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Frequent Contributor
Posts: 98
Registered: ‎03-10-2010
We are going to Las Vegas and then driving to the Grand Canyon for a week in May. Any suggestions on where to stay for each place? I think in Las Vegas we would want to stay on the strip but would not want it to be too much money. Would like to see the Hoover Dam too. TIA
Super Contributor
Posts: 1,248
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

You'll get to see the nice new bridge at Hoover Dam. The bridge opened up a couple of months after I was in Vegas with my DD and GDD's.

We stayed on the strip and from what I remember, the room wasn't all that much. We were there for four days.

Lots to see.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,744
Registered: ‎03-15-2010

Re: Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

It has been many years since my DH and I did our trip to LV, but we stayed at a very inexpensive place off the strip called Palace Station (I think). It was NOT fancy, but more than adequate for us (and clean). Now this is 2005, so things might have changed.

I'm sure if you shop around you can find something very nice at a bargain price. And others may offer some suggestions that are more recent than mine.

We rented a car and spent most of our time outside the room. Friends that stayed at MGM Grand didn't have any nicer room and they spent a bundle. Plus, the place was just overrun with kids for some reason. It was very loud on the room floors.

Anyway, we did a helicopter tour of the GC and it was the highlight of our trip (we went in June, so it was hot). We flew there on a small plane from LV (and I hate to fly), but it was fine. We toured Hoover Dam (fascinating), and rented a power boat to travel on Lake Mead. We also drove to and hiked up Mt. Charleston and around the Red Rock formations. We enjoyed every minute of it away from LV!

Our friends never left the casinos, but DH and I always tour the outlying areas when we travel as we are not gamblers. We never went back and likely won't, but saw so much on our few days there. I would love to see the GC again, but in the cooler months.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,882
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

I have been to LV many times. 2 weeks ago we stayed at Alexis Park Suites on a Friday nite for $55; a really great value (across the street from Hard Rock Casino. Strip is very close (we park at Planet Hollywood).
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,463
Registered: ‎05-10-2013

Re: Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

The Luxor and Circus Circus are both very reasonable.

Are you going to the West rim of the canyon (Indian reservation) That is where the new overlook is. You would not need to spend the night as it is a day trip.

Don't worry, be Happy!
Super Contributor
Posts: 2,234
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

Re: Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

We stayed years ago . . . at Circus Circus, nice, clean and cheap. Missed the Hoover Dam tour by about 5 minutes. Stayed at both North Rim in cabins, did the 1/2 way down mule ride @ North Rim and then stayed on South Rim in teepee's. Fun trip. Out West, 3 weeks, 3,000 miles (started in D/FW and ended in D/FW) and a wedding in Tahoe! Tent camping in Yosemite and Sequoia! I'm way past & over tent camping anymore!!!

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,363
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

I would personally look at Bally's or Flamingo if you want something less expensive. Both Circus Circus and Luxor are on opposite ends of the strip, the 2 I mentioned (although ore expensive) are near the middle.
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,363
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

Although I should add that most (if not all) hotels on the strip are very nice.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 69,397
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

Only the South rim of the canyon is open in winter. I don't know that there's enough to do and see to keep you entertained for a week. You can stare at it for only so long, then you're ready to go. You could drive down to Sedona where there are lots of nice shops and some gorgeous scenery.
New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,524
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Las Vegas and Grand Canyon

Assuming you'll be visiting the South Rim, I'd suggest looking into accommodations in a little village called Tusayan. It's a couple miles from the main entrance to the park. There are several brand names and a few independents. We stayed at a place called Red Feather Lodge. The Mexican restaurant next door has great food, and as a hotel guest, you get a discount. {#emotions_dlg.biggrin}

There are lots of rooms within the park, but they often sell out early and can be quite pricey, depending on the season. My dream has always been to stay in one of the suites at El Tovar right on the rim...am saving my $$ for that as those rooms run $300-400 a night! {#emotions_dlg.w00t}

If you stay in Tusayan, be sure to take in the IMAX movie about the Canyon. It's only about 40 minutes, and full price is $13 or so....but most of the hotels in the area have discounted tix and there are coupons all over the place to get in for less. It's beautifully done and focuses on the very early cultures within the Canyon.

Don't know your ages, but if you (or someone in your party) is at least 62, you should buy a lifetime senior national park pass. The onetime cost is $10, but you can get into all national parks and sites for $0 - forever! Entry into the Grand Canyon alone is $25!

I love the Grand Canyon & surrounding areas, and have visited 6-7 times in my lifetime, most recently this past October.

Have fun planning your trip!