Question

Answer

Your trip sounds amazing, and there are a few logistical things to consider for your car rental, concert, and park visits. Let’s dive into your questions:

Car Rental: Airport Pickup vs. Hotel Pickup

If you're staying in Las Vegas for the first couple of nights, it's generally more convenient to pick up your rental car at the airport rather than at a rental location near your hotel. Most car rental agencies have offices at the airport, and picking up your car from there makes it easier when you're ready to head out for your road trip. Plus, renting from the airport location often gives you more options for car types and availability.

If you're staying on the Strip for your first two nights and then possibly heading to another hotel before leaving for the parks, you might find it more time-efficient to grab the car directly at the airport when you arrive, especially since you'll have your luggage and might want to start your trip directly from the airport.

Concert at the Sphere & Hotel Location

The Sphere is located at The Venetian, which is in a central spot on the Strip. If you're staying on the Strip at a hotel, you'll likely be within a short distance of The Sphere, and Las Vegas has plenty of transportation options that will make it easy to get there, even late at night. For example:

Public Transportation: The Las Vegas Monorail is a quick option that can get you from one end of the Strip to the other. It runs late into the night, though not 24 hours. It may be a convenient option depending on your hotel's location.
Rideshares: Uber and Lyft are readily available and work well for late-night trips. Most hotels have designated rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones, so you shouldn’t have trouble getting a ride after the concert.
Taxis: Taxis are always available around the Strip as well, so there’s no concern about being able to get back to your hotel late at night.

In short, the location of your hotel on the Strip won’t be an issue when it comes to attending the concert. Las Vegas is very accessible with public transportation, taxis, and rideshares, even late at night.

Renting a Car from the Airport and Hotels with Free Parking

If you decide to rent your car from the airport, many hotels on the Strip offer free parking, which can be a significant cost-saving advantage. Here are a few hotels on the Strip that generally offer free parking:

The LINQ Hotel + Experience: Located centrally on the Strip, this hotel often offers free parking for guests, especially if you book directly through their website.
The Venetian: Since your concert is at the Sphere (The Venetian), this hotel also typically provides free parking for guests, especially if you’re staying for multiple nights. It’s a large resort with plenty of parking space.
The Tropicana: This hotel is a bit farther south on the Strip but offers free parking for guests. It’s a more affordable option with easy access to public transport and the Strip.
Caesars Palace: This iconic hotel offers free parking if you book a stay there, but it can sometimes be a bit more crowded, so plan accordingly.

Free parking at hotels is usually subject to availability, so it's a good idea to check when you book to confirm. Many of the larger Strip hotels do offer parking, but it’s always worth checking directly with the hotel to avoid any confusion.

Other Considerations

If you’re planning to rent the car from the airport, I recommend reserving it ahead of time to ensure availability, especially since mid-March can be a busy travel time. Also, if you’re planning to visit parks like Zion, Bryce, and Grand Canyon South Rim, make sure your car is equipped for long drives, especially if you're visiting during colder weather, and have a reliable GPS or map app for navigation in remote areas.

In conclusion, renting a car from the airport is likely your best bet for convenience. For the concert, you don’t need to worry about your hotel location; public transportation or rideshares will make getting to The Sphere easy, even late at night. And when choosing a hotel with free parking, there are plenty of great options along the Strip. Enjoy your trip, and I look forward to helping with your national park visits in another post!