REQUEST- Need best deal on Grand Canyon tour from Las Vegas

We'll be arriving in Las Vegas on the morning of March 13 and leaving the morning of March 16.
2 people- My boyfriend and I
500 is about our budget. We are having the flight there and back covered by my boyfriend's employer and they are paying for one night (the 15th) at The Orleans hotel.
We're not really interested in any shows unless there's some for dirt cheap. We really want to go to the Grand Canyon maybe spend 20 bucks on slot machines and eat some good food.

I've booked the 2 nights that we have to pay for at the Circus Circus. Seemed to be the cheapest I could get. It's 24 bucks a night with a 7 dollar a day resort charge. So around 70 bucks for the 2 nights. The cheapest bus tour to the Grand Canyon that I can find is this one Here it's 80 dollars a person and we would plan on doing it on the 14th of March.
I'm hoping that someone might know of a cheaper tour. I'd also love to hear recommendations on where to eat and what things we should do while we're down there that are free or close to free. Thanks!

I can help you out with free tickets to Jubilee @ Ballys, and Anthony Cools at Paris.
It might sound expensive at first, but if you go into Ballys and sign up for their players club (free) then go outside of ballys to the booth, they have what is called the Buffet of Buffets. its like $99 per person, but you get to visit the buffet for 2 whole days at any of the following hotels: Caesars, Ballys, Planet Hollywood, Paris, Flamingo, Imperial Palace, Rio, Harrahs.

shoot me an email if u want the free tix.

Well it sounded like spam to me since the guy only has one post and 200 dollars for a buffet seems a bit expensive.

the link you provided "Does not include fuel surcharge: USD $10 per person.
so your total 79.99+10+tax

try these guys http://www.grandcanyontours.com/bussouth.html
Only $79.99 per person!Prices include all taxes, tour fees, entrance fees, booking fees and permits.
~ Free Complimentary Breakfast Snack with Beverage
call them before you book and also book online.
I had a bad experience with some other site, they charged extra fee when we got to the bus station. so be care full.

As long as the GC tour goes to the South Rim (the National Park) instead of the tourist trap "West Rim" you should be good.

Change your reservation from Circus Circus. It's a dumpy property that caters to people (often from the UK, where the travel agents promote it heavily) who shop purely on price. The location is not great, and for not much more money you can have a much better experience; look at Excalibur or Imperial Palace and on www.smartervegas.com for discount codes.

I am in the same boat. I'm going to Vegas in April but have seen deals on Groupon and LivingSocial for GC tours. So far, I have not bought it yet, but they seem to pop up about once every 10-14 days. Keep an eye out on those sites as they usually have the biggest discounts.

Because of the consistant cheap rates, we have used Las Vegas as a jump off point to see the south west area several times.
GC North Rim is probably still closed for winter in March and April. South Rim is open year round.
Most of the bus tours are a short stay at GC in order to keep to a schedule and make food / restroom stops both ways.
There are many highlights along the South Rim (http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm) that can be seen if you drive and move at your own pace.
Hoover Dam and/or Lake Mead are a short car ride from LV, and can be accomplished any time. Red Rock Canyon is also beautiful and an easy drive.

Sounds awesome! I'll definitely try the steak dinner (we're not huge rib fans).

I second the helicopter ride. My daughter and I did it last year ( at this time of year ) and while pricey, is a trip we will never forget. It's great. Leave early in the morning an you'be back in your bed before noon for a nap.

The GC and LV are both trips worthy of a few days each, to squeeze them in is great but not really doing justice to all the two areas have to offer. Lack of a drivers license takes out my suggestion of a rental car, as there are some cool places on Rt 66 South of Kingman. The tourist friendly South Rim is by far the place to choose with limited time. I think your $80 bus ride might be the best given they do the substantial driving. Generally for Hotel in Vegas I book on the day of using one of the many on-line travel sites. I can normally get a great room at a nice place for about the price the CC is giving you. Don't forget a cheap bus ride to Fremont St to see the free nightly light show, it is like no other.

plrs199 said:   maybe spend 20 bucks on slot machines

plrs199 said:   I've booked the 2 nights that we have to pay for at the Circus Circus.

Circus Circus is a scary place. You're gambling a lot more there (crappy stay) than the $20 at the slots. I'd role your $20 slot money into a better room somewhere else and avoid gambling all together.

A quick google search yields:
http://www.lasvegas-how-to.com/fremont-street.php

scroll down, and you'll read:
From the strip: Take the Deuce - a double decker type bus, and do some sightseeing along the way. With stops all along the Vegas Boulevard, it's a fun and convenient way to come to Fremont Street. Fare is $3 one-way and $7 all day.

If you don't have a car, the $7 day pass is a good idea. Note that the light show isn't continuous, and only for a limited time in the evening, so research the time its actually on. (I think its at 7,8,9,10pm, but check!)

Another suggestion: If you are very tight for time, consider taking a airplane/helicopter tour. They cost $150 and up. They'll pick you up from your hotel on the strip, drive 30 minutes to the airport in Henderson, fly you to the Grand Canyon, passing over Hoover Dam, then turn around and fly back. The whole flight last ~1 hour. (There were many 2-for-1 deals the last time I look). You pay more compared to the bus, but this way, you're not spending 9 hours on a bus... Unless you're hiking down the canyon, I think you'll see more on the plane/helicopter tour.

colabob04 said:   Great Ribs at the best prices are at Ellis Island Casino & Brewery. Opens for Ribs at 4pm and always has a waiting time of up to an hour. Also they have a good cheap steak dinner with a tall beer for 7.99. We never miss eating there! Located behind Bally's and next to the Platinum Hotel And Spa

As a local, I second this. The ribs are among the best in town. The serve BBQ chicken as well. And that's it!

I'd recommend not going to Grand Canyon but Zion National Park instead. Its a shorter drive (2.5-3 hrs) and very beautiful/not as crowded. Plus you are at the bottom level of the canyon - different experience.

ebestbuy said:   the link you provided "Does not include fuel surcharge: USD $10 per person.
so your total 79.99+10+tax

try these guys http://www.grandcanyontours.com/bussouth.html
Only $79.99 per person!Prices include all taxes, tour fees, entrance fees, booking fees and permits.
~ Free Complimentary Breakfast Snack with Beverage
call them before you book and also book online.
I had a bad experience with some other site, they charged extra fee when we got to the bus station. so be care full.

so bus tour (14hrs ) for $80+10?

or Grand Canyon South Rim Air/Ground Tour for $220? http://www.grandcanyontours.com/airsouth2.html
but i dont know how long the entire trip takes.
it includes ground tour with a well-informed guide. (the $80 bus tour you're on your own???)

Can someone recommend a helicopter you company to visit the GC?