Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [345]
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PRACTICALITIES
The dominant newspaper, the Los Angeles Times, is read throughout Southern California. The San Diego Union Tribune is read primarily in San Diego County.
The NTSC system (not compatible with PAL or SECAM) is used for videos.
Electrical supply is 110V AC, 50/60Hz. Some electrical appliances have adjustable current-selector switches.
The US uses the imperial system, but you’ll sometimes see roadside mileage signs written in both kilometers and miles. To convert between metric and imperial, see the chart on the inside front cover.
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Properties offering free or fee-based broadband internet access for guests not traveling with their own equipment are designated with the internet icon (). Listings also mention whether wireless internet access (wi-fi) is offered.
B&Bs
Bed-and-breakfast lodgings are usually high-end accommodations in converted private homes, typically lovely old Victorians or other heritage buildings. Owners take great pride in decorating the guest rooms and common areas and have a personal interest in ensuring that you enjoy your stay. People in need of lots of privacy may find B&Bs a bit too intimate. Rates typically include a lavish, home-cooked breakfast. Amenities vary widely, but rooms with TV and telephone are the exception; the cheapest units share bathroom facilities. Most B&Bs require advance reservations, though some will accommodate the occasional drop-in guest. Smoking is generally prohibited and minimum stays are common in peak season and on weekends.
Standards are highest at places certified by the California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns (www.cabbi.com).
Camping
Camping in Southern California can be a lot more than just a cheap way to spend the night. The nicest sites have you waking up to ocean views, splendid rock formations or a canopy of pines. Most campgrounds are open year-round, and popular ones get jammed in summer, so make reservations as early as possible.
Basic campsites with fire pits, picnic benches and access to drinking water and pit toilets are most common in national forests and on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Campgrounds in state and national parks tend to have flush toilets, sometimes hot showers and RV (recreational vehicle) hookups. Private campgrounds are usually located close to cities and cater more to the RV crowd.
Most campgrounds accept reservations for all or some of their sites through one or both of the following agencies.
National Recreation Reservation Service (NRSS; 877-444-6777, outside the US 518-885-3639; www.recreation.gov; per reservation $9) Reservations in national parks (up to 180 days in advance); national forests and BLM land (up to 240 days in advance).
Reserve America ( 800-444-7275, outside the US 916-638-5883; www.reserveamerica.com; per reservation $7.50) Reservations for camping in California state parks and some private sites; you can book up to seven months in advance.
Hostels
Southern California has five hostels affiliated with Hostelling International USA (HI-USA; 301-495-1249, 800-909-4776; www.hiusa.org). Two are in each of San Diego and LA, and there’s one in Fullerton, near Disneyland; see those chapters for details. Dorms in HI hostels are gender-segregated and alcohol and smoking are prohibited.
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BOOK ACCOMMODATION ONLINE
For more accommodation reviews and recommendations by Lonely Planet authors, check out the online booking service at www.lonelyplanet.com/hotels. You’ll find the true, insider lowdown on the best places to stay. Reviews are thorough and independent. Best of all, you can book online.
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Indie hostels are most common in Hollywood, Venice and San Diego. They’re generally more convivial with regular guest parties and other events. Some include a light breakfast in their rates, arrange local tours or pick up guests at transportation hubs. No two hostels are alike but typical facilities include communal kitchens, lockers, internet access, laundry and TV lounges.
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THE CHAIN GANG
For chain-hotel branches not