Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

Dec 3-10: Would you get a rental car for a week in Vegas at the Wynn? Going to Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon plus "The Strip"

Search

Dec 3-10: Would you get a rental car for a week in Vegas at the Wynn? Going to Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon plus "The Strip"

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 11th, 2007, 06:58 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Dec 3-10: Would you get a rental car for a week in Vegas at the Wynn? Going to Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon plus "The Strip"

We've decided to cash in our US Air points we've had for a while and go to Las Vegas from Silver Spring MD, Dec 3-10. We've never been to Las Vegas before (other than 1 day in 1983 after a Grateful Dead tour... my buddy and I were kicked out of a casino due to our tie dye tee shirts so we blew out of town after that!) so we decided to do it up by staying at The Wynn instead of Bellagio. I hope we're making the right choice. We got 3 nts at $189, 2 at $199 and 2 at $269 over the weekend. Those last 2 are the tough priced nights, but we don't want to switch hotels just for those 2 nights, ya know?

We were all set to rent a car in Las Vegas as we want to visit the Hoover Dam
http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/
and Red Rock Canyon
http://www.redrockcanyonlv.org/.

I was talking to a gentleman today that said "Rent a car? You don't need to do that. Just take a cab to the hotel and take cabs all week from there. He said it's a pain driving around Vegas and that's it's much easier taking cabs, and the shuttles between the hotels. I told him that we're going outside of Vegas to sightsee but he said he did it without a car. He went to his concierge, booked a tour of the Hoover Dam and they picked him up right from his hotel in a Suburban with 2 other couples from his hotel and they all had a great time. He said it was about $50-60 p/p. I told him that was all fine and good, but how would we get to see the Red Rock Canyon area without a car? He said we could probably do the same thing and get a tour of it.

Any thoughts about this? Would you recommend a car instead of what he did? A car from Thrifty is only $132 a week AAA rate for a compact car and then $22 for the extra day. It can be a pain dealing with a rental car after traveling all day to get somewhere, but it could a pain NOT having a car once we get to our hotel and realize we needed it for some reason.

We signed up on Wynn's website so hopefully we'll find better deals for those 2 weekend nights through their occasional emailed offers, but it's OK if that's the best rate we can get, too. I hope we don't regret not staying at Bellagio, which seems much more central to all the fun stuff but we much prefer a really nice, new room to the killer location. We don't gamble at all, so for us, Vegas will be just about shopping, hotel gazing, hanging out in the room relaxing and watching TV!, and going to the 3 Cirque shows and other nightly stuff. My wife doesn't like Beatle's music and doesn't want to go to LOVE, but I REALLY do. I hope I can talk her into going, otherwise, I may be leaving her in the room one day by herself! I also want to go to "Mystere" and "O", I think. She said "3 Cirque shows? That's alot, and quite expensive." Yeah, that might be true, but I've heard so much about them, we just gotta do as many as we can. It's tough to have to buy these tix far in advance, because if we get there and are just totally tired the night we are booked for a show, we're kind of stuck.

It's all good, really.... I have a feeling that the Wynn will probably be one of the best hotels we've ever stayed in and that's exciting. I'm so psyched to check out Vegas. Even for non-gamblers, non-drinkers, and early-to-bed 46 year old farts like us, it'll still be great .

Thx in advance for any answers you can give us on the rental car situation and "must see's". Yes, I've done a search, but any additional info is appreciated. I've already taken a bunch of notes from old Fodor's posts and saved them on "Word" for our trip. Who needs out of date travel books any more?

Steve and Julia "R"
Silver Spring MD
stever is offline  
Old Aug 11th, 2007, 07:16 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 957
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Some will say it is easier to take a cab up and down the Strip, some will say the bus is the better way to go....but if you are planning a few days away from the Strip then I would rent the car. It is nice to have for yourself. Parking is free everywhere.
Plus, remember you have to add in the tip each time you jump in the cab...I say rent a car! If one was going and solely staying on the Strip and didn't care if they saw anything else, when then they would be ok without one....but what if you hear about a good "local" restaurant somewhere and you want to go...this way you can go at your pace, not have to wait for shuttles, or cabs (sometimes there can be a long line) and do your own thing at your own convenience.
vegasnative is offline  
Old Aug 11th, 2007, 07:20 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Steve
We just returned for a couple nights in Vegas in mid-July.
Ironically, we had a car rental reservation 'except' for the fact that when booking, my husband accidentally put in the wrong arrival date with Hotwire and we couldn't pick up our car until the day after arriving in Vegas. To make a long story short--getting a cab in July at the airport was the pits. First of all, we had to schlep our luggage through a long, unending winding line outside of the airport and it was hotter than H#@&. We were sweating like pigs. The trip cost to the Venetian with tip was about $30. The next night, we taxi'd back to the airport to pick up our rental car--another almost $30 bill. If you got a rental rate of $132--I'd say take the car. You will probably end up paying as much (if not more) in cab fares.
Keep in mind there is a transportation system in Vegas, we didn't use it and I don't know the cost as we walked everywhere on the strip.
Your other consideration is parking. At the Venetian, they had self-park or valet option. The night we parked the car, we basically drove into the self-park garage and it was FREE. That in itself amazed me. Call the Wynn and find out what the parking fees are, if any. If they have self-park and it is n/c, I'd definitely rent the car. Hey, even though you are a 46YO old fart (I'm a 45 YO one), you can get your old rear out and walk to nearly every attraction, at least those nearby. Mystiere is at Treasure Island--that is definitely walkable.
With the car, you will be able to come and go as you please, change your plans, stop where you want and when you want on your other excursions, but this is JMO.
Have fun!
hugglynn is offline  
Old Aug 11th, 2007, 07:24 PM
  #4  
TheWeasel
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Rent a car for the 2 days you plan on going to Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon. I'm sure you can find rental cars close to the hotel, and that'll probably be cheaper than paying $50/60 each for someone to pick you up and drive you there.

Cabs are everywhere so it won't be a problem getting around. Bellagio would be more convenient for walking around the Strip, but Wynn will work if that's where you really want to stay.
 
Old Aug 11th, 2007, 07:50 PM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wow, those were the fastest and best responses we've received here in a long time. Thx alot. So, I just called The Wynn and they have free self park, and the guy at the front desk said that if we have our own car, then we won't have to take the Hoover Dam tour on their time, but our time. Also, if we saw a cool restaurant on the way back or the way there, we could just stop if we have our own car.

He also said he wasn't familiar with any organized trips to Red Rock Canyon so maybe it would be good to have our own rental car for that whole week? He said most hotels have free parking so again, the full week rental car is sounding pretty good.

It's amazing how hotel prices go though. I just checked the Wynn website to see if they prices went down at all, as Dec 3rd week is supposed to be low season. The $269 a nt rooms that seems so expensive to us for the Fri-Sat nts are now... gulp... ouch... $399 a nt! Yahooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. I guess we're doing ok so far by booking this ridiculously far in advance .

Steve R
stever is offline  
Old Aug 11th, 2007, 07:54 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Steve
Depending on the cancellation policy--i.e., will they let you cancel up to 24 hrs. prior to arrival, it doesn't hurt to keep checking back on the room prices. I am not familiar with the Wynn, but if you can book rooms at the Wynn on other sites, such as travelocity.com, expedia.com, orbitz.com and other sites "closer" to December, those prices "could" change. We've been known to reserve hotel rooms, cancel and rebook because we've gotten better prices closer to the DOA. So keep checking and calling back.
Good luck....
hugglynn is offline  
Old Aug 11th, 2007, 08:27 PM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thx huglynn. I checked the other sites but they're exactly the same price as Wynn's own website, so I'm guessing they don't discount their rooms any less than they're own website would be discounted.

I'll keep checking and see if the price comes down on the Wynn website. Everybody likes a deal, right? We booked directly with the Wynn, and they do have a very generous cancellation policy right up to the date of arrival.

Steve
stever is offline  
Old Aug 11th, 2007, 09:26 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,484
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I had no problem driving in Las Vegas. We live in the same area, stever so I know you can handle it too. But I do like the idea of renting only for the days you plan to travel out of the immediate area. Just makes more sense economically.
pollyvw is offline  
Old Aug 12th, 2007, 03:53 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I think you should rent the car. It will be fine. Remember, valet parking in Vegas is free. Just tip the guy.

Also, I think your rates at The Wynn are fantastic, even the weekend rate. You did well.

Is the Rodeo in town while you're there? If so, it may be crowded. If not, it will be very comfortable at that time.
mikesmom is offline  
Old Aug 12th, 2007, 03:58 AM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'll have to check into just renting a car for the 2 days we leave town to check out the sights outside of Vegas. If the price is close to our 8 day rate, I guess we'll just keep our reservation and do the 8 day deal. I'm sure how much we'll drive IN Vegas once we're there, as we've never really been there. Do most people NOT drive and rely on other transport instead?

I hope the rodeo isn't in town either when we're there. Glad to hear our rate at the Wynn is ok then. Bellagio was pretty much the same basic rates within $20 a night for that same period we're staying there, so we thought we'd try the "new guy on the block" instead, Mr Wynn's palace of overindulgence.

Steve R
stever is offline  
Old Aug 12th, 2007, 05:42 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 957
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The rodeo will be there for part of your trip, it starts the 6th of Dec. Most of those guys drive their own vehicles, so you won't be alone there. It is actually a fun time to be in town, the cowboys are good people and they like to party!
You don't have to valet park at the properties if you don't want to, they all have free parking garages, sometimes you have to walk a little further than if you valet, but if you don't want to tip each time, it is just as easy to park it yourself.
When you go to Hoover Dam, you should go to "downtown" Boulder City, it is a cute little town, and the only town in Nevada where gaming is illegal! They have a neat little wine cellar/restaurant place called Milo's. You can sit outside on the patio (if it will be warm enough...which is a possibility) and watch the people stroll by.
Also, with the rental car, you will be able to visit some other places off the Strip, like Green Valley Ranch and the District. IMO, it is worth checking out. They have good restaurants there too.
Have fun!
vegasnative is offline  
Old Aug 12th, 2007, 06:39 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Having been to Vegas a few times, I say rent the car. We always rent a car. Heck, the price is so small (in comparison) that you shouldn't be spending this much time trying to decide.

A car rental for a couple of days will probably cost almost as much as for the week so go for the week. Parking is free and you can hop in the car anytime you want. There is a lot to see in Vegas besides the spots you mentioned. You didn't even mention the Pinball Hall of Fame

Seriously, rent the car then you are free to do what you want when you want. When you "do" the strip, you can always either get a cab or just walk. We spend most of our day (not pool people) out and about off the strip. We like going to the off strip casinos and other cool places to see. Then we spend out nights on the strip when it is lit up.

Whatever you decide, you will enjoy it. We'll be there Thanksgiving week and yes we are renting a car.
Duane
Duane is offline  
Old Aug 12th, 2007, 07:49 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Dec can bring some killer rooms specials, but maybe the rodeo is in town that week. I'd keep checking Bellagio rates too, and Venetian....if you can save a few hundred bucks those hotels will do just fine.

Get a car for the week. They're a steal, and a week is a long time to stay in Vegas. Take a road trip out around Valley of Fire and maybe all the way around Lake Mead. Go out to Lake Las Vegas for lunch one day. Keep an eye on the Utah weather forecast and if possible take a day trip to Zion National Park. It's about 2.5 hours from Vegas but well worth the trip (though we've never been in Dec). Self parking is easy and free at ALL the hotels and valet parking is a better choice at 2bucks a pop. GET THE CAR!
joesorce is offline  
Old Aug 12th, 2007, 07:58 AM
  #14  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well, it seems like a no brainer then to rent the car. You all have given me excellent info and I look forward to checking out Boulder City after the Hoover Dam if we have time. I'm not sure why my friend was so emphatic about not renting a car when it seems like the way to go... even after I explained to him about our day trips, he suggested group trips instead, which is much less preferable to us anyway.

Now, to try to talk my wife into going to all 3 Cirque shows I want to see .

Steve R
stever is offline  
Old Aug 12th, 2007, 09:07 AM
  #15  
TahitiTams
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Hi stever,
The Wynn is a wonderful property to stay and you did good with the rate and the choice!
The beds and linens are some of the best.
Free valet all along the strip and the Wynn too.. glad you are renting a car..strip traffic can be a nightmare so a heads up for you and take side streets.
Have fun!
 
Old Aug 12th, 2007, 10:06 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,484
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Preciously, I responded only to your rent a car or not question. After reading your post more thoroughly, may I suggest that you look into 'valley of fire' as an option/addition to Red Rock Canyon. We enjoyed the former much more than the latter and it's not really far from LV at all. Other people may differ with my opinion.
pollyvw is offline  
Old Aug 12th, 2007, 11:32 AM
  #17  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
TahitiTams: Thx for the AOK choice on the Wynn and yes, it looks like we'll be renting that car now after all.

pollyvw - Great advice on the Valley Of Fire over Red Rock Canyon. We'll look into that as an alternate then once we get there.

Steve R
stever is offline  
Old Aug 12th, 2007, 02:36 PM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 520
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
joesorce just reminded me of something. If you get the Fine Living network channel on your cable or satellite, check out their special Vegas dining show--I put a link to the network below. After returning from Vegas, I viewed this show about Vegas dining and wish I had seen it before I had gone. What joe reminded me of was Lake Las Vegas--it was featured on the show, looked like a nice place for a quick day trip. Also, they featured the Tryst (sp?) night club at the Wynn with the huge waterfall and the dining room at Paris that overlooks the fountains of Bellagio.


Here is a link to the Fine Living network site--the program airs again on August 18.

http://www.fineliving.com/fine/our_s..._51467,00.html

hugglynn is offline  
Old Aug 12th, 2007, 03:12 PM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Stever!

Hubby and I did a few days in Vegas in July as part of a larger trip. Along with almost everyone else, I say "rent the car". We had one, and it came in very handy. As other posters have said, parking is free almost everywhere.

I do all the driving, so I feel comfortable commenting on the traffic. Driving the Strip during the day was easy. Traffic would start picking up around 3:00 p.m. and then would be bumper-to-bumper and at a stand still once it got dark. I reccomend looking over a Vegas map a few times before you leave and familiarizing yourself with the crossroads and roads running on either side of the Strip. Hubby was amazed how quickly I could get us around with a few well-placed turns.

About the shows, I kind of agree with your wife. Mix it up a bit, there is a huge variety to choose from. There are also some great concerts scheduled for the end of this year. We did O and Spamalot, and honestly, I preferred Spamalot, and he's the huge Monty Python fan! We've seen other Cirque shows, and I think we were expecting more. Talked to a friend who was in Vegas the week before us, and he said he saw O and Mystere, and he preferred Mystere. Be sure to check online for show times and dark (non-preformance) nights. We ran into a huge traffic jam at Hoover Dam, and got into town too late to see Mystere, and it was dark our other night.

Speak of Hoover Dam, I was disappointed by that, too (and I'm fairly easy to impress). The traffic was horrible (almost 2 hours to get thru from the AZ side). We stopped and walked across the dam. It seemed like we were being nickeled and dimed. $7 to park the car, $7 each to go into the visitors center, etc. We had been at Lake Powell earlier in the week, and parking and the visitors center at Glen Canyon dam were free. In comparison, we ended up wishing we had done something else. Adding Boulder City to the trip if you do it sounds like a good idea.

Oh, and you'll love the Wynn. It's the only place that hubby has come out of a restroom and said "You need to visit the ladies room. If it's anything like the men's room, it will be the fanciest restroom you've ever seen!"
rascat is offline  
Old Aug 12th, 2007, 05:32 PM
  #20  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 967
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Disappointed by the Hoover Dam? I'm sorry to hear that. That was what I thought would be the highlight of my trip there. Oh well... maybe we'll have a better day, less traffic and a different experience there. I've cut and pasted all your ideas on restaurants and other diversions, so we're "good to go" now with WAY more stuff to do in the 8 days we're there than we have time for... as usual.

Steve R
stever is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -