So, I understand when we stay in L.A/Hollywood etc not to change hotels to stay in Santa monica for

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Hi, would really appreciate some advice , after trawling through info for hours and still not being able to make a decision and being 'left to it' by my hubby and 21 yr old daughter, I could do with some help. We were initially just going to Vegas but have had flights changed by BA from London going into L.A . We could fly on to Vegas but I thought that a couple of days in L.A to do quick 'touristy 'things, Hollywood sign, walk of fame, Rodeo drive etc then a night in Santa Monica, might be a good idea and then considered driving to Las Vegas via ( with overnight los angeles southwest college stay) Grand Canyon/ los angeles southwest college Hoover Dam. Thought los angeles southwest college we might see a bit more of the countryside? We have 10 days and think that might be too long in Las Vegas considering we don't or haven't yet gambled ( you may ask why we're going) and it will probably be chilly, so no sunbathing!! Thought of going to Las Vegas and then a helicopter to Grand Canyon save driving but daughter refuses to get in a helicopter!
Thought of staying at the Wynn in Las Vegas? One night in Beverley Hills/ Hollywood? one night in Santa Monica? Overnight at Grand Canyon then driving to Vegas? Any suggestions at all , recommendations etc will be greatly appreciated!! Thank you.
Hi Reywood we have been to LA many times as it is the hub to the US when flying from Australia and there is always so much to see and do. We have stayed at Loewes Hollywood los angeles southwest college a few times which is in a great spot on the Highland and Hollywood complex los angeles southwest college and also the Sofitel Beverly Hills the last two times which is right across from a huge upmarket mall. We often a hire a car and drive down to the beach areas. There is so much to see and do in the LA area and surrounds.
We flew to the canyon from Vegas and another time drove from Sedona to the canyon. Stayed at a great B B in Sedona called the Sunset Chateau. I would go again just to stay here. Not sure about the accommodation los angeles southwest college at Grand Canyon.
The drive to Grand Canyon from Vegas is only 5 hrs or so and you can stop at hoover dam along the way. Go to the National Park, south rim not the west rim. Look for lodging in the park, the best/most expensive hotel right on the rimis el Tovar, also on the rim are Kachina, Thunderbird and Bright angel lodge/cabins and a short walk back are Maswick and Yavapai. It is really nice to be there before and after the day trippers and not to have to drive after dark and dodge animals on the road, but if you can't get a spot there look in Tusayan or at Cameron trading post.
If we knew when you are traveling, los angeles southwest college we could give more specific advice. Also, if you have never been to California, there are plenty of great things to see without taking long, boring drives and spending a disproportionate amount of your time driving to the Grand Canyon.
Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire, Lake Mead, Zion National Park....there is a lot to get out and see around Las Vegas. Do you want to get out and see "countryside" los angeles southwest college near Los Angeles los angeles southwest college as well? How about skiing/ snow? When is this trip?
Thank you everyone los angeles southwest college for you informative los angeles southwest college replies!! First timevi've ever used a forum,can't believe how helpful people are, so thanks! We're flying los angeles southwest college in from the uk ( Edinburgh) so no snow thanks, we've probably got plenty los angeles southwest college to look forward to here in winter!
So, I understand when we stay in L.A/Hollywood etc not to change hotels to stay in Santa monica for the night? Ok,so would you stay in Santa Monica for 2 nights or Hollywood for 2 nights, do you think we should hire a car so we can do both if we just stay in one or the other places for both nights( does that make sense?)
Are you recommending we fly to Vegas and drive to the Hoover Dam from Vegas rather than driving to the Hoover Dam from L.A? Sorry if my questions sound a bit inane but I've done lots of research and just interested in people's opinions that have already los angeles southwest college done theses similar trips so avoiding disasters that I'll ultimately get named for!
Would love to do National los angeles southwest college Park things as we're outdoorsy people but at the moment I'm recovering from a couple of bigs op's which are limiting my abilty to walk over rough terrain and really long distances at present. Thought we'd take in a few highlights and maybe have another visit with my other two daughters next year as I've always wanted to go to Carmel, los angeles southwest college Santa Barbara,Sausalito etc and even Palm Springs. Las Vegas is my Daughters choice and Husband is a bit dubious! Thanks again and I appreciate los angeles southwest college all your time that you've spent replying, Lesley.
Personally, at that price range, my favorite place is the Mandarin Oriental. Much smaller (which translates to much better service - it is a true luxury hotel, the Wynn is not) and there is no casino, but it is a very nice hotel and in the CityCenter complex, so you can walk easily to Aria or The Cosmopolitan for gambling.
Aria is also a solid choice with big, nice rooms and good food and beverage options. Many like The Cosmopolitan, but I think it a bit "young" and kind of a party scene; very good food and beverage though. I dislike Bellagio and am not the world's biggest Venetian fan, but others disagree.
If you wanted to save some money, something like the MGM would still be a nice hotel and could be as little as 1/3rd of the price of the Wynn/Aria/Venetian/Mandarin Oriental group. Paris might also be an okay option - stayed there years ago and it was perfectly nice at that time. Expect something like a Marriott-level at somewhere like the Paris or MGM.
Ok,so would you stay in Santa Monica for 2 nights or Hollywood for 2 nights, do you think we should hire a car so we can do both if we just stay in one or the other places for both nights( does that make sense?)
Be aware that most of the nicer places on the Strip will have very high minimums for table games, along with pretty bad rules (this impacts your expected loss). If you want to try your hand at gambling one night, I'd recommend going to a more affordable los angeles southwest college casino - I kind of like the El Cortez in downtown.
I'd stay in Santa Monica over Hollywood which is a bit gritty outside the obvious tourist attractions and yes rent a car, our public transit leaves a lot to be desired. Hollywood stuff will take you one hour unless los angeles southwest college you take a tour or visit a wax museum or something, it is a bit underwhelming.
los angeles southwest college Another vote for staying in Santa Monica without changing hotel locations in LA. A good Strip casino for first timers is Casino Royale, between the Venetian and Harrahs's, low key, smallish and not intimidating.
Also in Vegas there are many great shows to see of a night time we saw David Copperfield, Seinfeld and there were many concerts and musicals available too. Vdara does not have a casino but has a walkway to Bellagio and access to Aria. Really los angeles southwest college great suites with fantastic views and great prices.
I would want a car in both LA and Vegas. You need to research the cost of renting one in LA returning it, and flying to Vegas, vs renting in LA and driving to Vegas. I think some international people don't have to pay the stiff drop off fees that we do. It takes about 5 hours to drive from LA to Vegas and in reality if you count getting to the airport, flying to Vegas, getting your bags, getting a car, the time will be about the same. So drive or fly to Vegas what ever works best for you.
That was my thoughts too. I know people have advised that its not a very scenic route but I thought it would be an experience and time wise perhaps just as quick as flying once you factor in the things los angeles southwest college you said. I think going via The Grand Canyon and staying would also mean not arriving in Las Vegas and then having to spend at least a day to going back to see the Grand Canyon? Thank you.
LA to the Grand Canyon los angeles southwest college is 7-8 hours, just drive it in one day. Days are getting fairly short at that time of year, about 10 hours of daylight which is why I would recommend you spend 2 nights there as you won't have time to see much the first day you arrive. The link below is a calendar of sunrise/sunset times at the Grand Canyon (also moonrise/moonset which may come in handy because there's a full moon on December 6th and seeing the canyon in the moonlight could be awesome).
It will be cold at the Grand Canyon in December, los angeles southwest college with possibly some snow on the ground. There is a fairly level trail along the rim which should be easy enough for you. They also have a shuttle bus route that would help if you aren't up to walking much.
Oh - the overnight drive is one of tom's better suggestions . . . He seems to have a deathly fear of car rental drop off fees and gas prices, so he often advises multiple trains, coaches and transfers to get from a simple point A to point B. so driving throughout the night - he took pity on you