Holiday help for xmas getaway USA?

Pablo76

So my mrs has decided we should go away for christmas, with the outlaws, happy days.

She initially fancied Egypt or somewhere equally hot, then changed her mind to Disney/Florida to cater for our kids more ( 8+4 ). Now shes decided, along with her mother, that she wants to go to L.A.

I know there are a few Californians around here, and a few of you must have visited. So bearing in mind the kids will want to do Disneyland/Universal Studios and the like, and the mrs wont leave without buying at least one pair of shoes on Rodeo Drive or somewhere equally expensive, what should we do or where should we be heading?

We have looked at a couple of places already, the Sheraton and Crowne Plaza both look like possibilities, anyone stayed here? Is it good location wise etc?
Any reccomendations would be fan-fucking-tastic.

WeasteDevil

I'd take them all skiing in the Alps. Kids would love it an all!

utdalltheway

doubt LA will be hot at Christmas. It should be ok temp wise (mid 70s??) but maybe she'll be fine with that.

I like the beach areas of LA myself. They're not close to the parks but still...

Pablo76

Cheers Weaste, I did suggest Switzerland/New York but they all would prefer some xmas sun.

Yeah the weatherisnt exactly HOT in LA at xmas, but 70ish would be ok.

Grinner

You want to get a hotel in Anaheim. I've stayed there and they have tons of really good ones and there are loads of restaurants around there and it's close to the park. I think Disney does special Xmas stuff though so it might be pricier than normal.

You'll deffo need to rent a motor too. Anaheim is a fair drive from Hollywood. I'd suggest you get a car with a built in GPS because a newbie trying to navigate through LA will have a fucking nightmare. I've been tons of times and can't get by without my GPS.

Thinking about hotels you might want to look at something like Embassy suites which gives your own little kitchen with pots and pans so you could do your own brekka and save some cash.

R_Nick

My family has friends in Pasadena so when I've been to LA I've stayed there, although we did spend two nights at the Hilton and found it overpriced. There is good shopping in Santa Monica on 3rd street I think, its been a long time since I was there!

Beverly Hills is obviously a must and Malibu is nice to visit, theres a private beech called paradise cove which from memory is just off route 1 I think, and a pretty cool restaurant right on the coast called gladstones.

Can't really remember much else to be very specific, sorry, you'll love it though!

utdalltheway

good idea Grinner.
You won't be in the hotel much but I'd check to see if they have a heated pool open when you're there. the kids will have a blast there.
Also, check out Hawthorn Suites, or Springhill Suites. Both of these chains are decent and good value. The breakfast is usually more than continental style so it can last you a while.

the Sheraton and the Crowne Plaza are more expensive but if that's in your budget then good for you.

Grinner

I had cioppino at that restaurant and it was excellent.

OP you could also look at staying in Buena Park near Knots Berry Farm. That's close to Disney but would probably be cheaper.

Pablo76

OK, cheers. So Anaheim is the place to stay if we are going to do parks. How long a drive would it be if we stayed there and went to Hollywood/Beverly Hills for the day? Thanks by the way.

mjs020294

Have you been to Florida? I would recommend a holiday in Orlando instead unless you have been and fancy something different.

Dresilved

Not sure that LA is a take the kids on vacation sort of place, LA doesn't have a down town worth talking about, its pretty dead at night and weekends, its not like NY or Chicago, Boston where theres lots of stuff in a fairly confined place, LA is spread out, there's not really a central go to point IMO!

I dont live there but been loads on business

mjs020294

I agree. My parents took us to LA/CA years ago and as a family holiday destination it was pretty shite TBH.

Grinner

Well it depends when you are driving. If it's a normal working day then it could be an hour or more. I've been there at 10 at night and got into a traffic jam on the freeway. I'd say at least 45mins.

How old are your kids?

Alex

An hour or so

ukbob

You must also remember that they ( America) do not celebrate Christmas like we do. They have a "Holiday" season that runs from the day after Thanksgiving up to Dec 25th, after that its more or less finished. You should make a trip round the back streets to see the way all the houses are lit up.
I personaly enjoy the holiday season in LA, way OTT but its a no brainer for enjoyment.

Grinner

Just make sure it's the Pasadena backstreets rather than the Inglewood ones.

ukbob

Pablo76

FFS. Thanks for everyones imput, it may come in handy at some point. BUT...

she has decided sh definately wants somewhere hotter and has set her heart on Egypt. Soooooooooooooooooo.....

Anyone been? shes looking at Sharm El Sheikh, lots of nice hotels, kid orientated ones aswell, golfinf resorts, casino resorts, near the bech for snorkelling etc.

HELP.

Grinner

Fuck off!

Pablo76

I know, women. But fair play, LA isnt exactly hot at xmas time. Egypt is averaging 75 by the look of it, which isnt nearly hot enough for me personally, but better than the shit and drizzle we will have here.

utdalltheway

jveezy

Yeah. The holiday season is ridiculous here. Over the top is an understatement. Decorations usually go up as soon as Halloween is over. I personally prefer not to go shopping during this time of year simply because I cannot handle the clusterfuck anymore.

ukbob

You must remember that Egypt is a Muslim country and therefore don't expect a Christmas holiday.

Grinner

That's almost as shite as the Yanks not doing Boxing Day.