Driving around the Grand Canyon South Rim

[Grand Canyon Tours]

This was our 4th trip to Vegas from the UK, flying from Manchester via Chicago. We've tried direct and indirect flights and tend to go with the best price. We're still undecided if it's better to suffer a long flight and get there in one go, or stop off for a break (and meet with customs) on the way. We spent 2 nights at the Gold Coast, one night at the Grand Canyon and 4 nights at the Imperial Palace. Low rollers - we enjoy sight seeing and eating!

We left Manchester an hour and a half late, missing the connection at O'Hare. While we were redirected on America West, our luggage preferred to stay with United and arrived in Vegas before us - thankfully it was on the carousel and waiting to go when we arrived!

We asked for a 'quick route' to the Gold Coast and were taken through the tunnel. It came to $20 including tip. Not sure if this would be considered good value, but it was a Saturday night and we didn't stop in traffic.

Gold Coast: Our first stay here and probably not our last. Reasonable rates and a comfy bed. Yes, the bathroom is tiny and a very gloomy colour, but open the little window and you have a shower looking over at the Stratosphere. We were given fun books at check in that gave us free cocktails, free ice cream, 2 for 1 bowling, and free playing cards from the souvenir shop. We took the short shuttle ride to the Barbary Coast - this would be a MUST in the heat - don't be tempted to walk it! The breakfast buffet was good with all the usual items and the service was prompt and friendly.

Grand Canyon: We rented a Jeep for 4 days and really made good use of it. The 5 hour drive to the Canyon seemed daunting but was easy to follow. Food choices along the way were limited (Mc D's, Pizza etc). The journey has been described as 'monotonous' but it was fascinating to us because we had never ventured beyond the Strip area and were eager to see more of the country. We stayed at Tusayan (in the Best Western). The hotel was great, with cheap spacious suites. It's just a mile from the South entrance and quiet at this time of year. The Canyon was SENSATIONAL. We're so glad we went. Words can't do it justice. We were able to drive around the Grand Canyon South Rim and found this to be the better option than taking the shuttle buses. From the end of February you have to take the bus around the area and would lose a lot of the freedom. (I imagine it gets so busy that there's no other way to do it.) There was still snow on the ground which made for wintery pictures. We stopped at the IMAX at Tusayan and it gave a great view of the Canyon from all angles ($10 each, or $9 with coupon from the hotel.)<!--more-->

Imperial Palace: We've stayed here before and knew what to expect - cheap and cheerful! We love the location and feel in the centre of things there. The Palace has improved over the past few years and has a good atmosphere, especially with the Dealertainers. We were given a bizarre route to our room (no. 128) via the second floor to get back to the first. It took some getting used to. The room was box-like but clean and fresh and we didn't spend too long there. The rear of the Palace has changed a lot and looks modern! There's a handy cut through to Harrah's that avoids Carnival Court (just follow the Monorail signs). We were staying here in the rain and it sure does flood in the garage!

Little White Wedding Chapel: We renewed our vows without having to leave the car! It was a bright sunny morning with a shiny jeep, lovely husband, new diamond ringŠwhat else could a girl wish for (apart from a big win!)? The ceremony was surprisingly touching, despite the Minister hanging out of the drive thru window. We were just dying to ask him if he did fries too. We got the $10 polaroid as proof for the folks back home.

Food: Good food at the Rio Carnival World Buffet (we tried instead of the Aladdin this time and were not disappointed). Paid at 10.50am, just in time to pay breakfast prices and be ready for the beginning of lunch at 11.00am. Cheesecake Factory - we always try to make one pilgrimage here. Had a 'smaller' meal (soup/sandwich/salad) but still no room for cheesecake so once again had to leave with a little take out for later. In and Out burger - after recommendations from this site we tried this place near Decatur. Certainly better than Mc D's and the fries were gorgeous - just like real potato! Cyprus Street (in Caesar's casino) - the place where you swipe a credit card for food choices and pay at the end. This is a good option if you just can't face another buffet. The hot turkey sandwiches are piled high and the bbq chicken with jacket potato is really tasty. The 7 layer chocolate cake is not to be sniffed at either.

Gambling: As already said, we're just low rollers playing slots here, there and everywhere when we get that 'winning' feeling. Unfortunately I get that feeling a lot but it's yet to pay off. Favourites include Texas Tea and Double Diamond. I used to love Full of Sheep but we can't find it anywhere anymore. Don't normally bother with the 1c slots but found they lasted for ages and paid out regularly. Ever so often I'd sneak guiltily into the higher limits and put $5 on a single spin but it never worked. You can tell I'll never be a high roller!

 Other Ramblings:
 - Big Elvis is certainly a lot bigger than when we last saw him. He still sounds great but couldn't even stand up for long. He's not looking good.
 - Thanks to a tip on this site, we took our used monorail cards to the Flamingo and showed the Connection card. This gives $5 free slot play and I managed to convert mine into $5 real money!
 - Finally managed to see the Fremont Street light show after 3 previous attempts. It was a good show (the patriotic one) but could have been longer.
 - Wynn Resort looks nowhere near ready. It's a building site out there. Can't wait to see it finished.

 Highs:
 - Everyone clapping on the plane as the pilot welcomes us to Las Vegas (yippee!)
 - Desserts for breakfastŠlunchŠdinnerŠ
 - TITO machines for quicker transfer from machine to machine, and keeping clean without all those coins
 - The Grand Canyon - go and see it!
 - Customs seem to be getting a lot quicker. It only took us 10 mins at O'Hare
 - Walmart! I just love all those bargains

 Lows:
 - Rude and inconsiderate neighbours shouting and slamming doors at all hours, don't they think anyone may be sleeping in the middle of the night? I like to get my own back going down for breakfast
 - $5 headphone hire at America West - and you have to give them back!
 - Rain! - we can get that at home anytime
 - The monorail leaks everywhere in the rain and is really slippy
 - Dragging suitcases through the casino at the end of the trip and trying to stuff a few more dollars in machines as husband checks out.
 - Finally at the airport it's the realisation that I haven't won and I've got to get back to normality for another YEAR!

Thanks to everyone who has written a trip report. Like others I love printing them off and reading them at all hours. It's great to relive the holiday from so many different points of view. Viva Las Vegas!

Paradise Found Tours maintains a website for The Grand Canyon at http://www.paradisefoundtours.com. The site provides information for Grand Canyon tours, special news, fees and other pertinent information.

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