What do you like or not like about Las Vegas as a vacation?

[eliza61]

My DH and I went to vegas once. We had a great time! We loved walking the strip and checking out all of the different hotels. We had great meals. We were actually supposed to see siegfried and roy, but one of them got sick and they cancelled. So..we saw Carrottop instead!!!

We rode all the major rides and did a little gambling, not much. We actually preferred the more seedier casino..."slots o fun" or something like that. They had .50 cent roulette and free beer! Where else could you find such a bargain!!!

I didn't suggest Vegas in my original post, because the OP seemed to have made up her mind.

If you've never been, it is worth a try!

That was my vibe also. I think Op is going to say "see all these people hate vegas so let's go back to wdw".

Op Vegas is NOT disney world. they are two different experiences. Vegas is 100% more adult, more "city like". I don't think you will get a spring break atmosphere but yeah, you may here some one cursing.

 

[eeyoresmom]

OP here. The first 4 or so comments were fairly negative, which is fine, that is what I asked for, but don't get the comment "see all these people hate Vegas so let's go back to wdw". I was pretty clear wdw wasn't an option.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I loathe Vegas.

It is just such a sad city. People who live there hate the tourists Las Vegas covers 136 square miles. Most local residents probably don't come in contact with tourists, yet need them Grocery stores generally don't need (or see) tourists. Businesses off the beaten path don't. Laundromats don't. Most bank branches don't. Car repair shops don't. . People visiting are losing more money than they can afford, or winning less than they think they should Gambling addicts, people with little/no will power, people foolish enough to think they can beat the house or have a system - maybe. Most people, no.. Underneath the glitter lies a whole lot of sadness in my opinion. There's a lot more to Las Vegas than the impression you and others have. Reread eliza1's post.

We've stayed high end there, and while it was fine for a girls weekend, it was not nirvana. Nirvana doesn't exist. Las Vegas is a vacation destination, not a life-changing experience.

I can think of about a zillion places I'd rather go.

The boutique, resort hotel business is booming all up and down the coast. There are posh, albeit very expensive all inclusive resorts in New England through Florida. Sure. I found one in Rhode Island of all places, using the link below. Its 'all-inclusiveness' covers everything except dinner, according to the features list. When you read the full description, it also doesn't include lunch. Or, seemingly, alcohol. That's not all-inclusive...and the rates range from $300 to $675. Per night.

http://www.resortsandlodges.com/resort-type/all-inclusive/usa/index.html

When I'm aching for resort life, I always think of the Caribbean. Love going to Aruba and just sitting and sipping all day, then eating fab food and shaking it in a club at night.

I'm not a beach/sun person. I was going to offer to meet Eliza in Las Vegas, but in August I'll sunburn right through my clothes . But I have, and would again, get a pool cabana at a cooler time of year and spend the day between the pool and the shade.

To the poster who hated Celine Dion's and Elton John's shows: that stinks, but there's so much variety and so many less expensive shows; and there are always the half-price ticket outlets.

Las Vegas is also a great home base for exploring the area: Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire, Neonopolis... it can also be educational, with the University of Nevada Las Vegas just a few blocks from the Strip.

It should be pretty clear by now, but I vote yes !

 

[eeyoresmom]

I loathe Vegas.

It is just such a sad city. People who live there hate the tourists, yet need them. People visiting are losing more money than they can afford, or winning less than they think they should. Underneath the glitter lies a whole lot of sadness in my opinion.

We've stayed high end there, and while it was fine for a girls weekend, it was not nirvana.

I can think of about a zillion places I'd rather go.

The boutique, resort hotel business is booming all up and down the coast. There are posh, albeit very expensive all inclusive resorts in New England through Florida.

http://www.resortsandlodges.com/resort-type/all-inclusive/usa/index.html

When I'm aching for resort life, I always think of the Caribbean. Love going to Aruba and just sitting and sipping all day, then eating fab food and shaking it in a club at night.

Thanks for the link.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

OP, you mentioned you were more of a resort person. I would rather go to a resort in the Carribean than stay at a hotel on the Strip in Vegas. Just an idea.

 

[eeyoresmom]

OP, you mentioned you were more of a resort person. I would rather go to a resort in the Carribean than stay at a hotel on the Strip in Vegas. Just an idea.

I think I would too, but my passport expired and we wanted to get away the second week of April. Does anyone know the turn around time if I get an expedited passport?

 

[angierae]

I think some of us come from areas where smoking hasn't been done in public for so long that ANY smoke is hard to tolerate.

I pretty much won't set foot anywhere where indoor smoking is still allowed. Walking through a casino where smoking is allowed, even with "super duper" filters would make me miserable within seconds.

 

[shoney]

I think I would too, but my passport expired and we wanted to get away the second week of April. Does anyone know the turn around time if I get an expedited passport?

A few years ago, I expedited passports for my kids. I went on a Friday and had them the following Friday.

 

[klacey1]

Another Vegas lover here. To me, Vegas does provide that resort experience. We stay at Caesars Palce-- it's truly amazing. GORGEOUS pool complex, tons and tons of shopping and restaurants, huge show venue. We love to walk around and look at all of the hotels, but I could honestly stay at Caesars for a long weekend and not leave the hotel once.

As Eliza said, the prices for a true deluxe experience just can't be beat. We've stayed in gorgeous, huge rooms with multiple bathrooms for less than our room at POR.

In Vegas, you can spend as little or as much money as you want. Plenty of cheap food options and the finest of fine dining. OP, I think you should give it a try. Disney is our go-go vacation, Vegas is where we truly enjoy our resort and relax.

 

[BCV2003]

I think I would too, but my passport expired and we wanted to get away the second week of April. Does anyone know the turn around time if I get an expedited passport?

Some family members had to get a passport recently for a trip to Ireland at the end of this month and they came in in about three weeks and that was non-expedited so using the expedited service you should be completely fine.

 

[nhmommy]

I personally enjoy Vegas, but it's not Disney. If you're looking for disney deluxe resort feel try the Majestic hotel in Puntacana Dominican Republic. I think it was very Disney deluxe feel.


http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...a_Altagracia_Province_Dominican_Republic.html

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) We do Vegas about once-per-year.
2) It is good for a 3-5 day trip.
3) Much longer, and you run our of things to do.

4) Our likes:
. . . very cheap rooms compared to other vacation venues
. . . terrific food, but you need to know where, or it is too expensive *
. . . wonderful live stage shows
5) Our dislikes
. . . too much neon
. . . too much hustle-bustle
. . . people don't remember your names **

* Many people go to the fancy-dancy eateries with famous chefs.
But, there are eateries that are just as good, or better, and at far
less money. Because it says Emeril, Puck or Tom doesn't always
mean the best eats - and definitely not the best priced.

** We used to go to the Old Las Vegas. People knew you and you
always felt welcome and felt special. Comps were given because
they knew you, not based upon some formula. Once the corporations
took over, it was an impersonal business. Sure, the mob had problems,
but you did feel special when you went. Waitresses, concierge, casino
personnel knew you and remembered you.

 

[Kae]

We love Vegas. We really like the GO Rooms at the Flamingo FUN FUN. You don't need a car unless you want to go like to the Hoover Dam which is awesome. I can't explain it but it is a WOW. We have enjoyed 2 of Emerils places. The Fish house at MGM & Delmonicos at Ventian. We liked the Fish House better. We really enjoyed an outside bar at Planet Hollywood last trip it was chilly out & it had firepits.

Kae

 

[donkeyandshrek]

Went to Vegas in 2010 for NFR. LOVED the NFR. Would not go back to Vegas unless it was for NFR or some other activity planned. I don't drink. Don't smoke and don't gamble. The restaurants were overpriced and food was very lacking. The resorts knock the shine off Orlando, BUT there is nothing to do at them but browse a few shops.

The strip is more congested than I-Drive and I was disgusted by the advertisements for prostitution etc.

I guess it is all in what one likes. I wanted to go to Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, but time didn't permit. If it is a bucket list item - go for it - otherwise - save your money.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

We went to vegas last year and saw Cirque Du Soleil O . It was amazing! The stage could be a pool and change in a minute or two. We had front row seats so even more amazing. That was the splurge of our trip.

We love the Universal resorts also. Of course Portofino, the most expensive, is my favorite. Travelzoo is advertising a 4 day 2 park pass for about $160. Love taking the boat to the parks.

 

[eliza61]

OP here. The first 4 or so comments were fairly negative, which is fine, that is what I asked for, but don't get the comment "see all these people hate Vegas so let's go back to wdw". I was pretty clear wdw wasn't an option.

Sorry op, I misunderstood. I think I was focusing on your saying you go to disney for the resort experience.
So I thought it was a choice between the two.

Now remember I love Vegas so my answers will be skewed but if you go to disney for the resorts then you should be absolutely fine with a vegas resort because even non vegas lovers will admit that the resort are just so much better.

What do you like about disney deluxes? Theming? services? amenities?

Now when I do Carribean resorts it's usually for a combination of the lodging and the water sports, which of course you won't have in Vegas. but if you are just the lounge by the pool type, eat at the resort restaurants you'll enjoy vegas resorts.

 

[eeyoresmom]

No problem. I agree there is nothing deluxe about the deluxe wdw resorts themselves. I enjoy how the deluxes are relaxing yet not boring at the same time, if that makes any sense. For example, at AKL I have my morning coffee by the indoor fire pit, grab a quick breakfast at Mara, wander around the savannahs watching the animals, work out in the gym. Afternoons are spent by the pool and hot tub. I even like having a cup of tea and people watching in the lobby. Being DVC owners, I have my routines for each resort and really find them all enjoyable in that way.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I think I would too, but my passport expired and we wanted to get away the second week of April. Does anyone know the turn around time if I get an expedited passport?

Puerto Rico is a U.S territory; you don't need a passport, just your driver's license (birth certificate if you want to be super-safe. Also check the travel restrictions/requirements for the U.S. Virgin Islands - St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.

But at least try Las Vegas. The City Center resorts are a good choice; there are fours properties together, the Cosmopoltan is one of the very rare Strip resorts with balconies (not all rooms), and your right next to the Bellagio.

 

[CMW0021]

I have never been myself. However, I know there is a great resort, I think it's a Hyatt out on the lake. 20 min drive to the strip so you can spend time there but escape to the peace and tranquility of your resort. It's what we plan to do when we go. Actually it's not a Hyatt anymore but still looks great. Westin has a property as well. http://www.woodbinedevelopment.com/properties/hospitality/hyatt-regency-lake-las-vegas-resort/

 

[sk!mom]

I love Vegas!! The only negative that I can think of is that people still bring kids. I'll never forget sitting in Elton John's Red Piano Show while Pamela Anderson pole danced on an enormous screen and confetti shot out of the gigantic fake ****s as the the family of four sat next to me with two preteen kids mouths hanging open in amazement.

Disney is for kids...Vegas is for adults!

We stay on the strip. Gamble a little and either we plan the trip around a great concert that we want to see or we just hit the TKTS booth for cheap tickets to whatever. We normally end the night at a dueling piano bar. For us it's a chance to be a fun loving carefree couple. The days? We sleep until noon or later, eat somewhere excellent and wander and sightsee.