California Road Trippin'
Death Valley September 2024
Introduction
In September 2024 four of us took a road trip around California This was one of my favourite trips so far. We managed to pack in major cities, national parks, and couple of unusual destinations.
In terms of costs, this obviously isn't a cheap getaway, and we also got a deal with British Airways that meant for the first, and probably only time, we flew home business class. We budgeted £9,000 per couple, and ended up spending £9,450. Not bad guess work really. Most of our trips cost far less than this. This was a special trip! Our route was anti-clockwise from Los Angeles, with the first stop being San Diego.
From San Diego, we made our way north east through Borrego Springs, with a detour to Bombay Beach and the Salton Sea on the way to Palm Springs.
Then further east for a day in Joshua Tree National Park, followed by a day in Death Valley to the north.
After this we spent two days in Yosemite, by entering the park via the Tioga Pass, which is only open in the summer, but is much quicker when you are coming from Death Valley than having to drive to the west entrances.
Then three days chilling in Lake Tahoe and getting the laundry done!
Next we drove west through Sacramento to Napa Valley for some wine tasting.
Then Sausalito and San Francisco before taking Route 1 south back down to Los Angeles via Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, and Morro Bay.
Day 1 - Arrival and Long Beach
Leaving Glasgow mid morning, and changing at Heathrow, got us in to LAX early evening.
This day didn't go to plan - see my blog on luggage delays, a pretty stressful day, but we eventually picked up our hire car and got to our hotel in the early hours of the following morning.
We stayed on the Queen Mary, which is now permanently docked in Long Beach.
We had intended to explore the area in the evening and grab some dinner at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront, but unfortunately as we didn't get to our hotel until the middle of the night, I can't comment on what the waterfront was like.
The Queen Mary
Day 2 - Long Beach to San Diego
We had breakfast at the Midship Marketplace onboard the Queen Mary instead of some of the more expensive sit-down options. They mainly serve freshly made sandwiches and coffee, which was just right for us. Afterwards, we wandered the ship and it's various onboard exhibits and shops.
After checking-out, we had planned set off on our road trip by heading south on Route 1 out of Los Angeles to pick up the I-5 to hug the coast. However, if you've read my blog mentioned above about luggage delays, you'll know that we basically had to waste our first day waiting for our luggage to arrived before we could set off.
Instead of the leisurely drive down the coast taking in beaches such as Huntington Beach, Crystal Cove, Laguna beach, and La Jolla Shores, we had to gun it down the I-5 to get to our San Diego hotel and catch up with our itinerary again. We checked in to the Hampton Inn Downtown San Diego for two nights.
Day 3 - San Diego
One thing that's the top of the to-do list for any of our trips to a city, and the best way to get a snapshot of the city, is to take a hop-on-hop-off bus. Our hotel was just a block away from from the Maritime Museum and the trolley bus stop we wanted to board at. The Trolley bus was great value and the driver was very entertaining.
We took the trolley bus to the Gas Lamp Quarter, a popular area for restaurants, shops, and nightlife. We also used the Trolley bus to travel across the Coronado Bridge to Coronado Island. Finally getting off the bus in Little Italy for an early dinner at the Queenstown Public House. An early dinner as we had last minute tickets in the evening to see P!nk in concert at Petco Park.
P!nk concert at Petco Park
The Gas Lamp Quarter
Getting hold of the P!nk tickets meant cutting a few stops from our itinerary during the day. The concert wasn't my idea, and being the person in our group who usually designs the itineraries, I threw a strop about the late change to plans. I really must learn to be more flexiable, as the concert was amazing. Not only did P!nk put on a a great show, the whole experience getting in and out of Petco Park was wasy and stress free, not like the torture of UK venues.
We walked back to the hotel via the Gas Lamp Quarter amongst the crowds leaving he concert, and there was such a good party atmosphere. It felt very safe and friendly.
Day 4 - San Diego to Palm Springs
My favourite day of the trip!
From San Diego, we drove north east to Borrego Springs where lots of large metal sculptures can be found in the desert. Most of the sculptures are just north of Christmas Circle, but there are a few to the south as well. There is a map here, along with a more detailed post on Borrego Springs: Borrego Springs Art Map
We spotted quite a few of them!
After an enjoyable morning searching the desert for these sculptures, we moved on to out next destination for the day - Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea (which is a lake).
If you've never heard of Bombay Beach, it's a deserted resort on the north side of the Salton Sea. In the 1950's it was a luxury beach resort that attracted millions of visitors over its time. It was popular for fishing, boating and water sports. However, in the 1970's the salt levels of the lake started to rise, and it could no longer sustain its wildlife. The smell of sulphur, and dead fish became to strong and resorts shut down.
Today, there are a few residents in mobile homes on a grid of roads, but the biggest attractions at Bombay Beach are the art installations. Although tourism is increasing, as of 2024, if you go for a drive out there, it will be pretty much deserted, with the odd photographer or urban explorer floating around. This place is eerie and smelly, but such an amazing place to visit.
Fun fact - The town of Sandy Shores in Grand Theft Auto V is partially based on Bombay Beach.
After a very hot and sunny afternoon exploring Bombay Beach, we headed off to Palm Springs for the evening. Our accommodation that night was Best Western Plus Las Brias in Palm Springs.
Every Thursday evening from 6/7pm, Village Fest takes place in downtown Palm Springs on Palm Canyon Drive . The street is closed to traffic and is transformed into a festive, pedestrian street market with vendors down either side of the street. We wandered through the fair which had food stalls, souvenirs, and gifts etc. Although it was 8pm by the time we got there, and the sun had gone down, the temperature was still 26℃ (79℉). We were pretty tired after a long day, so after sitting outside a bar with cocktails people watching, we all got food from stalls that took our fancy and went back to the hotel. Tomorrow will be another busy day!
Day 5 - Joshua Tree National Park
Even though we went in September, daytime temperatures could still reach the mid 30's ℃ (mid 90's ℉), so stocking up with water and snacks before we set off for Joshua Tree National Park was essential. The recommendation is 4 litres of water per person, salty snacks, sports drinks with electrolytes and something with high carbs. I would also recommend going early to beat the crowds and the hot temperatures.
The entrance fee to the Park is $30 per car.. We entered the park from the town of Joshua Tree (West Entrance and Visitors Centre) in the morning and exited via Twentynine Palms (North Entrance) at the end of the day.
Joshua Tree National Park encompasses two eco systems, the Mohave desert and the Colorado desert. Get a map from the entrance, it will help enormously. Also, don't expect any mobile/cell network. There's loads to see, such as rock formations, beautiful vistas and attractions such as rusty old cars. Toilets are at Quail Springs picnic area and Hidden Valley picnic area.
I created a detailed itinerary for today as I didn't want to miss anything!
Hidden Valley Trail
The first stop was The Hidden Valley Trail. This is a 1 mile loop walk through a scenic valley surrounded by large rock formations. Along the trail are educational signs about local plants and animals. Between the late 1800s and early 1900s, the valley was used by cattle rustlers looking to stay “hidden”. As you walk the trail, look for Cow Rock, a cow-shaped rock formation on a wall overlooking the valley - we never found it.
The trail is easy but there are stairs and rock steps at the beginning and ending of the trail. This is a popular walk, and on busy days, the car park can fill up quickly. It is recommend that you start this walk by 9 am during warmer temperatures. Hidden Valley Trail has very little shade.
Hidden Valley Trailhead
Cap Rock
Next up - this trail is an easy 0.4 mile loop with minimal elevation change. It winds through Joshua trees, Mojave yuccas, and spectacular granite rock formations. Along the trail, there are benches to rest on and signs showing information about plants and wildlife. There are picnic tables and a bathroom near the trailhead. This trail has minimal shade.
Cap Rock
Keys View
This vista is perched on the crest of the Little San Bernardino Mountains, and provides panoramic views of the Coachella Valley. It's well worth the 20-minute drive from Park Boulevard down Keys View Road.
We took the 0.2 mile loop trail up the ridge for especially nice views. Look for the shining surface of the Salton Sea, which is 230 feet below sea level, on the far left. Looking to the right, you'll see the Santa Rosa Mountains.
Keys View
Skull Rock
Over the years, rain drops have eroded the granite until, as time passed, two hollowed-out eye sockets formed and the rock began to resemble a skull.
Located along the main east-west park road (70 feet from the Road), Skull Rock is a favourite stop for park visitors. A place to park is located just across the road from the rock. I didn't get a very good picture here, but there are better angles that make the rock truly look like a skull.
Skull Rock
Split Rock
This can be seen from the next car park which is a left turn down a track opposite Live Oak picnic area.
Split Rock
Cholla Cactus Garden
Our final stop in Joshua Tree was Cholla Cactus Garden, which is an easy 0.25 mile walk with minimal elevation gain along Pinto Basin Road. This walk meanders through a dense patch cholla on the edge of the Pinto Basin and provides views of the basin and surrounding mountains.
Even though this is a short and easy walk, it is strongly recommended to wear closed shoes for protection from the cholla spines.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Upon leaving the Park via the Twenty Nine Pines exit, we then had a 2 hour drive to our hotel in Yermo. Our accommodation for the night was the Travelodge by Wyndham, and dinner at Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner!
Day 6 - Death Valley
We set off early from Yermo on the 135 mile journey to enter Death Valley at Death Valley Junction.
Driving north east to Baker where the tallest thermometer in the world standing at 134 feet is located, before taking the road north to Death Valley Junction.
Entry to the park was $35 per car.
I wrote a detailed itinerary for today as well so as not to miss any of the top sights!
The tallest thermometer in the world at Baker
Dante's View
Entering the park from the south at Death Valley Junction, we followed Highway 190 for approximately 18 miles, then turned left to go south to Dantes View for 14 miles.
Considered one of the best scenic vistas in the park, Dantes View provides a birds-eye view of Death Valley. There is a viewing platform in the parking area. There are also toilets here. Afterwards, we returned north along the same road until we got back to Highway 190, and turned left to continue towards Twenty Mule Team Canyon.
Dante's View
Twenty Mule Team Canyon
At Twenty-Mule Team Canyon, we explored a roller-coaster drive, hidden just off the main highway. Here, a 2.5 mile dirt road winds between, around, and over yellow hills. This one-way drive offers spectacular scenery, and views of the ruggedness of Death Valley. We passed the exit road of the loop first, which you can’t drive down. You continue to the next left turn and drive south and anti-clockwise until you are back at Highway 190 again.
Twenty Mule Team Canyon
Twenty Mule Team Canyon
Zabriskie Point
After approximately 3 miles, Zabriskie Point was on our left. Here we saw spectacular views across golden badlands. We took a 0.25 mile walk (400m) from the parking area up a paved path to the viewpoint. There are toilets here as well. After Zabriskie Point you carry on driving in the same direction until you get to Furnace Creek.
View from Zabriske Point
View from Zabriske Point
Furnace Creek
Here there is a Visitors Centre - toilets, food etc. Plus the famous thermometer that people get their photos taken in front of. We left Furnace Creek down a road going south (not the road we came in by, or the north road).
Furness Creek Visitors Centre
Badwater Basin
On the main road south of Furness Creek, we came Badwater Basin. After this, we turned around to go north again on the same road. Badwater Basin is the lowest point in North America at 282ft below sea level. A short walk from the parking area takes you on to the flats.
View to Badwater Basin Salt Flats
Badwater Basin Elevation Sign
Badwater Basin Salt Flats
Artist's Drive and Artist's Pallet
Driving back north after Badwater Basin, for approximately 5 miles, there was a right hand turn into Artists Drive. This is a 9 mile loop that brought us back on to the main road again. The drive is best done late afternoon when exposed minerals and volcanic ash make the hills erupt in hues of green. We enjoyed the views from the car this time. After this, we got back on to the main road heading north (turning right out of Artists Drive) and heading back towards Furnace Creek.
Artist's Palette
Mesquite Flat Sands
Staying on Highway 190, 28 miles northwest of Furnace Creek, near Stovepipe Wells Village; Mesquite Flat Sands are the most accessible dunes in Death Valley. This undulating sea of sand rises to 100ft high next to the highway and is the most photogenic at sunrise or sunset when bathed in soft light and accentuated by long, deep shadows. It was too hot to get out of the car here!
Stovepipe Wells Village
This is somewhere to stop, refuel, toilet etc. near Mesquite Flat Sands. From here, we kept following Highway 190.
Panamint Springs
The next village Panamint Springs is 26 miles along the road.
Father Crowley Overlook
A few miles outside Panamint Village is Father Crowley outlook. A view into Rainbow Canyon (also now called Star Wars Canyon) was a short walk from the car. From here we stayed on Highway 190 to leave the park.
From here we had a 40 minute drive to the Best Western Frontier Hotel in Lone Pine where we spent the night.
Father Crowley Outlook
Days 7-8 - Yosemite National Park
FIRST DAY
We set off north from Lone Pine and entered the Park from the east via Tioga Pass
❗️Important - Tioga Pass is only open from late May/early June to late October/early November, if you try to go to Yosemite when this entrance is closed, you will have at least a 5 hour detour round the park to reach the west entrances
Entry to the Park was $35 per car, but at peak times you may also have to apply for a reservation in advance. This was $2, but you can't enter the park if one is needed, even with a ticket❗️
Travelling along Tioga Pass, which is a lesser travelled rout into the park than the more popular routes to the west, we got so the some stunning scenery without the throngs of tourists that we would later see in Yosemite Village.
Ellery Lake
This lookout is located off Tioga Pass outside the eastern Yosemite entrance about 15 minutes from Lee Vining.
Ellery Lake
Tuolumne Meadows
Situated at 8600 ft above sea level, Tuolumne Meadows is a large open space framed by lush evergreens and granite domes with the Tuolumne River snaking its way across it. There are multiple pullouts and parking areas all along the meadow with trail systems that are interconnected, making its features easy to access – even on busy days in the park.
Tuolumne Meadows
Tenaya Lake
Located right off Tioga Road, Tenaya Lake sits at an elevation of 8,150 ft and is the largest natural lake in Yosemite, measuring over a mile long.
Tenaya Lake
Olstead Point
Olmsted Point is famous for its views of Half Dome and Clouds Rest from the parking area. There are also informational panels about the area and history here, along with a map of the landscape.
Olsted Point
Tunnel View
Turning left off Highway 120 (Tioga Pass) towards Yosemite Valley. You can park a the north end of the tunnel for tunnel view. Can see El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridal Veil Falls from here, although the falls were just a trickle when we were here.
Glacier Point
Glacier Point, an overlook with a commanding view of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Yosemite’s high country, is accessible by car from approximately late May through to October or November. When the road is open, you can drive to Glacier Point by traveling on the Wawona Road (the continuation of Highway 41 within the park) — south from Yosemite Valley. After traveling about 13 miles, turn on to the Glacier Point Road at the Chinquapin intersection. Driving time from Wawona and Yosemite Valley is about an hour.
Glacier Point
After Glacier Point, we left the park to the east for the two hour drive to our accommodation for the night.
SECOND DAY
Today we drove back into Yosemite National Park from our accommodation in the east into Yosemite Valley.
Bridal Veil Falls
The first stop on the way into the Valley, before driving on the one-way loop, was Bridal Veil Falls. A paved trail leads from the parking area to the base of the waterfall. The walk to the waterfall is a half mile there and back. There was barely a trickle of water when we were there in September. It's much more impressive earlier in the year.
Yosemite Valley is eight miles long and 1 miles wide. Most people get round the Valle using the shuttle bus. which runs between 07:00 and 22:00. The Valley-wide shuttle runs approximately every 12 to 22 minutes with a total round trip time of approximately 1 hours 30 minutes. The buses were busy, but we always got the bus we were waiting for, but couldn't always take a seat. Where you start your tour of the Valley will depend on where you were able to park. We found parking easier than I thought we would. We got a spot near bus stop 7 at Yosemite Valley Lodge, and spet the day getting on and off the buses to get round the Park.
El Capitan Meadow (Bus Stop 9)
El Capitan Meadow provides a great view of Lower and Middle Cathedral Rock, and the Cathedral Spires, which loom over the meadow. These rocks, just opposite of El Capitan, are just as impressive than El Capitan itself.
El Capitan
Middle Cathedral Rock
Mirror Lake (Bus Stop 17)
We took the mile long paved road that leads directly to Mirror Lake. When we got there it had all dried up for the summer though!
Mirror Lake
Other Bus Stops:
Yosemite Village (Bus Stop 1 or 2)
Souvenirs, a grocery store (pick up a packed lunch?), toilets etc.
Ahwanhee Hotel (Bus Stop 3)
This is where the Shining was filmed and you can go inside the hotel and check out the public spaces. Toilets again (possibly cleaner). Behind the hotel is the river Mercred.
Lower Yosemite Falls and Cooks Meadow (Bus Stop 6)
You can walk the 1 mile loop in a clockwise direction for best views of Yosemite Falls.
Cooks Meadow is a short, easy walk with views of Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, Glacier Point, and Sentinel Rock. At bus stop 6, cross the road and follow the bike path, bearing left as the path forks. At Sentinel Bridge parking area, walk out onto the bridge to enjoy a classic view of Half Dome before returning to the parking area. Follow the boardwalk back across the meadow, cross the two streets, and turn right to return to the visitor centre.
You can just as easily walk this loop in reverse and can begin walking at the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center, heading west along the bike path until you come into view of the meadow where you will cross two streets and then enter Cook's Meadow shortly before the boardwalk starts.
Curry Village (Bus Stops 14 or 19)
There is a gift shop, multiple dining options, and a bar here.
Once we had exhausted ourselves, we made our way out of the Park for the last time and drove to our evening's accommodation, which was the Best Western Plus in Oakdale.
Days 9-11 - Lake Tahoe
The half way point of the holiday, and we're pretty tired now! First we had a 3 hour drive from our hotel in Oakdale to a house we had rented for three days in Zephyr Cove, Lake Tahoe.
The first two of the three days were rest and laundry days! The house we rented had a hot tub, games room, and laundry facilities. It was just enough time to recharge and set ourselves up again for the second half of the trip.
On the third day, we took a two hour cruise across Lake Tahoe from Zephyr Cove, and back on the M.S. Dixie II Paddle Steamer.
MS Dixie II on Lake Tahoe
Day 12 - Lake Tahoe to Napa Valley
Lake Tahoe to Napa Valley is a three hour drive via Sacramento. We stopped at the Old Sacramento Waterfront or lunch.
Before arriving at our accommodation at RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort, we found out that the Jelly Belly factory was on our route. We arrived too late to join a tour, but not too late to buy a kilo of Belly Flops!
Day 13 - Napa Valley
For breakfast we went into Napa and to the Oxbow Public Market. There's plenty of eating options, and we had breakfast at a Taco place.
We booked two wine tastings for today, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. One of our group heroically stepped up and offered to do the driving today.
The first tasting was at Trefethen Family Vineyards. This was an indoor winery flights testing of five different wines in their winey. Our server was very knowledgable and the atmosphere was relaxed.
In the afternoon we headed further north for a tasting at Beaulieu Vineyard. This time we chose a line up of reds in their pretty courtyard. After the tasting, our server told us about the Vinyl Room on site, which is a retro bar where the customers are in charge of the record player. It was a chilled friendly atmosphere, and more red wine was sipped.
Welcome to Napa Valley
The Vinyl Room at Beaulieu Vineyard
Day 14 - Sausalito
Leaving Napa Valley, we headed south towards San Francisco and spent the morning wandering around Sausalito.
Later we continued south and tried to get parked near one of the Golden Gate Bridge viewing areas. We managed to get a spot on the roadside and walked down to Battery Spencer. It was very cold and windy, and the bridge was shrouded in fog. It was still worth it though, even if the photos taken didn't turn out well.
After this we continued in to San Fransisco, driving across the Golden Gate Bridge. Its worth noting here that the bridge is a toll bridge and you will need to pay online. You can do it afterwards though.
Our accommodation for the next two nights was the Nobb Hill Motor Inn in Russian Hill, San Francisco.
The Golden Gate Bridge
Days 15-16 - San Francisco
FIRST DAY
We booked a tour of Alcatraz in the morning. The ferry ride over the the island was enjoyable, and the self-guided audio tour was informative. We were also treated to a demonstration of how they open and close all the cell doors all at once, and how all the machinery works.
To take everything in and to get to and from the island, we allowed three hours, and this was plenty.
In the afternoon, we explored Fishermans Wharf and the piers.
In the evening we had a reservation at the Stinking Rose - a restuarant that includes an abundance of garlic in all its dishes. The Stinking Rose
The Stinking Rose - Exterior
The Stinking Rose - Interior
SECOND DAY
I think I have mentioned in other articles that I love a hop-on-hop-off bus. Even if I don't book one, I always go to the booking page for the city I am visiting as it will list the absolute top attractions to visit. It can help decide what I want to see in the city and whether or not it's worth getting a hop-on-hop-off bus as part of the trip. Sometimes, if we are staying somewhere for a few days, its worth getting the bus and doing a complete circuit just to get our bearings of the place.
In this instance it was worth getting a ticket as some of the things we wanted to see in the city were quite spread out, and there was a bus stop a 15 minute walk from our hotel.
We went to Haight Ashbury in the morning, and Chinatown in the afternoon.
Haight Ashbury is a colourful bohemian neighbourhood with lots of quirky clothes and gift shops, record shops, and street art. It was well worth a wander.
From there we picked up the bus again and spent some time in Chinatown, including lunch. We were sort of pulled off the street into a Chinese restaurant by people touting for business in the street. We were dubious, especially as there was only one other party in the restaurant at the time! It turned out to be a lovely meal served by lovely people. I just wish I could remember the name of the place. It was funny to watch other tourists come in having been convinced on the street that this was where they should be having their lunch, every one looking like they weren't sure if they made the right decision or not. Things picked up when a couple of groups of Chinese speaking people came in, and to me that's the best endorsement of a place!
Haight Ashbury
Later, we got caught the bus again, to make our way back towards our accommodation. We weren't actually that far from our accommodation and the bus route took us further away, before coming back to where we needed to be, but getting the bus meant that, as part of the circuit, we would cross the Golden Gate Bridge, turn around and cross it again. We got seats on the open top deck, which to our surprise wasn't that busy. We soon realised why! The fog was low that day at the bridge, even though San Francisco as a whole was a nice warm sunny day. It was absolutely freezing, and very windy!
Chinatown, San Francisco
Day 17 - Santa Cruz to Moro Bay
We were on the final stretch now!
Leaving our accommodation in San Francisco, today was about driving down the iconic Route 1 coastal road. First stop - Santa Cruz. This was just a brief stop to check out the Boardwalk and beach, plus the amusement park and pier. An hour or so is enough if you aren't bringing children.
The next stop we made along the road was Monterey. Getting parked here was difficult and there was only very short-term parking of one hour available. It took us a while to even get the parking meter to work. We wandered along Cannery Row, browsing the shops, but being mindful of the time. It IS a pretty place though.
Once back on the road, I wanted to make a stop at Bixby Creek Bridge. There's something about the architecture of bridges that I like. The others tease me about it like it's some kind of obsession, putting on my accent and saying "I love a bridge, I do" to me whenever one features in a trip. The bridge didn't disappoint!
After this, we continued to make our way south through Big Sur, with its stunning rugged cost line.
Finally, we came to Morro Bay, where we had booked the Morro Bay Hampton Inn for the night. Morro Bay itself, is most famous for Morro Bay Rock.
Monterey
Big Sur Coastline
Bixby Creek Bridge
Morro Rock
Day 18 - Morro Bay to Santa Monica
The final full day of our trip. The goal today was to drive the final 200 miles from Morro bay back to Los Angeles where we started, and get to Santa Monica for Sunset.
We had been to Santa Monica ten years previously when we watched the sunset on Santa Monica Pier at the end of our Route 66 trip, and we wanted to recreate the moment, ten years later.
The only major stop planned this day was Santa Barbara, so we could take it slowly.
Unfortunately we never got back to LA in time to check-in to our hotel (Best Western Plus Manhattan Beach), and head out again to Santa Monica to watch the sun go down.
Instead, we went to to Manhattan Beach Pier near our hotel, and after sunset, we went for dinner at one of the restaurants along Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
Manhattan Beach Pier
Day 19 - A Business Class Experience
I must stress that we are NOT normally Business Class Travellers. This may very well be the first, and last time that we travel Business Class.
I had a special birthday in the year and this was very much a treat.
However, before all of that, we had unfinished business with Santa Monica, and as our flight wasn't until the evening, we decided to make our ten year return today. The pier was just how we left it ten years ago 😁
Santa Monica Pier
Now for a brief review of Business Class. We flew British Airways, and as this was the first time flying Business Class, we don't have anything to compare it with.
We had access to the One World Business Class Lounge at LAX, and I have to say, it was pretty good. All the food at the buffet was of good quality and there was plenty of it. The bar service was excellent, and the lounge was set out with lots of different areas. Some with loungers, some tables and chairs, lots of different options depending on you find most comfortable. The toilets and shower facilities were clean too.
The aircraft had seen better days though. I had been reading up on what Business Class seating was like (I like to know what to expect), and was hoping that we would be on one of their newly refurbished aeroplanes, but alas was were in the old ying/yang configuration. It was still a flat bed though.
Its a very odd layout, where you get plenty of room, but if the person in front of you diagonally is lying down, you have to step over their legs.
The seating area itself was a bit grubby with crumbs in the storage areas. My partner's seat also wouldn't seem to got completely flat. The screen between us would have kept falling down if we wanted it up. If we were strangers, it would have been awkward pretty much facing each other for hours on end, trying not to have eye contact! My TV screen, which swung out from a side panel, kept swinging away as well.
The food wasn't bad, and we had two meals onboard. We could have had as many drinks and snacks as we liked, if we had the inclination to.
The toilets were a surprise though. I expected them to be bigger than Economy toilets, but you could have had a party in there, they were so big.
All-in-all, I'm glad I experienced it, and would do it again, if I could get a good deal, but only on a long haul journey. The price difference between Economy Plus and Business Class, is just too big.
