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 stay) Grand Canyon/ Hoover Dam. Thought 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!
Does anyone think this is sensible? Can anyone kindly be bothered recommending any really nice hotels, sorry can't do basic now ( too old!) Best locations for getting around , routes etc.
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 a few times which is in a great spot on the Highland and Hollywood complex 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.
In regards to Las Vegas we stayed at the Vdara in December and I would highly recommend it. When are you going?
There is so much to see and do in Vegas you do not have to even gamble. We have also stayed at the Red Rock Canyon and Resort which was another great hotel.
We did a trip to Palm Springs one time and then drove to Vegas. The drive from LA to Vegas is not scenic at all.
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 at Grand Canyon.
I'm sure others will be able to help more.

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.

In Los Angles I would not change hotels, and in Las Vegas I would stay at a hotel closer to mid-Strip: Bellagio or Venetian for instance.

Distances in Las Vegas are deceptive. It can take 10-15 minutes to walk to the hotel next door or to one across the street.

At the Grand Canyon I would stay at any hotel on the rim of the canyon. El Tovar is best known, but there are others.

HTtY

If we knew when you are traveling, 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.

For instance, Highway 1 between Los Angeles and Carmel is one of the most scenic drives in the USA.

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" near Los Angeles as well? How about skiing/ snow? When is this trip?

Thank you everyone for you informative replies!! First timevi've ever used a forum,can't believe how helpful people are, so thanks! We're flying in from the uk ( Edinburgh) so no snow thanks, we've probably got plenty 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?)
We arrive early evening on 3rd December and fly out of Las Vegas 8pm on the 12th December 20.30.
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 done theses similar trips so avoiding disasters that I'll ultimately get named for!
Would love to do National 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, 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 all your time that you've spent replying, Lesley.

We have 10 days and think that might be too long in Las Vegas

That is way too long. I would limit the Vegas stay to around 5 days. I love LA and you should definitely spend some time there.

Thought of staying at the Wynn in Las Vegas?

The Wynn is very nice, but at the very end of the strip. It is the nice end, however, and near a large mall and next to the Venetian.

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.

In Los Angles I would not change hotels

Agreed.

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?)

I think most would recommend Santa Monica. Myself, I usually stay in West Hollywood at the Andaz.

I would definitely rent a car in LA, unless you wanted to spend a lot of money on taxis. It is not a good city for walking or for public transit.

Las Vegas is my Daughters choice and Husband is a bit dubious!

Vegas is what it is. Tacky and brash, but fun if you let yourself have it. Excellent dining options.

we don't or haven't yet gambled

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 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 you take a tour or visit a wax museum or something, it is a bit underwhelming.

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 great suites with fantastic views and great prices.

My idea - It may or may not work for you.
With 2 drivers - leave Los Angeles about 4AM and drive through the Mojave in darkness. Change drivers in Primm NV (exit 1).
Drive up "The Strip" so that you can say you've seen it.
Leave LV on US 93. Make your stop at Hoover Dam and take the walk up on the new high bridge. There is a great view of the dam from the walkway on the bridge.
You can snooze for an hour or 2 in the second parking lot on the AZ side if you need to.
Make a stop for gas in Kingman AZ before getting on I-40 east.
See if you can get a reservation at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Don't get suckered into going to the "West Rim" or the helicopter trips out of LV.

My idea - It may or may not work for you.

Good God, that itinerary sounds like absolute torture.

I've seen enough of the Mojave in daylight at 90+* that I prefer to drive across it in the dark.
I'm very glad that my son and his family don't live in Barstow anymore.

Does your car not have air conditioning? My point was that waking up at 4am and napping in the car ain't my idea of a vacation.

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 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.

Travel Gourmet- you had me laughing with your reply to the overnight drive suggestion! All ideas considered but definitely don't have the stamina for that one!

If you like shows, there are plenty from which to choose in Vegas. I've seen a few of the Cirque shows and found them enjoyable.

You have 10 days, but don't forget to factor in the time change and jet lag. I always find the east to west a difficult adjustment.