Las Vegas?

[mikehn]

Just wanted to say thanks again to everyone, and give you an update on our plans for later this month. We're spending two nights at the Hard Rock Hotel (for my husband's work meeting), and then moving over to the MGM Grand for a couple of nights. We got a great price on good seats for Cirque Du Soleil Ka, and we're also going to see the Blue Man Group. We haven't picked out any restaurants yet. Like most people, we obviously like to eat, but we aren't necessarily "foodies" or into super expensive fine cuisine. We'll find some places. If anyone has any mid-priced places you really like, let me know.

Choosing a place to eat in Vegas is like trying to choose a place to stay in Orlando. Have fun with it.

 

[RC Fan]

Do you like Mexican? I find Isla the Mexican Kitchen in Treasure Island to be good, and it seems to still be getting good reviews. The balcony at Margaritaville in The Flamingo is a fun place to have a drink and something to eat. It overlooks The Strip and is great for people watching and getting in the Vegas mood.

I hope you have a great trip!

 

[KristaTX]

Thanks for the restaurant suggestions! I'm making a list.

We walked from Paris to the Hard Rock, and I would NOT recommend doing that!!!!!!! MUST take a taxi if you want to go anywhere else.

Because of the heat? Distance? No sidewalks? Rough area? People approaching you? I have a day all to myself on one the days we are at the Hard Rock (not our first choice because of location, but it's where his conference is). I am planning to walk up to the Strip and roam around that day, and then roam back to the hotel. I'm sure the maps make it look shorter and easier, but the actual distance looks like only a little over a mile to walk up Harmon or Flamingo streets to the Strip. I can walk a mile, but I would like a first-hand perspective on it. If it's too scary, since I'll be alone I will just take a taxi.

We will take a taxi from the Hard Rock to the MGM on the day we move. It looks like the driver should be able to take Paradise Road to Tropicana and over to the MGM. Friends of ours who go to Vegas many times a year have told us to ask taxi drivers to take Paradise over to a cross street and up to the Strip, and to completely avoid riding in a car/taxi anywhere on Las Vegas Blvd/The Strip.

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy yourselves. Since we "have" to go for work, then I'm planning to make the most of it even if afterward we have no desire to ever go back. I just wish we were in the MGM or another big Strip hotel the whole time.

 

[Dis_Dreamin]

... We got a great price on good seats for Cirque Du Soleil Ka, and we're also going to see the Blue Man Group...

When we went down a few years ago, we saw Ka. It was awesome. I'm sure you'll love it.

Our next trip down (probably next year) I think I want to see Blue Man Group. I like the shows and loved walking around the strip at night to see all the lights. We don't gamble too much, maybe a couple hundred dollars per person over a few nights. The rest of it was just sight seeing.

 

[Heidict]

Love Vegas!!! Hope you have a good time. Can't wait till we can go out there again.

I third Mon Ami Gabi. The view on the outside deck is perfect and the food was pretty good also.

Border Grill at Mandalay Bay was some of the best Mexican food I have ever had. I couldn't finish my meal and I felt so bad leaving it all behind. It was to good to waste. The restaurant overlooks the amazing pool/beach that they have at the hotel.

We grabbed a hotdog at Pinks on the first floor of the Planet Hollywood hotel. We had seen them on so many Travel channel specials and Food network shows we just had to get one. They were good, but I think we will split one next time as they were pretty big.

Chef Thomas Keller (of French Laundry) has a restaurant that has some amazing and delicious food. It is called Bouchon and it is in the Wynn. I had the Crogue Madame for breakfast one day and it probably one of the best things I have ever had. If you are down that way, I would give them a try. http://www.bouchonbistro.com/

The buffets are okay, all though a couple are really good. As a rule, we generally stay away from them. It seems that price wise, they have gone up and long gone are the days of good cheap buffets. Most of them are charging upwards of $20 and more for a dinner. You can easily find a nice restaurant with good food and spend that or even a bit less. The ones that are worth the money are at Wynn, Paris and Mandalay Bay. I'm sure there are others as they are changing all the time.

There are plenty of things to do without dropping a dime in a slot. Have fun!

 

[RC Fan]

Distances are very deceiving in Vegas because it is so flat. Also, the individual hotel properties are massive! Be prepared to do as much or more walking as you would do in a typical trip to WDW. Wear comfy shoes and drink lots of water.


The Strip itself is very safe as long as you stay between Mandalay Bay and The Wynn. (I haven't been there since 2007, and I know there are lots of new properties, but that is a rough guide.)


I think the walk from the Hard Rock to The Strip is too much of a hike. I would get a taxi to The Strip. The Hard Rock may even have a free shuttle to a Strip property, but I am not sure about that.

There are lots of misconceptions about Vegas. It is not all about partying and gambling. (I would say if you don't do either of these things at home, you won't do them in Vegas either.) I am not a big gambler, and I am definitely not a partier, but I love the place. There is lots of fun site-seeing, lots of food, and lots of cool drinks to try.

If you have any other questions, fire away.

 

[MoniqueU]

My husband dresses up for work so while on vacation he never wants to so we rarely go to the more upscale restaurants. Our two current favories are Diablos in front of Monte Carlo. Fun atmosphere, great margarittas and pretty good mexican/american food. Decent prices as well. The other one we like is a chain at Fashion Show mall called Maggianos. We have one here in CA but it is quite a drive so we enjoy it while in Vegas. It is italian but really good and you don't have to dress up. We drop some change there everytime but never regret it. Most of the buffets even at the nicer hotels have taken a serious dive in quality and taste lately. Even ones we liked for a long time are bad now. My DH was tempted to get the all day buffet pass at Mandalay Bay because before their buffet was so good. I told him not to do that and he said I made the right call big time.

It still shocks me that people go to Vegas for reasons other then to drink and gamble LOL. But then it also blows me away that people without kids choose to get married at disney or spend that much to go there with no kids??? If you are with no kids find some bargains to Europe or the caribbean or something.

 

[RC Fan]

But then it also blows me away that people without kids choose to get married at disney or spend that much to go there with no kids??? If you are with no kids find some bargains to Europe or the caribbean or something.

Obviously because they enjoy it. It is not necessary to have kids to enjoy Disney.

Back to the matter at hand, if you enjoy buffets, the Vegas ones are awesome!

 

[bettymae1121]

This is the strip.
http://www.las-vegas-hotel-tours.com/las-vegas-map.php

I would have a look at Paris - great location with wonderful restaurants and easy access to everywhere. Pretty rooms too. More than likely priced well also. Mirage, Ceasars, Flamingo, Bellagio, Venetian, Ballys, Planet Hollywood are all nearby.

http://www.parislasvegas.com/casinos/paris-las-vegas/hotel-casino/property-home.shtml

Ditto the Paris, it's the only place I'll stay, excellant location, great rooms, great food (best breakfast buffet EVER! Worth the money!), and the location can't be beat!

There is a lot to do in Vegas other than gamble. Tons of shows and a restaurant for every cusine and budget. Day trips to Hoover Damn and Grand Canyon are an option too. Last time I was there I saw all the Egyptian stuff at the Luxor and the Bellagio had a showing of works from the Gugenheim(sp?) museum on display. Both cost money for admitance but it wasn't outrageous. Check the websites for each major resort to see what, if anything, they have going on during your dates.

 

[DisneySarah80]

Because of the heat? Distance? No sidewalks? Rough area? People approaching you?

I do not recomment walking from the strip to the Hard Rock because of #1 the distance, and #2 no sidewalks. At least the way we went there were no side walks, and it was all a construciton zone. I do, however, suggest taking a taxi there, especially if your a music fan. They have a HUGE wall dedicted to The Who, and plenty of other bands, including Pearl Jam, The Beatles, etc. It really was a great hotel to look at, and even get a tattoo if your into that sort of thing!

 

[MIGrandma]

It still shocks me that people go to Vegas for reasons other then to drink and gamble LOL. But then it also blows me away that people without kids choose to get married at disney or spend that much to go there with no kids??? If you are with no kids find some bargains to Europe or the caribbean or something.

Seriously, that shocks you? There are tons of fun things to do without drinking and gambling. Tons!!

And it blows you away that people go to Disney without kids? DH and I have been there several times, and have taken a few Disney cruises, without kids and we've had an awesome time each trip!! Disney ain't just for kids.

 

[usnuzuloose]

My husband dresses up for work so while on vacation he never wants to so we rarely go to the more upscale restaurants. Our two current favories are Diablos in front of Monte Carlo. Fun atmosphere, great margarittas and pretty good mexican/american food. Decent prices as well. The other one we like is a chain at Fashion Show mall called Maggianos. We have one here in CA but it is quite a drive so we enjoy it while in Vegas. It is italian but really good and you don't have to dress up. We drop some change there everytime but never regret it. Most of the buffets even at the nicer hotels have taken a serious dive in quality and taste lately. Even ones we liked for a long time are bad now. My DH was tempted to get the all day buffet pass at Mandalay Bay because before their buffet was so good. I told him not to do that and he said I made the right call big time.

It still shocks me that people go to Vegas for reasons other then to drink and gamble LOL. But then it also blows me away that people without kids choose to get married at disney or spend that much to go there with no kids??? If you are with no kids find some bargains to Europe or the caribbean or something.

Well my DH goes to play a golf tournament with family and friends every year. I love it there. I play very little (pennys ) but thats my limit. I enjoy the hotels and the shopping and the walking. Even though my kids are grown I love to go to WDW. jo

 

[KristaTX]

It still shocks me that people go to Vegas for reasons other then to drink and gamble LOL. But then it also blows me away that people without kids choose to get married at disney or spend that much to go there with no kids??? If you are with no kids find some bargains to Europe or the caribbean or something.

Seriously, that shocks you? There are tons of fun things to do without drinking and gambling. Tons!!

And it blows you away that people go to Disney without kids? DH and I have been there several times, and have taken a few Disney cruises, without kids and we've had an awesome time each trip!! Disney ain't just for kids.

Yeah, why does that blow you away, MoniqueU? We're going to Vegas and we aren't partiers or gamblers. And I still expect to make the most of it and have a great time. I've made more than 25 Disney trips, and my husband (of 20 years!) and I don't even have or want kids . And here's the real "shocker" - we usually meet up with adults from other parts of the country who have become great friends of ours who also either don't have young kids or who don't bring them along on some trips.

Sitting on a beach in the Caribbean may be some people's idea of a terrific vacation. That is just fine with me, and I don't judge them. I've done one Caribbean trip, and I may do another eventually. But I don't want to go on vacation to sit around, and I don't want to scuba dive or snorkel or fish. Just like I don't want to go snow-skiing. But I don't wonder why some people do like to snow ski every year. I'm sure to them it's fun.

 

[CookieGVB]

Paris breakfast buffet is excellent. Freshly made crepes, with your choice of whatever fruit/etc....mmmmm

We usually rent a car, since we don't like being stuck on the strip - we've used Restaurant.com and gotten a few of their certificates.

MGM is huge - you'll have fun just walking around inside when you get there. We were asked to be part of a test audience for a new show a few years back - Big Bang Theory. That was fun, too.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[AlohaPolynesian]

When we go to Vegas we have one big "night out" and the rest is pretty low key. I love the Hard Rock Hotel, but as others have said, I'd take a cab to get the strip. MGM Grand has lots to do in it!

As far as restaurants go, I'd recommend looking up Tao, Isla Mexican Kitchen, BLT Burger, and Battista's Hole in the Wall (my favorite!). All different price points but all so delicious!

BTW, saw Ka in December and loved it! Have so much fun!

ETA: Don't forget to try a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity outside of Caesar's!!

 

[malibuconlee]

When you are at MGM Grand...

Nobhill is pricey, but it's my favorite restaurant. Check out their website. Lots of times they have seasonal tasting menus that aren't too bad for price. Several courses included.

My favorite breakfast place is across the street at NYNY. If Fornaio. They make the best Eggs Benedict in a parmasean cream sauce instead of tradition holindaise.

 

[samshane]

My parents live there so I have been there a lot.

Dh and I both like the area where Caesars/Bellagio/Flamingo are located... it is a central locale in the middle of the strip with access to the monorail if you get tired of walking. That is our favorite area... we have stayed at 5 or 6 casinos thus far - and I like the Flaminog the best (probably because the stay was free and I won $900 at a slot tourney while I was there). The Flamingo is older but was very quiet I found, with comfortable beds.

My favorite meal thus far has been Michael Mena's - but it is very pricey. Craftsteak was awesome as well... I wasn't as big a fan of Emerils.

One thing I must always have are the crepes at Paris - LOVE them!

I also like the circque shows - I have seen La Rev, Love, Zumanity, and Mystere. I hope to see O next time I go there.

I should add that I prefer the local casino slots - LOL. So we don't do as much gambling on the strip as we do when we are back at my mom's at a local casino. I enjoy the shows, shopping (Caesers Palace Shops are my favorite), and FOOD!

We're headed back in Dec to visit the 'rents again. Dh wants to stay at Bellagio this time (I think we wants to stay at every strip hotel at least once). That's the perk of having parents who live there...

 

[mr.bungle]

To the OP - great name! My wife's name is Krista and we live in TX too!

As far as Vegas - we used to live in So Cal and would go often. We even got married there. I'm pretty sure this thread already covers most bases. I'm not much of a gambler either and there is a ton to do.

We really enjoy Hofbrauhaus across from the Hard Rock. It's a Bavarian biergarten with live entertainment, great food, and great beer. Extremely casual, and you can walk across the street to the Hard Rock and check out all the memorabilia.

We also try to hit up Mesa Grill @ Ceasar's whenever possible.

Edit: pulled pork sandwich at Margaritaville is pretty good. If you venture to downtown you can get some large frozen alcohol drinks if that's your thing.

For a good breakfast, I like Blueberry Hill. They have a few in town and they're off the strip so you'll need a ride. But it's cheap, large menu, and 24hrs. It's a diner really.

I have so much more info, but I don't want to overload.

Also, to the person who said they had a horrible time - you stayed for a week. A week is far too long in Vegas. I was there for 5 days during my wedding weekend and even with the wedding stuff, it was way too long!!

 

[Pakey]

Well I'm one of those people who doesn't party or gamble but goes to Las Vegas at least 4 times a year. Why? Great shows, the best location/variety for 5 star food and the shopping.

By far the best single thing I've eaten in Las Vegas is the made to order beignets at Bouchon at the Venetian. The breakfasts there are absolutely wonderful, especially if the weather is nice and you can sit on the patio overlooking the Venezia pool. But the beignets are reason enough for me to fly to Las Vegas. The French food here is soooo much better than the stuff at the Paris resort.

I'm not sure what you are looking at price-wise for food. My favorite is Picasso at Bellagio and I also enjoy Mesa Grill at Caesars for a bit more casual experience. Joel Robuchon's place at MGM is outstanding. If you are very adventurous, I'd recommend B&B at the Venetian. And for something "different" I enjoy watching the wine angels at Aereole's at Mandalay.

 

[klacey1]

We just got from Vegas and had a wonderful time! I definitely suggest going to the Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile Shops for shopping-- and the Forum Shops, too.
Once you move over to the MGM Grand, Wolfgang Puck's Bar and Grill is really good according to my DBF. It's right in the middle of the casino, so if you like to people watch, it's great. Prices are not bad, either.
We had dinner at the Red Square, which is a Russian-themed restaurant. Very yummy, probably around the same prices as Wolfgang Puck's. It's in Mandalay Bay, which is very close to the MGM Grand.
You'll have a great time!!