Las Vegas (again) Help & Advice

[carolynn38]

Hi guys,
well we have finally booked our cheapie holiday for this year - Going to Las Vegas and staying at the Treasure Island for a week in June :omg:

Now I'm currently trawling through all the posts here to find out as much as possible (not been since I was very young and dbf not been at all) as this place was invaluable when we went to Florida this year.

Anyway, here is a list of questions and would really appreciate any feedback.

1. Flying BMI economy from Manchester - any details ie. service/food/seats etc

2. Staying at TI - bog standard cheapest Deluxe Room - any details on hotel and do you thinks its worth asking for an upgrade when we check in?

3. Recommend me places to eat (I know, a question like how long is a piece of string) but there must be some good old favorites out there, from expensive to basic day to day.

4. Other things to see and do - what are the unmissable things that we should try

5. Any good guide books to buy (bought a couple for Florida and again they were invaluable)

Trying to put together my list so any, any help would be gratefully received. Thanks

[Splashman77]

Hi

We stayed at Flamingo in Nov 06

We found that Paris for Breakfast was very nice and a couple of nice cafe's for snacks etc, Treasure Island Buffet was also worth it good choice Bellagio's was ok but thought it was expensive for what you got. Flamingo was cheap & good choice.

Hope that helps

[coxan56]

Hi Cant answer all questions, but my daughter flew to Vegas with BMI and she thought they were great. I have been in TI for drinks and it was a great hotel, there are very large pirate ships attatched to the front of the hotel and they have a sea battle every night. I havent seen any bedrooms, but last time we were there, there was a wedding taking place on one of the large ships.

Eating in Vegas is amazing, every hotel with have loads of dining areas from snacks to fine dining. Look on the internet for vouchers for meals everyone uses them

I joined a Vegas forum and read loads and loads of advice,

Anyway you will have a great time we love the place, have been 3 times and would go again.

Annie :wave: :wave:

[Jools]

How fabulous. We adored Vegas when we went last year. Can't help with your flights or hotel, but we liked eating at PF Changs which is inside the Aladdin hotel (may be the Planet Hollywood now). We also found a Jonny Rockets - yay - and enjoyed Dan Marinos which is attached to the Hooters hotel. We did a show at the Stratosphere one night and their dinner buffet was included in the price, very good it was too.

My two favourite days were when we went to Red Rock Canyon and also the Hoover Dam. If you don't have a car there are pleanty of bus trips to these places. Oh and DH really enjoyed the Shelby place where they handmake Cobras. (cars not snakes)

I bought the Britts guide to Vegas which wa invaluable and also the AA spiral bound thingy, which was a dead handy book and nice and small to fit into a bag on days out.

We also lots of help and tips from Dibbers.

There are some photos places to see and eat in our "Where's the Mouse" trip report.

[RSSPENCE]

My wife and I stayed a the Mirage a few years ago for my 30th. Excellent holiday. Treasure Island looks good, always worth asking for an upgrade, you never know. Ask for a high floor so you get a good view aroind Vegas. As for eating, just pick a different casino every time, all have buffets throughout the day and night and are priced depending upon the * rating of the hotel. I dont think you can go wrong food wise, over a few days you can try most of them, we did Mirage, Caesers, Treasure Island, Alladin, Paris, Mandalay Bay. Just a note to add, there is even more walking to be done than in Disney.

[charlotte1976]

stayed at circus circus last may 06, went to the alladin buffet resturant( really good food)

also tIs own resturant is pretty good.

went to the riviara for 99c snacks, just watch the prawn coctail and ask for it without the sauce as its not very nice. hope you have a good time, its really hot, discount shopping mall at the bottom of the strip near the airport. dont forget to take ur camcorda in ur hand lugage, you cant believe how close to the strip you are from airport :)

[carolynn38]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm getting really excited, but I'm not too sure if I'm looking forward to the actual holiday, or just the planning. I am the girl who took the laminated itinerary to Florida :omg:

Jools - I have already read your trip report and very good it was too :grin:

[Chesterbhoy]

We are off to Vegas/Hawaii/LA/Vegas on 24th May for 3 weeks.

Heard great things about the BMI direct flights and cant wait to sample their long haul service. We are spending our 1st night at the Luxor and our final 3 nights at the Hilton GVC on the Strip.

Spending a night in a Grand Canyon Pine Lodge - http://www.grandcanyonranch.com/

I have used Frommer's Las Vegas with Kids by Bob Sehlinger to plan our visit - gives excellent opinions on value for money places to eat.

[Cozzer]

Hi Carolyn

Haven't been dibbing since last year and feel terrible! Anyway, just booked next holiday this August. Flying Mcr to LV with BMI so interested to hear people's comments. Staying at the Tuscany Suites and staying at Ho Jo in Anaheim for 6 nights. Can't wait! I've got the Las Vegas with kids book. Good even if you don't have kids as it tells you allsorts not just abou the casinos. Looks like there is plenty to keep us occupied!

Sarah

[lime lover]

We flew to Vegas with BMI economy last Feb & found flight very comfortable, we sat at the back of the plane where it narrowed down meaning there were rows of 2 seats- may have just been my imagination but it seemed like there was more room.
There is so much to do in Vegas it is non stop exploring. If you want discount shopping take a cab to Premium Outlets (only costs about $12-$15 each way) this is part of same group as in Orlando.
Make sure you take in at least one of the shows. We absolutely loved the Beatles 'LOVE' at the Mirage.
Be warned once you have been you will definitely want to go back- our 'cheapie' trip in Feb got us so hooked we just had to go back again in August!!

[lime lover]

Just had another thought, we used the BMI twilight check in then stayed at the Manchester Airport Travelodge (£26 rate for room sleeping 2 adults & 2 children booked well in advance on line) With such a long journey ahead it was well woryh the extra few£s to get a later start & great not to have to queue to check in as there was only us there when we checked in round 7.00pm .

[Cal and Dave]

We have flown BMI to Vegas and the flight was good. We stayed at the Paris, and although we didn't try the breakfast buffet downstairs, because we had upgraded our room and had our own lounge that served breakfast, it was always very very busy.

For a special meal try Smith and Wollensky's, fantastic meal, if a little pricey.
There is a cheesecake factory in the mall attached to Caesar's Palace and you must go in for a meal, the pasta is fantastic.

If you like shopping then the fashion show mall is a must.

You should visit the Grand canyon, we enjoyed the trip around to where the Golden Nugget is, it's all covered over and reminds you of all the films, i cant remember the name of the street.

If Tom jones is on at the MGM, you must go and see him :pgig:

[carolynn38]

Again, thank you all for your responses.

Cheesecake factory is already on the list as it was a big favorite whilst in Florida, and I think we will definately check out the Grand Canyon.

As we only live sbout an hour from the airport, I think we will get a taxi there in the morning, shame as I would have loved to have tried the twilight check in.....

I have also just ordered a couple of books - Frommer's Las Vegas & The Unofficial Guide to Las Vegas by Bob Sehlinger (loved his Orlando book)

Something is telling me a week in Vegas may bot be long enough.....

[Alvin]

Hi Carolynn,

We flew Bmi economy to Vegas last June and it is probably the most pleasant economy flight we have ever had, Decent food comfy seats and a top class entertainment system with lots of movies and game boy type games to keep you amused. June is a quiet time for Vegas holidays because its so hot, and there were only about twenty two people in economy class so right after take off we moved to a door exit seat and had tons of legroom.

If you want a very nice meal then try the top of the world restaurant at the Stratosphere, the food is excellent and the view is breathtaking, not cheap though but worth every penny.

[signtalker]

weve stayed in TI, Mandalay bay(free upgrade), and luxor. On our next trip in august were staying at mandalay bay and bellagio.
The bog standard rooms at TI are LOVELY!!!!, very plush , clean and attention to detail is great. We were disapointed with the sirens show outside the hotel, but then that could be us!!!
Loads of places to eat, we like Outback(reminds us of florida), had breakfast in the room of TI, which was gorgeous(free newspaper). we also did the breakfast buffet here to, again excellent food.
Try visiting freemont street one evening(cab down dont walk).
So much to see and do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(and loads of places to eat!!).
Jules

[carolynn38]

Oooh Signtalker, please tell me where the Outback is - to this day that is one of the best places I've eated steak and the blooming onion was to die for......

Really looking forward to the flight now also - last time we flew Florida it was Virgin PE and it was great, but last flight we had was ThomsonFly to Thailand - all I'll say is never again.. Nothing could EVER be as bad!!!!!!

[Hannah]

I stayed at Treasure Island when I went ... the bog standard rooms are really nice, but if you wanted to why not e-mail the hotel before you go and ask for a corner room (that you get double the amount of windows and two views instead of one). Make sure you ask for a corner room looking up/down the strip.

We liked the Bellagio, Paris and Aladdin buffets, with the Aladdin one being the best. Found the Caesars Palace one to be fairly limited, and Ballys was good but limited.

Have a good time!

[Homer'sWife]

Hi Carolyn

Haven't been dibbing since last year and feel terrible! Anyway, just booked next holiday this August. Flying Mcr to LV with BMI so interested to hear people's comments. Staying at the Tuscany Suites and staying at Ho Jo in Anaheim for 6 nights. Can't wait! I've got the Las Vegas with kids book. Good even if you don't have kids as it tells you allsorts not just abou the casinos. Looks like there is plenty to keep us occupied!

Sarah
Hi Sarah

We too are staying at the Tuscany Suites in August - 6 - 9th. When are you going? We are going on to Anaheim from there, 9 nights at the Best Western Pavillions. WE CAN'T WAIT!!!

[Beckyv]

Have been to Vegas 3 times and due to go again in march!!

when it comes to eating this is what i would reccomend.

we mainly neat at buffets and the ultimate for me is the rio world fare buffet. absoultely massive and so much choice you have to try it!!! pick up the free whats on mag, which i think is now called lv and you get $5 off the evening buffet.

also try the wynn buffet. we went for lunch, a lot cheaper then dinner and brill.

the buffet at ti is small but still really good, went for lunch. They make u any salad you want fresh, brilliant.

for sunday brunch try the circus circus steakhouse. gotta book in advance but well worth it. lobster mash is amazing!!

and while u are there try a footlong hotdog for $1 it will prob give you belly ache but you gotta try it!!!

hahaha.

have fun

[ChoppyGirl]

I love Vegas -we got married there in 2004 and we stayed at the Luxor. We liked the Luxor buffet - the Exalibur one was not nice as it was like a school canteen. We had our wedding meal at the Restaurant at the Top of the World at the Stratosphere which was really really nice - an amazing view of the strip.

[hunnybunny]

Hi We stayed at the TI in January for 5 nights. We flew into San Francisco with Virgin and stayed a few nights there befor flying onto Las Vegas. Although we had emailed a few weeks earlier and asked for a 2 rooms adjacent to each other on a higher level overlooking the strip when we arrived we had a rooms on floor 5 with no view. I asked for a higher room and was told by a snooty (I thought) that there was none available. I was not happy and muttered to my husband "They say email so whats the point of if they take no notice". Anyway next morning we had a message to say if we go back to reception we could change rooms. We got a room on the 27th Floor looking down the strip towards the Mirage and Bellagio.

The rooms we had were just standard deluxe. The beds were honestly really comfortable. The rooms were nicely decorated, clean and quite. I would have no hesitation in going back.

The Buffet at the Mirage was really really good, with loads of different food station. Try the Wynns as well, the food was to die for. Loved it.

Dee

[disney owl]

Just back from Vegas.

Stayed at the Luxor.

used the Brits Guide to Las Vegas & the West, found it invaluable.

Had breakfast at the buffet at the paris, best buffet I've ever been to.

Fantastic burgers at the Burger Bar in the shops that link the Luxor to Mandalay Place. A restaurant & bar not take away. You must try the sweeet potatoe fries. You can either have a set burger or build your own.

Went up the Stratoshere tower, great view & did the Hot Shot at the top -SCARY!

[crid]

You're lucky to be in TI - they've got my favourite buffet of all time - Dishes, it's great.

The Stratosphere buffet is good as well - cheap and cheerful.

Fat Burger is good if you fancy a burger. MGM buffett is also very good but very expensive and I'd prefer to goto Dishes. Went to the Luxor buffet a couple of times - good tip if you don't mind what time you eat is to to arrive as close to the end of the lunch period as possible so you get in on the cheaper lunch prices but while you're in there they start putting out the dinner options which you can dig into :)

[Heather1957]

good tip if you don't mind what time you eat is to to arrive as close to the end of the lunch period as possible so you get in on the cheaper lunch prices but while you're in there they start putting out the dinner options which you can dig into :)

Crafty!! ;)

[Gill635]

I'm going in March, and bought the Brits Guide To Las Vegas off Amazon. Managed to get hold of a brand new copy in the marketplace for £4.50 !

It is a fabulous book, and is really coming in handy with my planning.

[br196]

We arrived back from LV last week after five nights. We really enjoyed the breakfast buffet at Bellagio. Our best time was spent with the car when we went to Hoover Dam and Red Rock Canyon. Both are very close to Vegas and great for day trips. We only had a car for two days, but it was great for visiting the outlets and a couple of other malls.

[Florida_Bear]

Hi guys,
well we have finally booked our cheapie holiday for this year

Cheapie Holiday ?
Please tell more Carolynn :grin:

Regards......Ted

[Heather1957]

Cheapie Holiday ?
Please tell more Carolynn :grin:

Regards......Ted

I think price is all relative - A week in TI's would be too expensive for me, maybe when I've saved up some air miles I can have a free flight and afford a lovely hotel like TI's or Ballagio. :D

[Florida_Bear]

I think price is all relative - A week in TI's would be too expensive for me, maybe when I've saved up some air miles I can have a free flight and afford a lovely hotel like TI's or Ballagio. :D

Please dont mis-understand me, it wasnt meant as a nasty question.
I simply wanted the secret of doing it cheaply ;)

Regards......Ted

Stupid question two TI's ???

[Heather1957]

Please dont mis-understand me, it wasnt meant as a nasty question.
I simply wanted the secret of doing it cheaply ;)

Regards......Ted

Stupid question two TI's ???

Certainly didn't take it nastily just thinking aloud really, as I can't imagine the TI being a cheap holiday but of course it depends on one's financial situation.

There's 3 of us sharing the cost of 2 rooms this trip so it's costing a little more, we could have probably afforded a better hotel than the Imperial if there'd been 4 of us.

Have stayed at Luxor, Excalibur and Aladdin in the past, all fine hotels. I would however love to stay in one of the 'top' hotels so am saving air miles.

One day.....

[Florida_Bear]

Thanks Heather, We are going to gather as much info as possible and them look in to hotels/time of year/things to do etc.
Although most people seem to recommend a hotel in the middle of the strip ?

Kind regards......Ted

[carolynn38]

Ted,
we managed to get what we thought was a 'good' deal via expedia - a first for us. As we are doing a Caribbean cruise at Xmas and did Thailand last Xmas/New Year we felt we would benefit from a holiday mid-year but didn't want to go silly (we have just moved house so all pennies are precious).

Amyway, don't want to offend anyone here, but we don't really do 'cheap and cheerful' so a weeks holiday on the Med was coming in at £500pp, and tbh it wasn't something that really excited me.

As Vegas had already been on our list of must do holiday destination, we started to cost up how much it could be, and found that we could get a weeks hol with Airtours for about £500-£600. Only trouble with that is flying MyTravel. Having spend 16 hours coming back from Thailand in a ThomsonFly plane (with Airtours) was probably one of the most miserable experiences in my life, so no matter how cheap we vowed never again!!!!!

Anyway, this led us to start pricing up with Lastminute.com & Expedia (and got our local travel aganet on the case). After a bit of juggling with dates, (June 5th was a LOT cheaper than dates around it) we found Expedia had flights direct out of manchester with BMI and TI for £704. Our TA couldn't get anywhere near that price, and if we had been happy to fly Delta/Continental etc we could have got it about £100+ cheaper, but that would have meant a 1 stop flight.

Ahain, we could have stayed at a slightly cheaper hotel (Circus Circus, Luxor, Excalibur) and got the price even cheaper, but we really fancies the TI. To be honest, at this stage we nearly splurded at the venetian/Bellagio etc as that was only about £200 more, but we did have to keep reminding us that this was meant to be a 'cheapie'.

So all in all, many people won't class 1 week @ £700 as cheap, but for us, going to a place we always wanted to see, having the excitement and anticipation etc (and also the good exchange rate) is worth the extra £200 on a holiday to the Med. I love the USA and (FOR ME) I much prefer this type of hol than sitting on a Spanish beach.

Anyway, thanks again to everyone for bothering to reply to my original post. I've already started my spreadsheet ;) and all comments are being noted. Still waiting for my Brits guide to arrive (lucky you Gill for getting it so cheap :grin: ) but I have the Frommers one and am currently devouring every page.

At the moment the places we are going to try and eat at are:

1. Cheesecake factory (Boyfriend still raves about this place after our Florida Visit)
2. Outback - I still rave about this place after out Florida visit :grin:
3. Bahama Breeze - we both still rave…
4. Paris/Bellagio Buffet
5. Steak House at Circus Circus (?)
6. Tony Romas (never did try this in Florida)
7. PF Changs
8. Top of the World (possible)

and see what else takes our fancy, although I have just been hearing quite a bit about Burger bar (as mentioned by Disney owl - thanks) so may put that on the list.

Also been reading about Frozen Custard at luvitfrozencustard - apparently its a must.....

Just now trying to decide how to do Grand canyon. Was going to hire a car, but think its too far for one day, and don't want to waste 2 days as we are only there a week. Thinking of a helicopter/plane with a landing.... any recommendations???????

[BB139]

Question for anyone who has already stayed at TI, do they have coffee/fridge etc in the room?

Has anyone been in or stayed at the Platinum Hotel?

Thanks

Kaz

[carolynn38]

Kaz,
although I've not been yet, from everything I have read on trip Advsior I don't think there is a coffee pot in the room, or even a fridge! Apparently it is a las Vegas thing where they try and get you out of your rooms as much as possible!!!!!! I have heard there is a Starbucks in the TI though, lobby I think.

[Heather1957]

Kaz,
although I've not been yet, from everything I have read on trip Advsior I don't think there is a coffee pot in the room, or even a fridge! Apparently it is a las Vegas thing where they try and get you out of your rooms as much as possible!!!!!! I have heard there is a Starbucks in the TI though, lobby I think.

I agree there is very little in the rooms that encourage you to stay in apart from a TV. No fridge, coffee pot, microwave etc.

I think you've got a very good deal for TI, I would be happy to pay that! We're paying £701 flying from Gatwick (VA) but we're staying at the Imperial, 3 of us in 2 deluxe rooms!! We're going earlier in the year than you so you got a barguin!!

[carolynn38]

I agree there is very little in the rooms that encourage you to stay in apart from a TV. No fridge, coffee pot, microwave etc.

I think you've got a very good deal for TI, I would be happy to pay that! We're paying £701 flying from Gatwick (VA) but we're staying at the Imperial, 3 of us in 2 deluxe rooms!! We're going earlier in the year than you so you got a barguin!!

Thanks Heather - I always tell myself (and dbf of course) that we got a bargain, but its always good to hear someone else say that :pgig:

[Heather1957]

We used Papillon when we made the Grand Canyon trip, collected from hotel and taken to airport, small plane to the GC flying over the hoover damn, low enough to get some pictures. We then had a helicopter ride into the canyon and a boat ride on the river. Another helicopter ride back up and a flight back to Vegas.

I think this took us about 5/6 hours but it was worth it, we had a fab day. :)

[Florida_Bear]

Thanks carolynn, Thats quality information and the prices you quote seem ok to me after having a very quick look last night.
We would be prepared to fly from Manchester if it saved us, as we could stay at my folks in Derbyshire the night before our flight.

Regards......Ted

[Florida_Bear]

Question for anyone who has already stayed at TI, do they have coffee/fridge etc in the room?

Has anyone been in or stayed at the Platinum Hotel?

Thanks

Kaz

:blush: Sorry what is TI ? :blush: :blush: :blush:

Ted :blush:

[Heather1957]

:blush: Sorry what is TI ? :blush: :blush: :blush:

Ted :blush:

It was called Treasure Island but it's now know as TI. A very nice looking hotel with the Galleons outside. :grin:

[crid]

MMM Cheesecake factory - http://www.flickr.com/photos/colr/91171342/in/set-72057594050925883/

Was a bit disappointed with the one in Disney Quest after having this one in LV!

Anyway back on track... I definately think you should try and fit dishes in for a meal if you can.

[Florida_Bear]

It was called Treasure Island but it's now know as TI. A very nice looking hotel with the Galleons outside. :grin:

Ahhhh :blush: Thanks Heather :blush:

[suzybabe1]

Hi Carolynn, we've just come back from vegas (our 2nd trip) and this time did the grand canyon ranch trip by helicopter. It really was awonderful trip, great pilot, good food, horseriding etc - the lot. I think too it was more special because it had snowed the night before so everything was covered inthe white stuff. Previously we had done the grand canyon picnic at sunsey which was also amazing and we flew down thw dtrip in the dark. Both tours were good but I think we prefered the ranch. Enjoy!

[carolynn38]

Oh, the snow sounds lovely Sue.
I think we are now decided we will have to take a plane/helicopter trip to Grand Canyon.

I have astually heard recommendations for papillion before (thanks Heather) but now this question to everyone who has done this.

1. Did you book before you went or when ypu got there.
2. What sort of costs are we looking at
3. Not too sure about the horse riding (I'm a bit of a scardy cat) but what outher trips can you combine this with - quite fancy picnic and strip by night.

[Heather1957]

We booked 'on line' before we went, just had to phone when there to confirm. I think it costs us about £150 each, this includes a very basic B B Q cooked by local Native Indians.

If you book a later trip I believe they fly you over the strip so you can see the lights. There is definately a helicopter trip that offers this return trip.

[BB139]

Just a quickie, would you go for a Deluxe room at Treasure Island or a Player Deluxe room at the Luxor, only £88 between them or a GO LUXUry room at the Flamingo?

Thanks

Kaz

[Heather1957]

While I love the Luxor I would still take the TI upgrade purely because it's in a terrific location.

[jolloyd81]

I'm going back to Vegas this October. Having previously stayed twice at the Luxor, somehow we got a similar price for Bellagio so grabbed it quickly. I agree with all the tips here but would also suggest Maggiano's italian restaurant in the Fashion Show Mall on the strip for a tasty meal, and huge portions. We tend to eat mostly at food courts in the hotels, and have 2 or 3 'good' meals out over the week. For a quick snack, inside Caesars Forum Shopping Centre there is a New York deli type place that does gorgeous sandwiches, eat in or take away - also recommended.

[diannepoxon]

Hi, we did LV november 06,
we traveled with delta from Orlando, stayed at Excalibur (really Nice)
loved The outback across from TI, really nice meal, also had nice breakfast buffet. and neally every hotel has LOADS of top class resturants, and buffet evening meals at at great price.
Grand Canyon, we did by helicopter, first class, the best.
Went to mandalay bay to see Mama Mia, top show.
Also a show at excalibur call the Tournament of kings ( I think) really good, dish men on horse back, I loved it, husband not so keen, I think its a girl thing.
In all first class holiday, great place, you will have the time of your life.
There is just so much to do, and see, and just walking the strip, well its pleasure.
regards
Dianne

[toolman1]

Would reccommednd TI - we stayed in the Luxor last year - a nice hotel & good to sleep in the pyramid & go in the weird lifts that move sideways.

But it is at the end of the strip & TI is more ecntral making it easier to get to the other hotels.

Reccommend breakfast at the Excaliber & Revolving restaurant at the top of the stratopshere, food ok - but view is amazing.

Fantastic place to go - you'll love it!:D

[BB139]

Finally decided on the Hilton Grand Vacation, 2650 Las Vegas Blvd.( on The Strip.) A one bedroom suite. (Not the one at the Flamingo or Karen Ave)

Good reviews on tripadvisor. no.6 on their list. On the strip but a little further up and away from all the noise. Looking at all the trips now, however, the helicopter rides state that if a person is over 18st you have to buy another seat!! My other half is an ex rugby player, not fat just BIG and he weighs 20st so it's looks like it is going to be the plane trip to the Grand Canyon, with the ATV ride from Lookout tours.

Trying to get a price for a Mustang (a boy thing) from Budget, but if you try and book direct and add insurance the cost goes through the roof. ($950+) instead of £186 gold inc. for a convertable from Dollar.

Kaz