July 2006 Roadtrip

Hi,

Just putting together a Roadtrip for my 40th birthday. This is our plan

13th July San Francisco 3 nights Sheraton Fishermans Wharf

1 night Monteray Embassy Suites

2 nights Yosemite Cedar Lodge

1 night Death Valley Furnace Creek

2 nights Las Vegas Luxor

2 Nights Grand Canyon Grand Hotel

1 Night Lake Havasu Nautical inn

2 Nights LA Marina Del Ray Hotel and Marina

27th Fly to Miami for a week staying with parents in West Palm Beach and picking up daughters who are staying with them.

BIG 4 0 on 29th July

Fly Home to UK

We are travelling with Virgin so some of the hotels are not really our first choice, but hey it%26#39;s just a room with a bed.

How does that sound ????? Any advise anyone can give me would be great.

Sue

July 2006 Roadtrip

I would not stay 3 nights in SF upon arrival.... just 2 and drive to Big Sur down the coast... Stay right in the Park at the Big Sur Lodge.....for the 3rd night. Then drive back up to Monterey, although I personally like Half Moon Bay even better then Monterey.... before going off to Yosemite. The drive down to Big Sur will be worth it as it is located in one of the most beautiful places on Earth..... You will not regret it.

In Yosemite I would stay right in the Yosemite park in the Redwoods Cabins in the Wawona area.....or at the Wawona if room is available.... and you will appreciate not having to drive into the park to visit.

Death Valley in July is not a good place to be.... if it were the Spring of the year...then I could understand, since the desert wildflowers are wonderful to see in the Spring.... but July in the desert is too hot....and barren. Skip it...altogether...

I have several other suggestions, however, with your comment about JUST A ROOM WITH A BED... I am not sure if you are really into looking at customizing this trip to any great extent.

For example; I might opt to rent a luxury car with FX Radio or bring along a book on a cd...or have a great conversation....but, drive directly from The Grand Canyon....leaving early in the morning, putting it on cruise control and if I were going to stay in the desert.... I would drive directly to Palm Springs where there are some of the most fab hotels in the USA...and in the summer even in the heat- hot hot hot... it is really a luxury stop.... The Palm Springs area is full...of .... wonderful hotels (I like the JW Marriot) ..... lots better then staying at Lake Havasu, unless you want to rent a boat, buy a beer and water ski at the Lake area. .... I would perfer a soak in a luxury pristine pool and sip a poolside Margarita in the shade.

Think about driving directly across the desert.... in the summer. .... not much to see out there but plently of it....

Your trip sounds fun...and I am sure you will enjoy turning 40.

Regards,

Peg

July 2006 Roadtrip

I liked your plans....about the only question I have is on Embassy Suites in Monterey. This is a nice hotel however, it is in a middle of a strip mall type environment which is not much fun. You might want to consider staying in Carmel at a cute little place (I like Horizon Inn http://www.horizoninncarmel.com/)

or staying closer to the wharf area in Monterey such as BestWestern Monterey Inn or for a bed and breakfast with a great view Green Gables Inn.

I also like Asilomar (for inexpensive room at a great location).

Its a state park lodge.

The rest of your lodging I think you%26#39;ll find lovely.

If you have a higher price range for Monterey, you might also consider Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa.

(Just mentioning...).

Have a great trip in 2006!

ps: Just read the Embassy Suites is part of the package deal....The lodging is fine so if its the only choice they give you ok. Will you have a car....and if not plan on tour or taxi to get closer to Monterey attractions. Enjoy!

ps: Just read the Embassy Suites is part of the package deal....The lodging is fine so if its the only choice they give you ok. Will you have a car....and if not plan on tour or taxi to get closer to Monterey attractions. Enjoy!

Make reservations for Yosemite as soon as you can. July is a peak time so it will be booked solid. You should have no problems claiming rooms right now (Aug 24, 2005).