Vegas help needed!

[Sammy]

DH and I will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary this fall and we are looking at a few places to go. Vegas is on the list, but we've never been before. Can anyone give me ideas on where to stay (strip would be nice), what to do, what not to do, etc? I've been to the TripAdvisor forums to get information, but are there any other helpful websites? I pretty much need a "Vegas for Dummies" session!

Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!! TIA!

Sammy

 

[Danauk]

I guess it depends on how much you want to spend and what you like to do. We have stayed in a few of the Vegas hotels but my favourite is the Bellagio with a fountains view - we stayed there for pour 10th anniversary last year and the service was excellent and we got a few freebies since it was our anniversary (see my tag!) I also like the Venetian. A little cheaper the Paris is nice. I would persoanlly plan on choosing a hotel that is located mid strip, the strip is a lot longer than what people think and it is good to be in the middle of the action and easier to get to other hotels. For things to do, there are shows (cirque, music, comedy, dance etc), free things to see on the strip (Bellagio dancing fountains, Sirens show at the TI etc) plus paid things to do on the strip (rollercoasters, Shark Reef at Mandlay Bay, gondola rides at the Vennetian etc.) And also don't forget about the helicopter rides to the Grand Canyon flying over the Hoover Dam (we have used Sundance for this a few times and love their service.)

For sites to look at I use openvegas.com there is info on there and forums where people are very nice and answer any questions for you.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Here is my "Vegas for Dummies" site....The reviews have humor and even talk about what you get for bathroom supplies. It is pretty detailed and worth looking over.

DH and I have not been either...yet....I keep bugging him. I have 1 1/2 yrs till we are our 20th. I bet I can get Vegas out of him then too.

http://www.cheapovegas.com/index.php

 

[kaseyC]

DH and I are going in September for a couples getaway. We have never been either. We are booked at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. Got a great rate.

http://www.mandalaybay.com/persona/THEhotel.aspx

I found great information on the Las Vegas forum at trip advisor and I used the following site for a discount code for our hotel booking.

http://www.smartervegas.com/

 

[Jeafl]

If money is no object, Bellagio is a great hotel. If you want mid-strip, really nice rooms for a little less money, try Paris. We've stayed there a few times and always manage to get a good rate. The location is excellent, and we have never been disappointed.

Here is another good website www.a2zlasvegas.com

 

[sunlover13]

We are headed to Vegas this Sept and got a great code from smartervegas.com. My best advice is to book the hotel and airfare separately. If you book direct with the hotel and the price drops, you can call them and get the better rate. We ended up booking The Mirage for $88 per night, couldn't pass up that rate and location.

If it is your first trip, I would pick a hotel in the middle of the strip. Mandalay Bay is really nice, but it is pretty far South on the strip. Walking the strip is exhausting so I would pick somewhere in the middle if you can.

I'm not sure if you are interested in any shows, but there is a promo going on right now if you buy 1 Cirque show ticket, get the 2nd one for $25. I plan on going to see Mystere when we are there.

Good luck & have fun!

 

[Bren's Mom]

We are headed to Vegas this Sept and got a great code from smartervegas.com. My best advice is to book the hotel and airfare separately. If you book direct with the hotel and the price drops, you can call them and get the better rate. We ended up booking The Mirage for $88 per night, couldn't pass up that rate and location.

I concur with this. In part because of the reason pp stated, but also because they can't comp your room or any part of it if you book through the airline or a hotel site other than the hotel's own website. Be sure to get a 'comp' card (free), find out which 'sister' casinos use the same card (because you can earn points at another casino and use them for comps at the hotel you're staying at) and be sure to put your card in the slots and show at the tables. You'll be surprised how fast you can earn comps. I'm not a big gambler, dh is a moderate gambler...we were in Vegas 4 days and had mostly free meals. Would have been able to get our room comped some as well but we'd booked a package the first time.

If Bellagio is out of the price range I'd book the Mirage. Beautiful hotel, good location.

 

[pooh6890]

Actually, this is a perfect time to go pricewise. I have always gotten great rates on the actual hotel websites vs. travelocity, etc. The Venetian is running a special for $109/night and the Bellagio is pretty much matching that if you ask. Mandalay Bay is offering good rates, but I agree that since this is your first visit, the middle of the strip will be a much better choice for you. I highly recommend spending the money and going to the either the Bellagio or Venetian. It's your very first visit and it's an important trip for the two of you. Vegas is an exciting town but also very romantic too. I think that www.lvol.com is a great website to check out.

 

[daisax]

Prices are incredibly low right now -- go to the hotel websites and join their "clubs" and you will get email offers.

If there is a particular show you want to see affiliated with a particular hotel, it may be well worth your while to stay at that hotel, even for a few dollars more. I get buy one get one offers for LOVE from the Mirage all the time, and when we were there in January we saw LOVE and Jay Leno for half price. You can get 3 course dinners for two at restaurants for $40 where that wouldn't have bought an entree and appetizer a year ago. They're in deep competition for bodies in their casinos, so hotel rooms and food are on deep discount now -- make it count for you!

The spas also may be having terrific deals -- we got a 50 min massage AND a 50 minute facial for $140 in January at the Mirage. Usually they're each about that price.

 

[Sammy]

Hey guys...I really appreciate all the information! I'll be stepping up my research for sure!

Our Anniversary is officially in November, but we're flexible to travel anytime between Sept and mid-Nov. Any time better than another as far as extreme heat or crowds go? Is there a place where you can see what large conventions might be taking place during a particular time?

 

[golfgal]

Just a thought to consider, the one time we were in Vegas we stayed at the Orleans, off the strip, but we had a GREAT view of the hotels on the strip from our room. It was especially nice at night to see all the lights, colors, etc. The Orelans is a nice hotel with nice rooms and runs in the $40/night range usually. They had a shuttle to the strip so that wasn't a problem at all.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Make sure you check out our California and the West Forum here-lots of Vegas advice and experts there! http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=131

 

[shellybaxter]

If you really want a posh, pampering, hotel I recommend the Wynn or the Wynn Encore. We've stayed at all the "biggies" and these two are our absolute favorite. Reserve a panaramic view room and ask for the strip side. Outstanding!!

Favorite restauants include Delmonicos (Venitian - an Emeril Restaurant), Switch (Encore), Meza Grill (Bobby Flay), Charlie Palmers Steakhouse and Rumjungle (both at Mandely Bay

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I would like to do this..."The Price is Right LIVE"...I wonder if I can drag my sister down there...

http://www.bestofvegas.com/Shows-Tickets/view_show_tickets.php?bov_id=90&sStartDate=2009-06-1