Las Vegas 14 nights & 1 in LA - July 2008!

[Diamonddog2801]

Okay, not done this before so please bear with me...

Our holiday was from Wednesday 16th July 2008 until Wednesday 30th July (checked out on 31st).

Flew from London Heathrow (Terminal 5 which, despite all its initial problems, was superb) to San Francisco with BA - we had a six and a half hour layover in SF. We missed an earlier connection by TWO minutes, which would have got us to Vegas nearly five hours earlier. Not a good start. I know there are rules & regs, but I also know the earlier flight actually took off 15 minutes late! We could easily have made it, but US Airways insisted it couldn't help. Damn. Arrived in Vegas at 10.15 pm. Once we got through customs & immigration pretty quickly, we got a taxi to the MGM Grand. Arrived at just gone 11 - by then, we'd been travelling 25 hours! And we were TIRED.

MGM GRAND :
I'd secured a decent rate via Hotwire - $109 per night for the four of us (2 adults, kids aged 12 & 9) for five nights, including a weekend. We were originally booked into a West Wing room - I said that I thought it was a Grand Tower room, the woman at the checkout was fine and put us in a 26th floor room, view of Hooters casino!( ) For a standard room, it was pretty big, I must say, and nicely decorated. It was close to the elevator, which wasn't far from the lobby (massive lobby, by the way). Despite our fears about the size of the place, we found it really easy to negotiate around - remember where the lobby was, and everything in relation to that, you can't really go wrong. Impressions of the MGM - the staff were unfailingly pleasant, helpful & courteous. Unusually so for Vegas, so absolutely top marks to the hotel for that. We only ate at the buffet once - it was fine, but probably slightly over priced in relation to other Strip buffets. Not bad, but not great either. I also ate at Wolfgang Puck's - had a burger for $17, but -my oh my- it was to die for! Worth every cent. The shopping was good, but typical of so many hotels now. Again, fine, but nothing special. What is special is the pool area - absolutely magical. Four pools plus the lazy river - the kids could have stayed there all week, and we enjoyed it too. It never got mega busy before 1 or 2 o'clock, and one of the pools opened at 7 every morning (a real bonus, my wife loves the early morning sun). The lazy river opens at 9 - walk around to the far end (by Wet Republic) and there's masses of room there. The raft rentals are (seriously) steep at $16 - if you wait around, chances are someone will offer you one for free. Overall, if you've got kids, The MGM is a top choice. But I would also stay there again with adults only - being connected to the monorail, you don't need a car either, so there's another advantage. The valet can be VERY slow - probably worth an extra tip when it's busy, to get the car quicker. All in all, much better than we expected. Lastly, go and see "Ka" - it's a marvellous combination of acrobatics and imagery that will, in places, leave you gasping.

THE PALAZZO :
We had a rate of $159 per night, for two nights, via Priceline. We got to the hotel in two different pairs - I drove with our youngest, my wife got a taxi with our eldest (the convertible I'd said wouldn't be big enough, wasn't big enough ) . Unfortunately, we pulled up at the lower valet area, my wife pulled up at the upper one! For 30 + minutes, they stayed outside waiting for us, we went into the lobby to find them, back out to where we'd come in etc etc! Finally, we realised there was ANOTHER valet area, and we met them outside. To say we were relieved is an understatement! The things that go through your mind in that kind of situation doesn't bear thinking about! The staff were great, but I wasn't prepared to pay an extra $45 per night (+tax) to be upgraded to another room. so, we ended up on the tenth floor, with a view of the cooling plant, and a small image of The Mirage (in between the Palazzo & Venetian towers). Still, for the price, we weren't complaining! The rooms are superb - a 42" & 32" inch Tv in the bedroom and living areas, with another 17" one in the bathroom mirror! They're beautifully decorated and furnished (although the lack of a fridge in a suite is a particular Vegas quirk that never fails to raise an ironic smile from me!). There is a bed area, a bath area (lovely spa bath), and then a sunken living area! A word of warning though - the sofabed isn't very big, so our eldest daughter had to sleep on the sofa itself. She said it was more comfortable than the bed her sister was on though, so it shouldn't be too much of a problem! Security for the rooms is good - two attendants on each elevator, and you must show a room key to get through. Another warning - don't touch the items in the minibar! As soon as any item is lifted from its place, you are charged for it! Right - it's a really easy place to get around and is very pretty to look at too. The Palazzo is inter-connected with The Venetian - they have separate lobbies etc, but you can walk freely between the two. The pool area is accessed via the third floor - again, you'll need your room key to get in. The pool deck is absolutely wonderful - it has seven differing size pools (I think?), and then the very large Venetian pool (which you just walk to - there's no differentiation between the two). Because the sun shines on different pool areas throughout the day, you may find yourself moving from one area to area reasonably frequently (to avoid/catch up with the sun!), but it's a top notch pool deck, and one of the hotels top attractions. Didn't eat at the hotel, so I can't comment on the food. If you can get a decent rate (and $160 IS a decent rate) it's worth considering this hotel. Ideal location (opposite Treasure Island and within easy walking distance of Wynn, Fashion Show Mall, The Venetian, Mirage etc) and it's a lovey breath of fresh air. I'd go back in a flash!

CAESARS PALACE :
We booked a room via their "Taste Of Caesars" package - two nights cost us less than $100 per night, and you get a $25 food credit included! Sounds great? Well, let me explain... I tried the $20 trick here - got upgraded top an 8th floor Palace Tower room (near the pool area), rather than a Forum Tower room. It made it easier to get to the pool. However... the room itself was fine, but small. I can't quite see how it's a 4.5 * hotel with mid range rooms that are as cramped as this. Nothing wrong with it particularly, but the MGM room was MUCH bigger. Again, watch that minibar - it will cost you if you so much a touch a bottle! There was a spa bath, which was nice. We were all underwhelmed by the room, I have to say. The pool area is fantastic though - but I can't recall needing a room key. The main circular pool is COLD though, especially first thing. Another annoying thing is the black, metal sun loungers - once the sun gets on them, be very wary about letting bare flesh come into direct contact with the metal! You'll be left with third degree burns! We used the $25 food credit at the buffet - jesus, what decade did THAT come from. Terribly slow service, incredibly limited food choice, and more expensive than many other, much more worthy, buffets. AVOID AT ALL COSTS! My last comment - Caesars has grown into such a behemoth, it's virtually impossible to know where you are and where you need to go, unless you plan on staying there for weeks to familiarise yourself with an unelievably cluttered layout and simply appalling signage! All in all, not a hotel I'd return to in hurry, even for less than $100 a night! The Forum Shops are fabulous though, I must concede!

We drove to LA, stayed in Pasadena (at the Holiday Inn Express)overnight, so we could get to watch the Dodgers play and sit and stuff our faces in the All You Can Eat pavillion, and returned the next day! And the Dodgers won too!

Came back to Vegas on the Saturday, and checked into The Flamingo for the last give nights.

THE FLAMINGO:
We got a room on the 15th floor, overlooking the pool area. Whilst not great in any way, it was functional, but is probably in need of a refurb. We did have a fabulous rate ($65 a night, including a Saturday night) through Hotwire, so I certainly wasn't complaining. The staff were helpful and allowed us to check out slightly later, without charging us. I like The Flamingo, and its location is unbeatable. It's fairly easy to navigate around, so there's not much wrong with it really. The buffet is fine, but there are much better options very close (Harrahs, for instance) that are competitively priced in comparison. The one big bonus to The Flamingo is the beautiful wlidlife habitat that you walk through on the way to the pool area, which is great too. A slide and waterfalls and a large pool area, a real hidden treasure. Unfortunately, it is also incredibly busy from very early morning, so (if you want a lounger etc) get there for 9, when the doors open! People coming down at 11 were struggling to get anywhere to sit etc, and this was every day, without fail. A good economy choice (the pool area makes it good for kids) in a superb location, but it's not the swankiest place in town - nor should one expect it to be at the rates you can get there!

Other things to note - the best buffet was the Carnival World Buffet at The Rio. Fantastic selection, and pleasant surroundings. The only oddity is they won't accept travellers cheques, which is pretty bizarre in this day and age? The Monte Carlo is also really good - especially the lunch buffet, which costs $5 less per person yet has a very similar selection to the dinner buffet. We also tried the T-bone buffet at Main Street Station (downtown, on Tuesday night), but this appeared to have gone downhill from last year.

Lastly - the one thing I am beginning to find unbearable in Vegas is the piped muzak, that appears just about everywhere now. In most casinos, you now have different areas competing with eachothers piped muzak ) . Give it a break guys - you may have the attention span of a newt, but I can function perfectly well without music that would shame a supermarket, being pumped at me 24/7! :angry:

Hope this isn't too wordy?!

[Guest]

Really enjoyed reading your trippie, we were in Las Vegas for New Years 2006 stayed at Circus Circus and although we would love to back to Vegas would not stay there again... But having read your report it has given us a view of other hotels... thanks

[2waterford]

great report.

Spent a few days in Vegas 2 years ago just with DH. Plan on going back in a few years with our two youngest DSs when they are roughly same age as your daughters. How did the teens manage at night. What did ye all do.

How did you find the heat in July.

[Diamonddog2801]

Originally Posted by 2waterford

great report.

Spent a few days in Vegas 2 years ago just with DH. Plan on going back in a few years with our two youngest DSs when they are roughly same age as your daughters. How did the teens manage at night. What did ye all do.

How did you find the heat in July.

See more...

Thank you.


To be honest, the girls just love the glitz and glamour of Vegas at night - it gives them an opportunity to dress up a bit (but not too much... ) and strolling up & down The Strip can be great fun in itself. The casinos are so (frankly) ridiculous and big, just wandering in and out of them -and taking in the sheer scope of the places- can take two weeks (to see them all).

July is incredibly hot - no way to deny that (average daytime temp is well in the 100s, lows at night can easily be in the high 80s!). But it is a desert heat, so you don't sweat as much. It's not as unpleasant, but you've really got to slap the sunblocker on. In that heat, 15 minutes outside, unprotected, will see your skin going pink/red. Seriously. Of course, inside is always air conditioned, it's only outside where you have to be careful. But, introduce yourself slowly to it (and don't go out in it between 2 & 4 in the afternoon) and you'll be fine.

I forgot to mention the best free show in Vegas - the Bellagio fountains at night. Spectacular doesn't do it justice!

[sue.o]

Thank you for sharing. We stayed in the Luxor for 2 nights on our trip in May and while we enjoyed it, when we go back we want to try some other hotels and your report has given me some ideas!

[Jools]

Thanks for the report. I had fancied staying at Caesars next tie we go to Vegas, but your report has made me think otherwise. The other places sound good though and you got some excellent room rates.

Totally agree about the Bellagio fountains. They are just out of this world.

[Guest]

Really enjoyed reading your report. Thanks for taking the time to share them with us.

[Diamonddog2801]

Originally Posted by Jools

Thanks for the report. I had fancied staying at Caesars next tie we go to Vegas, but your report has made me think otherwise. The other places sound good though and you got some excellent room rates.

Totally agree about the Bellagio fountains. They are just out of this world.

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Considering it can be more expensive to stay there (in a standard room) as, let's say, The Venetian, the Palazzo or The Bellagio - there's no competition. Not even in the same class - seriously, The Palazzo knocks it out of the ballpark.

Try using the individual websites - you can get some fabulous deals. And Fatwallet :
fatwallet/forums/trav...25/?start=1740
gives you some real top deals.
And Vegas Hotels Specials:
vegashotelspecial/
is superb too.

[Diamonddog2801]

Originally Posted by Minniespal

Really enjoyed reading your report. Thanks for taking the time to share them with us.

See more...

Thank you. When I was first going to Florida with the girls, this site was absolutely invaluable in helping us to sort the wheat from the chaff. If I can help readers trying to pick through the minefield that can be Las Vegas, it's the least I can do.

[disneyvisit]

Thanks for sharing, ive written down a few things for our visit.