Las Vegas

[canuk-gal]

HI:

We have not been to Vegas for over a decade. We are interested in returning for a vacay--any recommendations? I would prefer a new hotel...I have read some reviews on Trip Advisor but cannot decide. I would appreciate any suggestions!

cheers--Sharon

 

[davi_el_mejor]

We stayed at the Luxor in the Pyramid and it was awesome! Although it's not central on the strip, it's close to the airport and car rentals. The place we want to stay next time is the Paris.

 

[Bleed Burnt Orange]

I was just there for new years. Aria!! It's the new hotel in City Center which is impressive!!! It's also in a really good location and next to the Bellagio.

 

[Sundial]

Sharon you will have a ball going back after so many years. We went a couple of months ago with some friends and stayed at the new Aria at City Center and it was wonderful. It is very modern with fantastic rooms and you can get an incredible view of the Strip. Also go see the Beatles Love Cirque du Soleil show or Jersey Boys if you have time and haven't already seen them. Have fun wherever you stay and whatever you do!!!

 

[tigian]

Highly recommend the Wynn. Best hotel and decor, in my opinion. We would like to stay at Encore next.

 

[MonkeyPie]

I'll be watching this thread. DH and I are going in April so I can photograph a wedding

Any suggestions on where to get show tickets for the best price?

 

[dani13]

Ohhh, Vegas is sooo much fun, Sharon!! MH and I used to go every year for about 5 yrs in a row a few yrs back. We've stayed at a number of resorts....I really liked Bellagio and the Wynn the best out of all the ones we stayed at. We have also stayed in Mandalay Bay (The Hotel) and it was great, but it tends to get a bit crowded with kids because they have a wave pool there. If you are looking for something a little cheaper, The Mirage was fine and right in the middle of everything. You can definitely find some really great deals price-wise. I DO NOT recommed the Luxor (sorry David!). Its dingy, dark, and old, imo!!!
Have lots of fun- you will certainly not run out of things to do!!!

ps- If you havent seen it, I definitely recommend seeing Cirque's "O" show. Get tickets before you go, as it is still very popular. Its amazing and SO WORTH IT!!!!

 

[Prana]

We stayed at Caesar's Palace when we went in August. I found it to be pretty nice. Have fun!!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Dh and I eloped in Vegas and stayed at the Luxor. We got married over 10 years ago and had been to vegas before then and after then. Years after, the Luxor has deteriated a bit.

Where I've stayed:

Sahara (with my mom - gross and old)
Luxor (when new, very nice, but when we went again and then stayed at the Venitian, it was clear that Luxor had gone down hill)
Venitian (super nice - but that was a few years back)
Harrahs (nasty, gross - my uncle is a VIP - lol - so we got super cheap rates. They must have once allowed cigarette smoking in the rooms as the REEKED.)
Mystery place??? Seems like we went another time, but I can't think of where we stayed. Maybe we didn't go...I'd have to look around online.

Since it's been a while for us, all I can provide as advice is stay somewhere as new as possible. A casino built w/in the last five years. They are SO fresh and fun when new. The older ones turn stale fast.

Also, if you play at the slot machines, you'll be served drinks for free! Dh & I would goof off with $100 and make that last a whole night while getting totally plastered (hahaha). We just tipped the waitresses, so about $1.00 a drink

Vegas is the best, cheapest get-away. LOVE it!

 

[Haven]

We stayed at the Signature at MGM Grand the last time we were in Vegas. It was a couple years ago, and they weren't quite finished building the entire hotel, but it was wonderful.

It's connected to the regular MGM Grand by a long catwalk, but the Signature is smoke-free and gaming-free, and thus very calm. We loved it because it was a great escape from the chaos that is the rest of Vegas. (We're calm-mongers, though, so if you like to be in the midst of all the hubbub, you may not like it.)

The room was really nice. It was littered with flat-screen TVs, which annoyed me but delighted my husband--one in the kitchenette, one in the living area, one in the bedroom, one in the bathroom. The bed was comfy enough, great water pressure in the shower, all those things.

Our stay included a room-service breakfast, and we were surprised by the wonderful spread. They also had great big bowls of fresh apples and water bottles all over the common areas, which really pleased DH. I swear he was a horse in another life, that man loves apples.

It rates a 4.5/5.0 on Tripadvisor. Here's the link:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...-Signature_at_MGM_Grand-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html

Overall: A great place to stay if you want an escape from the flash and crash of the rest of the strip.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

We go to Vegas A LOT...

I would recommend staying at the Wynn. Encore is the newest Wynn property--right next to the original Wynn, but if you want the "newest"...it's a great hotel.

Location for the hotel is a bit at the far end of the strip, but with the sky bridges it's not so bad getting into the action.

 

[Jessie702]

I live in Vegas, and i think it depends on what kind of feel you want for the hotel. If you want something more "Romantic" i would say The Ventian, or Palazzo,Paris or Bellagio. If you want something more "fun" than check out the Encore( Its a wynn property), TI( They redid it) Manadaly Bay, or the Luxor. If your looking for "Hip" You could stay at the Cosmopoltain( Newest Hotel/Casino in town, part of city center) Aria( Part of City Center),Palms or Planet Hollywood. If you want more classic Vegas, i would say Cesears Palace, MGM Grand or the Wynn. Granted there are a lot more hotels, if you want off the Strip, but still want to be close, i would say Rio( Voodoo Lounge has some of the best views of the city) or the Palms( Same again with Ghost Bar, and Moon).

Also, Manadaly Bay has Manadaly Place and the towers, Along witht he Four Seasons. They have the best pool in town, its like a mini beach, and can rent a bunagloo. Luxor also has their own towers, so you do not have to stay in the pyramind,and the suites are nice.

As far as shows go, i would Recommded O at the Bellagio( pretty pricey), or La Reve at the Wynn. Also Ka at MGM is very good. If you want something thats new, you can go see the Elvis Show( I forget what it is called). I would say to avoid Believe at the Luxor, its Chris Angels show, and its a waste of time and money, the plot line is awkard, he does not do a lot of magic, like they want you to believe, and it can be gory for some. If you want an "adult" show, you can see the one at New York, New York hotel, Zumanity, its like ummm..."adult" show. I cant really put it into words. Also, if you want the old vegas feel, but more new, you can see Peep Show at the Paris, or Jubilee at Bally's.

For fun things, you can walk around City Center, more than enough to look. Check out the Bellagio's garden( i forget the name of it, and its free) they change it from season to season. The Lion Habitit at MGM grand if free, but you can feed a lion cub if you pay, which is fun too. Manadaly has the Shark Reef, which is a lot fo fun, but its humid, so dont check it out if you dont like humidty. Also Flamingo Hotel, has an area where they had ducks, fish, turtles and flamingos. Its a very pretty area, lots of green, and has a tropical feel.

Hope that helps, and if you have questions, please ask!

 

[chemgirl]

We stayed at the Signature at MGM Grand the last time we were in Vegas. It was a couple years ago, and they weren't quite finished building the entire hotel, but it was wonderful.

It's connected to the regular MGM Grand by a long catwalk, but the Signature is smoke-free and gaming-free, and thus very calm. We loved it because it was a great escape from the chaos that is the rest of Vegas. (We're calm-mongers, though, so if you like to be in the midst of all the hubbub, you may not like it.)

The room was really nice. It was littered with flat-screen TVs, which annoyed me but delighted my husband--one in the kitchenette, one in the living area, one in the bedroom, one in the bathroom. The bed was comfy enough, great water pressure in the shower, all those things.

Our stay included a room-service breakfast, and we were surprised by the wonderful spread. They also had great big bowls of fresh apples and water bottles all over the common areas, which really pleased DH. I swear he was a horse in another life, that man loves apples.

It rates a 4.5/5.0 on Tripadvisor. Here's the link:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...-Signature_at_MGM_Grand-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html

Overall: A great place to stay if you want an escape from the flash and crash of the rest of the strip.

We were there in September and loved it!

Other benefits: Its one of the few hotels where you can have a balcony. The 2 person jacuzzi with TV was great. We ended up watching TopGear instead of the romantic night we'd planned, but hey, still fun. It also has a kitchenette so we were able to keep beer/mix for drinks in the fridge. I don't remember when you said you're going, but if its pool season, the Signature is great because you can use the private pools as well as the regular MGM pools. There are 3 signature pools with bar and food service. The food was actually really good and freshly made. The biggest complaint in the reviews is about the walk to MGM...but its seriously 5 minutes on a moving walkway...most healthy people can manage that. If you leave tower three you can walk outside to the Miracle Mile shops in less than five minutes...you can walk through the mall to get to the center of the strip. It takes around 15 minutes.

 

[TravelingGal]

Ohhh, Vegas is sooo much fun, Sharon!! MH and I used to go every year for about 5 yrs in a row a few yrs back. We've stayed at a number of resorts....I really liked Bellagio and the Wynn the best out of all the ones we stayed at. We have also stayed in Mandalay Bay (The Hotel) and it was great, but it tends to get a bit crowded with kids because they have a wave pool there. If you are looking for something a little cheaper, The Mirage was fine and right in the middle of everything. You can definitely find some really great deals price-wise. I DO NOT recommed the Luxor (sorry David!). Its dingy, dark, and old, imo!!!
Have lots of fun- you will certainly not run out of things to do!!!

ps- If you havent seen it, I definitely recommend seeing Cirque's "O" show. Get tickets before you go, as it is still very popular. Its amazing and SO WORTH IT!!!!

Nor do I recommend the Paris which I think Davi said he wanted to do next. It's a great location, and sometimes can be cost effective, but it's really meh when it comes to the rooms. Like, motel level, IMHO. I used to have to stay there every year since my company booked a huge portion of the hotel for a convention, and always had issues with the hotel. However, if you can get a great deal, it really is a nice location and does have a restaurant with outdoor seating that faces the Bellagio fountains.

Of course, we now book out the Hard Rock Hotel...which totally makes me miss Paris.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Thanks very much guys!! I knew I could rely on ya'll!!

I called the Mandarin and liked their suites, but since there is no pullout (in addition to a king bed) their rooms won't really accomodate three people--unless we got a two bedroom room suite.

Comfort is important to us. I would prefer a "new" property. We will book a suite.

Any more suggestions would be welcomed. We are planning on the end of Mar beginning of April for spring break (week). I've checked out the average temps and altho it won't be "hot" it will be OK if we want to enjoy the pool.

OK now back to checking out the suggestions you've made!


BTW, Jessie702, we enjoy fine dining. What do you recommend?

cheers--Sharon

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Thank Sundial! My DH just called and told me Celine Dion is playing but there is very little left for tickets--sold out already! We will take in as much as possible...

cheers--Sharon

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Dani--thanks and I believe that is on our agenda, as I've heard nothing but raves for "O"....

cheers--Sharon

 

[canuk-gal]

We stayed at the Signature at MGM Grand the last time we were in Vegas. It was a couple years ago, and they weren't quite finished building the entire hotel, but it was wonderful.

It's connected to the regular MGM Grand by a long catwalk, but the Signature is smoke-free and gaming-free, and thus very calm. We loved it because it was a great escape from the chaos that is the rest of Vegas. (We're calm-mongers, though, so if you like to be in the midst of all the hubbub, you may not like it.)

The room was really nice. It was littered with flat-screen TVs, which annoyed me but delighted my husband--one in the kitchenette, one in the living area, one in the bedroom, one in the bathroom. The bed was comfy enough, great water pressure in the shower, all those things.

Our stay included a room-service breakfast, and we were surprised by the wonderful spread. They also had great big bowls of fresh apples and water bottles all over the common areas, which really pleased DH. I swear he was a horse in another life, that man loves apples.

It rates a 4.5/5.0 on Tripadvisor. Here's the link:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...-Signature_at_MGM_Grand-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html

Overall: A great place to stay if you want an escape from the flash and crash of the rest of the strip.

We were there in September and loved it!

Other benefits: Its one of the few hotels where you can have a balcony. The 2 person jacuzzi with TV was great. We ended up watching TopGear instead of the romantic night we'd planned, but hey, still fun. It also has a kitchenette so we were able to keep beer/mix for drinks in the fridge. I don't remember when you said you're going, but if its pool season, the Signature is great because you can use the private pools as well as the regular MGM pools. There are 3 signature pools with bar and food service. The food was actually really good and freshly made. The biggest complaint in the reviews is about the walk to MGM...but its seriously 5 minutes on a moving walkway...most healthy people can manage that. If you leave tower three you can walk outside to the Miracle Mile shops in less than five minutes...you can walk through the mall to get to the center of the strip. It takes around 15 minutes.

HI Haven/CG:

I will check it out. A collegaue of my hubby also recently enjoyed the Signature/MGM. Walking is not an issue for us but thanks for the heads up.

cheers--Sharon

 

[canuk-gal]

I live in Vegas, and i think it depends on what kind of feel you want for the hotel. If you want something more "Romantic" i would say The Ventian, or Palazzo,Paris or Bellagio. If you want something more "fun" than check out the Encore( Its a wynn property), TI( They redid it) Manadaly Bay, or the Luxor. If your looking for "Hip" You could stay at the Cosmopoltain( Newest Hotel/Casino in town, part of city center) Aria( Part of City Center),Palms or Planet Hollywood. If you want more classic Vegas, i would say Cesears Palace, MGM Grand or the Wynn. Granted there are a lot more hotels, if you want off the Strip, but still want to be close, i would say Rio( Voodoo Lounge has some of the best views of the city) or the Palms( Same again with Ghost Bar, and Moon).

Also, Manadaly Bay has Manadaly Place and the towers, Along witht he Four Seasons. They have the best pool in town, its like a mini beach, and can rent a bunagloo. Luxor also has their own towers, so you do not have to stay in the pyramind,and the suites are nice.

As far as shows go, i would Recommded O at the Bellagio( pretty pricey), or La Reve at the Wynn. Also Ka at MGM is very good. If you want something thats new, you can go see the Elvis Show( I forget what it is called). I would say to avoid Believe at the Luxor, its Chris Angels show, and its a waste of time and money, the plot line is awkard, he does not do a lot of magic, like they want you to believe, and it can be gory for some. If you want an "adult" show, you can see the one at New York, New York hotel, Zumanity, its like ummm..."adult" show. I cant really put it into words. Also, if you want the old vegas feel, but more new, you can see Peep Show at the Paris, or Jubilee at Bally's.

For fun things, you can walk around City Center, more than enough to look. Check out the Bellagio's garden( i forget the name of it, and its free) they change it from season to season. The Lion Habitit at MGM grand if free, but you can feed a lion cub if you pay, which is fun too. Manadaly has the Shark Reef, which is a lot fo fun, but its humid, so dont check it out if you dont like humidty. Also Flamingo Hotel, has an area where they had ducks, fish, turtles and flamingos. Its a very pretty area, lots of green, and has a tropical feel.

Hope that helps, and if you have questions, please ask!

OH another question Jess:

How about recommendations for golf??

cheers--Sharon

 

[TravelingGal]

OH another question Jess:

How about recommendations for golf??

cheers--Sharon

I'm not Jess, but my friend is ex-LPGA and says there is a great course out there. I will ask her if that helps.

 

[canuk-gal]

OH another question Jess:

How about recommendations for golf??

cheers--Sharon

I'm not Jess, but my friend is ex-LPGA and says there is a great course out there. I will ask her if that helps.

How wonderful--thanks!!! (my husband would hug you if he could )

 

[TravelingGal]

OH another question Jess:

How about recommendations for golf??

cheers--Sharon

I'm not Jess, but my friend is ex-LPGA and says there is a great course out there. I will ask her if that helps.

How wonderful--thanks!!! (my husband would hug you if he could )

Here it is...Shadow Creek.

http://www.shadowcreek.com/pages/index_flash.htm

I think it used to be a resort only for Vegas High Rollers...now anyone can play if they can afford it, I believe.

 

[Jessie702]

Fine Dining....Hmmmm....Well its a bit of the strip, but very fine would be Battista's Hole in the wall. Heres the link http://www.battistaslasvegas.com, its a bit pricey, but very fun.FI and I went last year for his birthday and a few other times. Its Italian, but comes with wine, choice of soup or salad, and a cappicoun( sp) at the end. If you want a good steak house, and if you are down town Check out Binions SteakHouse....i know...Binions doesnt sounds good, but the steak house is at the top of the hotel, offers great views and white glove service. Food is the best, i love the veal, FI loves the lamb.

As far as golf goes, let me get back to you, i have to ask my Step-Father, he golfs all the time, but i never know where he goes.

 

[Jessie702]

Oooo, also, this resturant is by the convention center, but its never busy, and the food is good. I loved the Veal and Steak, FI loved the lamb, its called Envy Steak House....good stuff.

Another good place is Prime at the Bellagio, they might have changed the name of it, but it is excellent.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Thanks for the restuarant suggestions...

Has anyone eaten at Alex at the Wynn? We ate at Bouchon in Beverly Hills this summer and enjoyed it--I wonder if it is the same in Vegas. Off to rad more reviews....

cheers--Sharon

 

[niccia]

I was just there...I stayed at Ceasar's because I had a conference there and it seemed like the easiest choice. Lovely, clean hotel, but my absolute favorites are the Wynn and Encore. XS club at Encore is beautiful and so much fun. Aria looks great too.
If you want something super cheap, my friend stayed at Tuscany Suites. It was a few minutes walk off the strip but she said she was surprised how clean and big the rooms were. It's not really a hotel; the rooms are spread out like apartments. Apparently they paid less than $20/ night for some of the time they were there.

 

[niccia]

HI:

Thanks for the restuarant suggestions...

Has anyone eaten at Alex at the Wynn? We ate at Bouchon in Beverly Hills this summer and enjoyed it--I wonder if it is the same in Vegas. Off to rad more reviews....

cheers--Sharon

Bouchon is amazing, esp the breakfast. Another great breakfast place in Mon Amie in Paris.

 

[MonkeyPie]

The Lion Habitit at MGM grand if free, but you can feed a lion cub if you pay, which is fun too. Manadaly has the Shark Reef, which is a lot fo fun, but its humid, so dont check it out if you dont like humidty.

Omg. Please tell me about the Lion Habitat. I tried to find it yesterday when I read this but didn't find much info except to tell me that it exists. Gah! I want to feed a lion cub!

 

[Jessie702]

The Lion Habitit at MGM grand if free, but you can feed a lion cub if you pay, which is fun too. Manadaly has the Shark Reef, which is a lot fo fun, but its humid, so dont check it out if you dont like humidty.

Omg. Please tell me about the Lion Habitat. I tried to find it yesterday when I read this but didn't find much info except to tell me that it exists. Gah! I want to feed a lion cub!

This is at the MGM, right around the corner from Studio 54, its like a glass area where the lions are, and you can see them, and walk through it a bit. Sometimes the lions play, sometimes they sleep. LoL....Here is the information on the habitat, i dont know how much it cost to feed the cub, but it looks like so much fun.

http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/lion-habitat.aspx

This is off from the Lion habitat, but MGM also has the CSI experince, i have not been, but i have heard that it is pretty cool, and might be interesting to check out. Here is that link

http://www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/csi-the-experience.aspx

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Travelling during "March madness" is limiting our choices! No problemmo, Spring Break as we know it, is a busy time. Aria or the Encore are the final two hotels...but I think it will be the former.....

Thaks for all the tips!

cheers--Sharon