There are a number of ways to get to Los Angeles and I recommend you research all options. The most comfortable and reasonably priced for us is The Amtrak Coast Starlight. The train originates in Seattle Wa. and makes it's way to LA. We board in Emeryille, Ca. where there is a parking lot you can park your car. The station attendant advised us that if you have an round trip ticket you can park here until your return. Make sure you ask for a placard to put in your car. Our round-trip tickets for two cost less than $200 with a AAA discount, much less than any airfares I could find. Our on time experience has been darn near perfect but delays sometimes happen. The train takes over twelve hours but it very comfortable and the views are wonderful. There is a dining car that serves good food reasonably priced. Also on board is a snack bar that offers fast food, cocktails and wine. For further savings you can bring food on board but no alcohol. We used a fold up soft cooler with sodas, water and snack items. There are a/c outlets at most seats so it is possible to bring along a computer and watch movies.
The train leaves about at 8:25am and arrives at 9:00pm. I prefer to stay in Emeryville the night before our train ride so we can sleep in and not worry about commute traffic. I highly recommend the Woodfin Suites Emeryville(update- the hotel has changed ownership and is now Hyatt Summerfield Suites Emeryville). Each room is like an apartment with its own kitchen. The place is clean, well maintained and the staff is wonderful. There is free wireless and best of all, it is a quick walk to the Amtrak Station.
Photo taken from Emeryville Amtrak Station with Hyatt Summerfield Suites in background
Prior to our arrival at LA Union Station, we reserved a car to pick us up and take us to a hotel near the cruise ship. I know it sounds expensive but after a real scary $80 cab ride, I did some research and located Prime Time Shuttle. They assign a car to pick you up and take you directly to your hotel. They call you on your cell when you are scheduled to arrive. A Chrysler 500 sedan costs $82.60 and, for real luxury, a Lincoln Town Car is $94.40 inclusive of eighteen percent gratuity. I normally give the driver a little extra tip. They own their own vehicles and are so polite and accommodating.
On this trip we stayed at the At the Double Tree by Hilton in San Pedro and got a great rate with AAA discount. We arrived after dark and received a warm welcome and warm gooey chocolate chip cookies, too. After a night cap, we slept soundly and awoke in this idyllic location in the Cabrillo Marina. The hotel offers free internet access in the lobby as well as an inexpensive and good breakfast buffet. The hotel also provides complimentary transportation to San Pedro Cruise Port. Check in early to get the best time! We were fortunate to avoid the multi-passenger vans and rode in style in their luxury car. I tipped the driver $20 after he gave us great ideas on where to go in Puerto Vallarta where he had lived for a number of years. Embarkation in our next blog.
Some fantastic photo opportunities at the Double Tree San Pedro
