Let's Talk Vegas

[FreeTime]

Why

Why?

It is kinda tacky. Las Vegas is a community. Vegas is what partiers say.

 

[FreeTime]

I am in Las Vegas now. We rented a car as we visited Zion, Bryce, etc over the last week but have now parked it. It is not really convenient if you don’t plan on using it daily. Last year, we rented one as we had daily visits off strip for work and visited the Neon Museum (be sure to go at night and not during the day), I would not rent one if you aren’t planning on being off strip everyday. If you need one for the day rent from the Westin (next to Flamingo), I have found they have the best rates.

Also, you said you are just looking for a bed, some “just beds” are better than others. I have found that all Caesars resorts have went way downhill in the last five years but if you just want a place to sleep they should work for you. Do not stay on Fremont Street!

 

[Sykes]

I am debating. I am wanting something center strip. I don't need anything fancy. Just a clean room to sleep & shower. I am thinking maybe Planet Hollywood or Paris? Any advice on this?

One of my favorite lesser-known hotels is Vdara. It can sometimes get pricy, but during low times it’s a great value. It’s run by MGM and they give up to 35% off if you join the MGM Rewards program and book directly with them. It’s a non-Casino hotel mid-Strip sandwiched between Aria, Cosmo, and Bellagio (with easy walks to all), the entire building is non-smoking, and the rooms are generously sized and were originally built to be condos so they have kitchenettes (I usually stock the mini fridge with waters and light snacks from CVS).

 

[neverlandsky]

Their website shows that bag check is available on the first floor at the box office, but it may be worth reaching out to them for details.


Incorrect for the Mob Museum. (I’ve also used bag check at some other museums.) Not sure why you’d confidently reply without checking first.

My apologies. Things do change.

 

[disneychrista]

It is kinda tacky. Las Vegas is a community. Vegas is what partiers say.

Okay. But the tourism industry in Las Vegas calls it “Vegas” and I am definitely going to be a tourist.

Their website shows that bag check is available on the first floor at the box office, but it may be worth reaching out to them for details.

Incorrect for the Mob Museum. (I’ve also used bag check at some other museums.)

I did email them last night to ask what size is considered large. Good to know they will hold backpacks they deem too large.

 

[gmi3804]

One of my favorite lesser-known hotels is Vdara. It can sometimes get pricy, but during low times it’s a great value. It’s run by MGM and they give up to 35% off if you join the MGM Rewards program and book directly with them. It’s a non-Casino hotel mid-Strip sandwiched between Aria, Cosmo, and Bellagio (with easy walks to all), the entire building is non-smoking, and the rooms are generously sized and were originally built to be condos so they have kitchenettes (I usually stock the mini fridge with waters and light snacks from CVS).

NB about Vdara: It's set WAY back from the street, does not have a casino and has very little in the way of dining. Aria isn't far, but it's still a walk away,.

 

[cabanafrau]

Uber and Lyft, definitely. Rental car only for any further destinations you want to travel to from the strip, and only for the day needed.

Recommend Trip Advisor LV forum and Vital Vegas for research.

ETA There are also a couple YouTube videos where the vlogger stays at all the hotels on the strips and gives you a pretty decent look at the rooms for comparison -- I can't remember the name, but it's maybe Safiya something? She's also done some restaurant ones too. There are also plenty of YouTube videos that give room tours at various hotels if you want to specifically take a look at a specific hotel/room class you're interested in.

 

[cabanafrau]

I am debating. I am wanting something center strip. I don't need anything fancy. Just a clean room to sleep & shower. I am thinking maybe Planet Hollywood or Paris? Any advice on this?

Consider Park MGM. Rooms not tremendously large, but has been getting lots of good reviews -- and the on site food options are quite good with some very good value options included.

 

[Gary M]

We just returned from Las Vegas Saturday night. We saw Lionel Ritchie at the Encore. Great show but it started 45 minutes late which was inconsiderate. No apology or explanation. If you haven't seen the musical Jersey Boys you might consider seeing it. Great show. It's at The Orleans Hotel and Casino (off The Strip). The weather was very hot about 110 degrees in the day.

 

[disneychrista]

Here is the response I got from the Mob Museum regarding backpacks.

 

[Neapolitan Ice Cream]

When I went to Las Vegas, I did very well on foot, on free monorails and in taxis. Most tours give you free (comfy) transit. The strip is very concentrated, so I got about on foot to many shows. For the ones further afield, a taxi sufficed (not too expensive). To and from the airport, a Mears Taxi-Van was brilliant.

 

[Dan Murphy]

We just returned from Las Vegas Saturday night. We saw Lionel Ritchie at the Encore. Great show but it started 45 minutes late which was inconsiderate. No apology or explanation. If you haven't seen the musical Jersey Boys you might consider seeing it. Great show. It's at The Orleans Hotel and Casino (off The Strip). The weather was very hot about 110 degrees in the day.

How about Bill Medley, Gary? Is he still working Vegas?

And yes, we saw Jersey Boys Downtown Chicago maybe 10 or more years ago. It was excellent!

I guess Richie is trying to emulate Madonna with her standard 2 hour late show-ups.

 

[Gary M]

How about Bill Medley, Gary? Is he still working Vegas?

And yes, we saw Jersey Boys Downtown Chicago maybe 10 or more years ago. It was excellent!

I guess Richie is trying to emulate Madonna with her standard 2 hour late show-ups.

Dan, Bill Medley isn't working Vegas anymore. We saw him about a year ago here in Indiana. I believe he's going to retire this year. Good to hear from you.

 

[FreeTime]

Here is the response I got from the Mob Museum regarding backpacks.

View attachment 872665

Did the Mob Museum yesterday. It is really set up well. As an FYI you can take drinks in (no alcohol). We were glad we did as we used almost the entire 4 hours of parking time and didn’t have to pay the concession stand prices. We did no add on experiences and almost ran out of time in the lot. But, we read everything and watched all films.

 

[disneychrista]

Did the Mob Museum yesterday. It is really set up well. As an FYI you can take drinks in (no alcohol). We were glad we did as we used almost the entire 4 hours of parking time and didn’t have to pay the concession stand prices. We did no add on experiences and almost ran out of time in the lot. But, we read everything and watched all films.

Wow. I was only planning on allotting 2 hours including the add on for the distillery. I am still debating the crime lab add on. I didn't realize it was that large and detailed.

 

[FreeTime]

Wow. I was only planning on allotting 2 hours including the add on for the distillery. I am still debating the crime lab add on. I didn't realize it was that large and detailed.

It is 3 floors of their old courthouse. There are several films that are about 10 mins long. If you look and don’t read, you might be able to do a quick glance at things. You start on the 3rd floor and work your way down. Based on when your crime lab time is, you may have to stop where you are and pick it back up. Also, be sure to walk around the speak easy. When you enter, there is a big painting. It is a cool secret door (but not accessible as a visitor).

 

[Kittyblue]

I always have a car in Vegas because it’s a close enough drive and no direct flights anyway. When I’m in Vegas I don’t drive much. On strip I walk and use the monorail. I’ve never felt unsafe walking on the strip.

I’ve stayed downtown and I’m fine walking on Fremont street but I’ve had a few times I’ve felt unsafe wandering near by to go to restaurants etc. alone. I’d probably spring for a ride share depending on where you’re heading. I’ve not taken the deuce but I know many people that utilize it and say it’s a great option. If I was flying in I’d probably skip a rental and just use ride share services or the bus. Ride share can get costly but you also aren’t paying for parking or a rental car.

I really enjoyed the mob museum much more than I expected to and I loved the speakeasy there! I spent a couple hours in the museum. Lots of fun. I drove to the museum but when I went at night to the speakeasy I did ride share because I don’t like to drive if I’ve had any drinks. You might consider a split stay between the strip and downtown since there’s so much you want to see in the downtown area.

There’s lots of great Vegas travel vloggers out there. One of my favorites is Travel Ruby. She does many reviews for various casino hotels. I’d check prices for your dates. Besides circus circus I’d give any of the strip casinos a try. I tend to stay at the lower priced places and they’ve all been fine. If you want to enjoy some pool time take that into consideration as well. Some places have really nice pools! Mid strip is a good idea if you want to travel a lot up and down the strip, one with or near a monorail station would be something to consider. For downtown, I’ve only stayed at El Cortez but there’s many good options.

 

[_19disnA]

We always rent a car. When driving to/from the airport have tried using surface streets as well as that freeway. The route that is the shortest distance to the strip may NOT be the shortest TIME. Depends on the time of day, since in the evening the strip is mostly a slow moving parking lot with all of the traffic/congestion. Taking the freeway can actually get you to your destination faster even if it isn't the shortest distance.

And chances are you aren't going to walk very far outside when the temp is 110 !!!

 

[jimmymc]

I would use a combination of walking, Uber, and the monorails. Having a car isn't worth it, especially now that most hotels charge for parking. Only rent one if you're going out to the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, or the Hoover dam.

 

[disneychrista]

9ish months later my trip is almost here. I'll have 3.5 days, with one day dedicated to downtown, the arts district & brewery row.

How do you break up your strip touring? I want to check out the hotels but don't have a lot of interest in shopping.

Another question is how much cash do you bring for tipping? Are there any cash only places? Or places that will charge a fee for using a credit card? I nearly always use my credit card at home and on vacation. I keep hearing that Las Vegas is cash town and there is someone wanting a tip every where you go.