Las Vegas or Yellowstone?

[Rajah]

Probably neither, shouldn't do either, but this is what we're leaning toward of the options we came up with for a late September long weekend.

I want to run up to Yellowstone for a couple of days. It would be a day driving on either end, but we'd have two good days in the park in the middle and could see the highlights in two days. It would be just enough to whet the whistle for a future, longer trip, and hopefully would give DH a good experience in the mountains. I'd also get to show DH where I grew up as we'd fly into Salt Lake then drive up to West Yellowstone.

DH wants to go to Las Vegas. He wants to spend time in the fancy hotels, probably go see Star Trek: The Experience, maybe see a show or two. I would *love* to spend some time in Las Vegas seeing the sites (no interest in the gambling, drinking, or similar activities). I really want to see the Venetian and Luxor and there's another one that has a neat-looking pool with a lazy river (I forget which one, though, anyone know?). I want to see the "volcano" and the dancing fountains in front of the Bellagio. I really would like to see the shows in I think the Excalibur (there's one with a dragon that looked NEAT). Not to mention the white tigers of whatever building Sigfried and Roy have (is that the Mirage?). But I'm very, very nervous about the atmosphere. Asthma + allergies (especially to cig smoke) in a smoke-filled environment for two to three days with nowhere to escape does not equal a good time, especially not when my allergies are acting up already. Also, the Las Vegas trip for the same amount of time would cost us at least $150 more than the expected cost for Yellowstone (unless someone knows of fantastic deals in a good hotel in Vegas), and most likely would cost almost twice as much.

So... if you had the choice, which would you go to? Again, I don't think we'll do either this year, but I want to consider the possibility anyway. This would be late September in either case.

[Kitty 34]

That's a hard one but I think I would go to Vegas.:D

[2disneywego]

I agree, tough choice.
But, haven't we all wanted to go to "Sin City" at least once? ;)

[Pooh93]

Since we just came back from Vegas, I would choose Yellowstone!;) The Venetian is beautiful particularly at night. The Volcano is neat, but only lasts about 1 minute. The Mirage is very pretty and we did see one of the white tigers in it's sanctuary. I have mixed emotions about that, but it was beautiful and neat to see the tiger so close. The shows we wanted to see were booked, so you might try to check the availability before making a decision. JMO.

[Cindy B]

Vegas all the way....

Really, fantastic hotel deals can be had...


I remember getting a $39 rate a few years ago, but other places could have been better (it was an older hotel)


There are a lot of things to do, and I don't smoke, or gamble either... there are roller coasters to ride...

(Boy, I sound like Barry Hom don't I?)

[Pixie Power!]

There are some offers on during September, you could stay at the Venetain for $99

Emma

[MerryPoppins]

It takes more than a couple of days to do Yellowstone, unless you don't plan to see everything. I'd rather spend my time there than at Las Vegas, but that is just personal preferance on my part.

[Rajah]

Oh, I know we won't see anywhere close to everything in 2 days. But that would be enough time to see the biggest highlights. If we did Yellowstone, I'd plan on seeing the trail near Old Faithful, and the Lower Norris Basin where Echinas (sp?) Geyser is, and anything we got in besides that would be extra.

[nativetxn]

If VonDrake <b>really</b> wants to go to Vegas, I'd go to Vegas :)

[Steve H.]

Vegas baby!! :):)

[jipsy]

www.lvrs.com

[supercarrie]

I would go to Vegas. I would wait to see Yellowstone when you have more time.

[tc]

If you're looking for relaxation, I'd say Vegas. That's a long drive from SLC to Yellowstone, and then you drive a lot once you're there. Vegas you can sit by the pool and relax. I'd go for Vegas since it's a short time, and do Yellowstone at a later date when you can really enjoy it. JMO :)

[dianeschlicht]

NOt a tough choice for me at all. Given that choice 100 times, I would choose Yellowstone 99 times.

[Pam]

We did Vegas 5 years ago (DH had Convention there), took the family, none of us drink, smoke, gamble, etc. It was nice, we also did Hoover Dam, is it Red Rock, and Lake Meade? We got remarried at the Excalibur Wedding Chapel, the kids got a kick out of that. The Jousting Dinner Show at the Excalibur was great. We didn't do the Sigfried and Roy Show ( the tickets were very, very pricey -- $$$$$$).

The family went to Yellowstone 4 years ago. Hands down that is where I would go again. Even if it's for a few days, the scenery and seeing moose and elk, buffalo, mule deer, coyote, etc. up close is just a great and unforgettable experience.

Pam

[jsmith]

Well if you really want to go toYellowstone-honestly if you don't mind small airplanes you can get within 100 miles of Old Faithful by air-Fly to Jackson or Cody Wyoming (this will of course cost more). In late Sept. the park is not crowded at all and it will be pretty. A long weekend in Jackson can be pretty relaxing of itself even if you don't get in Yellowstone.
There is such a world of difference-Vegas is lights, flash and artificial attractions, honking horns and clanking slot machines-and still pretty warm in September-Yellowstone will be autumn leaves, frosty mornings, buggleing bull elk and piece and quiet-(for me it also means Mom to do the cooking since they live in Cody)
I guess it depends on what kind of get away you want but I would choose Yellowstone anytime!

[Smee]

Yellowstone, no question!

[Mary Jo]

<font color=navy>Kath had a good point - if you'd be happy either way, but VonDrake really wants to go to Vegas, then I think Vegas is a good choice....

But... the question is

So... if you had the choice, which would you go to?


I would definitely choose Yellowstone - hands down.

[ripleysmom]

Check with the Las Vegas Hilton on specials. Their specials sometimes include a meal and the Star Trek Experience (which is awesome and not to be missed by any trekkie!!

Here is a copy of their Deep Space Nine Package.......

Deep Space Nine Package

$32 per person per night*
includes:
* Two nights & three days luxurious accommodations
* Two FREE tickets to Star Trek: The Experience®
* Two FREE meals at Quarks Bar & Restaurant**
* 10% Off in Star Trek: The Experience® retail shops
* $10 casino match play coupon

*Based on double occupancy. Based on availability. Management reserves all rights. **Limited menu items

[dcgrumpy]

FYI


Most Strip hotels won't let you in the pool are without a room key.

[CindyKansas]

I like Las Vegas, but I LOVE Yellowstone. I worked at the Canyon Lodge, near Yellowstone Falls, and enjoyed every single minute I was there. So, if I was given the choice I would do Yellowstone. Nature at its best.

[cuterlt]

I say Yellowstone, but only because I haven't ever been there and have been to Vegas lots of times.
The Deep Space Nine is a great deal since it costs about $15pp to get into the star trek experience, and quarks bar is not cheap (and is a fun meal). The only downside is that the LV Hilton (which has Star Trek and Quarks) is at the end of the strip and not close to any other casinos. You can walk to a few places, but not much, particularly during the summer. You can take the trolley ($1.25?) and see the sites.
The lazy river is at Mandalay Bay - they also have a wave pool. It's close to Excalibur (and in the same hotel chain). You just take a tram (think monorail) to Mandalay from Excalibur. As someone said, you probably won't be able to see the pool without a room key. They do check at Mandalay.
The new resorts have better smoke filtering systems BUT if you sit anywhere near a smoker, you're in trouble!
If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me. We go 1-2 times a year.
Lisa

[KarenB]

Yellowstone all the way!!!

Here is a little story for you.....

1985....before he was my DH and we knew each other only a month, we decided to take off and go see the country for 3 months. In Yellowstone, he says "Someday we will bring our children here."

I say, "Yeah right" as I am laughing hysterically.

Guess what we did in July, 1999??? Took our kids to Yellowstone!!


Karen

[A kid at heart]

Definitely Vegas! Check on expedia, they are running lots of specials on hotels right now! There is also the Madame Tousads wax museum in the venetian, you can also take a Gondola ride there! There is so much to do and see in vegas, the mirage(where I stay) has the secret garden with the animals, and hten right before the walkway to ceasers there is a place where they have some of the white tigers, where they play in water and walk on the rocks. There is also the boat/pirate show in front of treasure island!that too is free! you can go up to the front desk of all the hotels and request a coupon book, and you will get many discounts for various things each place has to offer, plus you will get coupons for money off the buffets as well.

[yensid1071]

I just got back from Vegas last weekend and would love to go back (but I would also like to see Yellowstone one day). :) We stayed at Harrah's for $35/night for the two of us. Harrah's has a free shuttle to the Rio & you can pick up other shuttles and monorails in Bally's, MGM, the Bellagio, Monte Carlo, Excalibur and Mandalay Bay. If you stay at Harrah's, they should give you comp tix for 2 to see Mac King's Comedy Magic show (it's kid friendly) & for Ronn Lucas at Rio. :) The only downside is no matter what casino you go to, you'll notice the smell of cigar/cigarette smoke. It's stronger in some places but not others. Not good if you're very sensitive to it. Star Trek the Experience runs $25 per person, but it's for an entire day, so you can go back all you want. Each time thru will take around 20 minutes, but it's really cool. :) Good luck on which ever one you choose!! I'm sure you'll have a blast!!! :)

[judi]

I would go with Yellowstone. We've been there a few times, driving cross country and have fallen in love with the area. The gysers,animals and scenery are just awesome. Yellowstone without a doubt.

[Sonya]

You know how you love the mountains! Go to Yellowstone! The drive from SLC is long, but very beautiful. And in just 2 days you can see a LOT! You can do all of the Lower Basin, drive up to the Canyon and see both falls, and probably if you wanted to drive more you could see Mammoth. Or you could take a little hike near Old Faithful and see more geysers. It's beautiful, relaxing, and if you stay at Old Faithful Lodge, a little like Disney! And you get to drive by the Tetons and they are stunning.