Questions about Las Vegas...

[DeepBlue7]

1) Is the Strip easily walkable?
2) Canyou use the hotel facilities, eg: pools, casinos, etc. even if you are not staying there?
3) Is it better to do a helicopter trip of the Grand Canyon, or a coach trip?

That's all, thanks!

[Clanad]

The strip is easily walkable if your lodging is nearby, however, many of the newer hotels are west of the original strip several miles. Most of the hotels in those newer areas will transport you for no cost though. Additionally, the old, original hotels in downtown Vegas are about 3 miles north and worth seeing, but a cab ride would be in order. As far as use of any particular hotels facilities, I've found that they, of course, welcome you with open arms to any of the casinos. The use of pools can be a different matter, though. Some of the pools can be accessed without a key and some can't. Pool side service for meals or drinks is usually only via a room charge, so that would probably dissuade the casual user.
I don't think there are any helicopter flights from Vegas out to the Canyon, since it's quite a distance and the helicopters would be prohibitively expensive. There are several operators of good sight seeing airplane flights though... one of the oldest and safest being this one . (Go as early in the morning as you can to avoid the turbulence generated by the heat of the day). There are several helicopter tour companies available at the Canyon, an example being hereThere are many coach tours and the concierge at each hotel can direct you...
Welcome to the U.S. by the way!

[JK2]

Have a look at this map. It not only shows where all the hotels are but also gives useful distances. There is a monorail that runs at the back of the hotels and there are buses along The Strip. Transport info is given in the left hand column

http://www.vegas.com/lounge/map.html

[mightywease]

Our experience was that you can freely wander round the casinos, shopping areas, foyers, bars etc.. basically all the public areas of all hotels but not anywhere near the rooms or pool areas unless you are a guest.

The Strip is easily walkable but wear comfy shoes at the distances between places seems deceptively short but that isn't always the case. The Monorail is great for getting around the Strip area but, again, the walk from your hotel (especially if it is on the side of the Strip opposite to the monorail such as ours was - we stayed at The Mirage) can be quite long-ish. It took us at least 20 minutes from our room to the nearest Monorail stop.

There are helicopter flights to the Grand Canyon where they land in the bottom - you get about half an hour to 40 minutes there - which is there selling point as the sightseeing plane doesn't land and you can have breakfast, lunch, champagne etc.. However they are expensive and I have read reports that they don't stop in the bottom of the canyon proper but in a sort of subsiduary area. We did look into as a treat but decided against it . I think the sightseeing plane may be better.

[teash]

I just came back from Vegas and can I just say 'WOW' until you`ve been you just can`t comprehend the size of the hotels and casinos. The only thing I found annoying walking up and down the strip are these low life handing out cards/magazines for the ladies of the night;) but its just a case of ignoring them.
If your thinking of riding downtown then go on The Deuce, its a bus servive and the driver we had was really funny (they speak over a tannoy)
And another pointer providing you like shopping, visit the Premium Outlet Village the place is so clean and tidy and the clothes etc are an absolute bargain.
Can`t comment on the Grand Canyon because we didn`t go to it, we did enquire about the coach trip and its a 14 hour round trip.
Other than that have a great time and don`t do what I did at the airport and leave your camera behind with all precious holiday pics :(