Trip to SA for the derby, could use some recs

[shanahan]

Is there an area to hang around, hotels, restaurants, close by you could walk?  If not, where is a good place to hang that\'s a short cab ride?
On biz that week in O range Co, but didn\'t want to drive afterwards.
Any recs welcome, thanks.

[banditbeau]

The DoubleTree at 924 W. Huntington was about a mile from the track, with lots of places to eat.  Nice place.  They are already full for Breeders Cup, and most of the other area hotels have jacked the rates sky high.  Anyone have any good rec\'s  for places to stay that weekend?  bb

[Rick B.]

I have stayed at the Extended Stay in Arcadia, and it looks like they are
at about $100 per night right now, with rooms still available.

Clean place. Full fridge and stove in room, if you like to make your own
meals most of the time like I do. (Ralph\'s grocery is about 1/2 mile north
on Foothill.)

Hotel seemed to be 420 friendly. I don\'t indulge much anymore but I don\'t
have a problem with the aroma, so long as it isn\'t skunk. If the smell of
weed bothers you, maybe this isn\'t the place for you.

The one negative: when I was there, the free Wi-Fi sucked, so bring your
own if you plan to download Sheets, pp\'s, etc.

Like sushi? Zen Buffet is right around the corner at 5th and Huntington,
with a great selection of freshly made all-you-can-eat sushi at a fixed
price. They have other Chinese food (Cantonese, Mandarin, made-to-order
stir fry) as well. My favorite pigout place in SoCal. The manager kept
asking me at the end of each visit, \"So, you go back to Chicago pretty
soon, yes?\"

[P-Dub]

Shanahan,

Don\'t know if you\'re looking for a place to stay or hang out. If looking for a place to stay, we always stay at the Embassy Suites on Huntington, less than 5 minutes away by car. They have CSAA rates, also have specials if you are going to the races. Santa Anita rate is about $150/night tax included. Complimentary cocktails every night from 5:30 - 7:30, and also a full breakfast every morning. Includes all beverages. They have a business center, complete with internet access and printer.  You can print as much as you need, again complimentary. Rooms are clean and spacious, separate bedroom from the front room. Nice work area and free internet access in room. Highly recommended. They have shuttle service to the track, but its also a nice 15-20 minute walk. Have walked to the track a few times and its not bad at all.

Plenty of restaurants within walking distance. The Derby Restaurant is right next door, pricy but good food. Rick mentioned the Sushi place. BJs Bar and Grill, Claimjumpers right down the street.  Several decent places to eat, depends on what you are in the mood for.

Band,
As for BC week, everything in Arcadia/Monrovia is booked. 10 years ago you could get a room at the Embassy or Doubletree, but I think they are locked up by the BC now.  You need to look 10-15 miles away to find a room. We stayed at the Commerce Casino last year (Crowne Plaza), took about 30 minutes leaving the track and 20 minutes getting to the track.  Several Embassy Suites in the area and other hotel chains. Just look around and you\'ll find something.

[Kasept]

Anyone making a trip to Santa Anita needs to get a dinner in at the Dal Rae in Pico Rivera. It\'s 20 minutes south of Arcadia but a long time track habitué. It is a quintessential, old school, red leather banquette experience complete with tableside Caesar Salad preparation. If anyone knew Monty\'s in Pasadena and misses it, this is your more than suitable replacement. http://www.dalrae.com/

[Ill-bred]

There\'s a diner near the track that I like a lot -- Rod\'s, 41 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia.

Good spot for breakfast or lunch, handicapping, etc...