Grand Californian, Santa Monica beach + Vegas - Questions?

[ian180]

Hi

Planning a holiday next August and I fancy 3 nights in the GC, then shuttle it for 2 nights staying on the Santa Monica beach (possible Casa Del Mar, or Shutters on the Beach?), then fly internally to the Bellagio for 5 nights.

Quick couple of questions please:

Would 3 nights be good enough here, 1 day in each park, plus half a day to mooch? We have done the park around 10 years ago, staying offsite, and we fancy a splurge onsite this time!

Not keen on public transport, so would an Uber or Taxi be reasonable to Disney Land, then onto Santa Monica after? I don't think Disney do transport here. I appreciate it could be $100...

Anyone stayed in a decent hotel on/near the beach - any views on the two I suggested?

Any other suggestions?

Thank you.

[ian180]

Ps. I said Santa Monica beach as I read that was on of the best in that part of the world. Any other suggestions or should I leave it?

[Dr.JumbaJookiba]

It's been a long time since we stayed there but Shutter's on the Beach was fabulous.

[ian180]

Originally Posted by Dr.JumbaJookiba

It's been a long time since we stayed there but Shutter's on the Beach was fabulous.

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Oooh, thanks. Sounds it might be a vote for that!

[Lizzim]

I think 3 night at the GC would be ok, we did 4 I think a few years ago but 1 day for each park is probably doable.

If I recall they don’t do fireworks every night so if they are important to you then you might need to check when they are scheduled.

[megaflyer]

I prefer the Fairmont Miramar over shutters (I only stayed at the latter once tho and went back to The Miramar on future trips so maybe I was unlucky ?) it has that old world LA/Hollywood charm and their bungalows offer so much more space. With their private beach club open during the season that combination works well for me.

[ian180]

Originally Posted by megaflyer

I prefer the Fairmont Miramar over shutters (I only stayed at the latter once tho and went back to The Miramar on future trips so maybe I was unlucky ?) it has that old world LA/Hollywood charm and their bungalows offer so much more space. With their private beach club open during the season that combination works well for me.

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Thanks. I looked at that and it seemed a bit further down the beech and past the pier. I’m guessing it has similar beach views and beach access? Might be worth another look as we are Fairmont fans.

[megaflyer]

Originally Posted by ian180

Thanks. I looked at that and it seemed a bit further down the beech and past the pier. I’m guessing it has similar beach views and beach access? Might be worth another look as we are Fairmont fans.

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Yes a tadge further up the beach but that way you get stunning sunset views over the pier fairground and of the Hollywood hills sunrise You have to cross the boardwalk and down the steps to the beach (but they do run buggies) but that way it is a bit quieter with less pedestrian traffic . The bungalows are particularly nice as is the 1950’s swimming pool and area. One of the old blocks have huge rooms but not stayed in them - the newer tower has the most amazing views from the balconies but rooms more standard (well standard for a high end hotel)

In Sept 2015 we were moved from the Bungalows to the Tower for 2 nights as Hurricane Linda was rolling in and expected Palm Tree fall in the gardens (hence the humidity shot) but you can see the pier and beach even though its not a clear photo. Boy was it a humid and wet 2 days - impossible to do much outside of the hotel

[ian180]

Thanks. That is very helpful. We are partial to sunrises and sunsets and it all looks nice. Might given that a second look then. Thank you!

[formosagirl]

I think you can easily get a good amount from 3 days at GC, its a beautiful hotel. Make the most of magic mornings and the GC's private DCA entrance. You may need to use genie+ to make sure you do all the big hitters though as crowds can be big, especially on weekends