Will this work...DL as our "hub"

[Helene]

We are planning a 9 night trip to California in July. Our first 3 nights are already booked in San Diego. I was going to split the remaining 6 nights to 3 in the LA area & 3 in Anaheim.

However, I would really prefer to stay in one resort over the 6 nights. I'm hoping a good deal comes out so that we can stay at the Disneyland Hotel, but I'm open to other resort level places to stay in the area.....suggestions welcome.

We have tickets for a Dodger' game, Universal Studios, plan on touring Hollywood & the LA farmer's market, possibly a beach day and then 2-3 days for Disney.

So, if I stay in Anaheim, will traffic be a nightmare on days we want to see LA?? Is it better to split my stay across both cities??

TIA for any info you can offer

 

[mikeyas]

I would vote for splitting your stay between Anaheim and LA. The traffic just isn't worth it, especially if you'll be traveling on weekdays as you'll be driving in the direction of traffic. It will take way over an hour and probably closer to 2 just to get to the downtown area. From Anaheim, you'll be traveling up the 5 which, unfortunately, doesn't have a carpool lane for most of it.

 

[algae]

I second the splitting LA and Anaheim idea. Universal Studios is far enough away from DL time-wise (think hours) that it doesn't make sense to drive back and forth in traffic.

 

[Jana0326]

I wouldn't stay at DL on the days that you want to do stuff in LA. Traffic will be a nightmare.

 

[Hound 109]

Definitely split up the LA & DLR "hubs". Sounds like you have a full 3 days planned out in LA....why spend 2.5-3 hours in traffic each day?

& "2 days at DLR" isn't enough. Minimum 3 nights / 4 days at DLR resort.

Check out Hydroguy's & Mary Jo's tip threads (& stickys) if you haven't already. Essential reading & info.

 

[mystic_path]

I agree with the other posters. Split your time up, but even still I do have to agree as well that it takes a min. of 3 days to see Disneyland. If you want to see Universal Studios plus spend some time in Hollywood, may I suggest that you look into a Gray Line Tour? It leaves from your hotel in the Disneyland area, takes you to Universal for park opening, picks you up after park closing and then takes you on a grand tour of LA/Hollywood making stop along the way. This is a fabulous tour. Ive been on it 4 times now and each time has been a little different, and we have also made stops at the Farmers Market a few times. At the end of your tour the bus takes you right back to your Disneyland area hotel. Here is the tour info if you are curious.

http://www.coachamerica.com/graylin...our_id/1035/mode/tour_detail/location_id/1021


This would save you from driving, and commuting each day, yet your able to probably pack that 3rd day into Disneyland if you wanted. Just a suggestion!

 

[Helene]

Thanks to all for the info...looks like I need to continue researching hotels and split my stay. I'm also going to look into the tour option.

 

[Helene]

http://www.luxehotelsunsetblvd.com/index.php

Not exactly LA....but I can get it for $139/night and it looks fabulous. Mapquest puts it at a 20 min drive to Universal Studios. Also very close to some other areas that look fun to tour...Rodeo Dr, UCLA.

What do you all think??

 

[mystic_path]

Definitely keep all options open, and I am glad you asked before you booked everything. Commuting from Anaheim to LA doesnt seem so far as it's only 45 minutes away at a decent hour or if your in the HOV lane. But depending on the time of day, if you hit rush hour traffic, that 45 minute drive could be up to a two hour commute one way. We definitely want to save you some time by telling you to give yourself some options.

 

[momrek06]

OP, ya, absolutely split your stay and stay up in LA. We just stayed at the Sheraton/Universal for Christmas weekend. Its a great hotel. They will shuttle you over to the Park or you can easily walk!

LA traffic can be a p.i.t.a.

Sounds like a great trip you have planned, SUN Diego, DL and LA!!!

 

[mikeyas]

http://www.luxehotelsunsetblvd.com/index.php

Not exactly LA....but I can get it for $139/night and it looks fabulous. Mapquest puts it at a 20 min drive to Universal Studios. Also very close to some other areas that look fun to tour...Rodeo Dr, UCLA.

What do you all think??

The Luxe is GORGEOUS and very nice, but Cal Trans is currently working to extend an existing HOV lane on the 405 north from the airport to the 101 and the Luxe is right in the middle of it. Traffic is horrendous. The project is supposed to be completed in 2012..unfortunately, I don't know what the status will be when the OP visits in July. I do know that Sunset (where the Luxe is) was shut down just a week ago and that was a huge disaster. I work at UCLA so I'm way to familiar with that area.

 

[MAH4546]

http://www.luxehotelsunsetblvd.com/index.php

Not exactly LA....but I can get it for $139/night and it looks fabulous. Mapquest puts it at a 20 min drive to Universal Studios. Also very close to some other areas that look fun to tour...Rodeo Dr, UCLA.

What do you all think??

It is exactly LA - that's right in the middle of Los Angeles.

But the best place to stay is downtown or Hollywood - check out the Luxe Downtown, Bonaventure Downtown and Renaissance Hollywood.

 

[Helene]

The Luxe is GORGEOUS and very nice, but Cal Trans is currently working to extend an existing HOV lane on the 405 north from the airport to the 101 and the Luxe is right in the middle of it. Traffic is horrendous. The project is supposed to be completed in 2012..unfortunately, I don't know what the status will be when the OP visits in July. I do know that Sunset (where the Luxe is) was shut down just a week ago and that was a huge disaster. I work at UCLA so I'm way to familiar with that area.

Perhaps that's why I can get it for $139/night .....taxes included

 

[Helene]

It is exactly LA - that's right in the middle of Los Angeles.

But the best place to stay is downtown or Hollywood - check out the Luxe Downtown, Bonaventure Downtown and Renaissance Hollywood.

Can you tell I've never been to California??

Thanks for the tips....I'll have to keep researching.