V-Flyer

With the likely hood of the UC sale starting shortly I need some advice on the following before I book a trip for me and the misses.

Travelling to LAX and SFO and wanted to know which is the better to fly into and out off. Ive never been to SFO so I dont know what the lounge there is like and I havent flown from LAX since 2001 when it was VSs own lounge. So the question is which is the better the VS SFO lounge or the shared LAX one?

Will be doing the trip down/up Highway 1 anyone know of any good hotels en-route approximately halfway between the two?

Can anyone recommend one of the many car hire companies they have over there and the dos and donts concerning the insurance options.

Regards,

GNJB.

SFO Clubhouse wins every time! [^]

Into LA, up route 1, out of SFO.

No other way. And make sure you stop off at San Luis Obispo. [y]


Car hire - go all inclusive through someone like airline-network.co.uk or simplycarhire.com

SFO here too. The delightful Claire. Check-in is easier, much less crowded too.

Hi GNJB

On the question of lounges, it is a no-brainer: SFO has a Clubhouse and this is consistently rated as one of the best by V-Flyers[y][y]

If you are doing Highway 1 then Hearst Castle is certainly worth a visit - the nearest town, Cambria has a few places but nothing I would personally recommend.

The Madonna Inn is somewhat unique[:D][:D]

Finally a Good place to stop at is Carmel / Monterrey as there are plenty of good places to stay and eat

buns

Never experienced LAX, but the CH at SFO was lovely and I finally met Claire last year - She is the kind of person VS need to use in their training for all staff as to how it should be done!

I drove from SFO to LAX, but took a lazy 5 days. Stopped in Monterey, which is nice to see and a good first night stop out of SFO, or before you arrive in SFO in coming from LAX. Stayed at the Monterey Bay Inn, nice rooms if you have a bay view and balcony and very friendly staff.

Halfway down stopped at Pismo Beach - at the Pismo Beach Lighthouse Suites, again go for a seaview room - great size, but the Best Western next door looked just as good.

I wouldn't worry about stopping too long in Santa Cruz, reminded me of Coney Island....a fairground waiting for its end....although I did go in Mid-February.

My final stop to LA was in Santa Barbara, only 1 night, but wish I had stayed longer. Stayed at the Spanish Garden Inn, go for a room with it's own garden and open fireplace - lovely and very romantic.

Make sure you visit the Mystery Spot, just outside Santa Cruz....its weird, but great!

Enjoy the trip!

Another vote for the in to LAX and out of SFO option (where Claire will be on duty if you're lucky).VS are currently offering (through the VS website) much better deals on car hire than airline network (who are now trading as netflights). If you're picking up and dropping in CA and opt for the VS option (with Dollar), then the fully inclusive insurance option will cover you for pretty much everything (including additional drivers) for rentals in CA (but minus the tank of fuel)and is much cheaper than the Platinum package which includes a tank of fuel and additional drivers.
DL

Thank you all for your advice and comments. I've now booked LHR Ð LAX / SFO Ð LHR in UC sale [:)] . Can't wait to see Claire at SFO!!

Thanks again,

GNJB.