Las Vegas

[saratoga2005]

Hi,

both my wife and I are unfortunately :angry: 40 this year :angry: and have decided to go away on holiday without the kids and Florida.

We have booked to go to Las Vegas for four nights at the Luxor. One week in Hawaii and 4 nights in San Francisco staying at the Holida Inn.

As this is our first non Florida holiday I am wandering if you the experts have any advice our tips to make the holiday a success.

Thanks Gary Jones

[Nikki'Andrew]

we are going in May for the same reason , we are going to San Diego for 5 days and then staying at mandalay bay.we have been to the west coast twice before including San Francisco and Los Angeles.If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me and I am happy to answer any questions that I can

[Jools]

You have a lot to look forward to. We went to Vegas and LA last August/September and like you it was our first non Florida holidays for years. As the time to go approached I was full of reservations, worried that I/we wouldn't enjoy it and it would not compare favourably with Florida.

I needn't have worried, we had an amazing holiday. Very different from going to Florida and I really couldn't say which is better only that they are different. We also stayed in the Luxor (2 nights only) and it was great. there are some photos of the room and pool and Casino - which we now know is not allowed - in our trip report, if you want to see some pictures.

I'd advise to try to see a show or even 2 in Vegas. We saw 6 I believe (but we had 9 nights to see them in). We also enjoyed going to the top of the Stratosphere in the evening - the views are tremendous. If you are into cars (like my DH) there is the Shelby factory nearby, where AC Cobras are built. That is good way to spend an hour or 2. We hired a car and drove to Red Rock Canyon, which was actually my favourite day in Vegas. It's only about 30 minutes away and the drive through Boulder City in very pleasant. Although Red Rock is only a short drive away the contrast between that and the strip could not be more stark. We also enjoyed a day at the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.

EW liked the Casino at the Luxor and DH got lucky at Blackjack.

I can't advise on Hawaii or San Francisico but hope you have a great time there. Happy planning :D

[disney owl]

We went to the Luxor in Feb for an early celebration for our 25th wedding anniversary &loved it.

Take comfy shoes - Crocs? you will walk miles! we didn't hire a car & didn't need one. We walked & used the monorail also one day we used the trolley bus which is cheaper than the monorail but takes longer. One day we went to the shopping outlet nearest to the LUxor & near the airport & went by taxi, none of the above was a problem & we didn't miss having a car.

We went to the Grand Canyon with Sundance helicopters & I would def recommmend them.

Ate breakfast at the Luxor buffet which was very good & on our last day tried the breakfast buffet at the Paris & theirs was even better!

You didn't say when you were going but even in Feb we managed to swim in the outdoor pool.

Any questions re Vegas or Luxor do ask.

[Jools]

I agree you don't need a car. We had one but didn't need it. We will go again but won't hire a car.

[BeccaandTomsmum]

We went a few years ago - pre kids - we stayed at the flamingo Hilton. We to did red rock canyon and the hoover dam and loved them both. You have to do the evening buffet at caesars palace just over the road from the flamingo and even just walking up and down the strip is entertaining. There is an exploding volcano and pirate ships fighting we loved it.

[ukdiva]

I went to LV for my 30th, it is truely a one off kinda place! Definately plan a trip to the Grand Canyon, we did a champagne lunch flight with Papillion and we got dropped into the canyon for a champagne picnic. It was, and still is up there with one of the best experiences of my life so far.

Make sure you check out the dealer-tainers at the Flamingo hotel, they are so tacky and fab! :) Oh, and if you are into Elvis, then make sure you visit the Elvis-o-rama museum, we had great fun there!

[linda123]

Me and my husband are both 40:confused2 this year and its our 20th wedding anniversary:grin: . We had planned to go vegas but when my sister said she was going florida:cool2: this year we couldnt help ourselves and we booked to go with her. Unfortunately my husband hasnt forgiven me as he was really looking forward to going to vegas. Even though his looking forward to going back to florida he still keeps giving little digs about the vegas trip that never was.
I keep sayng theres always next year but he says "its not the same i wont be 40 next year":confused2 .
But deep down he knows we will go:cool2: :grin: .
To all you that are going hope you have a great time and when you get back you'll have to let me know what it was like.:thumbs-up

[speedwayfan]

Hi,

both my wife and I are unfortunately :angry: 40 this year :angry: and have decided to go away on holiday without the kids and Florida.

We have booked to go to Las Vegas for four nights at the Luxor. One week in Hawaii and 4 nights in San Francisco staying at the Holida Inn.

As this is our first non Florida holiday I am wandering if you the experts have any advice our tips to make the holiday a success.

Thanks Gary Jones

We did exactly the same trip for our Silver Wedding anniversary and it was wonderful. Don't hire a car in either Vegas or San Fran but depending on which island or islands you're doing in Hawaii I would do it there.

Book a show in Las Vegas and do at least one buffet - we liked the Mirage and Paris meals.
Do the Alcatraz and Sacremento boat tours in San Fran
If you're in Waikiki do the Pearl Harbour tour and the Arizona memorial

[Gill635]

Just back from LV it is amazing. If you are going to do a show DO NOT go to see Mamma Mia - It is truely awful !

I liked the buffet at the Wynn, though it is expensive go for a mid week lunch one as it is cheaper. The Noodles and the Teriyake beef are fantastic, and they will cook the beef more if you want them too.

Even if you hate Startrek (like me) you HAVE to go to Quarks bar which is slightly off strip near Circus Circus as the food is really nice and the cocktails are amazing.

The hotels are ALOT further away from each other than they look so use the Deuce buses. It is $2 one way and $5 for a day pass. You need the exact change to buy these though.

God there area loads of things, I bought the Brits guide which was invaluable, and alot better than the Brits guide to NY. I am also currently writing up a trip report so read that too !

[vegasjohnny]

heres some vegas tips for you ..........................

If Celine is on at Caesars go and see her , best show in vegas . try and book before you go . when she is taking a break Elton plays , this is another fantastic show. The Cirque shows are a must . my favourite 2 are , the new beatles one called Love and the other called O . try and see them both , fantastic . again book before you go .
there is a beatles tribute band at Alladin called Fab Four , fantastic , sound just like them . there is a half price ticket place next to the big coke bottle next to MGM , but you dont get reduced tix for headliners such as Celine. tix sell from noon onwards , get there early

there are 2 bars/lounges that you must go to for the views
Mix lounge , which is at the top of "The Hotel" , which is next door to mandalay bay , no cover charge before 9pm . stunning views , patio area and music .
Voodoo lounge which is at the top of the Rio hotel . there is a coupon on the rio website that gives free admission before 9pm . this place is fantastic you will love it . order a witch doctor drink . $27 but is in a huge goldfish bowl and you can share , lovely ! views great , patio and dancing

if you like 80`s music , friday night at the house of blues in mandalay bay has a 80`s night with a great disco and a very good band . good fun . the same venue on saturday nights has a seventies band playing called boogie nights , another excellent night , music sounds great . get there for both nights around 11.30 pm ends around 3.30am

newyork newyork hotel has a great duelling piano bar from 8pm nightly . very good . $10 cover friday and saturdays only , rest free . the same hotel has an irish bar which has a band playing nightly . out of this world . you will be dancing . free cover except friday and saturdays which is $5

go and do a helicopter grand canyon tour its great . the airplane one is crap , you fly too high. try and do the new skywalk there . you walk out on a glass bridge

do the alladin lunch buffet at the spice market , $18 but so much choice and best in vegas

circus circus has a steak restaurant called "the steak house" . beat in vegas belive me . requires a booking , so book before you go . dont be put off by the dump of a hotel its in , this is a truly great steak house

the best free elvis tribute show is at the barbary coast hotel . 3pm to 4pm then 5pm to 6pm wednesday to friday , 2 different sets . he is known as big elvis weighs 40 stone , but sounds just like elvis , alot of fun .

im a vegas veteran , try and do all my tips , you wont regret it

[Beckyv]

No-one has said the bellagio fountains. you must see them, especially at night very romantic and amazing

[Heather1957]

heres some vegas tips for you ..........................

If Celine is on at Caesars go and see her , best show in vegas . try and book before you go . when she is taking a break Elton plays , this is another fantastic show. The Cirque shows are a must . my favourite 2 are , the new beatles one called Love and the other called O . try and see them both , fantastic . again book before you go .
there is a beatles tribute band at Alladin called Fab Four , fantastic , sound just like them . there is a half price ticket place next to the big coke bottle next to MGM , but you dont get reduced tix for headliners such as Celine. tix sell from noon onwards , get there early

there are 2 bars/lounges that you must go to for the views
Mix lounge , which is at the top of "The Hotel" , which is next door to mandalay bay , no cover charge before 9pm . stunning views , patio area and music .
Voodoo lounge which is at the top of the Rio hotel . there is a coupon on the rio website that gives free admission before 9pm . this place is fantastic you will love it . order a witch doctor drink . $27 but is in a huge goldfish bowl and you can share , lovely ! views great , patio and dancing

if you like 80`s music , friday night at the house of blues in mandalay bay has a 80`s night with a great disco and a very good band . good fun . the same venue on saturday nights has a seventies band playing called boogie nights , another excellent night , music sounds great . get there for both nights around 11.30 pm ends around 3.30am

newyork newyork hotel has a great duelling piano bar from 8pm nightly . very good . $10 cover friday and saturdays only , rest free . the same hotel has an irish bar which has a band playing nightly . out of this world . you will be dancing . free cover except friday and saturdays which is $5

go and do a helicopter grand canyon tour its great . the airplane one is crap , you fly too high. try and do the new skywalk there . you walk out on a glass bridge

do the alladin lunch buffet at the spice market , $18 but so much choice and best in vegas

circus circus has a steak restaurant called "the steak house" . beat in vegas belive me . requires a booking , so book before you go . dont be put off by the dump of a hotel its in , this is a truly great steak house

the best free elvis tribute show is at the barbary coast hotel . 3pm to 4pm then 5pm to 6pm wednesday to friday , 2 different sets . he is known as big elvis weighs 40 stone , but sounds just like elvis , alot of fun .

im a vegas veteran , try and do all my tips , you wont regret it

I'm going 3 weeks Monday on my 4th trip and you've certainly suggested some places we're going to try - inc the lounge at the top of the The Hotel Mandalay Bay and the Which doctor cocktail at the Rio!!

The steak house in Circus Circus sounds like it's worth a visit.

Is there any 'Country music' events at any of the hotels?

[purple myra]

heather, if you want country try vegas in early december! thats when we went and the national rodeo finals are on then, there was country music belting out of every doorway and dolly parton was standing in for celine dion at ceasars palace....
i know thats no help to you but i thought i'd mention it, if i was going again i'd do december again, lots and lots of lovely men in tight wranglers and cowboy hats....yum!

[Heather1957]

heather, if you want country try vegas in early december! thats when we went and the national rodeo finals are on then, there was country music belting out of every doorway and dolly parton was standing in for celine dion at ceasars palace....
i know thats no help to you but i thought i'd mention it, if i was going again i'd do december again, lots and lots of lovely men in tight wranglers and cowboy hats....yum!

Men in cowboy hats....drool drool - how sad am I but I think men like Tim McGraw are drop dead gorgeous, it's the broody cowboy look!! Shame he has a stunning wife!!

Ok thanks for that lush thought in the afternoon and it's something I will definately bear in mind for another visit!! ;)

[saratoga2005]

Thanks 'Dibbers' for all your advice - come up trumps yet again.
We have booked to see Celine Dion and a trip to the Grand Canyon. Really looking forward to going.

[stratford]

we stayed at circus circus 2 years ago it was ok but felt it was the wrong end of the strip so this year we are staying at mandalay bay, I'm sure where ever you are staying you will enjoy yourselves.:d:

[Heather1957]

we stayed at circus circus 2 years ago it was ok but felt it was the wrong end of the strip so this year we are staying at mandalay bay, I'm sure where ever you are staying you will enjoy yourselves.:d:

Wow - 2 very different hotels, not just location wise but quality wise. The Mandalay Bay hotel is a very 'plush' hotel.

Lucky you!! :)

[shirley]

really interesting to read your views, we were thinking of doing something different next time instead of disney etc, i had thought of vegas but dh didnt seem so keen. a few quiestions if you dont mind

how long a flight
how much is accom compared to kissimme

is food much the same cost

is the shopping any good

is there much to do for a 8 year old.


this will give us a better idea whether or not it would be an option or not.


thanks


shirley

[daviewat]

Vegas :-)))))))) you will be soooooooooooooo spoilt for choices there. We have stayed at the MGM 6 times :-))))))) and just love it to bits, like a whole theme park itself, as are a lot of the hotels etc. Even stayed once in the Holiday Inn on the strip, very very basic but it was pure last minute, booked flights on Tueasday and flew out on Wednesday, mind for all the time we spent in our room it was ideal for a quick 5 night trip.


No one can possibly tell you what to do or see as there is so much, but the trip through the GC is a total must and I am soooooooooooooo looking forward to going back to try the new skywalk there, meant to be a heartstopper walking on a glass walkway out over the canyon :-)))))))))))))))))))



Vegas itself is just so full of things to do and see that you will be shellshocked :-)) Bellagio fountains,Venice shopping mall, all those other just out of town malls.


One thing we did do as well was hire a Ferrari for half a day :-))))))) woawwwwwwwwwww


No car needed in Vegas, in fact it will only slow you down, you can hire oversized golf buggies if you want just to pop up and down the whole strip as it is huge.



The ride on the New York hotel is a blast you are some 300 feet up before it starts and when you rush round the bends over the srtip, He he he beware :-)))


Obviously the main thing are the casinos and for them prepare to be blown off your feet.


Try once going into the high roller slots, they can be $15.00 a time but just hover your token over the slot and wait till one of the waitresses catches your eye, she will come over and offer you loads of comps, such as beer, wine spirits etc, she dwill not know you are not spending hundreds of dollars after all :-)))))


Much for an 8 year old ??? I would say yes as it is not all casinos really just the noises, lights,shops,malls are an experience, try shopping on a Gondolla around Venice :-)))))))))) or the circus hotel has an awsome fairground in its lobby !!!!!!!! yip :-)))


The MGM has Lioms in its main lobby as well, behind glass of course but so amazing to see.

Food is as good as anywhere in Florida, some can be a bit more pricey but so many eat as much places.

Accom costs are competative and like Kiss depends on what you want, from a $65.000 a night suite ?????? ouch to the $30.00 a night Holiday Inn on the strip, so many choices to mention here, all are very good standards as we have come to expect. Our fav is the MGM but like everyone else they will have thiers.



Have a blast