Eagles Concert, then 7 days in Nat'l Parks - Car Question

Question

Flying roundtrip into LV, mid-March day before seeing a show at the sphere. Then heading out Saturday am for Bryce (maybe, checking weather), Zion, and GCNP South Rim visits. We will also be considering day trips from LV to DVNP and other nearby parks. Lots of questions related to car rental:

If we are staying in LV first two nights, and possibly two add'l nights before departure for local parkes, should we be picking up/dropping off our car at the airport?

Or can we easily grab our car just before se leave for the parks near our hotel on the strip?

If our concert is at the sphere, should we be concerned about where our hotel is in relation to the concert or can we easily use public transportation to get to any hotel late at night?

And if we can get around easily late at night and we decide to rent a car from the airport, are their hotels that you can recommend that offer free parking?

I will have questions about our park visits when traveling from LV, but will save that for a different post. Thanks for the guidance.

Answer

It sounds like you're planning an exciting trip! Here are some answers to your questions regarding car rental, transportation, and hotel options in Las Vegas:

1. Car Rental Pickup and Dropoff:

If you're staying on the Strip for your first few nights, it may be more convenient to rent your car directly from the airport when you first arrive. Most car rental agencies at the airport are open 24 hours, making it easier for you to pick up your vehicle upon arrival. However, renting from a location near your hotel is also possible, but it may be less convenient if you have a busy schedule or if the weather isn’t ideal for moving between the hotel and rental center. A quick Uber or taxi ride can get you to a nearby rental location if you decide to go this route.

If you're considering renting from a location near your hotel on the Strip, check with the car rental companies in advance about their hours of operation and the convenience of picking up a vehicle. Some rental agencies on the Strip offer easy access and might even pick you up from your hotel, but availability and prices may vary.

2. Concert at the Sphere – Location and Transportation:

The Sphere is a relatively new venue, and depending on where you're staying on the Strip, getting there may require some planning. If your hotel is close to the Sphere, then you can simply walk to the concert. However, if you're staying farther down the Strip, it's not a long or expensive ride by taxi, Uber, or Lyft. Public transportation (like the Deuce bus) is also available, but it might not be the most convenient for late-night returns, as the buses may stop running around midnight or earlier.

Regarding the late-night return, it’s worth considering how comfortable you are with public transportation late at night. While buses and ride-sharing options are generally safe, if you’re coming back after the concert, taxis or Uber/Lyft might be the best bet for convenience and reliability. If you're concerned about getting back to your hotel after the show, it might be better to stay in a hotel closer to the Sphere or near major transportation routes.

3. Hotels with Free Parking in Las Vegas:

Many hotels on the Strip charge for parking, but there are a few that offer free parking. If you're renting a car from the airport and staying at a hotel with free parking, this can save you a bit of money. Here are a few options:

The Venetian – Known for its luxury, it also offers free parking.
Treasure Island – Another option on the Strip with free parking for guests.
The STRAT – This hotel offers free parking and is a bit further north on the Strip, but it still has easy access to public transport or taxis.
Park MGM – Offers free self-parking, and it’s close to some great restaurants and attractions.
OYO Hotel & Casino – Located a bit off the main Strip, but it offers free parking, and it’s still close to the action.

If you're not planning to rent a car for your entire stay, consider using taxis or rideshares for easy access to your hotel and the Sphere, while relying on public transport for any day trips outside the city.

As for your park visits from Las Vegas, I’d be happy to answer those questions in a different post when you're ready. Enjoy your concert, and safe travels on your adventure through the national parks!