Hotel near San Pedro pier?

Thanks ASTRO FLYER! Everything sounds so wonderful and I'm getting very excited about sailing on Princess again. I have a question for you that maybe you could answer. Some friends that have sailed on the CROWN in the past said there was some "different" about the public restrooms since the ship had been sailing around ASIA. But. . . he wouldn't tell me what it was and that I would just have to wait and see. Well, of course, the curiosity is killing me! Did you notice anything different?

 

Thanks!!

I check Princess cruises frequently however do not recall seeing the Crown in Asia. There were not any noticeable bathroom modifications in January & she has been on the West Coast since then. The only Princess ship that's had a major overhaul before going to Asia is the Diamond which included toilets.

I check Princess cruises frequently however do not recall seeing the Crown in Asia. There were not any noticeable bathroom modifications in January & she has been on the West Coast since then. The only Princess ship that's had a major overhaul before going to Asia is the Diamond which included toilets.

Thanks for the info Astro Flyer!!Maybe he's gotten his ships mixed up??? :eek:

Thanks for the info Astro Flyer!!Maybe he's gotten his ships mixed up??? :eek:

You'll be surprised at how many people don't seem to know which ships they've been on. It's one thing if they had 40 or so cruises to their experience, but I don't think that's the case with many of these mistakes.

A few years ago, while waiting for my next cruise, I decided to check the recent reviews of the Golden Princess (which we were repeating the same ship/itinerary almost exactly two years later). One review on the front page of this site talked about a recent cruise (from the date) on the Golden, but a Med cruise. The Golden hadn't been to the other side of the world in some years but on the west coast. I emailed the editors of the site and they took down (or maybe figured out the correct ship) the review.

About a year after our Alaskan cruise I was at a kids' birthday party and talking vacation plans with somebody who said they had been on a Princess Alaskan cruise the summer before too. But she couldn't remember the name. I narrowed it down by asking if it was an one-way or RT and then asked which day they sailed...and then told her the ship's name.

Adding to the post above, it could have been the Sapphire too. It had some major changes done before switching to an Asian market. I think the Golden is about to (or has already) been diverted to Australia, maybe Asia.

You'll be surprised at how many people don't seem to know which ships they've been on. It's one thing if they had 40 or so cruises to their experience' date=' but I don't think that's the case with many of these mistakes.

 

A few years ago, while waiting for my next cruise, I decided to check the recent reviews of the Golden Princess (which we were repeating the same ship/itinerary almost exactly two years later). One review on the front page of this site talked about a recent cruise (from the date) on the Golden, but a Med cruise. The Golden hadn't been to the other side of the world in some years but on the west coast. I emailed the editors of the site and they took down (or maybe figured out the correct ship) the review.

 

About a year after our Alaskan cruise I was at a kids' birthday party and talking vacation plans with somebody who said they had been on a Princess Alaskan cruise the summer before too. But she couldn't remember the name. I narrowed it down by asking if it was an one-way or RT and then asked which day they sailed...and then told her the ship's name.

 

Adding to the post above, it could have been the Sapphire too. It had some major changes done before switching to an Asian market. I think the Golden is about to (or has already) been diverted to Australia, maybe Asia.[/quote']

 

Cruisin' Chick

Thanks for the info. I wonder if it could have been the Diamond Primcess? They sailed on that particular ship earlier this year.

I sure didn't notice anything "different" about the public washrooms and I was in quite a few of them over the 10 day cruise. The Crown is the largest Princess ship we have been on but we enjoyed her just as well. This was our first cruise as Platinum and we went up to SkyWalkers the first night and it was so packed and the music was awful....kind of rock stuff that we told our friends that they could go from now on but we were going to Crooners. Just love Crooners for pre-dinner drinks. Get Jorge or Rodrigo to mix you up a Martini and I had them shaking their booty for this old babe....so funny! Very busy at Anytime Dining between 7:00-7:45 p.m. so try and go before or after if you aren't doing Traditional. Loved our room R746....last room at the end of the hall, out the door and up a couple of stairs to the aft pool and up 1 flight of stairs to the buffet. How great is that lol. Have a wonderful time.....wish we were still on it!

I check Princess cruises frequently however do not recall seeing the Crown in Asia. There were not any noticeable bathroom modifications in January & she has been on the West Coast since then. The only Princess ship that's had a major overhaul before going to Asia is the Diamond which included toilets.

Astro Flyer. . .Well I asked my friend again if he was sure that it was the Crown that had the restroom modifications and not the Diamond instead. He 'fessed up and said he had forgotten and that it was indeed the Diamond instead of the Crown. Mystery solved.

I haven't sailed on the Diamond before, so not sure what modifications they would have made in the public restrooms. Would you mind sharing that with me??? My friend had gotten my curiosity up ever since he started telling me about the Crown even though it turned out not to be that particular ship at all.

Thanks!!

My husband,I & a friend are going on NCL Jewel Dec 6th & flying in the day prior. We have booked the Crowne Plaza. We are looking for an inexpensive way to get from LAX to CP. I see ads for Super Shuttle & the hotel recommended another shuttle company which got terrible review from travelers. Actually Super Shuttle's weren't great either.

Any suggestions to get from LAX to CP? Any idea of costs? How about when we get off the ship. I'm guessing it's an expensive cab ride, especially if we get caught up in traffic. What have others done?

Also I read mention on here that Crowne Plaza provides a shuttle to the pier. They do but charge a nominal fee of $5. per person for them to take you. Actually the person at the desk when I called was a bit clueless insisting they have no shuttle. When we booked the hotel that person said they did have one. Finally she switched me to the bellhop desk & he said there is a shuttle but has a fee. Someone mentioned a cab being around $10. so if you have a few people it may pay to just take the cab at whatever time is convenient to you.

Thanks for any help with the transportation issue.

My husband,I & a friend are going on NCL Jewel Dec 6th & flying in the day prior. We have booked the Crowne Plaza. We are looking for an inexpensive way to get from LAX to CP. I see ads for Super Shuttle & the hotel recommended another shuttle company which got terrible review from travelers. Actually Super Shuttle's weren't great either.

 

Any suggestions to get from LAX to CP? Any idea of costs? How about when we get off the ship. I'm guessing it's an expensive cab ride, especially if we get caught up in traffic. What have others done?

 

Also I read mention on here that Crowne Plaza provides a shuttle to the pier. They do but charge a nominal fee of $5. per person for them to take you. Actually the person at the desk when I called was a bit clueless insisting they have no shuttle. When we booked the hotel that person said they did have one. Finally she switched me to the bellhop desk & he said there is a shuttle but has a fee. Someone mentioned a cab being around $10. so if you have a few people it may pay to just take the cab at whatever time is convenient to you.

 

Thanks for any help with the transportation issue.

Shuttle companies, in general, tend to get some poor reviews. It's easy for people to get disgruntled because, even when everything goes right, there tends to be delays, waits, extra stops...because the system is designed to be a shared ride...it's cheap, but to make that work, they need to fill the van...and that can mean circling the airport...but, OTOH, it's only $17 per person...

Taxis, OTOH, can be expensive...distances here can be long...and those meters keep running.

A good alternative is a car service...Look at Super Shuttle's "Execucar"...a little more expensive than a shared shuttle, but you don't share the ride, so less delays...

From the CP to the pier? A taxi shared by three is cheap enough...but, in reality, it's actually even walkable...I know because I've done it. You just have to have suitcases on wheels and not a lot of extra stuff. It's about a short block to Harbor Blvd., cross the street and turn left...in about one more short block, you'll be at the USS Iowa and the end of the parking lot for the Cruise Terminal...just follow along around the waterfront to whichever dock your ship is at...

But, if you don't want to schlepp your luggage, a taxi to go that short distance is cheap...

The CP, BTW, used to have a free shuttle until very recently...

Also check Uber or Lyft. The fares are similar to a shuttle, but it's door-to-door and if you need to make an intermediate stop for supplies, no problem. For local errands or a ride to the ship I'd definitely use Uber.

But, if you don't want to schlepp your luggage, a taxi to go that short distance is cheap...

 

The CP, BTW, used to have a free shuttle until very recently...

An FYI

On 10/3 We figured we would avoid the hassle of the 4 ships in port that day and asked the CP desk clerk to call us a cab. She replied the cabs will not come up here as they know it is a short trip to the port. She suggested we take their shuttle which happened to be out front. They were running two shuttles, one to pier 93 & 92 and the other to the other two piers that were a little further away. So off we went on their shuttle, smooth nice & easy.

Yesterday (10/18) we were off the ship and standing at the shuttle pickup spot at 8:50. The Crowne shuttle picked us up a little after 9:00 and we were in our car and pulling out of their drive at 9:15. Very Nice Very Easy Very Smooth

We have used Super Shuttle from LAX to Long Beach and have had no complaints. We were 4 people in a van. The shuttle made a stop at the hotel near the Queen Mary before dropping us at our hotel in Long Beach. We quite enjoyed the "inclusive site seeing" and considered it as part of a tour!;)

In April we intend to use them again. We made prior reservations last time, but found out that there was no need to do that. For prior reservations, they had a coupon code for a couple of $$ off.

As most have mentioned here your options are Doubletree, Best western and Crowne Plaza. Crowne Plaza and Best western are in what is known as "downtown" San Pedro, thus offering you more options to eat outside the hotels within walking distance. With the Doubletree you do need transportation if you wish to go out and eat. Both the Doubletree and Crowne Plaza have decent restaurants on their premises.

We just got off the Crown on Saturday.

We stayed at the BW and agree with all of the positives stated in this thread. The manager was very visible during our stay and helpful to guests. The room was wonderful as was the complimentary breakfast! We just loved the hotel but would not stay there again, unfortunately. The hotel is in a very bad location where the freeway enters the city. Even with a traffic light I would not cross the street. The only restaurants nearby are fast food. ( I don't know about the rest of you, but after a day of travel I want a sit down meal with a glass of wine in a nice restaurant.) The terrain has hills making walking difficult if you have any ambulatory impairments as I do.

As far as transportation from LAX to San Pedro we used Execucar for the first time. Climbing into a van is now difficult for me which eliminates shuttle service. We used Execucar based on recommendations on the CC threads. My husband and I were very impressed with the service. Our plane arrived ½ hr early. We were met in Baggage Claim by our driver who had a sign with our name on it. He gathered our luggage onto a cart and escorted us a short distance to the parking garage. He was friendly and courteous. He was an excellent driver. The cost was $75, not including tip. It was worth every penny. Look for discount codes online.

Coming back we used Ontime1 so we could compare companies. Their fee was $55 w/o tip. We did not get a call from the driver while on board waiting to exit. We had a difficult time connecting with him once we were outside the cruise terminal. We could not talk with someone directly at the head office, but rather had to leave a message and wait to hear from our driver. When he called we could not hear him well on the phone for some reason. The driver had a heavy accent which also impeded communication. The worst though, was that while driving on the freeway, he texted on his mobile for a few minutes. We will never use this company again especially after being so impressed with Execucar.

Is everyone talking about the Best Western on Gaffey?

Yes...BW is on Gaffey, the main thoroughfare through town.

Going on Princess Ruby 1/27/18. I have read about hotels, but now we need transportation from LAX to hotels. Can anyone advise us the best way to go? we are coming in on Friday as we live in Chicago and we always get nervous about weather that time of year. Any advise, help on anything about this cruise and how to get there and back to LAX would be SO appreciated. Thank you.

Going on Princess Ruby 1/27/18. I have read about hotels, but now we need transportation from LAX to hotels. Can anyone advise us the best way to go? we are coming in on Friday as we live in Chicago and we always get nervous about weather that time of year. Any advise, help on anything about this cruise and how to get there and back to LAX would be SO appreciated. Thank you.

Assuming you are flying in the day before and staying in a San Pedro Hotel, here are your options:

Car service: The simplest and easiest, though a bit pricier than some methods. But you can get picked up at LAX with little hassle and driven directly to your hotel without delay or unnecessary stops. There are lots of Limo companies in LA, but look at Super Shuttle's Execucar service (you can get pricing/reservations for them using the SuperShuttle booking site) for some reasonable car service prices.

Shared Shuttle: Look at Super Shuttle (Also Prime Time, RoadRunner, Karmel, others). Fairly inexpensive--about $17 pp one way. The main issues many have are that you share a van with others and, often, they will float around LAX until they have a full shuttle and then may make other stops on your way to your hotel. If you have plenty of time to waste and don't mind a little delay, it's a cheap way to get there...At least you get "door-to-door" service.

Uber/Lyft: Cheaper than taxis, door-to-door service, usually quick response. If there is an issue, it's that you can often get hit with "surge pricing" leaving LAX--which makes that savings evaporate. At that point, you can either wait and hope the surge disappears...or go find the Super Shuttle rep.

Taxi: It can be a very expensive taxi ride down to Pedro as that meter keeps ticking. It's a 20 mile ride and there's no knowing what route that taxi driver might take to run up the charges or how much traffic you'll hit.

Public transportation: Though some here will tell you it's doable--DON'T. Yes it;s cheap, but you'll end up doing some transfers and a little walking in places...and the buses really aren't equipped to handle your luggage... and you could always get lost. If you are on that tight a budget, spring for the shared shuttle.

Going on Princess Ruby 1/27/18. I have read about hotels, but now we need transportation from LAX to hotels. Can anyone advise us the best way to go? we are coming in on Friday as we live in Chicago and we always get nervous about weather that time of year. Any advise, help on anything about this cruise and how to get there and back to LAX would be SO appreciated. Thank you.

You can take a private car for less than a taxi. Ontime1 will take you from LAX to a hotel in San Pedro in a town car for $55.:)

is there somewhere to get our 2 bottles of wine pre-cruise near the doubletree or crowne plaza?

is there somewhere to get our 2 bottles of wine pre-cruise near the doubletree or crowne plaza?

There are a number of liquor stores in the area, but I'd prefer the Von's (Safeway) on Gaffey.

Thanks scottca075

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Bruin Steve, do you have any recommendations for getting from LAX to Crown Plaza in San Pedro?

We are not a fan of Super Shuttle and thought you have a favorite car service, etc. Thanks

There are several hotels in San Pedro, but only two have my full recommendation...

 

http://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/san-pedro/laxpv/hoteldetail

 

http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-san-pedro-port-of-los-angeles-LGBSPDT/index.html

 

Both have "park and cruise" offers available that include parking during your cruise...but, of course, remember that any such rate really just incorporates the parking charges into the room rates. Both will shuttle you to the Pier.

 

But, in any event, these are the nicest two hotels in San Pedro--best locations, most amenities, nicest rooms, etc. The Doubletree is located in a little more remote, but very pleasant, location--down by the marina--downchannel from the cruise port near the harbor entrance...very picturesque, but really only one good restaurant choice in walking distance--the 22nd Street Landing. But the hotel will shuttle you to restaurants in the Downtown San Pedro area. The Crowne Plaza is in the heart of Downtown San Pedro. The cruise port is really only short walking distance--but the hotel will provide a shuttle. There are a great number of good restaurants close by. My favorite is the San Pedro Brewing Company--within a block of the Crowne Plaza...But, also, there are the Green Onion, Acapulco, the Whale and Ale, Rafaello, Niko's, Neil's Pasta and others all within about a two block radius.

 

There are a few other "lesser" hotels in San Pedro that you may hear mention of--The Best Western Suites, the Vagabond and the Sunrise, to name three. The BW and the Vagabond are on Gaffey right where the 110 Freeway dumps out into San Pedro...not a great location and not really first class hotels. The Sunrise is close to the Cruise port, but, also, not a first class hotel. There are lots of people who are fine with staying at any of these--but, remember, people have varying standards as to what they think is a "decent" hotel. Read the reviews.

 

Good luck.

Several years ago, we stayed at the DT and I contacted the owner at OFF THE VINE WINES in that area. I told him what I wanted and he delivered it to the hotel for me. It was waiting when we arrived.

is there somewhere to get our 2 bottles of wine pre-cruise near the doubletree or crowne plaza?

Bruin Steve, do you have any recommendations for getting from LAX to Crown Plaza in San Pedro?

We are not a fan of Super Shuttle and thought you have a favorite car service, etc. Thanks

There's two choices for me--Uber or Execucar Express. Execucar is run by Super Shuttle, but it avoids all of the usual objections to a shared shuttle--no additional stops, no circling the airport to pick up others, etc. You get your own town car or SUV...You call when you have collected your luggage and are ready to go. Less expensive than taxis or smaller limo companies.

We used Lyft to get to the Crown Plaza hotel it was about $32 before tip and was much cheaper than Uber. I would not recommend staying at the Crowne Plaza though.