LA/Grand Canyon via Marriott

(Can't figure out which board is right - this one or US-Western - but want to stick with Marriott brands ...)

Don's 4-day annual meeting is scheduled for November in LA with spouses invited for the first time. Of course I'm going! Plus we're thinking of tacking on another 4-5 days with the goal of seeing the Grand Canyon.

In LA he has the choice of a room/suite in the Ritz-Carlton or JW Marriott at LA Live. Anybody know it? We're Plat Marriott Rewards - which would you choose? Which will earn us more Points if the rooms are eligible?

It seems like there are a few different options and I have no idea where to begin with planning for the Grand Canyon. Stay in Vegas and do a day trip? Stay somewhere else? Are there Marriotts closer than Vegas? We can use cash or DC Points or MR Points or II exchanges/Getaways - what would you do? (The only one I really don't like the sound of is exchanging a week-for-week in II - hate to have a couple nights go unused.)

Thanks for any ideas you want to share. This will be my first trip out west and I'm excited.

The Marriott/Ritz (occupy same tower) at LA Live is brand spanking new.

LA Live is a new entertainment district just south of downtown near Staples Center and the Convention Center. The area is developing, so it's still urban. It would be a good base to visit LA sites from since it sits right off the 110 freeway.

But we must be at least a 10 hour drive from here to the Grand Canyon. So yes, Vegas is much closer for that part of your trip.

Sue, both are essentially the same building and they were recently built. BUT, they are not located in the best part of town. You will be in an up-and coming-area with restaurants and movie theaters but you'll need a car to get anywhere.

The Ritz/JW is located really in the middle of LA in downtown (right by a major freeway) so it's about 10 miles from Beverly Hills/ Rodeo Drive if you want to sightsee (again, must rent a car!) and about 15 miles to Santa Monica, which is a really nice place to visit for shopping and to hang out, even in November.

I don't have any information about the Grand Canyon but Las Vegas is a weekend trip for LA people. It's about 4 hours away (less if you drive like my husband). If you haven't seen it, I would visit Las Vegas and stay no more than 2 nights using points. I'm not sure if the Grand Canyon is a day trip from Vegas but others might know.

You'll have a great trip! Be prepare for great weather, even in November. Leave your heavy jackets at home!

Thanks, Rick and Lisa. For the LA portion of the trip we don't have a choice of something other than the JW or RC; Don and his partners are required to stay where the planners choose because they schedule day and night activities in the conference center. (Well, I suppose Don could demand his freedom and stay at another hotel as long as he can get himself to the commitments, but why would he with a choice between a Ritz or JW room in a brand-new facility?) If this follows the typical pattern then transportation for any free-time activities will be provided. I love the thought of seeing Rodeo Drive, Heidi, and will be scouring the upcoming info to see if it's included as a possible activity! If not then a group of us spouses will make our way there on our own.

We're thinking we'll leave LA after the meeting for a new homebase closer to the Grand Canyon, and Vegas might fit that bill. I'll look more at the Western board here and keep listening to any TUGgers' ideas. Thanks.

Unless you want to see Vegas, I wouldn't stay there to visit the Grand Canyon. However, we thought it was doable (but certainly not ideal) as a day trip from Sedona, about 2 hours away, but it depends on how much you want to do and see. Flagstaff is also popular as a home-base and I think that is about 1 hour away. In retrospect and for future planning, I think I would stay a couple nights at one of the lodges right in the park. We like to hike and it was somewhat disappointing to travel all the way to Grand Canyon and spend just a few hours hiking rather than taking our time to absorb the scenery. It really is breathtaking and warrants more than a single day, IMO.

Don't worry about the LA hotels. They are new and very nice. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there. I was telling my husband we should stay there after a Laker's game (Staples Center is a few blocks away) even though we live 10 miles away.

SueDonJ said:

In LA he has the choice of a room/suite in the Ritz-Carlton or JW Marriott at LA Live. Anybody know it? We're Plat Marriott Rewards - which would you choose? Which will earn us more Points if the rooms are eligible?

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I have not stayed at the LA Live complex (or even visited there).

Ritz-Carlton now allows you to use Marriott Rewards points for stays and upgrades. However, Ritz-Carlton normally does not recognize Marriott Rewards Platinum Elite status and Ritz-Carlton does not allow you to earn Marriott Rewards points or accrue nights stayed for elite renewal.

JW Marriott participates fully in the Marriott Rewards program. Based on Platinum Elite status, JW Marriott should upgrade your room (based on availability) and provide lounge access on weekdays.

Considering that the location is the same and both are high-end brands (although Ritz-Carlton is higher end), I would pick JW Marriott (unless there's a compelling reason to stay at the Ritz-Carlton that I don't know about).

SueDonJ said:

It seems like there are a few different options and I have no idea where to begin with planning for the Grand Canyon. Stay in Vegas and do a day trip? Stay somewhere else? Are there Marriotts closer than Vegas? We can use cash or DC Points or MR Points or II exchanges/Getaways - what would you do?

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The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is still around a 5-hour drive (each way) from Las Vegas. It would be a rather grueling day trip, and you wouldn't see much of the Grand Canyon. I would strongly recommend spending at least 24 hours at the Grand Canyon. And 48 hours would be better.

Ideally, get a room in Grand Canyon National Park, although it won't be Marriott. (It will be an overpriced room run by the National Park Service's concessionaire.) See the canyon in morning light and at sunset. Have breakfast at El Tovar. Spend some time at the Visitor Center. Go on a guided walk with a Park Ranger. See what other programs the NPS offers while you're there. Walk along the rim by yourselves. Take the free shuttle to various vantage points. Look for mule deer and other wildlife.

See http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm for the official Grand Canyon National Park website.

There are also hotels just outside Grand Canyon NP in Grand Canyon, Arizona, but they aren't Marriott either.

The closest Marriott properties are in Flagstaff, Arizona, around two hours south of the South Rim. These are four limited-service Marriott brands -- Fairfield, SpringHill Suites, Courtyard, Residence Inn -- which normally don't do anything special for Platinum Elite members, but they allow you to earn points and nights.

With two nights in Flagstaff, a day trip to the Grand Canyon is a reasonable option. Many people do it. I still think 24 hours at the Grand Canyon is the way to go, but at least a day trip from Flagstaff is better than a day trip from Las Vegas. There are a lot of other worthwhile, interesting, and beautiful destinations out of Flagstaff.

Keep in mind that it will be cold at the Grand Canyon in November. The elevation of the South Rim is around 7,000 feet above sea level. The less visited North Rim will be closed for the season. You may encounter snow and/or ice.

No matter what you do, you'll spend a lot of time driving if you're flying in and out of Los Angeles (LAX). You may want to consider a one-way car rental, flying home from Phoenix or Las Vegas. (There's also limited airline service from Flagstaff.)

You may also want to consider flying from Los Angeles to Phoenix or Las Vegas for the Grand Canyon portion of your trip. In addition to legacy carriers, Southwest offers frequent service from LAX to Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Have fun!

I highly recommend staying at one of the canyon accommodations. See the sunset and sunrise. Beautiful sites. Worth not getting Marriott points and credit for one or two nights. In my opinion...

One, or better, two nights on the rim at the Grand Canyon would be my choice. We took two nights out of our week in Scottsdale, and it was worth every missed day at the pools. Had to order our two boys (teenagers at the time) to go with us, and they were speechless when they first saw the Canyon, and even accompanied me on a starlight, snow walk along the rim, although I couldn't rouse anyone else for the sunrise (New Year's week and cold for Californians) walk. Equally (actually even more) gorgeous.

We had dinner at El Tovar, and enjoyed it, but the freedom to be one of only a few, or no other people out walking after the daytime tourists left, (or before they arrived) was the highlight.

It was an easy four hour drive from Scottsdale, and we drove through the spectacular Sedona area on the way up. Scottsdale/Phoenix is about 7 hours from LA, and I'd choose it over Las Vegas.

Ann in CA said:

It was an easy two hour drive from Scottsdale, and we drove through the spectacular Sedona area on the way up.

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It's 232 miles from Scottsdale to the South Rim at Grand Canyon National Park.

To make it in 2 hours, you would need to average 116 miles per hour, including the portion that's on mountain roads.

A more realistic estimate is 4 hours.

Well, my husband was driving our new car, but don't think he was going that fast. It has been awhile, but am sure you are correct. I will edit my post!

With all that gorgeous scenery, if must have seemed like only 2 hours!

Thanks.

Stay on the South Rim at the El Tovar. Get your reservations now but don't expect a view from your room.

Here is a link to the company that operates the lodges of the National Park Service.

http://www.xanterra.com/

Wow, so much good information and useful links from you all - thanks!

Werner, all that information about the differences for Ritz and JW as far as Marriott Rewards is much appreciated. The LA room won't be paid for by us so we may only be able to accrue elite nights for it, no Points unless we charge incidentals or unless the planner has worked out something for those of us with MR accounts to get room payment credit. Ritz pretty much offers nothing extra, the JW has whatever points/nights might accrue, lounge access, possible upgrades ... JW makes the most sense.

I'm thinking that flying out of LA after the annual meeting to whatever airport is closest to the Grand Canyon, and then flying home from there 3 or 4 days later is the way to go. That would be my ideal itinerary, but probably I should ask Don if there's something he wants to do different. I wouldn't be planning any of this, after all, if not for his meeting. :rofl:

We like to settle in when we travel, unpack our bags and sleep in the same beds for a few nights, spend a part of each day both on the go and relaxing. He enjoys taking in historical/educational sites, I like anything that looks good through a camera lens. It really sounds like staying in the park would suit us both. I took a look at El Tovar and they have what looks like a comfy room available. Again, I'd book it this minute just based on how many of you experts suggested it, but Don needs to be consulted. (whine whine whine)

Only one other question for now - Old Hickory, why the "don't expect a view" from the El Tovar? Do they not have rooms with views or do they get booked in secret? When I looked at what could be booked all of the room options said "no view." No problem, I'll book there anyway, but I'm just curious.

You know, Don forwarded the advance-notice email about this to me two days ago and told me, "don't get ahead of yourself, you don't need to have every detail booked ten minutes from now!" (He knows me so well.) I think I'm doing pretty good here considering it's two days later and nothing's booked. But when he rolls his eyes at me for having as many planning details as I do, you can bet I'll be blaming all you TUGgers. Thanks in advance for taking the hit.

DEFINITELY stay at the park! The sunsets and sunrises are spectacular, but don't miss the starry nights either. Everything about the canyon is truly amazing, full of sights you will never forget...

Ann in CA said:

We had dinner at El Tovar, and enjoyed it, but the freedom to be one of only a few, or no other people out walking after the daytime tourists left, (or before they arrived) was the highlight.

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Perfectly stated

I recommend staying in Flagstaff for at least 2 nights and also visit Sedona while you are there. Flagstaff is located almost at the midpoint between these two spectacular destinations. The Springhill Suites and Courtyard are the Marriott properties with the best reviews.

You might want to consider taking Amtrak from LA to Flagstaff. It is a comfortable way to travel, and rental cars are available at the train station. I think that the LA Amtrak station is near the downtown area and therefore close to your hotel. If you have a few extra days, it would be an easy drive from Flagstaff to Phoenix and Canyon Villas (with access to the JW Desert Ridge facilities). Have a great trip.

Wedrove from LA to Sedona in about 7 hours. Stayed at the Hyatt Pinon Pointe in Sedona, which was gorgeous. Great hiking, scenery and jeep tour. We drove to the Grand Canyon for a day trip-- it was a long day and we were able to get in one short hike, a few NP sights, and have a decent lunch. The drive between the Grand Canyon and Sedona was beautiful. It was a wonderful day.

I would agree with the posters who suggest that it would be best to actually stay at the Grand Canyon and it sounds like you are fine with paying cash for your stay. However Sedona is by no means a bad second choice if you'd prefer to be in a timeshare.

If you decide to fly, you'd be flying in to Flagstaff.

H

heathpack said:

If you decide to fly, you'd be flying in to Flagstaff.

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As far as I know, the only airline service into Flagstaff is from Phoenix on US Airways Express DHC-8 regional propeller aircraft, with connections in Phoenix to and from other cities served by US Airways.

Flying nonstop into Phoenix (on one of several airlines) is also an option. Then it's about a 4-hour drive to the South Rim.

Flying nonstop into Las Vegas (on one of several airlines) is another option. Then it's about a 5-hour drive to the South Rim.

By the time you consider the connection time in Phoenix and the flight time to Flagstaff, any time savings of connecting in Phoenix to Flagstaff compared to nonstop service into Phoenix or Las Vegas (and then driving) would be negligible.

Phoenix is probably the better choice unless there are great sale airfares to Las Vegas or someone wants to spend a night in Las Vegas enjoying what that city has to offer.

SueDonJ said:

It really sounds like staying in the park would suit us both. I took a look at El Tovar and they have what looks like a comfy room available. Again, I'd book it this minute just based on how many of you experts suggested it, but Don needs to be consulted. (whine whine whine)

Only one other question for now - Old Hickory, why the "don't expect a view" from the El Tovar? Do they not have rooms with views or do they get booked in secret? When I looked at what could be booked all of the room options said "no view." No problem, I'll book there anyway, but I'm just curious.

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We did this trip last year out of Vegas to the Grand Canyon and stayed overnight at El Tovar. It was a 5 plus hour ride over the Hoover Dam. We loved it there! Definitely not the Ritz, but a very cozy lodge. Never too early to plan either. While November is probably not as busy as June when we traveled, I booked 3 rooms for us 10 months in advance. We had the floor above the main lobby, and there really is not much of a view because of trees, building location etc. I have plenty of pictures of the rooms and the hotel if I could figure out how to post here or if you like I could email. Highly recommend these lodgings over others in the park.
Breakfast and dinner at El Tovar were wonderful as well.

Werner Weiss said:

As far as I know, the only airline service into Flagstaff is from Phoenix on US Airways Express DHC-8 regional propeller aircraft, with connections in Phoenix to and from other cities served by US Airways.

Flying nonstop into Phoenix (on one of several airlines) is also an option. Then it's about a 4-hour drive to the South Rim.

Flying nonstop into Las Vegas (on one of several airlines) is another option. Then it's about a 5-hour drive to the South Rim.

By the time you consider the connection time in Phoenix and the flight time to Flagstaff, any time savings of connecting in Phoenix to Flagstaff compared to nonstop service into Phoenix or Las Vegas (and then driving) would be negligible.

Phoenix is probably the better choice unless there are great sale airfares to Las Vegas or someone wants to spend a night in Las Vegas enjoying what that city has to offer.

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It looks like you are right:
June 2010 - Horizon Air regrettably announced today that it will discontinue commercial service between Flagstaff and LAX as of August 22, 2010.

The Amtrak train (Southwest Chief) leaves LA union station at 6:30pm and arrives in Flagstaff at 4:30am. If you choose this option, I recommend getting a roomette on the train for better sleeping and included meals. I found the Hertz rental car at the Flagstaff station to be about $100 less per week than in Phoenix.

This is a lot more relaxing than driving and Flagstaff is less than 2 hours from Grand Canyon.

If it's your first trip there, my suggestion is to drive to Las Vegas via Death Valley, stay at the Bellagio right on the strip for 2 nights, see O, dine at Le Cirque or Picasso, and walk the Strip and give Fern a call.

Then drive to the Grand Canyon, via Hoover Dam, and stay at El Tovar for two nights. Drive 2 hrs down the canyon road to Sedona for one night, followed by a 2 hr drive to the JW Desert Ridge or JW Camelback Inn for 2 nights before flying home from Phoenix. Warning, you may not want to leave.

Perhaps a little more nights than you planned but you only live once and there's so much wilderness to see you will be awestruck. It really is a different world. Take your HD movie camera and remember that the Grand Canyon can be quite a bit colder than Phoenix in November.

Brian

Definitely stay in the JW if it has a concierge level. You'll get plenty of freebies including water, beverages, food, etc.

I have another thought about the Grand Canyon. Have you ever thought about going to Zion National Park instead? It is only about 2 hours from Vegas to St. George, UT and that's only 20 miles or so to Zion. Zion is pretty spectacular.

Man, I'm just so impressed with how helpful TUGgers are! I love this forum, thank you all so much!

Brian, Don had the same idea you did to extend the trip a bit because he's been to Vegas while I haven't and he's sure I'll like it. You all have convinced both of us that it would be a shame to not stay at least two nights at the El Tovar, and we don't want to sacrifice time there for Vegas .... sooooo, a couple more nights!

Don played around with mapquest and some flight schedules last night and figured out that with airport lag time, driving from LA to El Tovar may take only 2-3 hours more than flying from LA to Phoenix and then driving from Phoenix to El Tovar. So tentatively we're thinking we'll rent a car when we leave LA at noon at the close of the conference and drive to El Tovar, getting there around 8 and staying for 3 nights. That should give us plenty of time in the area for nearby attractions, sunrise and sunset photo ops (LOVE this!) as well as a 4-5 hour leisurely scenic drive in whatever direction.

From there we'll drive to Vegas and stay 2-3 more nights, take in a casino or two and maybe a show, and maybe another 4-hour scenic drive. It's funny you mentioned Bellagio, Brian, because that was Don's first suggestion. Geeeeeze, don't the two of you know that the name of the game is Rack Up Marriott Points and Nights?!?! Anyway, I'll be looking into the Las Vegas Marriott, the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel and Grand Chateau as well as the Bellagio - we'll have at least the VISA free night cert to play with but using MR or DC Points is an option, too. Then we'll fly home from Vegas.

Sedona and Phoenix are just going to have to wait until next time, which I'm sure there will be a next time once we get out there and find ourselves awestruck the way you say we will.

So that's where we are, less than 24 hours after I first posted and we've got enough ideas and plans for a wonderful trip that we wouldn't know where to begin planning if not for you wonderful TUGgers. Again, many thanks, and if there's anything here that you think doesn't work please feel free to say so.

Big Matt said:

Definitely stay in the JW if it has a concierge level. You'll get plenty of freebies including water, beverages, food, etc.

I have another thought about the Grand Canyon. Have you ever thought about going to Zion National Park instead? It is only about 2 hours from Vegas to St. George, UT and that's only 20 miles or so to Zion. Zion is pretty spectacular.

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At this rate we'll be spending next winter out west! :hysterical: Maybe when we plan for Sedona and Phoenix we'll extend that trip to Zion. But the Grand Canyon has been on my bucket list forever - when Don got his Save-The-Date for the conference the other day he said the first thing he thought was that we could extend the trip so I could see it. Good man.