Las Vegas Vegas Rookie

[everylastbreath]

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!

1- I would recommend Caesars, little on the higher $ side but if your talking Bellagio, it is comparable. & it's right next door to Bellagio, GREAT location, center strip.

2. HIGHLY recommend LOVE & Jersey Boys - BEST SHOWS I've ever seen, Blue Man group & Penn & Teller also good, but 1st choice Love & Jersey boys

3. I would not recommend renting a car, traffic is horrible on the strip, it's 100xs worse than driving in NYC (I see your from Philly) so I assume you've been in NYC. Taxi's are easy to get and pretty cheap, buses & monorail, probably what it would cost to rent a car you would spend less for cabs. We always rent cars on vacations too but never in Vegas.


For all- My FAV buffet is the Rio (not their Seafood buffet- regular one) & Fav Steak House is either Neros @ Caesars or Paris Steakhouse - both excellent

 

[RyJMom]

We go to Vegas every year. The Mirage is my favorite hotel by far. I've stayed at the 13 or 14 different hotels including Bellagio and the Venetian and still pick Mirage hands down. For the last few years the best hotel rates I've found have been from Smarter Vegas.com. They list codes for different hotels. Fat Wallet travel section also sometimes has good codes. Just use the code to book directly with the hotel. Make sure it is a reservation that can be cancelled. I always check back and rebook if the price drops.

We rent a car everytime. Car rates in Vegas are cheap. $16 a day is not unusual for a full size. 99% of the time we rent from Dollar. On the website when you plug in your dates it sometimes pops up a city special. This is where I get the best rates. This always beats any codes I find. I like having a car because I must go to In & Out Burger and I like to hit the outlet malls.

Couple of suggerstions for things to do. At the Bellagio there is a lounge called the Fontana Lounge. Went for the 1st time last month. There is no cover and they had a great band. Best part was it has a balcony that overlooks the fountains. We didn't sit out there because it was so hot but you can run out for the shows. We also LOVE the dueling pianos at Harrahs. Must do for the last 5 yrs. No cover before 9:00. We sat there till 2:00 am. Couldn't drag ourselves away. The twin piano plays are great but the people watching is what really makes it.

Have a great trip.

 

[c&m]

We've been to Vegas many times, and I'm in the process of planning our next trip to LV in March. I don't know your budget, travel dates, or your preferences, but here're some quick ideas for you that are floating around in my head as I plan our own trip...

1. Once you narrow down which hotels you want to stay in, get on their mailing list. I've gotten so many great offers and deals as a subscriber via e-mail (ex. Wynn for $99, Aria for $104, etc.). And in Vegas for us, it's all about the luxury hotels and not paying top dollar for them. Also pay attention to which hotels charge resort fees - google this to get a list - you don't want to get a surprise on your hotel bill!

2. Go to Travelzoo.com to get alerts of good discounts for Vegas shows. I use this website before I go because I hate spending precious vacation time lining up at the TKTS counter for same-day discounted show tickets.

3. Go to Restaurant.com to get really inexpensive gift certificates for Vegas restaurants. One of the restaurants we like to go to - Stripburger - is in there.

4. Check out Expedia.com packages and see if they work for you. For my March dates, the package (air+hotel) I wanted was cheaper by $300 than going thru the airline and hotel websites.

5. Go to yelp.com to check out Vegas buffet reviews. Personally, we have been to the Wynn every time we visit Vegas. It is good, and we've not been disappointed. I haven't been to the Bellagio buffet due to it always having a long line-up whenever we go. We've been to the Aria buffet which is quite nice in ambiance; the food is average, but the desserts are amazing! They are made by Jean-Phillippe Patisserie. I'd go back there just for the desserts.
Another buffet to consider is the M Resort's buffet. Never tried it but I heard it is amazing - and it's on our to-do list for our March trip.

 

[Thumper_Man]

For all the veteran Vegas visitors....

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

One of the best I've had has been at Smith & Wollensky. Down the street from MGM Grand.

 

[jetskigrl]

One of the best I've had has been at Smith & Wollensky. Down the street from MGM Grand.

I'll second this! Also SW Steakhouse in the Wynn is amazing. Both are very expensive (but worth it, LOL).

 

[ktlm]

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!

As a previous poster said- go straight to the hotel websites and sign up for their E-mail lists now. You will get offers for discounts on rooms, show tickets, etc. I would recommend that you sign up at the Bellagio and Venetian since I'm guessing from your statement you would love either of those. You should also sign up at a bunch of others to see what you can get (Paris, Hard Rock, Mirage, MGM, Ceasars, etc.). You definitely want to stay on the strip. We have stayed in a few places on the strip, and our favorite area is the area near the Bellagio. It is very central and there is usually a lot going on. If you can't get any discounts for the Bellagio or Venetian, you might try the Paris- it is usually a little cheaper. We got an offer from the Bellagio for last January for $99 a night (conveniently the week of my birthday). We "splurged" extra and for $130 a night were in a fountain view room. If you can avoid Friday and Saturday nights, the rates will be much cheaper. We stayed Sunday through Wednesday.

As far as shows, I agree that Love is great! Le Reve is another really good one. Mystere is good. Jersey Boys is great, but know that you are seeing a Broadway show, not a "Vegas" show. If you don't see much Broadway otherwise, it is a great thing to see in Vegas.

DH and I really like visiting the aquarium at Mandalay Bay.

As far as renting a car, we never do. We stick to the strip most of the time and the traffic is terrible. We walk a lot (part of the fun of Vegas is going up and down the strip) and if we are dressed up and going somewhere nice we take a cab. The cab drivers usually know the backroads to avoid the traffic and get you places faster.

 

[gabrieltorres]

Try one of the hotels in the new Citicenter complex - Aria or Vdara - on the strip, central to other sites

 

[jlima]

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.

Better - just tell them you're local. Works even better.

 

[curiouslittleoyster]

1. Once you narrow down which hotels you want to stay in, get on their mailing list. I've gotten so many great offers and deals as a subscriber via e-mail (ex. Wynn for $99, Aria for $104, etc.). And in Vegas for us, it's all about the luxury hotels and not paying top dollar for them. Also pay attention to which hotels charge resort fees - google this to get a list - you don't want to get a surprise on your hotel bill!

.

My girlfriends and I have been to Vegas far too many times within the last year and we've always snagged great inexpensive rooms this way. For a nice moderate/inexpensive room not too from the action, I'd recommend TI(Treasure Island). Reasonably priced (under $90) very nice looking rooms with comfy beds. I like the cafe they have for brekkie. MGM Grand is also pretty inexpensive, but it's way at the other end of the strip. I didn't like their rooms as much. It had a weird corporate/business trip feel to them for me. They have amazing pools though!!!! Lazy river! Wet Republic! Love it! Mandalay Bay was ok. I thought it was overpriced for the experience I had. I didn't much care for the bath tub--it was a little gross(and staff weren't apologetic about it). If you are looking for night time entertainment/dancing/clubbing, I'd recommend staying at Aria. For buffets, I liked the Rio buffet. You'll have to drive to get there if you are staying on the strip, though. You have lots of good recs for shows already posted. A tradition for us is to eat pasta at the Grand Lux Cafe at the Venetian. The service is always excellent, pasta dishes are yummers, and the portions are huge!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Better - just tell them you're local. Works even better.

I was with a local resident in one of the hotels mentioned, and one of the timeshare people approached and asked "Where are you folks from". She walked away after hearing his, "Two miles east." response!

 

[jpeppers]

Stay mid strip but don't rule out Fremont St. It is a very fun atmosphere with free transportation to the strip plus very laid back and cheap. My only suggestion there is to stay at the Golden Nugget.......beautiful hotel with a fantastic pool.

 

[mommaU4]

A nice buffet (cause its Vegas ) and then maybe a whole day of exploring the different casinos and their special snacks -

There is an Earl of Sandwich inside the Planet Hollywood hotel. (same as the one in DTD in Orlando) It's sooo good, fast and cheap.

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.

Two of my favorite shows are Le Reve and Jersey Boys, both excellent.

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

I am not a steak eater, but my friends who are, recommend Ruth Chris. It's not on the Strip, but it's not far from it either.

I would love to hear if any of you have a favorite buffet or meal -

Spice Market buffet at Planet Hollywood consistently wins for best buffet among locals.

 

[aboveH20]

I'm SOOO excited to finally have a trip to LV planned in three weeks. I've been saying for years that it's the one place I want to go (I've been lots of other places, but never made it to LV.) My husband finally got tired of hearing me tell other people I wanted to got to LV, so we have a trip planned.

We're staying at TI, not because I got a great deal, but because that's where I was going to stay last year when my son and I were going to go. (He wanted to see LOVE, we had all our arrangements made, and then found out LOVE was dark. Lost $ on non-refundable plane tkts!)

We'll be there for three nights and then off to the Grand Canyon (by way of Hoover Dam) for three nights. On Friday night we have reservations at the Stratosphere -- don't tell me the food isn't great, I've already heard, but we're going for the view. On Saturday night we have tkts for the clothed version of Jubilee. I notice Jubilee isn't on anyone's list of must dos in LV, but that's the whole reason I want to go. We went to NYC's Radio City Rockettes last year, but it wasn't the same. I want to see the synchronized dancing.

We don't drink, we don't gamble, so I'm trying to figure out how to fill the days. Looks like a must do is Bellagio fountains, but I'm not sure what else.

My specific questions are
1. to get to Strastosphere from TI can we walk there and back, distance and safety-wise
2. can we walk to and from Bally's for Jubilee (from TI) distance and safety-wise
3. I read mixed reviews of buses and the monorail. seems like we'd see more walking, but I'm not sure if it's always safe -- thoughts?
4. If we plan to stop at Hoover Dam on the way to Grand Canyon, how long should we plan for the drive?
5. any other suggestions for "young" retired age folks?

I love Disney, I know my way around, I love going solo. This whole LV trip, as much as I've wanted to go for years, is a bit stressful!

THANKS for any suggestions, and please pardon my typos, I never seem to catch them all.

 

[everylastbreath]

We don't drink, we don't gamble, so I'm trying to figure out how to fill the days. Looks like a must do is Bellagio fountains, but I'm not sure what else.

My specific questions are
1. to get to Strastosphere from TI can we walk there and back, distance and safety-wise
2. can we walk to and from Bally's for Jubilee (from TI) distance and safety-wise
3. I read mixed reviews of buses and the monorail. seems like we'd see more walking, but I'm not sure if it's always safe -- thoughts?
4. If we plan to stop at Hoover Dam on the way to Grand Canyon, how long should we plan for the drive?
5. any other suggestions for "young" retired age folks?

I love Disney, I know my way around, I love going solo. This whole LV trip, as much as I've wanted to go for years, is a bit stressful!

THANKS for any suggestions, and please pardon my typos, I never seem to catch them all.

OMG there is soooooo much more to do in Vegas than the Bellagio Fountains!!! They are great and def. a must see, but every hotel has something to see, Visit all the hotels, that could keep someone busy for DAYS!

The question about "walking distance" is relative as to how far you are able to walk and when you are visiting (weather, too hot- forget it) We have walked from center strip (Harrahs) to the Strat, would I do it in 105 degrees- no way. We "cab it" - even if you want to walk 1 way, you might cab it back, I would say on the strip we have never really paid more than approx. $10 to go anywhere (remember- traffic) just remember things are not as close as they appear, to get across streets in Vegas might require some navigation. As far as your "safety" concern- personally I don't like the area down by the strat, all the "low rent" type hotels are down that way (IMO, sorry if that offends anyone) during the day I would walk, but not at night. Anywhere else on the strip I would feel totally ok with anytime of day or night.

TI to Ballys, easy walk, shouldn't be a problem. I've seen Jubilee, I tend to get bored with these types of shows, it was beautiful- a bit too long for me.. If you want to see a GREAT show, since LOVE is dark- I would recommend Jersey Boys, GREAT.

I would tell you don't be so concerned with "Safety" you should use the same precautions you would use anywhere (even Disney, someone could pick your pocket or steel your bag) don't be so concerned with it, there are a million people on the strip at any given time, on the monorail, on the buses, walking, use the same precautions anywhere.

Have a great time!! Love, Love, Love VEGAS!!

 

[mommaU4]

On Saturday night we have tkts for the clothed version of Jubilee. I notice Jubilee isn't on anyone's list of must dos in LV, but that's the whole reason I want to go.

My husband and I saw Jubilee this summer for the second time and loved it! While it's not a Cirque show with all the acrobats and such, it is still an amazing show. The singing and dancing are great, and the costumes.....wow.

We had seen it once before many, many years prior and it still amazes me how those girls are able to walk and dance with those costumes on!!
I would recommend it to anyone, especially since it is now the last of the true Vegas showgirl shows. Have fun and enjoy it!!

 

[aboveH20]

My husband and I saw Jubilee this summer for the second time and loved it! While it's not a Cirque show with all the acrobats and such, it is still an amazing show. The singing and dancing are great, and the costumes.....wow.

We had seen it once before many, many years prior and it still amazes me how those girls are able to walk and dance with those costumes on!!
I would recommend it to anyone, especially since it is now the last of the true Vegas showgirl shows. Have fun and enjoy it!!

Thanks for the encouraging words. I saw La Nouba at Downtown Disney, and while impressive, it seemed l-o-n-g to me. Last year my son and I were going to see LOVE, but it didn't work out. I do hear it's good. For some reason, I just want to see the dancers with their feathers and big head dresses.

It looks like you're a "native." I can't figure out if the monorail or bus are worth it. A PP suggested "walking to" and taking the cab back. That makes sense to me. Is the monorail someting we would/should do just to get an overview of LV?

What would you suggest first (and probably only) timers do? any museums? any drives outside of LV? or will checking out all of the hotels be more than enough to occupy us for 3 days?

 

[skiingfast]

My specific questions are
1. to get to Strastosphere from TI can we walk there and back, distance and safety-wise
2. can we walk to and from Bally's for Jubilee (from TI) distance and safety-wise
3. I read mixed reviews of buses and the monorail. seems like we'd see more walking, but I'm not sure if it's always safe -- thoughts?
4. If we plan to stop at Hoover Dam on the way to Grand Canyon, how long should we plan for the drive?
5. any other suggestions for "young" retired age folks?

1 & 2 sure you can walk, as PP said just be cautious of pick pockets. Everywhere not just on the street, but in the bus, casino while staring at things and taking pictures. Just general streetwise caution.

3. Buses are reall easy, cheap, not super fast but almost as fast as a cab.

The monorail is not great. It is way behind a lot of the properties and not particuarily cheap. Keep in mind from the strip to the back of the properties is a long walk and in some cases a super long winding walk.

4. At hoover I would take 2 hours, it can be shorter and even a little longer if you do a tour. The hard hat tour I found much more interesting that the basic tour. It will take about 2 hours to get to there. From Hoover to the GC I guess another 4 hours. Also if you are renting a car try to use thier shuttle to pick it up and get to your hotel. I've done this before when I rented a car on the first day of my trip. Rental company shuttle picked us up at the airport. We toured around, that night dropped car and shuttle took us to out hotel. Worked great.

5. Beside the Bellagio fountains, Which I won't enjoy ever again afer seeing WoC.....Watch the pirate show at TI. Freemont Street Experience one evening after dark. The forum shops in Ceasar they have a little show in them. Fire/water something like that. The Conservatory in the Bellagio. The art in the entrance to the Venetain and gondola canals inside. Maybe the mall in PH. Volcano at the mirage. Animals in the Mirage and MGM.

There is a lot of other things to see. Usually I divide and concur. Up one side of the strip and back down the other.

 

[aboveH20]

4. At hoover I would take 2 hours, it can be shorter and even a little longer if you do a tour. The hard hat tour I found much more interesting that the basic tour. It will take about 2 hours to get to there. From Hoover to the GC I guess another 4 hours. Also if you are renting a car try to use thier shuttle to pick it up and get to your hotel. I've done this before when I rented a car on the first day of my trip. Rental company shuttle picked us up at the airport. We toured around, that night dropped car and shuttle took us to out hotel. Worked great.

5. Beside the Bellagio fountains, Which I won't enjoy ever again afer seeing WoC.....Watch the pirate show at TI. Freemont Street Experience one evening after dark. The forum shops in Ceasar they have a little show in them. Fire/water something like that. The Conservatory in the Bellagio. The art in the entrance to the Venetain and gondola canals inside. Maybe the mall in PH. Volcano at the mirage. Animals in the Mirage and MGM.

Thanks for the heads up about pickpockets (makes sense) and the monorail -- that confirms what I've read.

I also appreciate the info about the Hoover Dam hard hat tour -- I'll look into that -- and the rental car tip.

Thanks, too, for all the ideas about what to do. There's a big difference between reading tour books and "hearing" what people actually like to do.

Last thing -- what is WoC?

 

[jlima]

Last thing -- what is WoC?

New (water) show at California Adventure.

 

[mommaU4]

Thanks for the encouraging words. I saw La Nouba at Downtown Disney, and while impressive, it seemed l-o-n-g to me. Last year my son and I were going to see LOVE, but it didn't work out. I do hear it's good. For some reason, I just want to see the dancers with their feathers and big head dresses.

It looks like you're a "native." I can't figure out if the monorail or bus are worth it. A PP suggested "walking to" and taking the cab back. That makes sense to me. Is the monorail someting we would/should do just to get an overview of LV?

What would you suggest first (and probably only) timers do? any museums? any drives outside of LV? or will checking out all of the hotels be more than enough to occupy us for 3 days?

Well, if you are looking for feathers and big headdresses you won't be disappointed. It's pretty glitzy and spectacular.

As a local I usually have a car when down on the Strip, so I cannot comment on the buses. I will say that the monorail is a pain in the butt. It's usually way back in the back of the resorts so by the time you've walked to find it, IF you don't get lost on the way, you've usually walked so far you could've been at your destination.
Okay, maybe not that far, but it feels like it. When I have friends in town, we taxi it most places if I don't want to drive and that works out the best for us.

There is a tram that runs between Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur that isn't bad to take.

When I have out of town guests typically we do:
Bellagio fountains and conservatory
pirate show at TI
Volcano at Mirage
Lions at MGM
Shark reef
some shows
and if they aren't from a desert area, we go to Red Rock so they can enjoy the scenic drive.

I like Vegas.com for detailed information and planning. Good luck. There's lots to do, but with proper planning it will go smoothly and you can have exactly the sort of vacation you want.