First time on the Grand

[Editrix]

I contacted them and was quoted $208 (one way) for all 7 persons plus luggage from SFO to a Fisherman’s Wharf hotel, in a private mini van. Is this a reasonable price? Would welcome any replies to confirm either way as we have no idea if this is expensive or not. TIA.

 

That seems very expensive. A chartered Super Shuttle van should be a lot less.

 

https://www.supershuttle.com/airport/san-francisco-international-airport/

[suekel]

Yeah, that's expensive. For 2 it was $68.

[villauk]

That seems very expensive. A chartered Super Shuttle van should be a lot less.

 

https://www.supershuttle.com/airport/san-francisco-international-airport/

 

Thanks for that, they are considerably cheaper.

[boom op]

The weather you never know around here. We took cruise in February I thought we would be leaving in the rain. It was 70 degrees on the 6th of February in San Francisco. Be careful in the city we met a couple who had his wallet stolen riding the Muni

 

 

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[villauk]

I know this is slightly off topic, but we are having a stopover in Las Vegas on the way to SF, prior to boarding the Grand and wondered if The Palazzo is in a good area? We’ve never been to Las Vegas and want to experience the casinos, a show and maybe any other must-sees/dos, so want to be centrally located in a decent hotel. Any advice would be greatly received ;).

[suekel]

Looking at the map of Vegas, I would say yes. Right on the strip. As an FYI, there is a stand outside the MGM, under a big coke sign. They sell tickets for shows that night that have not sold out for a discounted price. I'm not sure what time the tickets go on sale...in my head I'm thinking 1 or 2 but it could be later. You might want to check that out if you're not too picky about what you see. We saw a Cirque show in the New York New York last summer that was good...rated R, don't take the kids.

Have fun!

[suekel]

here it is! http://www.tix4tonight.com/showcase-mall/

[villauk]

Thank you, Suekel :).

[suekel]

Thank you, Suekel :).

 

 

You're welcome. Be aware that all of these resorts are huge and set back from the street so you'll take a lot of cabs/uber/lyfts. Even next door can be a long walk.

[4cats4me]

I know this is slightly off topic, but we are having a stopover in Las Vegas on the way to SF, prior to boarding the Grand and wondered if The Palazzo is in a good area? We’ve never been to Las Vegas and want to experience the casinos, a show and maybe any other must-sees/dos, so want to be centrally located in a decent hotel. Any advice would be greatly received ;).

 

 

 

Yes, the Palazzo is In a good Area. We stay at the Wynn across the street when we go. It is near a big shopping mall as well.

[4cats4me]

Looking at the map of Vegas, I would say yes. Right on the strip. As an FYI, there is a stand outside the MGM, under a big coke sign. They sell tickets for shows that night that have not sold out for a discounted price. I'm not sure what time the tickets go on sale...in my head I'm thinking 1 or 2 but it could be later. You might want to check that out if you're not too picky about what you see. We saw a Cirque show in the New York New York last summer that was good...rated R, don't take the kids.

Have fun!

 

 

You can also get the half price tix in front of the shopping mall

At the other end of the strip across the street from the Wynn and very near the region of the Palazzo.

[Cruise Raider]

I know this is slightly off topic, but we are having a stopover in Las Vegas on the way to SF, prior to boarding the Grand and wondered if The Palazzo is in a good area? We’ve never been to Las Vegas and want to experience the casinos, a show and maybe any other must-sees/dos, so want to be centrally located in a decent hotel. Any advice would be greatly received ;).

 

The Palazzo is a gorgeous hotel and in a good area as far as not being seedy.

You will be about a 15 minute walk to the center of the Strip, though ... but it's easy walking. The Venetian is even a little closer to the middle of the strip. Both these hotels have casinos and shows.

The center of the strip would be more like the Bellagio or Caesars (on the nicer end) or Paris, Planet Hollywood or Ballys (on the cheaper end ... but still decent hotels). Paris is the best of these three and wouldn't hesitate to stay there. I would skip over staying at Harrahs, Flamingo or the Linq ... all very old, even though some of their rooms have been upgraded.

The Palazzo, if that's where you choose to stay, has a really nice restaurant from brunch out in the front, called Lavo ... and it isn't an arm and a leg like some of the restaurants there.

Down between the Linq and Flamingo, they have a nice area with shops and restaurants ... be sure to look for coupons on Groupon before you go. I like to eat outside ... so all of these I mentioned fit that bill.

Be sure to stop by for the best free show in all of Vegas, the Bellagio Fountains. It's great. If you go downtown to Fremont Street, they also have a free show in a canopy of lights ... pretty amazing. You will have to watch out for your safety a little more carefully down in that area, though. It's not horrible but the Strip just feels safer. Cops are pretty much everywhere in Vegas ... for your safety!

Do yourself a favor and grab an Uber or Lyft from the airport and back. Cabs can be pricey. If you do take a cab, make sure you tell them not to 'tunnel' you. It is the long route and your ride will cost double what it normally should ... and they are notorious for trying it on tourists to bump up the fare.

[villauk]

Yes, the Palazzo is In a good Area. We stay at the Wynn across the street when we go. It is near a big shopping mall as well.

 

You can also get the half price tix in front of the shopping mall

At the other end of the strip across the street from the Wynn and very near the region of the Palazzo.

 

Thank you ;).

[villauk]

The Palazzo is a gorgeous hotel and in a good area as far as not being seedy.

You will be about a 15 minute walk to the center of the Strip, though ... but it's easy walking. The Venetian is even a little closer to the middle of the strip. Both these hotels have casinos and shows.

The center of the strip would be more like the Bellagio or Caesars (on the nicer end) or Paris, Planet Hollywood or Ballys (on the cheaper end ... but still decent hotels). Paris is the best of these three and wouldn't hesitate to stay there. I would skip over staying at Harrahs, Flamingo or the Linq ... all very old, even though some of their rooms have been upgraded.

The Palazzo, if that's where you choose to stay, has a really nice restaurant from brunch out in the front, called Lavo ... and it isn't an arm and a leg like some of the restaurants there.

Down between the Linq and Flamingo, they have a nice area with shops and restaurants ... be sure to look for coupons on Groupon before you go. I like to eat outside ... so all of these I mentioned fit that bill.

Be sure to stop by for the best free show in all of Vegas, the Bellagio Fountains. It's great. If you go downtown to Fremont Street, they also have a free show in a canopy of lights ... pretty amazing. You will have to watch out for your safety a little more carefully down in that area, though. It's not horrible but the Strip just feels safer. Cops are pretty much everywhere in Vegas ... for your safety!

Do yourself a favor and grab an Uber or Lyft from the airport and back. Cabs can be pricey. If you do take a cab, make sure you tell them not to 'tunnel' you. It is the long route and your ride will cost double what it normally should ... and they are notorious for trying it on tourists to bump up the fare.

 

Thanks for all the great information. I was considering booking a van via the hotel for transport from the airport as there are 7 in our party. We have teens with us so wanted a safer area to stay. The Palazzo looked ideal and I believe we can access the Venetian from the Palazzo.

 

We’re only there for a couple of days so I think a visit to the Grand Canyon may be a little too far to incorporate in such a short time - it’s more about the experience of Vegas. We do want to see a show though and these discount ticket places sound like we could get a better deal.

[villauk]

The Palazzo is a gorgeous hotel and in a good area as far as not being seedy.

You will be about a 15 minute walk to the center of the Strip, though ... but it's easy walking. The Venetian is even a little closer to the middle of the strip. Both these hotels have casinos and shows.

The center of the strip would be more like the Bellagio or Caesars (on the nicer end) or Paris, Planet Hollywood or Ballys (on the cheaper end ... but still decent hotels). Paris is the best of these three and wouldn't hesitate to stay there. I would skip over staying at Harrahs, Flamingo or the Linq ... all very old, even though some of their rooms have been upgraded.

The Palazzo, if that's where you choose to stay, has a really nice restaurant from brunch out in the front, called Lavo ... and it isn't an arm and a leg like some of the restaurants there.

Down between the Linq and Flamingo, they have a nice area with shops and restaurants ... be sure to look for coupons on Groupon before you go. I like to eat outside ... so all of these I mentioned fit that bill.

Be sure to stop by for the best free show in all of Vegas, the Bellagio Fountains. It's great. If you go downtown to Fremont Street, they also have a free show in a canopy of lights ... pretty amazing. You will have to watch out for your safety a little more carefully down in that area, though. It's not horrible but the Strip just feels safer. Cops are pretty much everywhere in Vegas ... for your safety!

Do yourself a favor and grab an Uber or Lyft from the airport and back. Cabs can be pricey. If you do take a cab, make sure you tell them not to 'tunnel' you. It is the long route and your ride will cost double what it normally should ... and they are notorious for trying it on tourists to bump up the fare.

 

Cruise Raider,

 

Is it best to prebook Alcatraz tours directly with their site or through a third party for discounts? Notice you mentioned Groupon and wondered what’s the best way to secure our reservation whilst still getting a decent price. TIA :).

 

We booked The Argonaut in SF, is it walkable to the pier from there or would we need transport? On the map it looks pretty close, but unsure how easy it would be (all our luggage is wheeled and we have older teens in the group).

Edited March 14, 2018 by villauk

[Cruise Raider]

Cruise Raider,

 

Is it best to prebook Alcatraz tours directly with their site or through a third party for discounts? Notice you mentioned Groupon and wondered what’s the best way to secure our reservation whilst still getting a decent price. TIA :).

 

We booked The Argonaut in SF, is it walkable to the pier from there or would we need transport? On the map it looks pretty close, but unsure how easy it would be (all our luggage is wheeled and we have older teens in the group).

 

I always recommend to book Alcatraz through the official site for this tour. I doubt if you will find a cheaper price or get any additional value. They put the tickets on sale 90 days ahead of time and will be sold out by the day of your trip. As you can find discounts for many things in San Francisco, I don't think you will find discount coupons (Groupon, etc) for Alcatraz. They also have a tour that includes Angel Island if you feel energetic. I have seen Groupons for Angel Island by itself, though, so if interested, do the math to see which one is a better deal.

The site to book your Alcatraz tour is: https://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

It's a self guided tour with some history provided ... you go at your scheduled time and come back at your leisure.

There are discounts for different age groups. Take a jacket ... it gets cold over there.

 

As for your hotel, it is a little over a mile away but not strewn with a bunch of hills if you take the route along the waterfront....maybe a 20-25 min walk. With luggage, it will be a little congested on the sidewalk, especially in front of Fisherman's Wharf and if street performers are out in full force. It's doable, though. Uber / Lyft are pretty cheap, though ... might be worth it depending on the amount of luggage you have. I think the XXL Uber holds up to 5 pax.

[villauk]

I always recommend to book Alcatraz through the official site for this tour. I doubt if you will find a cheaper price or get any additional value. They put the tickets on sale 90 days ahead of time and will be sold out by the day of your trip. As you can find discounts for many things in San Francisco, I don't think you will find discount coupons (Groupon, etc) for Alcatraz. They also have a tour that includes Angel Island if you feel energetic. I have seen Groupons for Angel Island by itself, though, so if interested, do the math to see which one is a better deal.

The site to book your Alcatraz tour is: https://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

It's a self guided tour with some history provided ... you go at your scheduled time and come back at your leisure.

There are discounts for different age groups. Take a jacket ... it gets cold over there.

 

As for your hotel, it is a little over a mile away but not strewn with a bunch of hills if you take the route along the waterfront....maybe a 20-25 min walk. With luggage, it will be a little congested on the sidewalk, especially in front of Fisherman's Wharf and if street performers are out in full force. It's doable, though. Uber / Lyft are pretty cheap, though ... might be worth it depending on the amount of luggage you have. I think the XXL Uber holds up to 5 pax.

 

Thank you again, some excellent information for me to research ;).

[Editrix]

Check out UberSUV for pricing of a vehicle that should be able to fit all 7 of you.

 

https://www.uber.com/cities/san-francisco/

[villauk]

Check out UberSUV for pricing of a vehicle that should be able to fit all 7 of you.

 

https://www.uber.com/cities/san-francisco/

 

I think they only take a maximum of 6 :confused:?

[Cruise Raider]

I think they only take a maximum of 6 :confused:?

 

When I was checking into it, the max was five passengers and one driver ... so six in all. I didn't see the SUV option offered at that time. They told me I would have to order two cars.

But, nothing wrong with having a few of the passengers take Uber with all the luggage and a couple of the others can easily walk.

[villauk]

When I was checking into it, the max was five passengers and one driver ... so six in all. I didn't see the SUV option offered at that time. They told me I would have to order two cars.

But, nothing wrong with having a few of the passengers take Uber with all the luggage and a couple of the others can easily walk.

 

Yes, that may be an option worth considering ;).

 

Big thanks to all that replied to my questions on this thread - it’s definitely helped immensely with our plans :*.