Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beware that suites or 'junior suites' may simply be oversized rooms; ask about the layout
when booking.
Recently renovated or larger rooms, or those with a view, are likely to cost more.
Descriptors like 'oceanfront' and 'oceanview' are often too liberally used, and you may re-
quire a periscope to spot the surf.
You can make reservations at chains by calling their central reservation lines, but to learn
about specific amenities and local promotions, call the property directly. If you arrive without
reservations, ask to see a room before paying for it, especially at motels.
Rates may include breakfast, which could be just a stale doughnut and wimpy coffee, an
all-you-can-eat hot and cold buffet, or anything in between.
GREEN HOTELS & MOTELS
Surprisingly, many of California's hotels and motels haven't yet jumped on the environ-
mental bandwagon. Apart from offering you the option of reusing your towels and sheets,
even such simple eco-initiatives as providing recycling bins, switching to bulk soap dis-
pensers or replacing plastic and Styrofoam cups and dropping prepackaged breakfast
items are pretty rare. The California Green Lodging Program ( www.calrecycle.ca.gov/
epp/greenlodging/ ) is a voluntary state-run certification program - in the online direct-
ory, look for properties that have achieved the 'Environmentalist Level,' denoted by three
palm trees.
Customs Regulations
Currently, non-US citizens and permanent residents may import:
1L of alcohol (if you're over 21 years old)
200 cigarettes (one carton) or 100 non-Cuban cigars (if you're over 18 years old)
$100 worth of gifts
Amounts higher than $10,000 in cash, traveler's checks, money orders and other cash
equivalents must be declared. Don't even think about bringing in illegal drugs.
For more complete, up-to-date information, check the US Customs and Border Protec-
tion website ( www.cbp.gov ).
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