The Hillman family of four (2 adults and 2 teenage girls) from Philadelphia recently returned from a great adventure to the Grand Canyon South and West along with some time in Las Vegas.  The family flew into Phoenix and started their trip at the Grand Canyon with a stay at the historic El Tovar.  Early morning hikes helped beat the heat and food at the hotel was plentiful and delicious.  The family moved onto Grand Canyon West to Hualapai Lodge where they found excellent service and a comfortable and quiet room (a train runs nearby).  The package included a full day rafting trip which the Hillman’s said they would do again in a heartbeat.  It was really hot, but the trip started early in the morning and river temperatures are always cold.  Their raft driver was great – very personable, funny, and listened to them as to what they liked which was to find the biggest white water.  The food at the lodge was decent and so plentiful that the hotel wrapped up their first night’s dinner leftovers for them and reheated it for them for the following evening!   Onto Hoover Dam which was awe inspiring and beautiful.  The Hillmans suggest at least 4 hours at the dam as you will wait in some lines for elevators and such.   Afterward, the family headed out to the BC Flightlines.  The zip lining was awesome with great views of the desert and Lake Mead.    The family then ventured onto Las Vegas where they were treated like royalty at the Las Vegas Hilton (thanks to The Family Traveler’s VIP letter).  The hotel provided a fresh fruit basket/tray in each room (which was devoured after their day in the desert) and they also were given VIP lounge access where the private concierge assisted them with restaurant recommendations and shows.   The rooms and beds were most comfortable and they loved the complimentary robes and slippers.  The Hillman girls commented “let’s be VIPs on all our trips”!