Trip Questions

[KikiFan]

I'm sorry if this is in the wrong place... I didn't find a trip planning forum for DL.

I'm trying to plan a trip to DL this summer, we've already got a trip planned for fall; so I've got to do it on the cheap, cheap. So I've got a few questions:

-Of the "Good Neighbor" hotels does anyone have any experience with the lower end ones? Under $100 a night? I'm not looking for the Taj Mahal just something clean and safe, with a decent pool. I doubt we'll spend much time there.

-I want to avoid renting a car but is there transportation from LAX to the Disneyland area - other then Taxi?

- We'd like to make it to the beach for at least one day. Is there reliable transportation to do that?

Thank you so much! We've been to DisneyLand before but usually had a car and more $$$ - these budget trips take a little more creativity!

 

[nurse.darcy]

You would have to hire shuttle service from the airport to DLR, and going to the beach, well, I guess you could take public transit. . .actually now that I think of it you could take the beach train (metro link) from the Anaheim stop near the stadium. Its kinda fun.

Anyway, when looking for bargains I usually do priceline but it is probably a bit early to get a good discount with them. I did get the Anaheim Hilton a month ago from priceline for $55 using name your own price. If you really want to be able to get around though, a car is a necessity unless you are just doing the parks. . .hope this helps.

 

[KikiFan]

Thanks for the info. I've never used Priceline before; how far in advance would you recommend I try that? I'm looking at mid-Aug for the trip. But that's flexible if I can get a good price.

 

[nurse.darcy]

I would book something solid for now. . .you can always cancel if you get a good price later on priceline since the booking will only require a deposit of one night stay and the cancellation policy is usually 24 to 48 hours before checkin. I never do priceline sooner than 6 weeks before I need the room, usually less than 3 weeks because thats when the hotels need to sell off open rooms.

A couple of notes on priceline. If you go this route DO NOT adjust your star quality or your location if they do not accept your bid the first time. Remember you must pay for the room immediately if they accept your bid. Also, Never bid more than you are willing to pay. Remember, you do not get to pick your hotel, only the general location. Since I live close (2 1/2 hr drive) to DLR I always drive so it doesn't matter if I am close or off property a couple blocks or or so.

 

[hlbtimes2]

You might try calling hojo's and asking if they have "entertainment" rates for the dates you are looking at. Its far enough out that they may have. If they do, book it then order an entertainment book if you dont have one. Seems like most of the bargin hotels/motels are a bit futher away, and you might want a car. We've had good luck using alamo "hot deals". The last two trips I've had a car for about $12 a day, which has worked out to less then us using a shuttle to the hotel. Its really nice to have a car so you can run to the store for pop/ water/ snacks, go to the beach, etc.

 

[disneegrl4eva]

You might try calling hojo's and asking if they have "entertainment" rates for the dates you are looking at. Its far enough out that they may have. If they do, book it then order an entertainment book if you dont have one. Seems like most of the bargin hotels/motels are a bit futher away, and you might want a car. We've had good luck using alamo "hot deals". The last two trips I've had a car for about $12 a day, which has worked out to less then us using a shuttle to the hotel. Its really nice to have a car so you can run to the store for pop/ water/ snacks, go to the beach, etc.

I was just going to say that...I did the very same thing yesterday...Im going in June and I got a rate for $54 pn for a standard oversized 2 db beds...but they have 2 queen rooms for $69 a night...you have to call the hotel direct and ask for inhouse reservations...then just say you want the entertainment rate for the nights you are going...right now the book is on sale for $22 so with standard shipping the total is $24.49 which is good price...I think they have daily specials so this one is for today... ...you dont have to have the card to book just have it at check in..

 

[kuusimo]

-Of the "Good Neighbor" hotels does anyone have any experience with the lower end ones? Under $100 a night? I'm not looking for the Taj Mahal just something clean and safe, with a decent pool. I doubt we'll spend much time there.

The hotel's websites would also give you the best prices to compare with priceline.

-I want to avoid renting a car but is there transportation from LAX to the Disneyland area - other then Taxi?

There are two ways that I know of- Disneyland Express Shuttle and SuperShuttle. They have coupons for both on the internet. I think it is $3.00-$5.00 off a round trip ticket. Depending on how many people are in your group, you can get the entire shuttle.

- We'd like to make it to the beach for at least one day. Is there reliable transportation to do that?

No idea on this one.

 

[nurse.darcy]

As far as cheap hotels next to DLR, I have stayed in nearly all of them so just ask. I can at least give you my opinion.

I will tell you that most, if not all, of them have been renovated in the last 5 or so years and that many of them include continental breakfast or more as part of their regular stay. If you want specific info on a specific hotel, just ask. . .