Spivonious

I need to take vacation before the end of March, so my wife and I have decided to go to Vegas and the Grand Canyon. She's a huge Beatles fan so seeing the Beatles LOVE show is a must. Neither of us are big gamblers or partiers, but we do enjoy seeing sights and people watching.

I've done lots of reading and I am still stumped on where to stay. Our goal is to take in all we can of the Vegas lifestyle, but not waste money if there's a hotel that's almost as good right next door. I hope that makes some sense. Basically, a hotel that has a lot in it (pools, spas, casinos, restaurants, etc.) not just the rooms.

The plan right now (nothing is booked) is to fly out from Philadelphia or Baltimore and spend 2-3 nights in Vegas and 2-3 nights at the Grand Canyon, renting a car to drive between them.

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks.

stumpworks73

Your hotel rate will all depend on what is happening in Vegas the nights of your stay. If there is a big convention at that time, could be ugly. If you are there on off nights, could be a great deal.

If you search the forums for Las Vegas, you will see several web sites posted that test room rates for specific dates. I would try one of these. I would also call the Mirage and ask about rates and packages for your trip. Can you get show, room and meals combined for an attractive number?

Excellent hotels nearby Mirage include Paris, Venetian, Ceasars and Treasure Island. Good luck and have fun.

coldplay

Treasure Island is a moderate price range hotel in a good location and the beds are wonderful there.

cheryllj

If you know for sure you want to see LOVE at the Mirage, I'd check the rates for the hotels that are nearby, so you can walk over there. I agree to check the Mirage first for any kind of package.

Caesar's Palace is next door, and the Venetian/Palazzo is across the street. Both of them are great choices for first timers, with nice casinos and tons of dining options, and both have good spas. V/P is more upscale with all suites, so if you can get a good rate, stay there (the Palazzo is newer and somewhat nicer). If those places are too pricey for you, try Treasure Island or Harrah's, or the Flamingo or Bally's.

emalloy

If you want to spend time in Grand Canyon, you should book your room now. Go to www.nps.gov and click on Grand Canyon then lodging. Only the south rim will be open in march and if they say they are full, take their number and call often as they get cancellations all the time.

Spivonious

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. Mirage does have a package deal that includes tickets to the show but it's only good for February.

Do you think we'd get a better deal on tickets if we bought them when we arrived? I hear stories of people getting 40% off on the day of the show. We'd be going to a Thursday or Friday night show, if that helps.

RE: Grand Canyon, all but one of the in-park hotels are booked up, but I'm fine staying in Tusayan and driving in.

RBCal

Don't wait to buy tickets, particularly on a weekend evening.

I would stay mid-strip, Bally's is centrally located and cheaper than most mid-strip hotels.

For the Grand Canyon, the in-park hotels are always booked online but every time I've been there in person their are cancellations and rooms were available.

kansasmom

We stayed at Treasure Island in November and really liked it. Good location, and it wasn't so huge that we felt like we were going to get lost in it. (That was my feeling when we walked around Caesars Palace.) Nice rooms too.

cheryllj

If you have your heart set on seeing LOVE (or your wife does), then buy tickets in advance.

You *might* have luck getting a discounted ticket the day of the show for a Thursday night, but you might not. It's more likely that the show will be sold out or have only a few less desirable seats available.

Spivonious

Thank you all for your help! We ended up getting a good package through Expedia for flight+hotel at the Mirage. We opted for the Holiday Inn in Tusayan for the G.C. portion.

I have a couple more questions.

1. What's the best way to get from the airport to the Mirage? The hotel has a shuttle but it's not free. Are there any better options? We're fine pulling suitcases onto a bus.

2. Any opinions on where to rent a car for the trip to the G.C.? It would be a one-way rental, dropping off at Flagstaff airport.

3. How long does it take to get from Tusayan to the Flagstaff airport? Our flight leaves at 9AM. I'm thinking leave the hotel by 5?

tom42

Just take a taxi from the airport to the hotel. It will run abour $20.

ksucat

friends just got $109 a night at the 5* Wynn for a suite, 2 tickets to La Reve and $50 food credit.
That is one heck of a deal since La Reve is an excellent show that are pricey on the tickets.
cabs/shuttles cost anywhere from $15-20 each way.