Yes, since I assume most folks will be paying their own way to E3, staying around LA convention center will be TOO expensive.

This year, I'll stay at the in-laws for free. :D The downside is, driving from OC to LA will take a while...

Yeah it can be a bit pricey so some friends and I are just splitting 2 rooms for a week. We're also broke college students so anything on S. Figueroa was out of the question...but damn those hotels are nice...

Well got around to booking flight/hotel. First hotel choice I had checked a day earlier was sold out, so had to find another. Looks like it will be Hollywood. What's the cheapest way to get from LAX to Hollywood (Vermont/Sunset)? (with luggage)

First E3 getting really excited. :)

Super Shuttle, unless you want to deal with the buses (not recommended for that trip).

Thanks checking out thier website now.

Any herb at the E3?

Don't know, but last year, my friend and I saw one of those street vendors who sell bacon-wrapped hotdogs (uggghhh...) outside the Center drop about half a box on the sidewalk, and then pick them up and put them back in the box. I imagine consuming one of those "enhanced dogs" would cause quite a psychedelic reaction... We're staying in Anaheim. It's a drive, but we did it last year and managed okay. Having stayed all over the place, it doesn't seem to matter much as long as you're prepared.

How much is parking at the convention center?

Varies WILDLY. If you get there early (at least 60-90 minutes before the show opens each day) and don't mind walking a couple of blocks, you can park for about $5 in the 9th Street & Figueroa area. If you get there at the height of the convention, that same $5 space will be $20. Parking at the Convention Center itself I believe is about $15, though I always go the cheap route, so I'm not sure. I know the lots by Staples Center are usually at least $10-25, and they also vary depending on time of day.

Got my hotel in Commerce early this week...anyone else staying out that way?

Commerce? Where at? The Commerce Casino? :p

I think I'm taking the train up from Long Beach I'd rather spend $2.50 r/t than $12+ for parking and gas.

So is a meet going on? Hard to search for E³.

Last year, the convention center parking was around $10 when I showed up around 7-8am. once the 9, 10 and 11 oclock hours hit the prices go up a shit load. Up to $40 in the walking distance area of the convention center. get there early.

Screw paying $20 for parking like i did last year, this time i'm taking the subway. It's a 10 minute ride from my area, and only costs $1.50. I don't know why people insist on staying in hotels in downtown LA, when for abut half of the cost you could stay in Glendale or Burbank.

Pretty damn_close to it...I figure I should get some card playing in as well on the trip :)

On the advice of a friend of mine, I'm staying in Studio City and taking the subway. Did the same thing last year. It's one transfer and a 15 minute ride. Well worth it considering my hotel is very nice, across the street from the subway and close to Universal. If you can, take the subway, it's much better than paying for parking.

Agreed about the subway. I rode the subway last year when parking at Staples was $40! I live in Hollywood/K-town so I was pretty close to a subway stop.

I'll meet you guys by the giant inflatable statue of Mario blowing Pikachu. I'll be the one in the Varia Suit.

Not easy when you are lugging around 5 heavy bags of free swag.

Yup which is why I will gladly pay for parking on site again this year.

Yup. I make atleast 3-4 rounds back to the car with bags filled with free goods so parking on the site is a must. I don't see how you could pile up the free goods when you have to carry it on the metro or far away to some other parking area.