Thoughts on Las Vegas Itinerary Feb 2019

[Matty777]

Great trip planned!
Valley of Fire... epic scenery and photographers dream!
If you can squeeze half a day in, do Valley of Fire. 45 min drive North of Vegas. get there for about 15:00 as the light as the sun fades is truly amazing. Back to the strip for dinner.

Just a small point, BurGR has dropped the cheesy GR bit and it's now just plain ol' Gordon Ramsay Burger. Still gets good reviews!
Though as a back up (in case too busy) Holstiens opposite in Cosmopolitan has a legendary Gold Standard burger which is superb.

[nursetina]

Vegas was never somewhere I thought I would enjoy and never had aspirations to visit. However my ds wanted to go so I agreed... especially when he upgraded us to a fountain view room at the bellagio
Well... i absolutely loved it and I really want to go again 😍😍😍
I loved the shopping, especially miracle mile. I loved the casinos and enjoyed playing the slot machines and I loved the people watching.
I hated Fremont st, I thought it was sad and tacky and won't rush back.
North outlets were great too.
Definately try to fit in a drive through valley of fire, the scenery is breathtaking.
We really struggled with jet lag for first couple of days, couldn't stay awake mid afternoon then awake at 4/5 am... but this meant we saw some amazing sunrises.
I bought some melatonin tablets over there and these definately helped with jet lag after a couple of days. I've never suffered with it on previous usa visits.
Have a fantastic time.

[smithlane]

Originally Posted by fatblokeflorida

We found the miracle mile shops and fashion show mall to be really good as were the grand canal sops in the venetian.

Serendipity was recommended to us before we went and we had no idea why we couldn't find it and had to Google it - think it got shut down as something to do with fraud!

Other things we enjoyed were a gondola ride in the venetian and the helicopter night flight up and down the strip which was really good. If hubby likes his golf he might like an hour at top golf in mgm as well.

The GC is stunning and well worth the trip and something you cant really appreciate the full scale of until you actually see it. Absolutely stunning!

I'm sure you will have a great trip anyway. Enjoy😀😀

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Fab thank you. Do the Miracle Mile and Fashion Mall shops have the same discounts as the outlets?
Such a shame about Serendipity, I was looking forward to one of their frozen hot chocolates! Will have to find somewhere else to go for our last big meal in Vegas before heading to the airport.
Not a chance in hell you'll get me in a helicopter but I really want to try the Gondola ride though
I really really can't wait for the GC, I just know it'll blow me away!

[smithlane]

Originally Posted by JoS

I thought I would hate Vegas and only went to be able to see GC which was truly wonderful.its a sight I will remember forever. If you go with an open mind I hope you will enjoy it. I love Signature Suites and don’t think you will be disappointed. We have been February for last maybe 4 years and are going on 2/2 next year for 10 nights. On the whole weather is warm during the day but chilly at night so you will need layers. Definitely not pool weather. One year we had a bit of drizzle for a couple of the days. I much prefer the weather then than the awful blistering heat of the summer. Think maybe an average spring day in the UK. Fremont St is definitely an experience. It’s only an hour or two if you don’t like it you can go back to the strip. Any questions and I will try and help. Hope you have an amazing time
Forgot to say first time we did GC there was actually snow on the ground. That was in February. Check timetable for times for sunset etc.

timeanddate/sun/@529...th=2&year=2019

If you spend a lot of time at Hoover then lunch you will miss sunset...we did the first time, so leave early ish and watch your time and dont forget time difference. Try and get there when its daylight as its easier to find your hotel.

Was beautiful and sunny but snow by our hotel etc. This year was bright and sunny. So just be prepared in case you do have a bit of snow. It was gorgeous. So jealous. Next year we are staying at Death Valley for a night or two.
Just re read your post. You will love Bellagio. Stayed there this year for a couple of nights. The conservatory is well worth a visit. So excited for you

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Thanks so much Jo that's very helpful to know about the weather. My OH was quizzing me up the other day about where we are going (I won't tell him until his birthday on the 30th Dec!) and I just said he can bring his golf clubs, will need shorts and t-shirts, a few hoody's, maybe jeans and to possibly expect snow . He looked ever so confused!
I'm thinking now that we should drive straight to the GC and do Hoover Dam on our way back to LV the next day. I would be absolutely gutted if I missed the sunset and would like to take our time at Hoover Dam, not clock watching which I know I'll end up doing! I think I read on the website there are roadworks all around the village in GC so that may hold us up, plus if there is snow on the ground that can always cause delays. Is there a time difference between LV and GC then?
Really can't wait for the Bellagio stay. Its such a shame the price is horrendous for our first 4 nights but I've heard great things about the Signature Suites.
Would love to stay overnight at Death Valley but I though 4 different hotel stays within a week was a bit too much

[smithlane]

Originally Posted by Matty777

Great trip planned!
Valley of Fire... epic scenery and photographers dream!
If you can squeeze half a day in, do Valley of Fire. 45 min drive North of Vegas. get there for about 15:00 as the light as the sun fades is truly amazing. Back to the strip for dinner.

Just a small point, BurGR has dropped the cheesy GR bit and it's now just plain ol' Gordon Ramsay Burger. Still gets good reviews!
Though as a back up (in case too busy) Holstiens opposite in Cosmopolitan has a legendary Gold Standard burger which is superb.

See more...

Ooh something else to squeeze in, I'm going to need a holiday when I return to recover from this one . I'm a sucker for a good sunset photo though so I'm sure I'll fit it in!
Thank you that's good to know as I'm sure I would have given up when I couldn't find BurGR. Will note down Holstiens too, just in case!

[smithlane]

Originally Posted by nursetina

Vegas was never somewhere I thought I would enjoy and never had aspirations to visit. However my ds wanted to go so I agreed... especially when he upgraded us to a fountain view room at the bellagio
Well... i absolutely loved it and I really want to go again 😍😍😍
I loved the shopping, especially miracle mile. I loved the casinos and enjoyed playing the slot machines and I loved the people watching.
I hated Fremont st, I thought it was sad and tacky and won't rush back.
North outlets were great too.
Definately try to fit in a drive through valley of fire, the scenery is breathtaking.
We really struggled with jet lag for first couple of days, couldn't stay awake mid afternoon then awake at 4/5 am... but this meant we saw some amazing sunrises.
I bought some melatonin tablets over there and these definately helped with jet lag after a couple of days. I've never suffered with it on previous usa visits.
Have a fantastic time.

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This is great to hear, I'm so hoping I'll feel the same when we get there.
I'm hoping for a cheeky upgrade to a fountain view room but we'll see.
I think the slot machines will be my limit in gambling but maybe I'll give one of the tables a try.
Got a feeling I'll hate Fremont St but will pop there for a drink to experience it.
Will definitely try to fir in Valley of Fire, just been googling it and it does look breathtaking.

I've actually got some Melatonin tablets that I bought this year in Florida so will take them with us, thank you for the tip. Would you start taking them here before you go or once you are in the different time zone?
Thank you

[JoS]

Originally Posted by smithlane

Thanks so much Jo that's very helpful to know about the weather. My OH was quizzing me up the other day about where we are going (I won't tell him until his birthday on the 30th Dec!) and I just said he can bring his golf clubs, will need shorts and t-shirts, a few hoody's, maybe jeans and to possibly expect snow . He looked ever so confused!
I'm thinking now that we should drive straight to the GC and do Hoover Dam on our way back to LV the next day. I would be absolutely gutted if I missed the sunset and would like to take our time at Hoover Dam, not clock watching which I know I'll end up doing! I think I read on the website there are roadworks all around the village in GC so that may hold us up, plus if there is snow on the ground that can always cause delays. Is there a time difference between LV and GC then?
Really can't wait for the Bellagio stay. Its such a shame the price is horrendous for our first 4 nights but I've heard great things about the Signature Suites.
Would love to stay overnight at Death Valley but I though 4 different hotel stays within a week was a bit too much

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I am sure hubby is very confused lol. There is an hours time difference at GC. You jump forward an hour so in effect "lose" an hour going, so keep that in mind for sunset time. I would do Hoover Dam on the way back...just in case you dilly dally too long at lunch etc and miss the sunset as we did. The snow didnt hold us up as the roads were clear and great to drive on. Was just warning you it might be cold. This year was beautiful sunshine but chilly. The elk were just strolling past our car and wandering over to the car park. Was amazing. In February this year, and despite having been before and staying at the same hotel, we got lost because of the diversions with the road works. Was a bit confusing and not well signposted. At one point we were re routed through another hotel car park so we thought we had taken a wrong turn, but hadn't. Guess they have new ones now? Maybe they do all the road repairs etc in the winter months?

I think you may not like Fremont St... its very very different to the strip. Very loud and in your face...just think its worth an hour of your time to see the old vegas. I went just to say we had been, but were there for longer than you so had spare time. Maybe you should not bother if you think you will hate it.

We enjoyed Javier and Lemon Grass at Aria, for food, and its not far from Bellagio.

Have you seen this MGM deal with food and beverage credit. Dont know if its any better than your deal? Credit can be used at any MGM hotel. I have provisionally booked Park MGM for a few days but often chop and change hotels. You honestly wont be disappointed at Signature. I love it there.

mgmresorts/en/offers...92018_LV_MGMRI

We love VOF as well but dont know about you having time. I much prefer it to Red Rock. It takes so much longer to look around on the strip than you would think due to the size of hotels. At least you wont have that horrible heat to make you feel so exhausted. I love the temperature in February. Have you thought about a show, or is that not your "thing"?

[smithlane]

Originally Posted by JoS

I am sure hubby is very confused lol. There is an hours time difference at GC. You jump forward an hour so in effect "lose" an hour going so keep that in mind for sunset time. I would do Hoover Dam on the way back...just in case you dilly dally too long at lunch etc and miss the sunset as we did. The snow didnt hold us up as the roads were clear and great to drive on. Was just warning you it might be cold. This year was beautiful sunshine but chilly. The elk were just strolling past our car and wandering over to the car park. Was amazing. We went this year and despite having been before and stayed at the same hotel we got lost because of the diversions with the road works. Guess they have new ones now?
Have you seen this MGM deal with food and beverage credit. Dont know if its any better than your deal? Credit can be used at any MGM hotel. I have provisionally booked Park MGM for a few days but often chop and change hotels. You honestly wont be disappointed at Signature. I love it there.

mgmresorts/en/offers...92018_LV_MGMRI

We love VOF as well but dont know about you having time. It takes so much longer to look around on the strip than you would think due to the size of hotels. At least you wont have that horrible heat to make you feel so exhausted. I love the temperature in February.

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Oh gosh I'm so glad you've posted about the time difference, I wouldn't have had a clue!
That's good the snow didn't hold you up, lets hope the roads are clear for us too. Chilly I can deal with, I'll just be prepared and layer up!
From the GC website it says there will be diversions until some time next year so hopefully wont get lost
Ooh no I haven't seen that deal, I'll go and take a look as it may work out better value for us. Park MGM is another one I was looking at. I have until the 17th Jan to make my mind up as that's when the balance of the Signature Suites needs paying so I have a little time. Still hoping the prices come down a bit, I didn't quite realise Presidents Day weekend would be quite so popular!
It will be odd but very welcome being in the USA when the temperature isn't in the 90's! I've only ever been in the summer before

[Glee Fan]

The first time we went was in February and we saw all kinds of weather! Snow at the Grand Canyon and then one day when my dh went to play golf, I actually sat by the pool at the Bellagio, it wasn't boiling but very lovely to sit and relax! It looks like you have most things covered, but I was going to suggest Fremont Street, but I see someone else has already. It's an experience!

I'm also not sure if you will want brunch at Red Rock and dinner at the Cheesecake Factory all in one day? You need room for cheesecake! I've only done brunch at The Wicked Spoon as we stayed there and not dinner, but it is amazing and Holsteins is yum for burgers too, although we haven't visited since 2012 so some time ago now. I think there may be some pics in my trip report if you want to search.

I also recommend the Chandelier Bar for cocktails in the Cosmopolitan!

Have a fab trip, we went for both of our 40th's

[JoS]

Originally Posted by smithlane

Oh gosh I'm so glad you've posted about the time difference, I wouldn't have had a clue!
That's good the snow didn't hold you up, lets hope the roads are clear for us too. Chilly I can deal with, I'll just be prepared and layer up!
From the GC website it says there will be diversions until some time next year so hopefully wont get lost
Ooh no I haven't seen that deal, I'll go and take a look as it may work out better value for us. Park MGM is another one I was looking at. I have until the 17th Jan to make my mind up as that's when the balance of the Signature Suites needs paying so I have a little time. Still hoping the prices come down a bit, I didn't quite realise Presidents Day weekend would be quite so popular!
It will be odd but very welcome being in the USA when the temperature isn't in the 90's! I've only ever been in the summer before

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Roads were fine and only snow in places:

I stayed at Park MGM when it was Monte Carlo so will be our first time as the new Park. I like the area right by the Park. We only paid about $40 pn plus food and beverage credit so willing to give it a try. Draw backs seem to be lack of storage space in room...no actual drawers, but otherwise room is new and we have booked the stay well room with a memory foam bed etc. I have several options for the other part of our stay and still keeping a look out for better deals. We are there for super bowl, so that whacks the price up that weekend for us.
Signature suites are slightly off strip...only about 6/7 minute walk along Harmon...you dont even have to go through MGM Grand. The rooms are lovely. I would stay there again and if I can get a good deal will stay there in February. Easy access to Miracle Mile. We like Ocean One bar and grille in there. They have Earl of Sandwich and a few decent eating places. So excited for you