San Francisco/Las Vegas

[Gatehouse77]

Can anyone give me recommendations of specific hotels to stay in either of those towns or a guide to what area would be best to look at?

The plan is a 2 night stopover in SF and 3/4 nights in LV.

Family of 5 - all bar one counts as an adult.

This is likely to be part of our last big family holiday so we're looking at mid to high range but not unlimited.

Also, is there any need to hire cars or will public transport/taxis do?

We are currently in SF and really enjoying it.
Yes, there are homeless people around, like most cities, and in some parts you'll see a lot more issues and drugs, etc / but read up beforehand so you know where to avoid. It's like any other city in that sense though.

We are staying near Union Square at a quirky little hotel. Walking down to the Oier and Fisherman's Wharf isn't bad but it's a long walk back. We grab a cab and it's about $10-11. The hotels down at Fisherman's Wharf were much dearer though.

Yesterday we went to Alcatraz and Angel Island, and had dinner at Pier 39. Today we have been on the hop on/hop off bus, and over to Sausalito. Much warmer over there as there is far less of the cool breeze. Then again drinks at Pier 39. Tomorrow's plan is to ride the cable car, some shopping at Union Square and once more down to Fisherman's Wharf. On Wednesday we are off to Six Flags theme park, and then driving into Napa and various routes for the rest of the holiday.

We've been to Vegas three times and have stayed at Luxor, Bellagio and Venetian.

Bellagio and Venetian were best for location, with Bellagio being most central. The rooms are the Venetian were best though and they were huge! Luxor was a fair bit cheaper but quite early on the strip so a bit far out of the main stuff.

And I agree, you don't bed car hire for either place.

Vegas : we just walked everywhere and got a cab for the off strip visit to a different hotel for a show.

SF: we've no car here until Wednesday when we start our drive elsewhere. We've walked, used cabs, used bus and will use cable car. We got a cab from the airport (Oakland) too.

We’ve been to LV and stayed at the Venetian. We chose that one because all of the rooms come with a sitting area. Pricey but if you’re staying for more than a couple of nights the extra room is useful. If you want to blow the budget, stay at the Wynn.

We did the helicopter trip, it was so amazing. We also did an open bus tour which was a great way to see the city. The buffet at the Wynn was an experience too.

Went to SF and LV last summer with 3 children. 15, 13 and 10. We loved SF. Yes there are lots of homeless but having lived in the US for a few years we were expecting it. The US has a huge problem with the homeless with mental health issues. There’s a big drug problem with crystal meth (I think that’s what it’s called?). We stayed in the Loews, we felt it was a good location. Good views. Near the water and short walk to Union Square. We used cabs and public transport to get about. Definitely don’t miss getting bikes across bridge to Sausalito, have lunch there or an ice-cream and get the ferry back and Alcatraz (kid’s favorite) but book Alcatraz before you go. We shopped around Union Square, did a tram ride, went to Coit tower. Saw the house from the film Mrs Doubtfire which was a disappointment! We did lots and lots of walking around different neighborhoods stopping off in little cafes etc. We stayed at the Cosmopolitan in LV which is right in the middle of the strip so easy to walk to other hotels. If you stay there get a room with views over Bellagio fountains. We just spent time visiting the other hotels, kids did the roller coaster and arcades in New New York hotel whilst we had drinks downstairs. Did the zip line one Fremont street, great fun but don’t spend any time there, very unsuitable for kids. We also did helicopter trip to Grand Canyon, amazing but pricey. Have a great trip!

Oh and we walked through Fisherman’s Wharf but didn’t spend any time there. Very busy and touristy. Wasn’t very keen, there are much nicer places to see.

I would spend longer than 2 nights in SF. So much to see and do.

We stayed in one of the Hiltons in SF. It really is just a base as we were out from dawn till dusk.

In Vegas we stayed off the strip in a Marriott suite hotel. It had 2 bedrooms and sitting room and slept 6/8. The hotel ran a courtesy bus. We wanted easy access out of Vegas to visit Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.

I'm just back from a Californian Road trip. Don't drive in either city. We were staying outwith SF and travelled through it one day so that we could drive over the Golden Gate. Stuck for ages! All of our Uber drivers were quick and professional in California. Definitely get the app and just use that.

Our best hotel accommodation during the whole trip was The Platinum Hotel. There were only three of us but it was a HUGE apartment with sitting room, kitchen etc and under £100 a night. We had a bedroom with queen beds, but they probably do two bedroom or sofabeds. A short walk to strip. Voted one of the best value places in North America.

Oh, the Platinum hotel was in Vegas btw. I'm fuzzy headed due to jet lag!

I stayed in The Fairmont in SF - brilliant room/location and the tiki tiki bar (?) is very atmospheric. We had brunch in the Intercontinental next door- fabulous views from their restaurant called Top of the Mark. This was 2 years ago and we felt really safe. We had a car, no problem driving there,and drove to Big Sur, fabulous coastal drive and through a famous golf course- pebble beach I think?
if you want a real treat the French Laundry in Yountville is not too far from SF.
Do book Alcatraz in advance.
We did a food walk around the Italian Quarter- yummy and fun.

I like LV too. I was there for the rugby but got in some great shows and sights.

Have a great vacation.

We caught the bus up and down the strip at Vegas, I think it was called the Deuce?

We stayed at Circus Circus, super cheap and our kids were 6 & 9 so probably not what you’re after, but the room was huge and very nice.

Grand Canyon is AMAZING! We actually stayed in the National Park for 3 nights, then drove to LV from there via Hoover Dam. We picked up our car in San Diego and dropped it off at Anaheim. Didn’t use the car at all in Vegas.

We didn’t go to SF but it’s definitely on our list for next time!

Enjoy!!