Travelling to USA in 2010 and would love some help.

[Brossy]

Hi guys

I am planning a trip to USA in sept/oct 2010. I have done some research but would really welcome some advise from people who have travelled on the west coast.

I am looking at hotels to accomodate a family of 5 in Las Vegas, San Diego, Anaheim and Los Angeles. I know Anaheim have a lot but I can't find them in the other areas. (2-3 star I guess).

We would like them close to tourist attractions if possible. Don't mind a little walk or short taxi ride.

We are also planning a cruise out of LA (Mariner of the seas). Where should we stay? Would this still be close to Universal studios?

We don't think we will be hiring a car (too scared to drive on the wrong side of the road especially in LA :eek:) so any advise on transportation deals would be a great help too.

Thankyou in advance.

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Hey there!

We are very happy to help out here...

 

I'm one of the SoCal locals, who also has to stay in and check out hotels in all the areas you are asking about - as part of my job...

 

So, your question is a good starting point, but (as I understand, because this entire area is unknown to you) we need a few more specifics to help you out better (otherwise you are going to get a lot of random advice that won't be right for your situation at all)...

 

#1 Just to confirm, before you get swamped with advice - you don't want to drive or rent a car - so you need plans and hotels in each area where you can do without a car.

 

#2 Family of 5 - we need to know a general age range, as there are some good hotel deals, but makes a difference if it's two parents and 3 teenagers, or 2 toddlers and a baby or whatever...

 

#3 What is the general budget, and general time frame for each location?

It's so wide open at this point, we can't recommend what is right for you in any way if there is not a general range at least to start with...

 

#4 What are any general interests or specifics on what the family wants to do or see?

Hollywood? Museums? Nature/Hiking? Zoos? Beaches? History?

 

Hopefully you can give us a bit more direction, then we can help you out far far better...

PS click on this thumbnail link here:

It's my own personal hand drawn map of the general area - so you have a perspective when looking at things and asking questions...

[Splinter]

Just wanted to add that not renting a car will run up your expenses pretty high pretty quickly. Public transportation in Southern CA for the most part is joke, and cabs are both expensive and not always easy to come by. You may want to reconsider. Driving on the other side of the road is not that hard to learn (we do it pretty well when we go to the UK, etc.). If you fly to/from Las Vegas from Los Angeles or San Diego, you can get by without a car there, but that is the exception.

[Brossy]

Just wanted to add that not renting a car will run up your expenses pretty high pretty quickly. Public transportation in Southern CA for the most part is joke, and cabs are both expensive and not always easy to come by. You may want to reconsider. Driving on the other side of the road is not that hard to learn (we do it pretty well when we go to the UK, etc.). If you fly to/from Las Vegas from Los Angeles or San Diego, you can get by without a car there, but that is the exception.

 

Hi Splinter

Thankyou for your advice :). I guess i'm just a little scared of the freeway I see in those movies (not to mention getting lost...I give directions and hubby ends up going the wrong direction ;)). It would reduce costs considerably so we might take a risk but i'll look into other options just in case.

[Brossy]

Hey there!

We are very happy to help out here...

 

I'm one of the SoCal locals, who also has to stay in and check out hotels in all the areas you are asking about - as part of my job...

 

So, your question is a good starting point, but (as I understand, because this entire area is unknown to you) we need a few more specifics to help you out better (otherwise you are going to get a lot of random advice that won't be right for your situation at all)...

 

#1 Just to confirm, before you get swamped with advice - you don't want to drive or rent a car - so you need plans and hotels in each area where you can do without a car

 

#2 Family of 5 - we need to know a general age range, as there are some good hotel deals, but makes a difference if it's two parents and 3 teenagers, or 2 toddlers and a baby or whatever...

 

#3 What is the general budget, and general time frame for each location?

It's so wide open at this point, we can't recommend what is right for you in any way if there is not a general range at least to start with...

 

#4 What are any general interests or specifics on what the family wants to do or see?

Hollywood? Museums? Nature/Hiking? Zoos? Beaches? History?

 

Hopefully you can give us a bit more direction, then we can help you out far far better...

PS click on this thumbnail link here:

It's my own personal hand drawn map of the general area - so you have a perspective when looking at things and asking questions...

 

Hi CWJ

 

I'll try and give you an idea of what I had in mind -

 

#1 Just to confirm, before you get swamped with advice - you don't want to drive or rent a car - so you need plans and hotels in each area where you can do without a car

 

We know we won't really need a car in Anaheim if we are only going to the Disney Parks but I'm not sure if we should stay longer and drive to San Diego for day trips or just stay in San Diego.

 

#2 Family of 5 - we need to know a general age range, as there are some good hotel deals, but makes a difference if it's two parents and 3 teenagers, or 2 toddlers and a baby or whatever...

 

We have 2 adults, 3 children who will be 5,7,9 at time of holiday.

 

#3 What is the general budget, and general time frame for each location?

It's so wide open at this point, we can't recommend what is right for you in any way if there is not a general range at least to start with...

 

I was thinking either late Sept or Oct (will get quotes for airfares and if it's the same price to fly in Sept from Australia that will be my 1st choice).

 

The itinerary I had in mind would be something like this

 

Syd-LA-Vegas (2 nights)

Vegas-San Diego (2 nights)

San Diego - Anaheim (7 nights ??? - not sure about length & whether to do this before San Diego)

Anaheim - Los Angeles - 7 night cruise (Mariner of the Seas)

Los Angeles - 2 nights

LA-Sydney, Australia.

 

#4 What are any general interests or specifics on what the family wants to do or see?

Hollywood? Museums? Nature/Hiking? Zoos? Beaches? History?

 

We would like to take the kids to Disney (maybe 3 day pass), Universal Studios, Legoland & either Seaworld or Zoo.

No museums, Beaches or History required (DH & I have visited before but a long time ago).

 

I hopefully have supplied enough info for you to assist me.

 

Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it.

[Gardyloo]

Frankly I think driving on freeways in California is easier than driving on comparable motorways in Oz - drivers tend to have greater lane discipline and the roads tend to be wider and have more lanes than Australian counterparts. One other factor is that 100% of rental vehicles in the US have automatic transmissions, so there's no need to worry about gear changing with your unused (right) hand. The most important thing is getting used to where the mirrors are, rather than constantly staring at the window posts expecting to see who's behind you ;).

 

With five I think a hired minivan is really your only practical solution. Not only will it make getting from place to place way cheaper and easier, it will allow you to look for hotels in desirable if less centrally-located areas, rather than hotels in areas (e.g. Beverly Hills) that may offer public transportation accessibility but which cost a lot more than car-oriented lodgings in other areas.

 

Just some thoughts.

[Brossy]

Frankly I think driving on freeways in California is easier than driving on comparable motorways in Oz - drivers tend to have greater lane discipline and the roads tend to be wider and have more lanes than Australian counterparts. One other factor is that 100% of rental vehicles in the US have automatic transmissions, so there's no need to worry about gear changing with your unused (right) hand. The most important thing is getting used to where the mirrors are, rather than constantly staring at the window posts expecting to see who's behind you ;).

 

With five I think a hired minivan is really your only practical solution. Not only will it make getting from place to place way cheaper and easier, it will allow you to look for hotels in desirable if less centrally-located areas, rather than hotels in areas (e.g. Beverly Hills) that may offer public transportation accessibility but which cost a lot more than car-oriented lodgings in other areas.

 

Just some thoughts.

 

Hi Gardyloo

 

It does sound like a better option to hire a car but i'm such a scardy cat...I did have a look at a travel pass for the 5 of us and it was almost $1000AUD for a 14 day pass. I guess I could probably hire a car for 1/2 that. I won't rule it out..who knows I might even like driving on the other side :rolleyes:.

 

Thanks for your help :).

[Cruisin' Chick]

Maybe others can chime in about Vegas for kids as I haven't been there in years (and before kid!). I'm just wondering if it's better to skip that city. There's a lot in San Diego for kids (the Zoo, Sea World, Legoland in Carlsbad).

[Brossy]

Maybe others can chime in about Vegas for kids as I haven't been there in years (and before kid!). I'm just wondering if it's better to skip that city. There's a lot in San Diego for kids (the Zoo' date=' Sea World, Legoland in Carlsbad).[/quote']

 

Hi Cruisin' Chick

Vegas is for DH :rolleyes: no way he'll let us travel all the way to USA and not go to Vegas. I'll leave him to do a bit of gamling while i take the kids to a shopping centre (There used to be a factory outlet there somewhere just outside of town). I think the kids would love the lights and the different hotels.

[mypleasure]

I just want to add a perspective to driving in the USA.

 

I am British and have driven in the UK, continental Europe, Australia and the USA.

 

By far and away the easiest place to drive was the USA. The automatic transmission vehicle dumbs down driving to the point where you just needs to steer. Everyone in the US abides by speed limits and compared to the rest of the world this is at a snails pace! The signing on the roads is excellent and most hire cars have optional sat nav for a few extra dollars each day. The roads are exceptionally wide and the drivers seemed very courteous. You will be able to see and do so much more if you have a vehicle.

 

I would advise anyone that the US is an easy place to drive just like I would never advise anyone to drive in the UK where everyone does at least 50 in a 30 limit, never signals their manouvers, brakes at the last possible moment and has a get out of my way attitude.

 

I think you will find little to be scared of once you are on the road.

 

Jean

[April-in-NC]

Hi Cruisin' Chick

Vegas is for DH :rolleyes: no way he'll let us travel all the way to USA and not go to Vegas. I'll leave him to do a bit of gamling while i take the kids to a shopping centre (There used to be a factory outlet there somewhere just outside of town). I think the kids would love the lights and the different hotels.

 

I just got back from Vegas! There is stuff there for kids to do, although it is very much oriented to adult entertainment. :)

 

I found a lot of information at www.vegas.com, so I recommend you check out that site.

 

Recommendations for families in Vegas:

1) Mandalay Bay Shark Reef: This is a medium sized aquarium on the south end of the "Strip". It has a touch pool where you can touch sting rays and horseshoe crabs. Current price is $16.95 for adults (US dollars) I don't remember what the children's price was.

 

2) Circus Circus Adventurdome: This is at the north end of the Strip and is an amusement park filled will roller coasters and other thrill rides. This is completely indoors, so no worries about heat or rain! You can buy all day ride passes or purchase one ticket at a time (more expensive).

 

3) Lion exhibit at MGM: This is free, and will only take a few minutes to go see, but it is neat to see the lions in the middle of casino. :) The kids are allowed in the casino as long as they are walking through with their parent(s).

 

4) Bellagio fountains. This was my FAVORITE thing in Vegas, in the evening the fountain shows are every 15 minutes (less often during the day). The show is better at night, but they are still nice during the day.

 

5) Wildlife Preserve at the Flamingo: This is free as well, the casino has flamingos and other wildlife in a center courtyard. You can go through and see birds, fish, turtles and some man made waterfalls.

 

You can also purchase tours (or rent a car and drive) to the Hoover Dam and/or the Grand Canyon. This is not cheap, but I think the kids would enjoy seeing the Grand Canyon.

 

There is still LOTS of shopping that can be done in Vegas, they have an outlet mall near the airport, another ouside of town, and most (if not all) the casinos have shopping inside. Depending on budget you can get Jimmy Choos/Louis Vitton in Ceasar's Palace or do more "mall" style shopping at the Miracle Mile of shops in Planet Hollywood. :D

 

Have fun!

[Lookingforfacts]

Go the Vegas hotel websites and sign up for the email promotions. Generally Friday and Saturday night stays are significantly more expensive then weekdays but many of the shows are "dark" two days a week. Try to plan Vegas for a couple of weeknights but check if there is a specific show you want to see.

[jasmith52]

Everyone in the US abides by speed limits

 

Many would take exception to this advice.

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Hi CWJ

I'll try and give you an idea of what I had in mind -

Syd-LA-Vegas (2 nights)

Vegas-San Diego (2 nights)

San Diego - Anaheim (7 nights ??? - not sure about length & whether to do this before San Diego)

Anaheim - Los Angeles - 7 night cruise (Mariner of the Seas)

Los Angeles - 2 nights

LA-Sydney, Australia.

Thanks for all your help, I really appreciate it.

Okay, so I'm going to start with this in general (you have time to adjust things later).

You have young kids, so we want to keep all that in mind as well - for their interest, as well a nice kid-friendly hotels.

 

So, I'm not even going to worry about days and time adjustments, lets just get some home base hotels - and I'm going to even try to work it where you don't have to drive (it can be done).

 

#1 Vegas

There are quite a few kid friendly hotels and places in Vegas.

Considering your entire situation, my highest recommendation to you is:

MGM Grand Hotel

http://www.mgmgrand.com/

Why? It's a nice adult hotel, but extremely kid friendly. Your entire family (all ages) will be happy there.

There is so much to do for everyone right in the hotel.

For the kids, the pool area is incredible - with a lazy floating river Fridays to Sundays.

Like April said, there is a free Lion Habitat that you can go back to time and again - kids love it.

Tons of restaurants to appeal to all ages and prices.

It's also got the super cool Gameworks right next door.

There is also a monorail station there, so you can take that to other places along the strip with no driving.

 

The other ones I recommend less, as they get so kid friendly that they are not very adult friendly at all.

Luxor would be my next recommendation.

http://www.luxor.com/

Interesting enough for kids, and some cool 3D shows and rides.

 

Excalibur is very cheesy, but kids love it.

http://www.excalibur.com/

 

I would not recommend actually staying in Circus Circus. Once upon a time it was the best kids hotel, not it's a little run down and slightly scary as a hotel guest.

I'd still go to The adventure Done though, if roller coasters are their thing.

 

 

And as April has mentioned, there are actually lots of kid friendly (and free) things in Vegas.

To her list I will add:

The Sirens of TI Pirate Show and the Volcano at Mirage.

There are TWO shows at each end of the Caesars Forum SHops, where there are giant marble statues. They come to life, tell stories, and one has special effects and the other has a laser show. Both awesome for kids.

Also the Masquerade Show in the Sky at Rio is free, and the kids love trying to catch the mardi gras beads that they throw from the floats!

 

I'll get to the other portions of your trip in another post...

[Curt Jerome Wild]

For your LA (Universal Studios) portion of the trip...

I'm going to recommend The Sportsmen's Lodge

(click here for my pics and info)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=12760409

Family friendly, you can get a room for $89 or so with advance purchase.

They have free hotel shuttle to and from Universal.

 

From there, you can take a one stop Metro Red Line to the main tourist part of Hollywood on another day - and see The Walk of Fame (there's a lot going on down there, so it can be pretty exciting for kids) and The Ripley's Museum.

There is also the Disney Fountain Shop, right next to the El Capitan Theater.

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/

This is great fun for their age group, as they have live shows and exhibits along with whatever the current Disney movie is playing.

 

You could also check out the Beverly Garland Hotel, and the Universal Hilton, and Universal Sheraton.

I'll get to Anaheim later, but that gives you a bit to start checking out and looking at...

[Brossy]

I just want to add a perspective to driving in the USA.

 

I am British and have driven in the UK, continental Europe, Australia and the USA.

 

By far and away the easiest place to drive was the USA. The automatic transmission vehicle dumbs down driving to the point where you just needs to steer. Everyone in the US abides by speed limits and compared to the rest of the world this is at a snails pace! The signing on the roads is excellent and most hire cars have optional sat nav for a few extra dollars each day. The roads are exceptionally wide and the drivers seemed very courteous. You will be able to see and do so much more if you have a vehicle.

 

I would advise anyone that the US is an easy place to drive just like I would never advise anyone to drive in the UK where everyone does at least 50 in a 30 limit, never signals their manouvers, brakes at the last possible moment and has a get out of my way attitude.

 

I think you will find little to be scared of once you are on the road.

 

Jean

 

Hi Jean

 

I think you are right about driving. I tackle about 15 roundabouts driving to work everyday so maybe it would be easier driving over there.

 

Thanks for your vote of confidence...stay tuned :).

[Brossy]

I just got back from Vegas! There is stuff there for kids to do, although it is very much oriented to adult entertainment. :)

 

I found a lot of information at www.vegas.com, so I recommend you check out that site.

 

Recommendations for families in Vegas:

1) Mandalay Bay Shark Reef: This is a medium sized aquarium on the south end of the "Strip". It has a touch pool where you can touch sting rays and horseshoe crabs. Current price is $16.95 for adults (US dollars) I don't remember what the children's price was.

 

2) Circus Circus Adventurdome: This is at the north end of the Strip and is an amusement park filled will roller coasters and other thrill rides. This is completely indoors, so no worries about heat or rain! You can buy all day ride passes or purchase one ticket at a time (more expensive).

 

3) Lion exhibit at MGM: This is free, and will only take a few minutes to go see, but it is neat to see the lions in the middle of casino. :) The kids are allowed in the casino as long as they are walking through with their parent(s).

 

4) Bellagio fountains. This was my FAVORITE thing in Vegas, in the evening the fountain shows are every 15 minutes (less often during the day). The show is better at night, but they are still nice during the day.

 

5) Wildlife Preserve at the Flamingo: This is free as well, the casino has flamingos and other wildlife in a center courtyard. You can go through and see birds, fish, turtles and some man made waterfalls.

 

You can also purchase tours (or rent a car and drive) to the Hoover Dam and/or the Grand Canyon. This is not cheap, but I think the kids would enjoy seeing the Grand Canyon.

 

There is still LOTS of shopping that can be done in Vegas, they have an outlet mall near the airport, another ouside of town, and most (if not all) the casinos have shopping inside. Depending on budget you can get Jimmy Choos/Louis Vitton in Ceasar's Palace or do more "mall" style shopping at the Miracle Mile of shops in Planet Hollywood. :D

 

Have fun!

 

Hi April-in-NC

 

I really appreciate all the info you have posted on Vegas...very helpful and informative.

I forgot all about Bellagio...that place is amazing so definately not to be missed :). I think the kids will love it.

Is there a website I can goto to organise cheaper accomodation through these hotels in advance (i.e....say 6 months?).

 

Thanks again for your help & enjoy your cruise :D

[Brossy]

Go the Vegas hotel websites and sign up for the email promotions. Generally Friday and Saturday night stays are significantly more expensive then weekdays but many of the shows are "dark" two days a week. Try to plan Vegas for a couple of weeknights but check if there is a specific show you want to see.

 

Hi Lookingforfacts

 

I never considered booking on the dark days...great idea! I would probably need to book a fair way in advance to ensure my accomodation is secure...do any hotels offer specials 6 months in advance and do you have to pay for it then and there or when you get to the hotel?

 

Thanks

[Brossy]

For your LA (Universal Studios) portion of the trip...

I'm going to recommend The Sportsmen's Lodge

(click here for my pics and info)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=12760409

Family friendly, you can get a room for $89 or so with advance purchase.

They have free hotel shuttle to and from Universal.

 

From there, you can take a one stop Metro Red Line to the main tourist part of Hollywood on another day - and see The Walk of Fame (there's a lot going on down there, so it can be pretty exciting for kids) and The Ripley's Museum.

There is also the Disney Fountain Shop, right next to the El Capitan Theater.

http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/el_capitan/

This is great fun for their age group, as they have live shows and exhibits along with whatever the current Disney movie is playing.

 

You could also check out the Beverly Garland Hotel, and the Universal Hilton, and Universal Sheraton.

I'll get to Anaheim later, but that gives you a bit to start checking out and looking at...

 

Hi CJW

 

I love how much info you have provided so far (much better than any t/a I have ever visited here ;)).

I clicked onto the link for the Sportsmen's lodge and it looks quite good. I couldn't get any pricing to appear for sept 2010...did I do anything wrong? Also it said I had to book 3 rooms? Is it a max of 2 per room or once again did I do something wrong?

 

Anyway keep the rest of the information coming as it has been extremely helpful and I really appreciate it.

 

Hey if you ever come to Sydney I can help you out with Ozinfo :D.

[The_Big_M]

I never considered booking on the dark days...great idea!

 

Those are actually days when the shows are not running each week e.g. a show might run Saturday to Thursday, so Friday is "dark." Each show is different though, and it also depends if you are planning to see any. Some cater more for children, while some are adults only.

 

I would probably need to book a fair way in advance to ensure my accomodation is secure...do any hotels offer specials 6 months in advance and do you have to pay for it then and there or when you get to the hotel?

 

Although you can do that, with the current market the best specials tend to be 1-2 months out in my opinion. It depends if you want a particular property though, in which case you may want to book a few months out just to ensure you have that particular one. Also, in Vegas, pricing is driven by conventions so if you know a year out that there is going to be a massive convention on the same time you are there, it may be better booking even 6 months out (as prices will tend to rise there due to the confirmed sales).

[The_Big_M]

Many would take exception to this advice.

 

I was thinking similarly. I just came back from a very similar trip, and was happy to drive as it suited my plans best.

 

However, particularly around the LA area there was a lot of traffic above the speed limit and I got one car flashing heavily behind me because I wasn't immediately at the speed limit at one stage in a right hand lane on the freeway (I wasn't entirely sure of the path I was taking). Overall, I would say it wasn't particularly difficult if you knew exactly where you were going, and better than other countries I've been to, but the number of lanes and paths (8 lanes each way at times), and high speeds meant that you should be confident where you're heading. Having a satnav would help with that, but bump up the price about $110-$170 US for 11 days driving.

[The_Big_M]

One other thing I would say about the car element is that it is definitely the most economic if you are doing a lot of travelling but it does have added costs in some locations too, particularly in terms of parking. In Vegas you should be able to park free (but you probably won't need a car while there, until you leave), but in San Diego and Los Angeles you will be up for overnight parking costs, typically $15-20 US/night. In Anaheim you will be in walking distance of Disneyland, or can take a shuttle.

 

I think 7 days in Anaheim could be reduced though, compared to the other amounts of time in other destinations. When you subtract travelling time from the others, it's probably a minimum of 4 hours if you're flying (allowing transit, check-in, flight, then transit) which doesn't leave as much in the 2 days you've allocated to Las Vegas and, more particularly San Diego where I think you can do a lot with a family (for example, I spent a whole day at San Diego zoo alone).

 

I also agree with the sequence of Vegas->San Diego then work your way north to optimise travel time. Note if driving though that it is probably 7 hours driving from Vegas to San Diego if you do it in one leg rather than breaking the trip overnight.

[Curt Jerome Wild]

Hi CJW

 

I love how much info you have provided so far (much better than any t/a I have ever visited here ;)).

I clicked onto the link for the Sportsmen's lodge and it looks quite good. I couldn't get any pricing to appear for sept 2010...did I do anything wrong? Also it said I had to book 3 rooms? Is it a max of 2 per room or once again did I do something wrong?

 

Anyway keep the rest of the information coming as it has been extremely helpful and I really appreciate it.

 

Hey if you ever come to Sydney I can help you out with Ozinfo :D.

Glad to help!

Their computer system probably doesn't go out that far for Sportsmen's Lodge.

And the rooms definitely hold more than two per room max!

They also have some family suites if you want more space.

 

You might need to call them, and see what advance purchase they'll give you. They are extremely nice and helpful over there.

 

 

Regarding Vegas hotels, you can easily get advance purchase long ahead of time. Just check with the hotel.

Personally the further out you book, the better the price in Vegas. But check the cancellation policies. Most only put a hold on your credit card for the first night only (don't have to pay for the whole stay), but you can cancel up to 72 hours in advance for a full refund.

Personally, I book good deals in advance, then just cancel and rebook later in if I find better ones as it get's closer. But that is rare.

[kenish]

OP- I've driven in the UK and after the first 10 minutes it's second nature. We are going on our first trip to Oz in July and will rent cars in MEL, Cairns, and Uluru. If we are braving it, we expect you to do the same! :)

 

I agree with the suggestions to do Las Vegas, SD, Disney, then back to LA. Be sure to check Southwest Airlines at www.iflyswa.com They are similar to your Virgin Blue or Jetstar, nothing fancy but you don't need it as Las Vegas flights from LA and to SD are less than an hour. (Be sure to check American, US Airways, etc. too, the competition is fierce!) You might check fares from Australia-LV then LAX-home. They may be the same, and then you get the LAX-LV fare for no extra cost.

 

SD to Anaheim is a quick drive (90 mins non-rush hour) or take the train. Some rental car companies will let you rent in Anaheim and drop off in LA without a one-way drop charge. Amtrak www.amtrak.com is the national RR system, and service from SD up the coast is frequent and reasonably punctual (but probably horrible by Oz standards). There is a station in Anaheim 6km from Disney; hotel shuttles might pick you up, or take a taxi.

 

LV is a weekend getaway spot, so you will find cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds Sunday PM-Thursday AM. Mon/Tues/Wed nights are the lowest hotel rates.

[travelermom]

We have stayed in Las Vegas with our three kids many times. Not all hotels are as kid-friendly -- some charge more for the room per person, including children while at others, kids are free. Our kids have enjoyed staying at the Excalibur and Luxor, which have nice pool areas and also great game arcades for the kids. MGM Grand also is great for kids. Fitting five people in a room is also not possible in some of the hotels. Others will allow a rollaway. The kids will enjoy seeing the volcano at the Mirage Hotel, pirate show at Treasure Island, tigers at MGM Grand and the sharks at Mandalay Bay. The outlet malls just past the airport are also great shopping. If you want to go out of Las Vegas, you can also visit Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon. Just some ideas on things to do with kids. There's plenty to amuse kids in Las Vegas.