US help.

[butterscotch01]

Btw im not sure about parking at the hotels in Chinatown cos i didn't drive, not sure where the car parks are located. To me it seems like its hard to park in SF. The roads there are so steep. Driving in SF seems scary too cos ppl there tend to drive very fast. I guess alot of technique is needed.

I was in SF in June last yr.I stayed in a hotel that is about 30sec away from the gateway of Chinatown in San Fran. Hotel Astoria. From my hotel window i can see the downtown area and up ahead would be Union Square. Its quite convenient. You can have your meals there ( avoid those on the main chinatown street, they cater to the americans)(ps. Try Sam Wo. It is good!despite it looking run down and weird cos you enter through the kitchen, sitting is on lv2) or look for the famous golden gate egg tarts
Fisherman's warf - pier 37 - financial district - union sq all are within walking distance. Fisherman's warf to Chinatown would take probably about 25-30mins

There's a hotel -Grant Plaza. Heard its quite ok too from friends.

 

[butterscotch01]

I stayed at Harrah's in Vegas. Rooms are nice. Located in the middle of the strip so it's convenient to move around plus its one of the participating hotels where u can get the 24hr buffet!!!so u can a discount as well I think u shld get the 24hr buffet pass starting from dinner. that way u can have 4meals ( dinner-breakfast-lunch-dinner) the dinners are more expensive so it'll make ur money worth. Have fun buffet hopping!!!

For LA, i stayed at Metro plaza hotel about 3 mins walk from LA Union station. It's also a stone throw away from LA's Chinatown. Tried taking public transport, it was too time consuming. There is car rental service in the Union Station due to the many travellers passing through the place. I think there are 2 companies there, one of it shld be Hertz.You can just rent from the counter, the person will bring you to a car park beneath the Union station and you collect the car there. Returning is just parking the car back in the same car park lot. The hotel is about 45 mins drive to Disneyland(Orange County).10-15 mins drive to Hollywood Boulevard. Griffith Observatory is a recommended place to visitIts where they flim Charlies Angels, it has a Nice view of the whole LA and the HOLLYWOOD sign

I would recommend taking a bus from LA-Vegas or Vegas-LA about 7hrs. It's costly to drive cos there are extra charges if you're renting ur car in eg.LA and returning in Vegas. They will need to send ppl to Vegas to drive ur car back to LA. I can't remember exactly how much, i think it's about 150- 200 or more extra not including ur car rental.
http://www.gotobus.com/usasia/
From Vegas to LA, the bus does pickup from some hotels. Harrahs is one of them.

From LA- Vegas, you've to look for the pickup location which is 20-30 mins away from the hotel by public bus.

Ahh. Just booked my tickets yesterday. Flying to San Francisco on the 24th, stopover @ Taipei.

4 nights in San Francisco, 4 nights in Vegas, 5 in LA and 3 nights in Taipei on the way back. Not too long a trip!

Anyone have any experience with this hotel or can recommend any hotels to me? We'll most likely be renting a car from Hertz(Avis is much more expensive from what I've checked).

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...otel_Mark_Twain-San_Francisco_California.html

All the reviews seems pretty good, especially its location and stuff. Then got 1 review saying the hotel have alot of homeless people begging outside etc and may not be that safe so I'm having second thoughts.

Is it okay for 4 people to stay in a room as I understand that rooms in the US are pretty big(e.g 2 queen size beds). 2 adults and 2 18 years old.

 

[klanse]

Btw im not sure about parking at the hotels in Chinatown cos i didn't drive, not sure where the car parks are located. To me it seems like its hard to park in SF. The roads there are so steep. Driving in SF seems scary too cos ppl there tend to drive very fast. I guess alot of technique is needed.

lol LA drivers are more rude. SF downtown has a lot of stupid rules like bus and taxi only lanes, and sometime you cannot make turns etc... There are plenty of Parking garages around Union square area. Try not to go out very far at night unless you know the area very well. Some places are very ghetto between market st and O'farrell.

 

[fone]

I stayed at Harrah's in Vegas. Rooms are nice. Located in the middle of the strip so it's convenient to move around plus its one of the participating hotels where u can get the 24hr buffet!!!so u can a discount as well I think u shld get the 24hr buffet pass starting from dinner. that way u can have 4meals ( dinner-breakfast-lunch-dinner) the dinners are more expensive so it'll make ur money worth. Have fun buffet hopping!!!

Buffet queues can get super long at times, do go before meal times or before you get hungry. I've been to Vegas so many times, only went to buffet twice due to me not wanting to queue (once at Wynn, once at Paris).

For LA, i stayed at Metro plaza hotel about 3 mins walk from LA Union station. It's also a stone throw away from LA's Chinatown.

LA chinatown isn't very safe. I refrain from going there at night.

I would recommend taking a bus from LA-Vegas or Vegas-LA about 7hrs. It's costly to drive cos there are extra charges if you're renting ur car in eg.LA and returning in Vegas. They will need to send ppl to Vegas to drive ur car back to LA. I can't remember exactly how much, i think it's about 150- 200 or more extra not including ur car rental.
http://www.gotobus.com/usasia/
From Vegas to LA, the bus does pickup from some hotels. Harrahs is one of them.

From LA- Vegas, you've to look for the pickup location which is 20-30 mins away from the hotel by public bus.

If that is your logic (dropping off car at another location costs more), then flying one-way LA-Vegas is going to cost even more. Drive the car up to Vegas, then drive it back. If you are one like me who like to go toilet whenever you feel like it, then drive, I hate to wait for bus to stop somewhere for me to go toilet. Free parking and free valet (just pay tip) along the strip (old strip and some other places need to pay for parking). Easier for you to get around Vegas too, drive to factory outlet, or drive to another hotel just to see show or eat or gamble.

Unless you are those really can walk type, then no car is ok. First time there, friend just asked us to park somewhere, then walked all over, so tiring, I would have drove over even if few hotels away, since the hotels + malls can be so big.

 

[klanse]

All the reviews seems pretty good, especially its location and stuff. Then got 1 review saying the hotel have alot of homeless people begging outside etc and may not be that safe so I'm having second thoughts.

Is it okay for 4 people to stay in a room as I understand that rooms in the US are pretty big(e.g 2 queen size beds). 2 adults and 2 18 years old.

Try not to go out at night. There's really nothing to do except going to pub, night club. Shops close very early, around 7-8pm. SF downtown is full of homeless pple.No way to avoid if you want to stay in downtown(maybe some). Japan town will be a bit better.

You can ask the hotel directly for maximum occupancy of the room.

 

[Erwinlow]

So I guess these are the few hotels that I'll be considering? Location wise, all seems pretty good. Anyone got any comments on them?

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...iews-Hotel_Diva-San_Francisco_California.html

Anyone stayed here before? 2 blocks away from Macys @ Union Square etc.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ng_George_Hotel-San_Francisco_California.html (as recommended by genie47)

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ant_Plaza_Hotel-San_Francisco_California.html ( as recommended by butterscotch01)



Btw, what are the factory outlets that I should go in San Francisco? A friend recommended me the Gilroy Factory Outlets which I intend to go. 1.5 hours away from downtown SF. Or are there other better places?

Also, some of you guys said its not necessary and not advisable to rent a car in SF? Could I get around by taking public transport(taxi? buses? trains?) to the major attractions or the factory outlets?

My flight would touch down at 7.30pm at night at San Francisco... Would it be viable to take a cab(or what other methods of transport) straight to the hotel that I'll be staying in downtown SF?

My initial plans was to stay at 1 of the nearby airport hotels that provide free airport shuttle service. Sleep for the night then leave next morning for the airport and drive straight to Gilroy Premium Outlets. I'm not really sure if it'll be worth the trip as I was highly recommended the Gilroy factory outlets by my friend. Any other alternatives or is Gilroy the best around?


Thanks for the inputs on Vegas/LA too. Will read up more on them again. Really appreciate all your hep.

 

[klanse]

Btw, what are the factory outlets that I should go in San Francisco? A friend recommended me the Gilroy Factory Outlets which I intend to go. 1.5 hours away from downtown SF. Or are there other better places?
Gilroy Premium Outlets. Great Mall. I prefer great mall bcos it is a indoor mall and closer for you if you are coming from SFO. You can check out their website and see which one has more brands that u like.
Also, some of you guys said its not necessary and not advisable to rent a car in SF? Could I get around by taking public transport(taxi? buses? trains?) to the major attractions or the factory outlets?
Outlets are not in the city so car rental will be better. You can take cable car or bus for attractions in the city.
My flight would touch down at 7.30pm at night at San Francisco... Would it be viable to take a cab(or what other methods of transport) straight to the hotel that I'll be staying in downtown SF?
Cab will be the most convenient but expensive. SuperShuttle will be cheaper

My initial plans was to stay at 1 of the nearby airport hotels that provide free airport shuttle service. Sleep for the night then leave next morning for the airport and drive straight to Gilroy Premium Outlets. I'm not really sure if it'll be worth the trip as I was highly recommended the Gilroy factory outlets by my friend. Any other alternatives or is Gilroy the best around?
Stay at SF. rent car only 1 day for going to outlets. The rest of the days will be on Public transportation.

Thanks for the inputs on Vegas/LA too. Will read up more on them again. Really appreciate all your hep.

Hope these will help

 

[purplewave]

nyc - boston u can take megabus, it's not too bad, ard 4hrs

nyc - wash,dc u can try mvp bus, get your tix opp penn station off 34th st.

Hello

for those who went us east coast before, how does one travel from say, new york to dc or boston to nyc? i was thinking of greyhound till i read all the reviews. D: and i was kinda horrified.....

 

[zorrus]

hi guys,

planning for a trip to NYC during Autumn cool period.
when is a good time to travel?
and what are cheap airlines to go for?

thanks

 

[devilish_me]

hi guys,

planning for a trip to NYC during Autumn cool period.
when is a good time to travel?
and what are cheap airlines to go for?

thanks

if you are heading north for new england fall foliage...then best is october-mid october...depending on how far north you planning to go.

cheap airlines to NYC is china eastern and china airlines

 

[schnauzie]

I took china eastern to NYC last Oct. Price was dirt cheap but i think once is enough! Will take SQ or delta next time.

 

[blue_line]

just came back from san francisco. yea. there are a lot of homeless people in downtown especially near civic center. I was walking back alone there and definitely did not feel safe. I stayed in The Powell Hotel which is just outside Powell station, union square and one of the cable car terminal stop. Really a good location i would say. Paid about us$100 per night for 4 people.

I would recommend taking public transport. 3 day unlimited pass for us$20 only and their transportation is pretty good. from my hotel to airport cost us$40 including tips and booking which comes out to $10 per person. cheaper than the shuttle too.

 

[Erwinlow]

http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Ch...es_Boeing_747-400.php?Orig=TPE&Dest=SFO&Date=

http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Ch...s_Airbus_A330-300.php?Orig=SIN&Dest=TPE&Date=

btw guys, dont mind my asking, if they say have AC power, means I can actually bring my own laptop with the charger and plug in? do I need the adapter?

 

[fone]

Depends on where you buy the laptop. Most I've seen are US plug type, which you should be bringing if you are going to US in the first place.

 

[Erwinlow]

Any idea how long will one spend to shop @ Gilroy? And approx how long is the great mall? From downtown SF?

ah blue_line, have you heard of kings george hotel, grant plaza hotel or hotel diva? any comments on them?

did you go to those factory outlet, if yes, how is it and which one did you go to?

 

[Erwinlow]

Depends on where you buy the laptop. Most I've seen are US plug type, which you should be bringing if you are going to US in the first place.

fone, I bought my laptop in Singapore. So, guess I'll need the adapter? Any idea what kind?

 

[fone]

fone, I bought my laptop in Singapore. So, guess I'll need the adapter? Any idea what kind?

Google US plug. They will take either 2 or 3 pin type, though if your plug is 3 pin type (ie ground pin is used and not just a plastic one), then safer to get 3 pin converter. I used to keep getting small electrical shock from my laptop casing because I used a 2 pin converter for my 3 pin charger.

Editted: Either you can use a travel plug, or just go sim lim tower get one of those AC cable with US plug at the end.

 

[klanse]

Any idea how long will one spend to shop @ Gilroy? And approx how long is the great mall? From downtown SF?
I spend about 2~3hrs. I have been there numerous times so you may take about 4~5hrs perhaps more if shopping with girls. BTW don't expect any good restaurant around Gilroy. They only got apple bees and in-n-out if not wrong. Leave SF around 10am have lunch somewhere in between and continue to gilroy.
ah blue_line, have you heard of kings george hotel, grant plaza hotel or hotel diva? any comments on them?
http://www.yelp.com/biz/grant-plaza-hotel-san-francisco
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hotel-diva-san-francisco
http://www.yelp.com/biz/king-george-hotel-san-francisco
Based on the review, I will skip grant plaza. BTW yelp is pretty handy if you are looking for some nice restaurant or store.
did you go to those factory outlet, if yes, how is it and which one did you go to?

............

 

[chimpchimp]

I took china eastern to NYC last Oct. Price was dirt cheap but i think once is enough! Will take SQ or delta next time.

YES i also took china eastern last dec to nyc! yea i agree with u, one is enough! not because of the plane in physical terms but because of the people which are involved in the flight!!!! the attendants couldnt understand a single word of english and moreover there were a few ang mohs during the flight! also, erm, the tiong passengers... if u get wat i mean.. a bit not so civilised... we spent our airplane ride being irritated by those people around us!

 

[blue_line]

Any idea how long will one spend to shop @ Gilroy? And approx how long is the great mall? From downtown SF?

ah blue_line, have you heard of kings george hotel, grant plaza hotel or hotel diva? any comments on them?

did you go to those factory outlet, if yes, how is it and which one did you go to?

I have no idea about the hotels you mentioned. You could look up trip advisor for pretty good reviews.

I did not go to factory outlets as I been to one in Las vegas before I went to San Fran and also I have one just an hour drive away (I live in Texas now). I could spend up to half the day or even more at the outlets just browsing through the stuff.