Vegas Rookie

[PhillipV]

Well, we're thinking about finally making it to Las Vegas... probably March 2011. I've been chasing my tail for the last couple of days on dozens of websites. I decided to come "home" for some solid advice!!

I feel like a Disney rookie again... with the same questions. With so many hotels, how do we decide where to stay for our first trip?? On the strip... off the strip... the north end... the south end?!?!? I have no idea what I'm talking about. If someone can help me with this decision, I should be able to take it the rest of the way.

Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!!

 

[skiingfast]

I've stayed all over the strip and off. I would never stay off the strip again, except maybe for a good deal at the Rio.


I would try to stay in the center, or close to it. South of Tropicana and North of Sahara puts you at a need for more redundant inconvinient walking.

I've found that the hotels are all really the same except for a couple. But each one can have really cheap older rooms or worn down rooms. Mainly I don't care where I stay now because I am happy to walk next door if I like that casino or buffet better.

Remember that just a few companies own all of the strips known places. So Look for the best deal or package you can get directly from them. They all guarentee the lowest rates.

I wouldn't overlook Freemont street either. They have a some really cheap and dumpy hotels, but it is easy to take the bus between there and the strip.

 

[rpbert1]

Our first time there in July, and planning to return in 2012.
before we went i had read all different reports about staying center -North- South, and to be honest,[IMHO] i found that it did not really matter, as you will have to travel up and down the strip to see all the different resorts, etc. We went to Freemont St, and had a great evening there.
We eventually stayed at The MGM Signature Suites, which i can highly recommend.

We bought the Monorail tickets, but to be honest, it was quite a trek to other hotels, as it only stopped at certain ones, and you then had quite a walk if the hotel at the stop was not the one you wanted to visit. We eventually bought the Deuce bus tickets, which where good, although could take a bit of time to get from one end uf the strip to the other depending on traffic

 

[PrincessMaleficent]

hello! I got Married in Vegas 2008. I have gone back a few times since and plan on it again next year. We have stayed at treasure Island it is really nice and I loved the beds. We also stayed at The Tropicana that place we dumpy and reeked of pot. They are so comfy. From there we pretty much walked every where from that location. Like PP said just look around and see who is offering the best deal at the time.

We also stayed at The Tropicana that place we dumpy and reeked of pot.

 

[foolishmortal]

well to answer your questions you need to answer somme question. lol

1)hotel budget? are you looking to stay in a nice room, or willing to sacrificae a bit since you wont be in it but to sleep.

2) close to action? shopping? high roller/low roller? certain shows?

3) do you have your own car or no?

 

[everylastbreath]

I know Vegas seems very confusing to a rookie, but once you've visited it is very clear- basically it's one big street, and believe me, it's better to be mid-strip- especially your first time because once you are familar, you will know what hotels/casinos you prefer and you can adjust your stay accordingly.

There are some reasonable hotels mid strip, what is your budget? my suggestions are as followed:

Harrahs/Flamingo $
Paris/Ballys/PH $$
Caesars $$$

All are great locations, you won't be sorry- IMO- DON'T stay Downtown, it's a great place to visit, but I personally wouldn't stay there, much more action on the Strip. Rio is GREAT, but you will end up taking a shuttle/taxi back and forth to the strip. Another suggestion, stay away from Circus/Circus End of strip, horrible- First time we were going to Vegas I almost booked Circus/Circus and someone told me not to, TG I listened, horrible, you couldn't pay ME to stay at that end of strip. Also other end, although MUCH nicer - Mandalay Bay hotel is beautiful, but again, too far down the end of the strip, lots of walking - everything in Vegas looks close but it's really not.

LOVE LOVE LOVE Vegas, feel free to ask any questions you like, you can PM me if you like, I will give you my email address so we can go back and forth if you like!! Love to talk about my FAVORITE place!

 

[rpbert1]

Agree with PP about Circus Circus, we looked at it ,but reports put me off. We decided to go down and visit that end, boy am i glad i did not book it, personally it was not even worth visiting .

 

[usnuzuloose]

There are a few buses, the deuce is 7 dollars for 24 hrs. But you csn ride either bus. One of the buses run down to freemont st as well. You can look at the different hotels and then sign up for deals sent to your email. there are sites for free coupons for vegas and discounts. There is alot to do. We were there for 5 days last month and I still did not get to see everything. We go there at least once a year. Have a great time. Jo

 

[SparkleCee]

I go to Vegas all the time - several times a year, in fact.
I usually stay at the Flamingo. It's by far the best priced with the best location. Upgrade from the basic room to a Go!Room, you won't be disappointed. Should run you about $75ish a night, maybe a bit more.

I can give you restaurant, attraction, club, bar, show & shopping recommendations once I know more about what your budget is, and what your interests are.

 

[SparkleCee]

I go to Vegas all the time - several times a year, in fact.
I usually stay at the Flamingo. It's by far the best priced with the best location. Upgrade from the basic room to a Go!Room, you won't be disappointed. Should run you about $75ish a night, maybe a bit more.

I can give you restaurant, attraction, club, bar, show & shopping recommendations once I know more about what your budget is, and what your interests are.

 

[laura-k]

Hey all ,
I am also a 1st timer going to Vegas - in about a week
We are going with BIL and SIL they are staying at Bally's (on the newer side can't remember if it is north or south ) We are trying the Mirage -
The only plan we have so far is Cher on Sat night (SIL is a big fan )
I am not a huge gambler at all so looking forward to seeing all the resorts and maybe a few good meals -I wanted to do the helicopter tour to the grand canyon but we only have 3 days so I will probably put that off -so any must see must do advice would be hugely appreciated -thanks

 

[Pakey]

I travel to Las Vegas every few months and have stayed at almost every Strip hotel and at the Rio off-strip. The first thing I would do is sign up for the various resorts' email notifications for deals. I seem to always get more offers at this time of year. This weekend, I received Venetian for $109, and Mandalay at $65 (includes free all day buffet). I also got one from MGM but didn't read it so not sure what the price on it is. Last year I got offers as low as $15 a night for New York New York.

Giving advice on where to stay, where to eat, what shows to see, etc are difficult to do without knowing how much money you want to spend. I prefer the north end of the Strip, hotels are better and so is the shopping. The best meal I've had anywhere in the world is at Picasso at the Bellagio. The best single item I've eaten is the made-to-order Beignets at Bouchon in the Venezia tower at Venetian. My favorite casino is MGM. I think the Cirque show, Love, is one of the best few hours of entertainment on the planet. If you want to swim, Mandalay Bay has the best pool.

I am in my 50's and easily walk the strip from the Wynn down to MGM and back. It's no worse than walking at WDW. The Deuce is a great way to get around when I don't feel like walking and if I'm in heels, I have no problem grabbing cabs.

 

[laura-k]

The best meal I've had anywhere in the world is at Picasso at the Bellagio. The best single item I've eaten is the made-to-order Beignets at Bouchon in the Venezia tower at Venetian.

I am adding these onto my list now -I would like to do a nice meal (Picasso ??)
A nice buffet (cause its Vegas ) and then maybe a whole day of exploring the different casinos and their special snacks -
So please keep the ideas coming-
I am totally taking the Disney approach of touring on this but it is so.... hard being a newbie .

 

[PhillipV]

well to answer your questions you need to answer somme question. lol

1)hotel budget? are you looking to stay in a nice room, or willing to sacrificae a bit since you wont be in it but to sleep.

2) close to action? shopping? high roller/low roller? certain shows?

3) do you have your own car or no?

1) While I'd prefer staying at a hotel similar to the Bellagio, I'd like to find a mid-priced room. We'll be out of the room most of the day.

2) We'll be going primarily to experience the city. Gambling is not high on the list. We'd like to see some shows. I'm researching them now.

3) I'll probably rent a car. I usually rent whenever we travel.

Hope this helps... thanks!

 

[skiingfast]

A nice buffet (cause its Vegas )

The more I've thought about it the Buffet of Buffets sounds like a good idea for my next trip. I wouldn't eat that much but one for breakfast and one for dinner sound alright, and I could snack on one midday. It lets you eat at them for 24hrs at several resorts.

 

[skiingfast]

1) While I'd prefer staying at a hotel similar to the Bellagio, I'd like to find a mid-priced room. We'll be out of the room most of the day.

2) We'll be going primarily to experience the city. Gambling is not high on the list. We'd like to see some shows. I'm researching them now.

3) I'll probably rent a car. I usually rent whenever we travel.

Hope this helps... thanks!

You probably should stay at the Bellagio then. It's on par above most of the other places.

I would only get a car if you are doing side trips to the Grand Canyon or Hoover Damn. Otherwise you won't need it. Driving on the strip may sound great but is a PITA.

 

[foolishmortal]

You probably should stay at the Bellagio then. It's on par above most of the other places.

I would only get a car if you are doing side trips to the Grand Canyon or Hoover Damn. Otherwise you won't need it. Driving on the strip may sound great but is a PITA.

what they said^^^^^^^


there is no need at all for a car in vegas if you arent leaving strip. in fact it is more of a hassle. strip traffic and drivers SUCK! I have never stayed at Bellagio myself, but thats not "my type" of place. I'd rather save a few bucks (and by few i mean alot) and be at mgm or New York New york, both only a 10 - 15 minute walk away or 2 minute tram ride from mid strip. Depending on shows make sure to check out the ticket booth right by coca cola & m&m world, great prices on certan shows. STAY AWAY FROM THE TIMESHARE PEOPLE. The best trick I have found is to just tell them you leave today/tonight/etc And they wont pressure further.

 

[ICF]

For all the veteran Vegas visitors....

What would you say is the best steak place in Vegas.....preferrably on the strip?

 

[PhillipV]

For all the veteran Vegas visitors....

What would you say is the best steak place in Vegas.....preferrably on the strip?

Great question. I'd also like opinions on all of the buffets!!

 

[laura-k]

I was reading about the buffets last night and everybody seemed so up on the Wynn buffet but reading a few of the the more current reviews by people that have been a few times -it sounds like they might have gone down hill -has anybody been here ? What are your thoughts ,it seems very pricey if it is not extremely good -So I am looking at the Cravings buffet at the Mirage -
the buffet at the Bellagio or the Wynn one -
I would love to hear if any of you have a favorite buffet or meal -