Does anyone live in or near LA?

[chadlnc]

I am going to be going to LA this weekend and need a little advice and was hoping that some of you west coasters can help. First off we are thinking about staying at the Radisson Hotel Los Angeles Westside. Anyone know anything about this hotel? We would also like to go to Las Vegas. If we left LA at 1:00PM on Staurday for Las Vegas would it be worth our trip if we had to be back in LA for training on Monday morning? How long would it take to get there?

Thanks in advance
Chad

[Jihforce]

If you left to Vegas at 1pm on Saturday, you would get there after 5pm, depending on traffic. Its about 4-5 hrs away normally. I personally think that if you have never been to Vegas, even a brief stay is better than no stay since you probably won't be there again for sometime. So I would go ahead and do it. Vegas is fun in small doses. :P Too much time in Vegas is sorta dangerous if you are planning to gamble. :heh:

[Nija]

I agree, and that Radisson is next to a freeway. Which is right down the street from my house. :)

Nija

[chadlnc]

Originally posted by Nija
I agree, and that Radisson is next to a freeway. Which is right down the street from my house. :)

Nija

How far is that from the beach? Their site says it has beach access, but from the map that looks like it would be pretty difficult to walk to :P. Is that an invitation to your house? We'll have some time on Monday night, set two extra for dinner :cool:.

We will probably try to get to Las Vegas then. We live in North Carolina and it may be the only chance we will ever get. Thanks!

[Nija]

Originally posted by chadlnc


How far is that from the beach? Their site says it has beach access, but from the map that looks like it would be pretty difficult to walk to :P. Is that an invitation to your house? We'll have some time on Monday night, set two extra for dinner :cool:.

We will probably try to get to Las Vegas then. We live in North Carolina and it may be the only chance we will ever get. Thanks!

It is too far to walk (approx. a mile and a half) down the street, and besides that beach sux. But you can drive up the 405 (North) get on the 10 (east) and where it ends you will be at Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and a hop, skip and a jump away from Venice Beach Boardwalk.

Nija

[pennypinch]

Ixnay on the 4-5 hours at 1pm on Saturday. You'll most likely run into traffic. Probably not as bad as on a Friday night (when the drive can hit up to 7 hours). So be prepared for a really horrible, slow, traffic-y, sometimes no A/C drive. The desert's so hot, it can overheat the car, so if you got a bad car, it can be a hotter than hell drive.

[Jihforce]

Penny's got a point there.
If you want to, you can try flying there. Its fairly inexpensive, I think its under $100 per person from Southwest. Your biggest problem would be to find an affordable hotel. Weekend rates are always extra. Try making a reservation. The nicest one I have stayed at is the Venitian so far.

[chadlnc]

Thanks for the advice. We are going to take our chances with the traffic and head straight out to Las Vegas. We made reservations at The Stratosphere. Then we will just have to be back for training on Monday. Whirlwind trip, but should be worth it, it may be my only chance to get that far from NC.

[BrewMaster]

I don't know which Raddison you're staying at. If it's the one near 2nd street (I think) or whatever street it's on in Santa Monica, it's a nice place. There's a restaurant on the top floor called "Toppers." It's pretty good and has some great drink specials during happy hour. I think they're $1 margaritas or something. The food is good too. It's about 100 yards from the beach. As for Vegas, GO. End of story.