
We recommend the Grand Canyon's South Rim in winter, even if you haven't got the time to hike down and stay at Phantom Ranch. Once you get away from the village you lose the people and there is lots of good flat walking along the canyon edge. It is worth staying overnight so that you can see the sunset and/or sunrise from the various vantage points. Bright Angel and El Tovar are good places to stay but the best Bright Angel cabins have canyon views and fireplaces. We stayed in one of the other lodges - not as attractive (look a bit like motels) but we had a great view over the canyon. You can book all of the accommodation online, but we arrived early afternoon and were able to find a room during half term. You can also eat at El Tovar even if you are not staying and it is a worthwhile experience. There is also a free bus which connects the central viewpoints. The western part of the rim trail is accessible by car/foot in winter whereas in summer this road is closed but served by park bus. We walked along the rim around Hermit's Rest and saw hardly anyone.
National Park Service has a very good website and the section on the Grand Canyon NP is one of the best (webcams etc). Grand Canyon in the snow is definitely not to be missed. Relatively few people, especially if you get away from the village in the middle of the day when the tourbuses and train arrive.
www.grandcanyonlodges.com/bright-angel-lodge-408.html
www.grandcanyonlodges.com/
www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm
Google map: tinyurl.com/y95ams7
If you want to see the most wonderful scenery in America, then I suggest you take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. The feeling you get from hovering above the canyon is quite amazing.
During a holiday to Las Vegas with my husband we were able to witness a storm which passed across the canyon. To stand there and watch the forks of lightning crossing the sky was quite magical, especially when you're standing in hot sunshine on the other side.
For the more romantic of you, there is an option to actually land in the canyon and have lunch over looking the truly wonderful scenery.
During the flight back you fly over the strip which is lit up in all its glory. All I can say is "wow". This has to be one of those trips you certainly have to make in your lifetime.
You can get a trip to the canyon from most tourist shops along the strip, or your hotel will have information.
What could be more pleasant than wandering by the side of a canal on a cool but bright summer’s day watching the gondolas go past and doing a bit of window-shopping? Well, at the Venetian you can do all that – okay the coolness is provided by air conditioning and the bright summer’s day by the painted ceiling of blue sky and clouds but, hey, who cares, it’s still lovely.
The Grand Canal shopping arcade at the Venetian is, like many of the other large hotel arcades, worth visiting even if you aren’t in the mood for retail therapy. It’s a really nice place to have a stroll. Now I have never been to Venice so I can’t comment on whether the buildings are authentic but the European style architecture, the walkways, bridges, streetlights and canal make a very pleasant backdrop. If your wallet is itchy then there a shops selling laces, masks and glass as well as shoes, fashion, jewellery etc..
You can also, if you wish, take a gondola ride. Or sit down, sup a cappuccino and get into that Italian style vibe. Bella.
3355 Las Vegas Boulevard
In the Venetian Hotel
This has to be one of the best restaurants in Las Vegas. Ate there in May of 2005 and the steaks were absolutely amazing. The service was fab, the restaurant decor and layout really stunning. Do yourself a favour and treat yourself to dinner there!
MGM Grand Las Vegas
3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Telephone:(702) 891-7318
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
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