Vegas, baby, Vegas!
The wife and I are planning a trip to Las Vegas at the beginning of April, to celebrate her 30th birthday. Having never been before, I'd appreciate any recommendations on where to stay, where to eat, and what to see.
Which hotels are classy and which are tacky? What should we be sure to see and what should we avoid?
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It takes balls to critique everything you do on this website, but only a crazy man would publicly announce his wife's age. I expect this will be the end of Limey in Bermuda...
Posted by TJL on 21.02.06 at 14:19
Good point, TJL!
Phil, yer a lucky bugger. Wish I was going.
I WOULD suggest seeing Keely Smith while you are there and, If they're playing, Sam Butera and the Witnesses. I think you'd love them. Keely was Louis Prima's wife and partner and Sam and the Witnesses were his back-up band.
As for hotels... dunno... never been.
Posted by Uncle Elvis on 21.02.06 at 14:22
Phil,
Check out some of the following;
1. Elton John
at Ceasars Palace
April 1-2, 4-5, 7-9
Expensive but I hear worth every penny.
2. Tribute to Frank, Sammy, Joey, & Dean
at Greek Isles Hotel, Star Theatre.
3. Fab Four
at Aladin
"The best Beatles review ever"
4. Neil Diamond Tribute
at Riveria
Posted by Two Cents on 21.02.06 at 14:28
The Bellagio is the classiest in my book (but not good for kids ... ha ha ... so go now Phil).
Also, see Cirque du Soleil "O" and ignore the other Cirque shows. The shark reef at the Mandalay Bay is fun to see and makes a good spot to turn around when strolling down the strip. The Mandalay also has the Aureole wine bar for fine food and a really entensive wine list ... their wine tower is huge.
Posted by Darkside on 21.02.06 at 14:39
Phil,
Based on my experience of Vegas, I would advise you to stay in the Downtown area, not on The Strip. The Downtown area is the original Vegas, so to speak, with smaller hotels and casinos. It used to be a shithole, as all the action shifted to the strip in the 70's and 80's. The mammoth hotels and casinos can be found on the strip. My wife and I have stayed both on the strip and Downtown and, without question, we prefered the vibe of Downtown. I would heartily recommend staying at the Main Street Station Hotel - not remotely tacky (well, not by Vegas standards, anyway). The place is fitted out in Victorian antiques and really evokes that era. We stayed in one of their huge mini-suites (beautifully furnished) for $72 a night.
For entertainment, much of what's on offer is highly priced. I cannot, however, recommend too highly Penn & Teller at the Rio. Fantastic show.
The best source of info on hotels and casinos can be found at http://www.cheapovegas.com
Almost all of the other sites on Vegas are tied in with travel agencies and are not unbiased.
Posted by loki on 21.02.06 at 14:39
The best places to stay - subject to your budget - are....Mandalay and Bellagio. After that try The Paris and MGM.
Bellagio and Paris are in the middle of the strip which is useful.
Posted by Martin on 21.02.06 at 14:41
I forgto about Penn & Teller. Go see them. They're awesome!
Posted by Uncle Elvis on 21.02.06 at 14:42
Try Steve Wynn's new hotel or The Palms if you want to be where the hipster crowd hangs out. Bellagio and the Venetian are both nice and Caesar's has decent sized rooms for the price.
At a minimum stay away from the Aladin, Treasure Island, Excalibur & New York, NY.
FYI: Room prices for Thu - Sat nights are significantly more than Sun - Wed.
If you can, check out one of the Cirque du Soleil shows (there are probalby about 4 different ones running in each of the hotels).
Vegas is quickly becoming a foodies paradise. There are tons of great restaurants but prices aren't always reasonable but the service is usually excellent.
I always enjoy walking the strip and poking my head around the various hotels, which, in and of themselves are an attraction (especially at night).
Outside of Vegas take a trip to the Grand Canyon (via helicopter is awesome - just find a reputable company) or the Hoover Damn.
Posted by observor on 21.02.06 at 14:43
Oddly enough a large number of us are going down for the same occasion around the same time... but leaving all husbands behind!
As for Vegas.. you really can't go wrong in Vegas. Anything on the strip is great: http://www.vegas.com/map.html Each hotel has there own attraction / entertainment. Depending on how long you are there for, you'll probably end up walking the strip and visiting a handful of them anyway. Downtown also makes for a nice day trip - especially at night with the lights on Fremont Str. I second the recommendations to go see the O show - amazing beyond words! I found the food fantastic everywhere.. but then again, some parts of the trip are a little fuzzy - especially the ride to Hoover Dam in the Viper!
Posted by newbee on 21.02.06 at 15:08
Oh, and one piece of advice for anyone who's never been to Vegas, especially if you arrive in the evening and decide to venture out: you see that hotel/Planet Hollywood/volcano that's about a hundred yards away on the other side of the road? Don't be fooled - IT'S 3/4 OF A FUCKING MILE AWAY! Everything is so oversized that it's easy to think that it's closer than it really is.
Oh, and be sure to spend a couple of hours touring the beautiful Venetian. The view from the top of the faux Eiffel Tower at the Paris is great, too.
Posted by loki on 21.02.06 at 15:08
Another tip: use JetBlue to fly between JFK and Vegas and don't fly back to Bermuda all in one day. Stay at one of the airport hotels at JFK and take the early AA flight back to Bermuda. Not only is JetBlue very economical to fly, but the service is great, the legroom's even better, and you'll have DirectTV in the seatbacks for the flight, which is about 5hrs. If you try to fly back from Vegas to Bermuda in a single day, you'll end up leaving from Vegas at about midnight to 3am because of the time difference, which not only means that you'll have a horrible red-eye flight, but the preceding evening is pretty-much buggered, as well, as you won't be out on the town, but checking in at the airport.
Posted by loki on 21.02.06 at 15:18
Limey,
Wish I were going with you. Bring a great pair of walking shoes as you will need them. I stayed at Bally's which is connected to the Paris. Right in the middle of the strip across from Bellaggio and Cesaers Palace. Nice hotel good rooms for a fair price. There is a monorail right out back of Bally's for your traveling convenience. If you want to walk the strip try to stay as close to the middle of it as possible so you can see one end each day without having to go the whole length to get there.
Best of luck on your trip and like as posted above you truly are a cheeky bugger for publishing your wife's age or you really have a death wish.
Posted by charles on 21.02.06 at 15:23
...I thought Vegas was the place you go WITHOUT your wife ??
Posted by Chris Broadhurst on 21.02.06 at 15:26
Forgot to mention that we saw Cirque du Soleil Mystere which was truly amazing. Mandy will love it. Mama Mia at Mandalay Bay was good also. If you want to see an old time vegas show go to Bally's for for there show. great costumes or should I say what there was of them. Paris has a review based on the rock group Queen which I heard was fantastic.
Posted by charles on 21.02.06 at 15:27
For a first time in Vegas I'd recommend the Venetian. It's central, elegent (as far as Vegas standards), not quite the Bellagio but a step above MGM etc. It's pricey but booking online or being persistent can get you a better deal. Wynn's very pricey and still working some kinks out.
Mandalay Bay, Rio, Palms and Hard Rock are all younger and very energetic and if you don't stay at least a must visit for entertainment.
Aureole is a great spot and turned out to be a highlight on my last trip. Food for value was funtastic. Stop in at Red Square Vodka bar after to get a feel for what it must be like in a Moscow club, that's if you're not intimidated by 6'10 Russian men and 5' China dolls.
Definitely do the Heli ride to the Hoover Dam. Especially seeing as you have your camera. It's impressive. Inside as well.
But then again as it's a 30th B'day celebration then maybe you should just go all out and stay at the Wynn. After all it's just a walk accross the street to the Fashion Mall so you'll at least save on the taxi fare....
Posted by SmokingGun on 21.02.06 at 15:31
What ever you do DON"T TAKE THE RED EYE it is always packed with people like me who want to wait till the last minute to leave. Last time I did I was like a tuna in a can for 5 and half hours. Not a pretty sight when the flight is finally over
Posted by charles on 21.02.06 at 15:33
I know I am going to be told to lighten up but what is the big facination with the place?
When I went I just got depressed by the stupidity and pathos .
The blue man group were good though
Posted by thisgrassman on 21.02.06 at 15:36
All good advice so far. I've stayed at the Palms... a hot spot. Bit of a poser's paradise. The scenery around the pool was lovely ;-) The new Wynn is sure to be cool but I understand it's big $$.
Try to plan an evening atop one of the hotels off the strip (Rio, Palms, etc.) The views are breathtaking, as are the drink prices.
Book well in advance for any of the CDS shows. 'O' is simply unbelievable, but if you're looking to turbocharge your libido, try Zumanity.
Posted by Git on 21.02.06 at 15:37
I guess blue man group are worth seeing..... once. ;)
Actually Limey, CB has a point. Maybe you should be sending Mandy to Vegas with her girlfriends on her own.
Now what dates were you talkng about?
Posted by SmokingGun on 21.02.06 at 15:46
Chris......
And there's me thinking it was the place to go with someone else's wife.
Limey...
Whilst you are there either take a coach/car trip to Grand Canyon. It's a long day - but wow...worth it! Failing that - splash out up to $300 for a helicopter flight. The scenery is great - but champagne at the bottom of the canyon at 11.00 am is even greater. Hoover Dam on the way is good for a few hours too.
On a serious note Limey (and I am sure you will do this being an avid photographer), bring back some good night time shots.
Posted by Martin on 21.02.06 at 16:04
Phil,
Martin just bought up a good point, I trust you're going to have some great photos & a full report for your LIB "regulars" upon your return !! Sounds like it will be a great trip !!
I am sure somehow, someone will turn your "vegas report" into an PLP vs. UBP debate !!
Posted by Two Cents on 21.02.06 at 16:10
Vegas, baby, Vegas!
Is that your itinerary for the next three years?
Posted by SmokingGun on 21.02.06 at 17:09
I think the best restaurant in Vegas is N9ne Steak house at the Palms. One recomendation to arrange a driver to pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel as the line for a taxi is always out of control.
Posted by AHG on 21.02.06 at 18:25
Thanks for all the suggestions - they're very much appreciated.
In the end, since it's a special occasion, we decided to stay at the Bellagio. I'm sure the price we were quoted was in Yen though.
Posted by The Limey on 21.02.06 at 19:20
I stayed at the Bellagio, which was great...but would stay at the Venetian if I went again.
O was over-sold, and the other Cirque show was more entertaining if you ask me.
Take the trouble to do a light aircraft / helicopter ride into the grand canyon. You can do it in half a day from Vegas, and it is truly awe inspiring.
It's fun to take the helicopter ride into the bottom of the canyon, but for me the best bit was standing on the rim with a full mile of free fall below you, if you slip!
Had a great dinner in the restaurant half-way up the Eiffel Tower: pretty pricey though.
Oh, my final tip.
Get on-line and book everything that you want to do NOW!
If you leave it untill you arrive it will be too late.
Posted by NoVote on 21.02.06 at 20:12
My husband and I just got back Valentine's day and we made sure that we went to every hotel to check it out. We went to the top of the Eiffel tower with a georgeous view of the Bellagio fountains, took a ride in a gondala at the Venetian. Momma Mia is a definite to see, and there is currently three Cirque shows happening. I don't know what type of music you enjoy but there we saw advertisments for Aerosmith, Reba McIntyre, mixed concert with Elton John, Celine Dion and Billy Joel.
Definitely do NOT take the Red Eye. Haven't been up for 36 hours for awhile and now I know why. Leave at midnight, arrive in Atlanta at 6am and get in Bermuda at 2:30. That flight was from hell, and if you do decide, take a mask to cover the eyes to try to sleep.
Posted by AAW on 21.02.06 at 20:32
The Bellagio..............
Great choice. Watch at least 3 of the fountain displays whilst you are there.
Posted by Martin on 21.02.06 at 20:35
Bellagio is perfect. Enjoy your selves but remember what happens in Vegas STAYS IN VEGAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Charles on 21.02.06 at 20:51
Get outta Vegas to see the country - amazing:
The Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon: http://www.nps.gov/brca/
Zion:
http://www.nps.gov/zion/
Posted by Joseph Smith on 21.02.06 at 21:26
Totally agree with AAW about the flight back. Really tough...and we even used airmiles to upgrade and it was still miserable!
Posted by NoVote on 22.02.06 at 08:22
Vegas sucks and america has evolved into a cesspit that should be avoided in general how’s that?
Posted by ice_cube on 22.02.06 at 09:29
Ice_Cube,
What a pleasant message, full of well wishes for Phil and his wife for their trip!!
I assume that it's safe to say that you're not with either the Las Vegas Tourism Board or the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerece.
You should've left the computer in the box it came in!
Posted by Two Cents on 22.02.06 at 09:42
We did Vegas for a couple nights as part of an RV trip. Try driving down the Strip in a 30' RV looking at the sights & road at the same time! Actually felt safer than East Broadway at rush hours.
I give another vote for 'get outta town'. If taking a choice between Bryce Canyon & Grand Canyon, go to Bryce. Words cannot describe either but we would do Bryce again before Grand. Bryce is closer. It took us a full day to do one way Grand Canyon to Vegas with a Hoover Dam stop.
The Circus Circus RV park, just a big car park with hookups, was hotter than hell at the end of August.
Posted by VB on 22.02.06 at 09:46
two cents so you disagree with my observation of Vegas what can I tell you other than you can keep your two cents. lol
Posted by ice_cube on 22.02.06 at 09:54
Vegas sucks and america has evolved into a cesspit that should be avoided in general how’s that?
OK, but what's your point?
Besides, the reality of Vegas is a nice break from Bermuda.....
Posted by SmokingGun on 22.02.06 at 10:43
The Wynn is gorgeous, if you can afford it definitely a place to stay, if not do what I did and just stroll in and gamble there, some serious high rollers around for pure entertainment value. There's a great row of 5c triple play poker machines directly in front of the craps tables, you can peek over and see the stacks of $500 chips being tossed around.
The buffet at the Bellagio is probably hte most frightening display of pure american exceisveness there is, its wonderful and I highly recommend it.
Other than that, everyone is right about Cirque, its amazing just saw Allegria in London and reminded me just how good they are, may have to make a trip to Vegas just to see the other shows.
Posted by Lost in Flatts on 22.02.06 at 11:13
Bellagio is an excellent choice Phil. Central and still the nicest casino by my measure. I personally find Wynn pretty sterile and was just there in January.
Listen when people suggest the helicopter tour.
O is indeed the best Cirque show.
If you are a gambler take a trip to the hard rock. POne of the smallest and most intimate casinos with a GREAT vibe.
If you don't know how to play craps learn before you go. You have to spend an hour or so at a craps table to experience the real energy in a casino. Craps is the ultimate team sport where you will share the joy of winning and agony of losing with all at the table.
If you like steak the Sands is the place to head, although Smith and Wolinsky is pretty good if you don't mind being insulted by a waiter (that si their stick).
I ALWAYS stop in at PF Chang's at the Aladin as I like their take on Chinese and they have a good wine list for a chinese restaurant.
Mandy will undoubtedly want to go to the fashion mall. You can spend time at the Apple store while there.
Few people go to the Rio, but it is the most profitable casino on the strip and where the serious players go. I know this as two years ago I had a client who tried to buy the Alladin and I speant a week there doing due diligence and comparing its operations to the others. Nothing like staying in the whale suites for a week. My suite had four bedroom, a private dining room, gym, games room and a personal butler. Some people know how to live large.
Do book shows in advance as all are suggesting. I would also check to see if there are ny large conventions on the weekend you are planning to go as that can make Vegas less friendly.
You will have a great time. Tacky in its extreme ultimately becomes a spectacle worth experiencing at least once.
Posted by Intrigued on 22.02.06 at 13:43
Limey, I'm not sure if you are a golfer but if you want to get one game in I would highly recommend Dragon Ridge. It's a semi-private hillside course overlooking Las Vegas and offers some great holes.
Absolutely do not play any of the inner city courses that are promoted through the hotels. They are a complete a rip-off. The Wynn on the other hand is famous for being the Pack Rat's course but it's reserved for Wynn's guests. Oh yes and I think it's something like $500 to play. Fore!!-getta-bout it....
Posted by SmokingGun on 22.02.06 at 14:34
I have stayed in all of the following: MGM (x2), Stratosphere, Bellagio, Sahara, Ballys and Mandalay.
The best room hands down was Bellagio (ultra clean, view of fountains etc. but a little small) and was $300+ on the same trip I moved over to Bally's as we were meeting friends and the room was fine but a little rough around the edges but was only $100. Bellagio was not three times better than Ballys but was definitely better.
My advice is take the $100 room and spend the rest on entertainment you will not be in your room much anyway and when you are you will be sleeping off the excesses of the day.
NB Anyone else not sleep well in Vegas? I know they are rumored to pump oxygen into the casino's but I never had a good nights sleep there but always put it down to other factors.
Posted by Draft Dodger on 22.02.06 at 15:41
Maybe you didn't dodge enough drafts..... ;)
Posted by SmokingGun on 22.02.06 at 16:01
They cretainly don't pump oxygen into the casinos any more if ever. I asked the CEO of the Aladdin and he said urban myth.
I think it started after the MGM fire and claims that flames were worse becuase of oxygen being pumped into the casino.
Posted by Intrigued on 23.02.06 at 09:48
One of the "legends" related to gambling is that Casinos pump oxygen or some kind of scent into the gaming rooms, making patrons gamble more. In relatity, experts have heard this legend many times. "You can't convince people it's not true," said Carol O'Hare, a consultant for Harrah's in Las Vegas. Pumping oxygen or anything else into a casino to make people gamble would be a felony in Nevada or New Jersey, she said.
It's believed the legend has its roots in a failed experiment in an Atlantic City casino, where a scientist asked permission to study the effects of different scents on patrons. The results were inconclusive.
The "oxygen pumped into the casino" legend was bought back to life when mentioned in Mario Puzo's novel "Fools Die"
Posted by Two Cents on 23.02.06 at 10:13
Bellagio - Good choice - watch the fountain a few times. Take good walking shoes - you will never walk so much in your life. Also keep in mind that where ever you go you will have to walk through the casino and past the shops...
The brunch buffet in Bellagio is top notch, more expensive on the weekends for the same stuff, so go on a week day.
The monorail is across the strip from Bellagio, so you will need to cross the street and walk through Bally's to get to it. Once there it is fast and quick to get to anywhere else on the strip. Just keep in mind that getting off the monorail doesn't mean you are "right there"... it will be a good 15min walk to get to where ever you wanted to go after that, and of course you will be walking through the casino, and by the shops... again.
Take a day and rent Harley's and drive to the Hoover Dam... will be a nice temperature this time of year - unlike in August when I did it... if your not into bikes (which I assume you may not be) you can always rent a Viper or something and go that way too... you can reserve these online too before you go.
Definately go to "O" Mandy will enjoy it.. but ensure you splurg for the front (expensive) tickets.
Bally's has the classic showgirls show in the evenings, kinda interesting to see how it used to be done.
And leave your watch at home - there is no bedtime in Vegas.
Also - is this one of those "let's got to vegas before we have kids" trips? Or is it really for Mandy's 30th? :)
Posted by Somers on 23.02.06 at 12:57
Well if it is a myth that oxygen is pumped into the casino's, you can always buy some on the streets for $5.00. And they also come in flavours.... Had to laugh
Posted by AAW on 26.02.06 at 15:50
Phil - should you choose to do a spot of gambling, here's two tips. Slot machines RIGHT AT THE ENTRANCE of the casinos are programmed to pay out a lot more than those inside - the casino wants to draw you in so it shows you winners as you walk by. You'll still lose money in the long run, but you'll play a lot longer, if that's your thing.
Second - the house odds on Blackjack (single deck) are the lowest of all the games at 0.18. Roulette, on the other hand, is a whopping 5.26.
By the way, our very own Crown & Anchor is officially a "sucker" game with the house edge an outrageous 7.8!
Posted by Tim Taylor on 01.03.06 at 13:10
Holy cow! I can't believe I almost missed this one!
Vegas baby! Yeah! First off, schedule something fun or nice a day or so after you get back, cause I know I always go through the blues when I get back here. Vegas is like crack and you get addicted very quickly
Everyone above has said some pretty good stuff above. The best buffet I've had is at the Mirage, called Cravings. It's called that cause you want it, they have it. I have NEVER seen so much food in my lifetime. It completely circles the room. If it's late at night, right across from the Mirage is a 24 hour Denny's though if you want a quick grease.
Entertainment, shows are always good, each hotel features a night club which I'd recommend. The PussyCat Dolls were playing at Pure (Caesars). Where did you say you were staying? Best hotels to see are Paris, Belagio (sp?), Caesars, Luxor (it's just so different). During the day there is A LOT to do as you will find out, anything from gun ranges to indoor go cart racing to indoor skydiving. Most hotels have rides to, such as the roller coaster on New York, New York, or the gondola ride at the Venetian.
Shopping, There is the outlet mall, about 10 minutes off the strip which is pretty good, then there is the fashion mall just a we bit past Caesars, which is awesome, but more expensive. Of course each of the hotels have a mall. Caesars and the Venetian are probably the best malls to go to. The make you feel like you are outdoors when you are inside.
Lots more I can go on about, let me know if there is anything further you want to know about. You are SOOOOO gonna love it over there! I can't wait to go back, neither can Robin!
Posted by Full Fullish on 01.03.06 at 20:18