For something very interesting and different, you might look into staying onboard the Queen Mary (#1, that is). She's docked permanently right by the Long Beach cruise port, and is a museum/hotel. Could be interesting to compare cabins with the ship you cruise on!
Posts: 1361 | Location: Illinois | Registered: June 19, 2002
I also was going to suggest the Queen Mary 1. She is located down at the Seaport Village area. Having been raised in the Long Beach area, I have been on her many times. They have wonderful displays of what life was like on her when she was active. I used to hang out at the piano bar in the bow of the ship, I am not sure if it is still there. It is very quaint. If you don' stay there, then I would definately suggest touring her. I think it is worth it, especially if you like to cruise. They have some wonderful exhibits of how she was used in WWII. I know she is probably more expensive to stay overnight on her. I don't know how her rates compare to other hotels lately. They swear she is haunted, who knows. Another suggestions is the Hyatt in Long Beach, it is located right next to the Long Beach Aquariam. I also recommend the Aquariam, I think it is better than the Monterey Bay aquariam. Good Luck and enjoy your cruise. One more thing, the Catalina ferry is next to the Queen Mary, R/T tickets are like $30, if your interested. Lil' Lori
Hi. Yesterday I was looking through one of my travel magazines. I saw a full page ad for the "Coast Hotel", they appear to be a hotel chain. Well, they had a picture of the "Coast Long Beach Hotel". It looks gorgeous. It sits across the water, looking back at the view of downtown Long Beach, and the bridge taking you from downtown to the Seaport Village area. It is sorta adjacent to the Queen Mary, and also has a beautiful view of her. I just thought I would write about this. On the flip side, the Hyatt as I mentioned above, is in downtown, with views looking over the seaport village and the ocean, if you get a ocean view room. Hope this helps. Lil' Lori
You did not mention if you were flying in or driving to the port. We have used most of the Southern California airports--LAX, Long Beach, Orange County--and have stayed at airport hotels on the night before the cruise and then transfered from the airport to the ship on cruise day.
Personally I prefer the area around Orange County airport. All of the common chains are located at LAX and Orange County. However, at Long Beach I am only aware of a Marriott and Holiday Inn; although there are probably more.
Shuttle rates are probably about the same from LAX and Long Beach but somewhat higher from Orange County.
