, and smell the ocean!! Oh that sounds nice! By the way..does your DH like and drool over cool cars?? Well if he does, he will be in heaven there. My DH's head is constantly going back and forth, trying to keep up with all of the cars you would only see magazines.

 

[labagit]

I agree you should go for the fun car. This trip is a big deal, and what's $34 in the big picture? Skip one dinner out between now and your trip, and it's paid for. I do think you should grab that price soon if you make the choice. I think the increase would be much greater on location, and they might also be out of the cars.

 

[princess@heart]

DH did the trip budget (again) today and I think we can do the convertible. Yaaayyy! DH loves cool cars. He's actually the one who suggested a convertible.

Alamo has the PT Cruiser convertible as the "model" for their convertibles. I've been bugging Vern to get one of those for me for a few months now! So I think I am going to call today or tomorrow and see if they actually have the PTC there. If so, I think the decision has been made for me. I can get DH into the car and nag him some more about how much I want one! Hello??? We live at the beach here, too!

As for the beach... I think we are going to either Newport or Huntington. We're not really making it a "beach day" per se. DH just wanted to stick his toes in the Pacific Ocean since the water there is much colder than the Atlantic here (which is pretty cold in May anyways). I don't think we'll actually be doing any swimming or sun bathing.

 

[princess@heart]

Hey Amber, You're getting adventurous!!! I remember "back when", you were kind of apprehensive about driving to the beach. Now you're going to Hollywood!!! WOO HOO!!!!!

I know! Crazy, isn't it?

I'm still a little nervous about the driving, but I have wanted to see Hollywood all my life, so I have to do it while I'm there.

 

[DisneyAngel83]

My husband and I are going to Disneyland and Ca for the first time May 16-19 and right before we booked the trip we saw a show on the Travel Channel about hot dog places. There is a place in Hollywood called Pinks and it is supposed to be a very famous hot dog stand. Apparently all the stars eat there along with everyone else, they are not expensive either. My husband says we have to go there, so we will probably go one night while we are there. Its about 30 miles away from Anaheim I think.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Pinks is a great place to eat. Unless it is standard lunchtime, you can order rather quickly and the dogs come in many varieties and just about any topping you can think of. The Travel Channel and the Food Network has definately increased the awareness.

I would go for something more "car" than a PT, maybe a vette.

Have fun,

Jack

 

[sharoncity]

We are just back from our trip to So. Cal. We went 12 years ago and drove around everywhere with no problems. Last week it was traffic, traffic, traffic. We traveled to Hollywood at 11:00 am, and got stuck in huge traffic jams. Left to go back to DL at 3:30 and got stuck in traffic. That said, we enjoyed Hollywood. We went to Manns ChineseTheatre. Right next to it are two shops that sell maps to the stars homes. We got one of those to use after lunch. We ate at Mel's Drive In which was made famous in the American Graffiti Movie, which my husband loves. The food was good, service was quick and it was inexpensive. A short walk from Manns on Hollywood Blvd and Highland.

We also stayed 2 days at Huntington Beach, which we loved. There is a Main Street with lots of little shops and restaurants/bars. Ruby's was out on the pier. PCH in that area is really not much for beautiful scenery - not what I would have imagined. Laguana Beach was cute, but LOTS of traffic there too.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I was going to suggest Pinks too!

But if you want to go straight to Hollywood, park in the Hollywood and Highland parking garage. It's only $2 for 4 hours with validation which DSF gives. There's shops and restaurants there, including a food court, Johnny Rockets, California Pizza Kitchen, etc. There's a delicious Baja Fresh across the street too.

Just so you know, the Disney Soda Fountain does serve meals too. There's not a huge selection, but they have expanded it. You can check out their menu online.

 

[princess@heart]

Awesome!!! Thanks!