Long Beach cheapest nice hotel

[cruisingusa]

So I am booked in Sept 2012 for a cruise on the Splendor, and have done some research on which hotels to book but I can't find the answer to this specific question. So I saw how people use the Priceline trick (3 1/3 stars area 1) to get a room for $60-$75 which sounds great, but if you take this option, isn't it possible that the hotel you get will not have the 7 days free parking included? If I end up having to pay for parking it will eat up all my savings from staying in a hotel at the first place (I only live in Ventura County about an hour away, but I figured for an extra couple bucks I would rather stay the night before than pay $120 in just parking at the pier.) The other option is to use a coupon code (found the maya for around $140 for parking and balcony) Thanks for the help!

[Cruisin' Chick]

For our last two cruises out of San Pedro, we hired a shuttle van and we live just miles closer than you. Unfortunately the last time, we went with the cheapest (Prime Time) and it was a mess. We could have just driven ourselves but two weeks of luggage weren't going to fit in either one of our trunks.

After we got home, my hubby said that next time we leave from there, we might go the day before and watch our ship sail into the port (well, he would, I probably would just sleep in).

[Donray]

Originally Posted by cruisingusa

So I am booked in Sept 2012 for a cruise on the Splendor, and have done some research on which hotels to book but I can't find the answer to this specific question. So I saw how people use the Priceline trick (3 1/3 stars area 1) to get a room for $60-$75 which sounds great, but if you take this option, isn't it possible that the hotel you get will not have the 7 days free parking included? If I end up having to pay for parking it will eat up all my savings from staying in a hotel at the first place (I only live in Ventura County about an hour away, but I figured for an extra couple bucks I would rather stay the night before than pay $120 in just parking at the pier.) The other option is to use a coupon code (found the maya for around $140 for parking and balcony) Thanks for the help!

Priceline hotels will not include parking.....

[Bruin Steve]

Originally Posted by cruisingusa

So I am booked in Sept 2012 for a cruise on the Splendor, and have done some research on which hotels to book but I can't find the answer to this specific question. So I saw how people use the Priceline trick (3 1/3 stars area 1) to get a room for $60-$75 which sounds great, but if you take this option, isn't it possible that the hotel you get will not have the 7 days free parking included? If I end up having to pay for parking it will eat up all my savings from staying in a hotel at the first place (I only live in Ventura County about an hour away, but I figured for an extra couple bucks I would rather stay the night before than pay $120 in just parking at the pier.) The other option is to use a coupon code (found the maya for around $140 for parking and balcony) Thanks for the help!

The Maya is probably your best option for a hotel and parking deal...
Basically, you can't get "everything"--a $60 hotel room AND free parking...hotels don't just give away stuff...
There are some people on these boards who find a similar "park and stay" deal at the Hotel Current"--but, frankly, I wouldn't take that...the hotel is only "okay" and it is not convenient to the pier or in an area of Long Beach that seems very vacation-like...You also have to consider the hassle of the shuttle back and forth ...

The Maya puts you close to the pier...and, for $140, it isn't costing you much more than parking alone...So, your vacation can start a day earlier...The Maya is convenient for the Passport shuttle into Downtown LB, but since you will have your car with you, even that is not an issue...unless you want to avoid parking when going out to dinner...

Your other option to avoid parking at the pier would be to just take a shuttle...I checked Roadrunner and they want $178 round trip for two from Simi to the pier in a shared shuttle--which is not really far off the hotel park and stay rate when you consider gasoline and auto costs...Your car stays in your garage, you don't have to drive and they deliver right from home to Pier....but, of course, no added vacation night in Long Beach...

[cruisingusa]

Thanks a lot for the tips everyone! I also appreciate the detailed info Steve. I think I am going to go with the Maya and drive, the whole cruise is a suprise present to my girlfriend (who I am also going to secretly propose to on the boat) for her graduation, and I thought it would be kinda cool to chill on the balcony sunday morning and point at the boat and let her know that is where we were headed next!

[PatriciaF]

Parking at the pier is $15/day, so parking alone would be $105...where are you going to find a hotel room for $35????? Even in the worst parts of Long Beach probably not.

Hotel Maya is your best bet.

Hotel Current is an option when the Maya and the Hilton are booked up and you are looking for a deal with room, parking, and shuttle. The Best Western that gets mentioned on this forum is in an iffy part of town--I wouldn't recommend it.

[Mist_ynight]

since your travelling with Carnival call the Hotel Maya and ask for the Carnival Cruise corporate rate. Pretty much everyone on my roll call did that. Our room is $119 but I'm not sure if that includes parking. It doesn't hurt to ask, give them a call and see.

[WINEMANVISALIA]

chicks don't like this kind of surprise...a cruise is a big deal and takes wardrobe planning...can you take her to visit area before cruise...propose the cruise and then leave your proposal for aboard ship...just saying....

Originally Posted by cruisingusa

Thanks a lot for the tips everyone! I also appreciate the detailed info Steve. I think I am going to go with the Maya and drive, the whole cruise is a suprise present to my girlfriend (who I am also going to secretly propose to on the boat) for her graduation, and I thought it would be kinda cool to chill on the balcony sunday morning and point at the boat and let her know that is where we were headed next!

[cruisingusa]

Originally Posted by WINEMANVISALIA

chicks don't like this kind of surprise...a cruise is a big deal and takes wardrobe planning...can you take her to visit area before cruise...propose the cruise and then leave your proposal for aboard ship...just saying....

Thank for the info! I actually told her I am taking her on a vacation that lasts a week around California and I am giving her a packing list w everything to bring (which will include everything you need on the cruise) and already am bringing her passport so its all taken care of. I like to plan way ahead haha.

[seawaver2]

Hotel Maya is your best bet.

[SadieN]

Originally Posted by cruisingusa

Thank for the info! I actually told her I am taking her on a vacation that lasts a week around California and I am giving her a packing list w everything to bring (which will include everything you need on the cruise) and already am bringing her passport so its all taken care of. I like to plan way ahead haha.

Make sure her passport is valid.

[fayfam]

Originally Posted by cruisingusa

Thanks a lot for the tips everyone! I also appreciate the detailed info Steve. I think I am going to go with the Maya and drive, the whole cruise is a suprise present to my girlfriend (who I am also going to secretly propose to on the boat) for her graduation, and I thought it would be kinda cool to chill on the balcony sunday morning and point at the boat and let her know that is where we were headed next!

How wonderful!

Congratulations to you both and good luck for your future together.

Kerry

[cruisingusa]

Thanks Kerry! I'm super stoked!