Traveling with the family in Las Vegas/Grand Canyon/Souathern Utah Parks this summer. Has anyone rented an SUV (preferably 4x4) out of Vegas? What is my best option. Dollar seems to have the best rates but Budget is not far behind. Thanks

I rented a Ford Explorer in 2001 and I believe it was with Budget but I could be wrong. I have to admit it was very nice having an SUV in the backroads of Arizona. After we did a little off-roading around Sedona, I noticed a sign on the vehicle that said such activities are prohibited - doh! So be careful when you hit those parks.

Being on the tall side, I found it to be one of the more comfortable rentals I've had too. Plus, it comes with a CD player which, to a music nut like me, is an underappreciated ammenity.

They pick you up at your hotel and will drop you off at the airport too. For 3 days, it cost about $240 total.

We were there this past December. Rented a small/medium SUV from Alamo for about $160-170 (plus taxes) for the week. They have their cars lined up in category rows, and you can pick your own. We got a 2003 Mitsubshi Outlander with 2,000 miles on it (turned it back in with 3,100.) We were quite pleased, and the price, at that time, was about $30-40 under the nearest competitor.

Only disadvantage is that the Alamo/National lot is not grouped with the others, and can be a bit tricky to find when you want to return the vehicle.

We rented a Suzuki Grand Vitarra 4x4 SUV from Dollar in Phoenix, and returned it to Vegas. It was at a very good rate, about $189 a week, plus taxes. For some reason they considered this a mid size instead of an SUV, thus the low rate. I suspect you can bargain with the rental agent, which is what we did in Phoenix.

AaronM,
We did a similar trip with our family of 4 a few years ago. Flew into Vegas, rented a Ford Expedition from National and immediately drove to Mesquite where we spent the night. From there on to Zion, North Rim of GC, Monument Valley, Lake Powell, Canyon de Chelly and back to Vegas by way of Hoover Dam. We ended by spending two nights at Luxor which was quite a contrast to the previous weeks activities. The Ford Expedition was great, we actually did some off roading with it. Plus it was as comfortable as driving around in your living room.
JoeG

Check Hotwire for rates. Could also try Priceline.

Hertz at the airport rents Land Rovers!

If you are really wanting a 4x4 and you rent an Explorer, be sure and check that it is a 4x4. Many of them are now 4x2.