2k2 R1

Can anyone point me to where to stay around Santa Monica area? I'll be in Santa Monica mid July for a cousin's wedding. I'll be there for 6 days 5 nights. I've done some research online, but I really don't know the surrounding areas. I've been looking at hotels near the beach but 3 nights there cost more than my apartment rent a month here in Texas!!! I'm looking for a hotel/motel at least 3 stars, don't mind driving 10-15 minutes, and some where around $100/night will be good.

Although I'm 25, it's never too old to visit Disneyland. What are some other places would you guys recommend? oh..unfortunately, I won't be taking my 2IS on a road trip, due to the high gas price and it's 2700 miles round trip.

Lexiss_sc430

iTrader: (2)

I would try looking on craigslist http://losangeles.craigslist.org/vac/

You can find some apartments or guest houses right in your price range; there are tons of places to go in near Santa Monica... do u like bars, clubs, lounges?

If you need any advice on what locations are better than others you can pm me or email me.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

O.K. Here's the deal:

Santa Monica is expensive. And so is the surrounding area. And if you go cheap, it will be very very cheap in quality and neighborhood.

West Hollywood and Hollywood is a bit further away, like about 6 miles, which means a 30 minute drive in L.A. traffic. The neighborhood is a little more casual (and very liberal); make sure you have parking available because street parking is a nightmare.

LAX will probably have the best bargains, but at 12 miles away from Santa Monica, can be a 45 minute drive during rush hour traffic. Unfortunately, the neighborhoods around LAX is a bit "tough" : Inglewood, Hawthorne, etc...

If you want to go to Disneyland (Orange County), it's about 40 miles from Santa Monica, which will be a 2 hour commute if you drive in L.A. traffic.

2k2 R1

thanks guys...i know the traffic is bad in CA, but 2 hrs for 40 miles! My cousin's actually making a deal with one of her friend that works at some hotel in Beverly Hills, hope she comes through. I can't wait to enjoy the weather over there, 90 degrees + humidity here in Texas sucks big time!

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

If you rent a motorcycle, it takes only 45 minutes!

And that estimate only happens during rush hour. It is significantly less during evenings and weekends.

AM1

iTrader: (6)

rush hour traffic can be long even for short distances. when they were working on santa monica blvd last year it could take more then an hour just to go 7-10 miles. if you stay in santa monica mae sure you read the reviews for where you are staying at before you go.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

you just need to know where and how you get there, and also in the right time. i have traveled around LA a lot of times, as long as i get out at the right time, it's a lot better

for example, if you try to go around town friday afternoon around 3pm, you might as well go camping

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Traffic on the 405 near santa monica starts around 12 already. Last time it took me 2.5 hours just to go from OC to LA (~40 miles). The first 30 miles was normal. The last 10 miles was hell. I averaged about 5-10mph during the last 10 miles.

2k2 R1

wouldn't that be great? it's illegal to lane split in TX. I'll be depending on my GPS to get around town. If you see an angry out-of-towner banging on the steering wheel that would be me. Has any of you ever dealt with "rent4less" rental car company? their price are half of major rental car company. reserved a camry for a week for 206 tax included.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I've heard of them. Just make sure you've document the condition of the car upon reciept, so they don't try to claim any damages to you later when you return it.

Have you heard of Allied Business Network? You can sign up with them for free, and get 50% of Hertz Weekly rentals. I did so when I rented a Solara convertible for a trip last year. Got the car for a whole week for $300, which is almost essential in SoCal weather...

2k2 R1

I will definitely look into that, glad I made this thread in the socal chapter. thanks again.

Saiji

405fwy...ouch!!

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Here is the code for Hertz:

Hertz CDP#1261109


Here are some quotes for a weekly rental from LAX:

Hyundai Accent = $150.
Chevy Impala = $175.
Toyota Prius, or Solara convertible = $380.
Infiniti G35, or Hummer H3 = $510.
Corvette Convertible = $730.

AsianGirl007

iTrader: (1)

www.tripadvisor.com is your friend.

I've had good luck with them several times.

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

+1 I always visit trip advisor while planning a trip.