Vegas!

[naomi78155]

So, I've decided to take hubby to Vegas(surprise), no kids. We have never been and are looking for opinions, places to eat, shows, where to stay (would like on-strip) I was thinking Venetian or MGM Grand...

Also, dorky question, but what to wear? We would be going in October, I don't want to look to touristy,

 

[Casajencol]

I am taking my GF Over in Febuary this is our first stay. We are stopping at the imperial palace (we are on a budget and probably will never be in the hotel room,so we havent gone for something top dollar)

We are going to see Celine dion whilst we are there (not my choice haha) and also we are thinking of seeing Penn and Teller, the rest of the time we will be drinking, gambling and visiting the canyon and the other hotels!

 

[usnuzuloose]

The Ventian is very nice, pricey but nice. There are so many things you can do. Well what to wear, you would cordinate it with your shoes as you will need comfortable shoes. Please bare in mind that when something looks close it really is not. You can valet park at the hotels. You can ride the Duece bus the cost is 7 dollars for 24 hrs. There is shopping galore everywhere. Cesars, Planet hollywood has the miracle mile shops. The Belagio has shops. The Fashion show mall. That is really huge. \


You can type in free things to do in Las Vegas. They have buffets where you pay one price for 24 hrs. There is an earl of sandwich shop in plant hollywood they have excellent sandwiches.

The Venetian and Palazzo have shopping, Ventian has a gondola ride inside and outside. Mgm has the Lion habitat for free and take all the pics you want. The Lions arrive at 11 am everyday. There is a coca cola store, M&M store.

The hotels out front have shows as well, Bellagio, TI, Mirage. Take a camera. Me and my DH go every year in june, so I am not sure how the weather is in Oct. If you are driving up and down the strip , be aware that it is congested.

You can always sign up for hotels for them to send you deals. I have other ideas but this would be so long. They have behind the scene things as well. I always wanted to go in the chefs kitchen in Bellagio for demos but it is a little expensive. I hope this helps you a little. I am sure there are others to give you ideas. There is the Las Vegas board under California and the west.

 

[uk_wildcat]

I went in October a few years ago and was surprised at how cold it got. It was very windy the whole time we were there and there were a few days when I was really cold. We wore pants and long sleeves the whole time and I wished I had a jacket with me some days. It got especially cool at night. I agree with wearing comfy shoes. I wore some that I thought were comfortable, but not for the amount of walking I did. I ended up at the mall buying some tennis shoes because I didn't bring any with me.
We stayed at the Paris and it was nice. My parents have been many times and usually stay at the New York and really love it. I would suggest just pricing it out on Expedia or Travelocity and seeing what the best value is for a nicer hotel in a good area.
We saw Phantom of the Opera and a Beatles show while there and both were good.

 

[QuickRewardsBecky]

I've been twice for a conference and stayed at the Venetian both times. I've heard from friends that it has the largest rooms. It's also pretty pricey. We were able to find a deal by googling. Signing up for the casinos' email newsletters is a great idea -- they send me deals on Venetian all the time. Another thing I really liked about Venetian was that while it's not smoke-free, they have some kind of fairly pleasant scent they pump in somehow that neutralizes the smoke. I have allergies and found Venetian's casino the only one that didn't bother me.

It is off at one end of the strip, though. Walking's obviously your cheapest option so wear comfy shoes and bundle up. When you look at a map and see something is "just two casinos down" it's a LOT longer walk than you'd think! Taxis are fast but expensive. If you're not in a rush, the Deuce is worth it!

The buffet at Bellagio is expensive but it's the most comprehensive, really BEAUTIFUL buffet I've ever seen. They have this bread pudding that is ALONE worth the price of the buffet, IMHO. Mouth's watering just thinking about it.

We saw Penn & Teller both visits and just loved it. We got discount tickets through one of these day-of-sale discount ticket booths they have in various places on the strip. The first time we went, the house was pretty empty so the ushers offered to "find us a better seat" for the price of a tip (and we got this private booth and still paid much less than full ticket price). Not only is their show amazing but they go out to the reception area afterward and stay as long as necessary to take pictures and sign autographs for everyone after the show.

We also saw Blue Man Group with a similar discount and although I was NOT excited about seeing "dudes painted blue banging drums," I was really blown away by the show, the humor they put into it, the ways they make music... I will see them again if I get the chance to go back to Vegas again!

Last note -- sorry for being long -- if you have the chance to ride the Deuce out at night to Fremont Street they have this humongous video screen above the walkway and every hour or half hour (not sure) it comes on and does a light show synchronized to music (I remember the Queen one was really cool). It's a fun free thing to do, and I had more luck in the casinos in that old area of Vegas than on the strip, too.

 

[DawnM]

I have only ever stayed at the Monte Carlo and the Stratosphere on the strip. The rest of the time we opted for off-strip hotels with kids.

I know many people love Vegas, but we only went when we had to (to see relatives, a work conference, that sort of thing.)

Dawn

 

[wolf29]

IF $$$ not really an issue, Venetian or Bellagio are way to go. MGM if fine, but a step down, still fine. Lot's of free stuff, decent buffets ranging from average to high end (Mirage, Bellagio, etc). Cirque show at Bellagio, "O" would be the one show I'd see if I couldn't see anything else.

 

[Happy vacationer]

Here are some helpful sights that can give you some very insightful information on Vegas. 1. Dis Boards has a las vegas forum. 2. Tripadvisor.com has forums. Choose the Nevada forum, then choose the Las Vegas sub forum. I have found A LOT of useful information on that forum. 3. vegas.com also has a ton of information.

Do your research now and you will get a good idea of things you would like to do, see, and places you'd like to eat at when there. You don't have to have a strict plan to follow but know if you are at such and such a place you'd like to see a, b, and c.

Enjoy your planning and your trip. We are going next spring on our 3rd trip to vegas and will be staying at the Flamingo because it is mid-strip and close to so many things as well as being reasonably priced. I know we won't spend much time in the room so for us it makes sense to save money on the hotel room and spend it somewhere else on our trip.

I have heard that the Wicked Spoon buffet is about the best around these days. That is one place I will be visiting on my next visit.

 

[ICF]

We went last Oct -- later in the month -- and the temps were mid 70s to mid 80s that week during the day.

We stayed in a condo - just behind the middle of the strip. No matter where you stay, you'll probably end up doing a lot of walking.

We saw the Lion King show and thought it was great.

If you have a car and can get off strip, I would recommend going to Red Rock Canyon. It's only about 15 - 20 mins from the strip and is very cool to see and walk around.

 

[budafam]

There are deals on travelzoo.com all the time for Vegas. Super cheap rooms. I agree with walking... it will take SO much out of you! I have been there 3 times and we always take the first night to walk down the strip and then back and the rest of the trip, we can hardly walk. lol... we never learn! I've only stayed at Circus Circus which is super cheap and kinda fun themed but far away from the "cooler" stuff on the strip.

We did the BNellagio buffet years ago when it was $25 a person and we thought that was expensive (haha, not anymore due to Disney dining!) Does anyone know what it runs now? I know it was the best buffet I've ever had... sushi, 10 different types of pizzas, fancy desserts, prime rib, seafood.. pretty much anything you could imagine. And they served champagne with your meal (we opted for milk being from Wisconsin lol)

As for stuff to do... Fremont Street... it's free and amazing but you'd have to take a cab to it if you're staying on the strip. The Mirage has all kinds of animal exhibits, MGM with the lions, Caesar's Palace is fun to walk around in. The Venetian is absolutely gorgeous! I would love to stay there someday. I love walking around the Luxor. Egypt themed and just amazing to look at all of it... have fun!!!

 

[JusbKoz]

We just stayed at MGM Grand in July. We thought it clean but the furniture in our room was tiresome looking and could use some updating. Just remember Vegas always has sales on rooms and tickets and look through the sites the previous poster mentioned and you should get a good feel for Vegas. One last tid-bit...we took a taxi to and fro from airport and not the hotel shuttle...it was cheaper and quicker. Have fun

 

[Bren's Mom]

We stayed at TI last time, but when we go again I want to stay at the Mirage.

Definitely take a cab from the airport, as a pp said.

And don't book a 'vacation' through the airline or anything where you don't book the hotel directly. If you gamble a lot, you could get your room comped but NOT if you have booked a package deal. Learned that the hard way, although we were comped show tickets, meals, etc.

Sign up and USE your players cards.

Oh, and one other tip..you know that 'What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas' phrase? It's a lie. We brought something home from Vegas...he just turned 6. LOL!

 

[Green-bay]

Places to stay in Vegas is totally up to you. The ones already mentioned are good - we have stayed at mid to high end and have always been happy. Our favorites have been the Cosmopolitian, Manadlay Bay Hotel, Paris and the Palazzo.
There are so many things to do but lots of free stuff - the Freemont Light Show (downtown), different piano shows at differnt casinos along with different entertainment in the bars of the casinos, the Belligo fountains, people watching (great time - almost any place), just check the boards and vegas sights for all the free stuff.
Definately think of dressing in layers cuz it seems to turn cold at night and count on walking alot - so wear really comfy shoes. Have a great time and win big....

 

[nilseks]

I was there 3 weeks ago. We stayed at the Tropicana, right across from MGM. They recently remodeled it top to bottom and it was very nice and the price was great--$60/night. If money were not a consideration I would have stayed at the Wynn. Walked through there a couple of times and I just LOVE that hotel. In fact, friends and I all agreed it feels like Disney in parts of that hotel. Hard to explain, but it does. It is high-end yet whimsical at the same time.

If you have time, go to the 'Parasol Down' at the Wynn, after 8 p.m. It is a super cool outdoor bar where the trees are all lit up and they have little 'shows' there. You need to order a drink but then you can sit out there as long as you like and you don't feel like you are in Vegas. It's beautiful.

 

[gracie1]

I stayed at the Luxor and loved it. It would have been nicer to stay more in the middle of the strip though. My friends were at caesars and I loved it there!!! Their breakfast was awesome too. And other friends stayed at Paris but I didn't go in there.
I definately went hotel hopping and it was fun! Loved Bellagio and Venetian

 

[daniele_ut]

We go to Las Vegas at least once a year because it is a reasonable drive from here and we always have a great time even though we don't gamble. I've stayed at the Las Vegas Hilton (off strip), the Tropicana, the Stratosphere (wouldn't stay there again), and most recently the Bellagio and the Trump.

We loved the Bellagio. It has beautiful rooms, a great pool, fabulous location and great buffet. We were there in March, so the rates were pretty good and it was our anniversary so it was worth it. The Trump rooms are spectacular, but it's at the end of the strip by Fashion Show mall and a bit out of the way. I did like that there was no casino and the entire hotel is non-smoking.

My favorite show in Vegas is the Cirque show at the MGM, Ka. It's really well done.

 

[Pakey]

I go often. I have stayed in the following and would rank them in this order:

Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn, Bellagio, hotel at Mandalay, Caesars (Augustus tower only for this ranking), MGM, Mandalay Bay, New York New York, Monte Carlo, Mirage, Treasure Island, Paris, Luxor. I would not stay at the Paris or Luxor again.

I have seen the following shows and would rank them: Beatles Love Cirque, Ka Cirque, O Cirque, Celine Dion, Le Reve (Cirque-like but doesn't have the Cirque trademark name), Mystere Cirque, Zumanity Cirque, Phantom of the Opera. Watch for visiting variety/comedy shows too; there are many great performers who have temporary shows there and we've seen a ton of those that are great. If you want to see any of the Cirque shows, sign up at the Cirque website and they offer random discounts and you might be able to get one for the time of your stay.

Sign up on the various casino websites and you will get sent room discounts. Watch prices because a big convention in town will signficantly change those rates; it's better to switch your vacation days and get lower rates. I went last month and stayed at the Wynn for under $500 for 3 nights and I had a $100 food credit and we used it for a complimentary room service breakfast one morning.

 

[naomi78155]

OP here. Thanks for all the replies! Love you DISers.

We want to stay someplace a little nicer. With three kids and my husband's job that has him traveling a lot we don't spend much time together.

We will be flying in and not renting a car. Is three nights enough?

 

[naomi78155]

Someone had mentioned a Vegas forum on the boards? Where can I find it?

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Someone had mentioned a Vegas forum on the boards? Where can I find it?

*Here* it is.