Car Hire For First Timers

Hi there people,

We are going to Las Vegas for the first time in December, 16th till the 23rd.

We want to get out and about, been thinking about hiring a car, so we could see the Canyon etc, would you advise this or not, don%26#39;t mind driving etc and what sort of price sare we looking at and types of insurance shoukld we take etc.

Thanks for your help

tony

Car Hire For First Timers

Try Airline Network, they offer Dollar cars at hotel pick ups, very convenient we thought. I checked all the agencies and it was the best deal. You can upgrade your insurance for a few more pounds £14 I think to the gold package which covers everything even taking it back with an empty tank. Driving to the Canyon takes 5 hours each way, coming home will be night driving, hubby didnt mind but I hated it.

Have fun Tony we all know you will.

Car Hire For First Timers

Hello !

My wife and I are traveling to Vegas Dec 15 to 23. We rented a car through carrentals.com. They got us a Full size car for $191.00 U.S. including taxes. We have a room at the Monte Carlo for the week but are going to do an overnight trip to the Grand Canyon. We got our room at the Quality Inn %26amp; Suites Grand Canyon for $80.99 U.S.. Be careful on your cancellation restrictions, some places will not allow you to cancel.

Hope this helps, see ya there!!

Randy %26amp; Connie

One more note:

Our insurance Company gave us a letter showing our Car insurance at home covers rental cars with no deductible. You may want to check your home insurance co.

Randy

Randy I don%26#39;t think UK companies do that, we have hired many cars in the US but have always paid to the rental company for insurance.

BTW we stayed at the MC in September, had a brill time. Ask for a high floor room (they have room safes) and south side (less construction noise). Enjoy Jane

Hi

We always hire a car when we are in the states, we have always booked through ebookers in the past, but I have been checking cars for our next trip and as the other post says airline network is very good on prices, these prices cover you for all the insurances you need aswell.

As for driving to the Grand Canyon we personally would not do it as a day trip but it can be done, it may be nearer to go to the West Rim at Dolan Springs but never done that trip. You may be better to book a room at Flagstaff for one night and break your journey to the canyon if you go to the south rim and while you are there you could visit Lovels observatory ( I think thats what its called ), not that exciting but worth a look while you are in the area.

Clive

sundance or maverick helicopters? any info.

Hello-

I will be going on a helicopter tour in December and am not sure which company to use.

I am going on a tour, over lake mead and hoover dam and stopping for a picnic at the bottom of the canyon, we will be coming back at sunset.

I would like to know if maverick have a limo service?

There will be 4 of us going and i know maverick have seven seater helicopters, so will we have other people coming on the same helicopter as us? which was the best overall experiance?

thanks for any info.

sundance or maverick helicopters? any info.

I haven%26#39;t used either of the companies that you mentioned, but I did look into pretty much every helicopter company that does that sort of trip and found that Pappillion (sp?) had the best prices with the best reputation on this forum. We did end up going iwth Papillion and we loved it. It was basically what you said, a flight over the dam to the canyon, landing in the canyon, lunch , champagne, pictures, look around and fly out. It was fantasic. If you haven%26#39;t looked into it, I recommend that company highly.

sundance or maverick helicopters? any info.

How much time was spent in the canyon for lunch and looking around before flying out? Do you mind telling me the cost per person and the total length of time the trip was... was there was lot of waiting at each hotel for others who would be flying.

mor

paint nails black

Mystere not SELLING OUT anymore???

';Half price show tickets for Mystere are regularly available at the Tix42nite';

I saw Mystere in April and it was COMPLETELY SOLD OUT for all nights we were in town! We tried getting tickets at it%26#39;s official box office and were turned away. The only way we got to see it was by doing a short time share tour on the new Marriot property.

Has Mystere attendence really gone down that much this year?

It is an INCREDIBLE SHOW!!!

Mystere not SELLING OUT anymore???

April is busier than November, I%26#39;m sure that has something to do with it.

Mystere not SELLING OUT anymore???

I’ve also noticed that they have increased the prices by $6. I bought tickets back in September for $60 for Christmas Eve. Now I am wondering if I should cancel those %26amp; take a chance buying the tickets the day of at a discount ticket booth.

In early May we saw Mystere tickets available at the half price booths. Although they were discounted (20%?), not half off.

It%26#39;s just LUCK then if you find them for cheaper than face value. We went at a non busy time in April (Easter weekend) We got a GREAT deal on the Venetian that trip, so it must have been off peak.

I%26#39;m sure it%26#39;s a good show, but for God%26#39;s sake how long has it been running now, 7-8 years? And there are another 4-5 Cirque shows competing with it, including the brand new ';Love'; show that%26#39;s packing them in every night.

Seems like in the normal cycle of shows that Mystere (or any other show) would eventually stop drawing like it used to.

Answering my own rhetorical question...Mystere has been around since 1993 (!!)

We tried to buy tickets this past Sunday (11/5) and they were sold out by 4 o%26#39;clock. That was not a particularly busy night, but it did follow a very busy weekend.

We put it on our list of things to do next time.

Ka doesn%26#39;t sell out. I saw it last Friday and it was only 75% full.

Personally I think that Cirque has become worn and tired. Cirque has become like the old showgirl reviews. Every other casino has a Cirque show. It%26#39;s time for something new.

The shows are good but once you%26#39;ve seen one Cirque show the next is a bit repetitive.

I%26#39;m going to be arriving this next Sunday (11/19) at 3:00, and was hoping to get some cheaper tickets at tix4tonight but do you think that it will be too late in the afternoon to get these tickets from that location? Should I shop around online looking for a deal and buy ahead instead? Any insight is apprecaited.

Saw Mystere in Sept, Sunday afternoon show and the theatre was at most half full.

Didn%26#39;t take away from the show though, still excellent.

mpo

Bar help!!

Can anyone tell me the name of the bar which has bucking bronco %26amp; saw dust on the floor. We are going to Vegas next week %26amp; have been told this is a goodf place to go for a few beers!!

Thanks for your help.

Bar help!!

Sorry I forgot to mention I think its near Ballys.

Bar help!!

gilley%26#39;s in the new frontier? not near bally%26#39;s, fun place

Nice one cheers bridgefan

Printing airline boarding passes at LV?

Coming to Vegas next week......there is something for everyone to do if they will just look beyond the Strip (if that isn%26#39;t their bag.)

Going to be staying at Sams Town for first time .....any tips?

Can you print your airline boardiing passes there or do you know anywhere in LV that you can print them for your return trip home without going to the airport?

thanks.........

Printing airline boarding passes at LV?

Just had that issue staying at Boulder Station. I ended up using their business center. Paid $5 to print two boarding passes. Suggest that you ask nice as the front desk or concierge and they may do it for you. (Tip them of course.) Boulder Station also recommended a Kinkos or the Library a few minutes away. (Ask for directions at Sam%26#39;s Town). There are some internet cafes on the strip. I also saw some machines in a couple of casinos (sorry I don%26#39;t remember which) where you could get internet access and print your passes. If you are going Southwest, it is all important, isn%26#39;t it?

Printing airline boarding passes at LV?

Thanks for the info. Never thought of Kinkos since we don%26#39;t have one in the town I live in. Yes, we are flying Southwest so I%26#39;d gladly pay the $5.00 to have them printed ahead of time rather than be with the last boarding group!

you don%26#39;t have to print your boarding pass ahead of time - just check-in online, with SW, then you can print at a kiosk at the airport, now checking also needs a computer and if you don;lt have one just ask the concierge or front desk or biz center. most will check you in complimentary.

I travel often and if my hotel doesnt have free an airline check in computer (many do, especially business hotels) I ask the front desk. I have never been turned down.

If your hotel won%26#39;t print it for you and you have a car- you can always go to the nearest public library. They will issue you a temporary card that will enable you to use their computers for free. There is a fee for printing but last time I went it was under a dollar-much cheaper than Kinkos.

I was at Sam%26#39;s Town in Sept. and remember seeing 2 internet kiosks upstairs in the interior bridge area that connects the casino to the parking garage. I don%26#39;t know if they have printing capacity, however. Sam%26#39;s Town is a great place to stay, make sure you get the slot card so you can get a buck off the dinner buffets. They have 100 percent payout video poker machines, the machines are marked as such.

The posters are corrcet that you don%26#39;t need to PRINT your Southwest pass to be in group A , you only need to check in online 24 hrs ahead and then you are always going to be in Group A and can print your pass at the Airport anytime( which happens very quickly as there are many kiosks for that).

You might go to one of those little Internet Cafes along the Strip that advertises cheap Internet access- frequently they have a computer you can use cheaply, but no printer, which you don%26#39;t need.

I actually got a little ballsy on one trip and asked a guy sitting near me in a coffee shop working on his laptop if he would check me in- and being an Internet wonk, he was happy to do so- and then I printed my boarding pass at the Airport. ( flirting helps of course).

Shame on your hotel for not assisting you. We have always gotten our boarding passes printed free at the Golden Nugget- as a matter of fact they have 2 laptops in the lobby set up for that- I will mention that I was only asked on one trip if I was a guest there- the next time I went right up and used it and no one checked- (even though I was registered if questioned). So, if you%26#39;re staying Downtown, you might confidently walk up to the business center in South Tower and help yourself- the passes print out at the desk, but they just handed them to me without question.

If you are flying SWA, and you say you are, it doesn%26#39;t matter if YOUR hotel has means for you to check in, if you are not at YOUR hotel at that critical 24 hr. mark. That is what I had to deal with on my last trip. I was staying at Caesars and had a meet and greet planned at the Monte Carlo at the time I wanted to check in. I simply went to the business office there in the MC and was helped by a very nice lady. They have a couple of pc%26#39;s set up that actually have the icon for SWA on the desktop. You click onto it and go directly to the page to check in and print your passes. If you print the passes, I believe, it is $1.00 a page. They don%26#39;t charge a usage fee. I%26#39;m sure other hotels offer the same service, but the business offices do have hours of operation that may not accommodate your needs. The MC%26#39;s office was going to close at 7:00 and I printed my passes at 6:10.

Please tell me about the strip

I%26#39;ll be a 1ist timer in Jan 07-- Would you take a minute and discribe the Strip%26#39;s ambience?. Tell me about what%26#39;s going on besides the casinos etc-- I%26#39;m trying to get a picture in my head. I spend time every day on the forum, and love reading everyone%26#39;s info-- Can;t wait to experience Vagas and don%26#39;t want to miss a thing.

Thanks

Please tell me about the strip

The best way to get a ';feel'; for what Vegas and the Strip are about is to be there. I doubt even the best writer could describe in words the ';ambience'; of it, especially a firsttimer.

You will be pleasantly surprised.

Please tell me about the strip

Think of the most amazing thing you have ever seen and then times it by a bazillion.....................the most fab place you will ever see.......it becomes quite bizarre after the first visit tho,as you wander around quite oblivious to the fact that you have just passed the Eiffel Tower and a replica New York skyline just up from a pyramid and down the road from an erupting volcano.......

Vegas is in a league of it%26#39;s own,with a great atmosphere which is not at all intimidating and feels very safe to walk,even as a woman I feel much safer alone in Vegas than I do walking around the streets in my home town after dark...

Be warned tho...once you have visited you had better start looking for a house to live in there...you will not want to leave......enjoy

First of all... if you go to Vegas.com and other places like that or do a search for Las Vegas Strip virtual tours, you will see some cool views of it. That helps and it adds to the excitement. The best way to see Vegas for the first time is by night. I arrived my first time in the early part of the day, and not that it wasn%26#39;t still cool, it was way neater by night.

The strip to me: It is a big hub of energy. From your starting point, your hotel, which has its own level of fun and thrills, you enter out onto the strip. Look across the street, to your right, or to your left, and you will see- lights, and a lot of people smiling and making their way around, or stopping to pause to see or snap pictures of volcanos erupting, a fountain dancing to music, a limo driving by, etc. and hearing thrills (perhaps a rollercoaster nearby in the newyork skyline or up top the stratosphere tower) or the ooing and ahhing of the shows on the street. You might notice the smells of some delicious restaurant nearby to tempt your appetite, and if you are lucky, you will immediately be tasting some fabulous drink concoction which you can carry as you make your way to the first of the many sights you plan to see.

The first time someone told me about their trip to Vegas, on the one hand, I understood that it was a major vacation destination, so it had to be pretty good for so many people to want to go, but I also didn%26#39;t understand certain aspects of the appeal till I go there. My sister told me about going in and out of all of these hotels, and I thought, ';what is fun about going in and out of hotel lobbys?'; But, once you get there, you will be surprised how MUCH fun it can be to do just that. Just wait.. you will love it!

Thanks guys-- I%26#39;m soo excited I can%26#39;t stand it-- And i%26#39;m holding it a surpise from my hubby until x-mas-- we will be celebrating our 20th in Jan 07%26#39;

Oh and be sure to go up the Stratosphere Tower we missed it on our first time but made on our trip just gone(got back mid october)

One of the highlights of our trip with the best views you will ever see...

Try this on for size

destination360.com/north-america/…

Here is another one,and if you google Vegas webcams you get more

http://www.lasvegaswebcams.com/

Thank you

Firstimer123 Wow those links are wonderful ~ I just had a quick 1/2 hour trip to VEGAS. That is so cool looking at the different hotels in the lobby%26#39;s, casino%26#39;s I can just imagine myself there. Everyone is so helpful thanks.

What goes around comes around

People on this site have been extremely helpful to me and I am just passing on info others have kindly given me.

Show tickets-before trip or when we get to LV?

We want to see Jubillee and maybe a Cirque show? Should we wait to see what is available at one of the ticket booths (tickets 4 tonite, etc,) or order early? Will be there 1st week January for 4 nights. Was going to see Blue Man, but they are coming to our town in Feb, so decided to save that show for then, I know it is not the same show, but wanted to see it at home.

Buy now or then?

Show tickets-before trip or when we get to LV?

For Jubilee you can wait. The Cirque shows often sell out so I wouldn%26#39;t wait for those.

Show tickets-before trip or when we get to LV?

';Personally I think that Cirque has become worn and tired. Cirque has become like the old showgirl reviews. Every other casino has a Cirque show. It%26#39;s time for something new';

I am quoting you on this from another post about Mystere. I agree with you, but my husband wants to see another Cirque show when we go in Jan. We saw Mystere a year ago Oct., a show @ home town in Feb. , a concert/ show @ home town last month and for his birthday last week I bought him the entire Solstrom show DVD set. Maybe we will get burned out and not go. But he does want to see Ka. What did you think about it?

I am quoting RBcal.

I thought Ka was very very good... and you should book that in advance. You won%26#39;t find any discount tickets for it, so book directly with MGM beforehand. I did luck out and got a ticket for the same night I was in town and checked on a whim. But, don%26#39;t leave it to chance if you know you want to see it.

Definitely buy the Cique tickets now. I have seen Mystere twice, O, Love and this last week I saw KA (friend%26#39;s choice not mine). Since you already saw Mystere- I would go with Love or O. Love is not a typical Cirque show- the emphasis is on the music- but I still liked i t a lot. I was not impressed with KA at all- in fact I was bored and a person with me actually fell asleep (he also has seen Mystere and O and liked them both).

My adult son and I both loved KA. I thought that it was excellent.One battle scene drags on a little too long, but i really enjoyed the show.I have also seen Mystere and enjoyed that as well.I am going to ';O'; and Love in December.Buy tickets in advance.

Yes, the Cirque shows are a bit tired. However, I%26#39;ve seen all of them by now as well as several travelling shows.

If I were to rate them:

1(tie) Mystere and O

2 LOVE

3 Ka

4 Zumanity

Ka is okay but I found the ';story'; to be pretty lame about good and evil.

ittwit

Booking tickets Rio

Hi, This will be our first trip to Vegas and we are trying to book tickets to see Penn and Teller at the Rio. I have attempted loads and loads of times to book via the internet however when I get to the end it keeps coming up with an Error. Because of this I decided to email them to ask about tickets this also came up with an Error.

Finally I decided to call them direct. Called the first time left on hold for ages still didn%26#39;t get to speak to anyone. Second time left on hold again for ages. Third time left on hold again.

So I still haven%26#39;t spoke to anyone. I know you all say call to speak to someone which I have tried to do. Are there any more recomendations that you could give me to try and contact them? Don%26#39;t forget I come from England and it is quite expensive to just be left hanging on the phone especialy when you have to spend 2 -3 minutes just pressing buttons to send you to the right box office.

Thanks for any help

J

Booking tickets Rio

Hello Jemma.I think you have just been a bit unlucky with your timing.Prince has just started performing there from this weekend ,and i think this is causing a lot more calls to the box office being made.Last night i was put on hold for about 10 mins but eventually got through and got my tickets for the Purple one.There is a chance that you can buy tickets via the website Vegas.com.If that fails i suppose you just have to keep trying.Good luck

Booking tickets Rio

Thanks for your reply.

Did you get tickets for Prince?

Have they told you how long he will be on for any information about the night?

All so is there anywhere we can look to see who will be playing on the Wednesday nights?

Sorry bout all these questions but we are going 9 days time and trying to sort out some night stuff.

Jemma, i did manage to get tickets .Ive been a fan for years so you can imagine my delight when last week i heard about him performing at the Rio.We booked our trip to Vegas 7 months ago so it was one heck of a bonus that we can see him.Ive got no idea who will be playing at the 3121 club on a wednesday.I know Prince is meant to be there to introduce them%26gt;Im waiting to read a review of the show he performed last night as i am interested to see the playlist.I know that tickets are also available on the Ticketmaster Usa site at the moment..I also had a quick look on Vegas.com and they are selling tickets for Penn%26amp;teller online.I hope this helps.

jemma20 - could you just wait until you got to Vegas to purchase the tickets. I just went online to www.harrahs.com, and there appears to be tickets available most days. That way you don%26#39;t have to spend time %26amp; money on the phone. I don%26#39;t think that Penn %26amp; Teller are sold out. Especially if you%26#39;re staying at the RIO, I%26#39;m thinking that you could purchase the tickets upon arrival there.

Good Luck

Vegas.com

This will give a list of all shows for the next year.

Hi Jemma,

I was at the Rio this past week, and saw Penn and Teller on Saturday Night. We got the tickets about an hour before and the show was not sold out. There were loads of the $60 tickets available.

If you do not want to take the chance then these are the two numbers that I have for the Rio box office:

1-702-777-7776

or 1-800-752-9746( play rio)

Hope that you enjoy the show.

J

mor

Invited Guest Status Worth Applying for Credit Card?

Should I apply for the MGM credit card just to get the invited guest check in privileges where we can check in early or check out late if desired? So far, this is the only perks I see. Orcan it be used to get past buffet lines, etc.? (There is no annual fee for the card)

I guess I am just envious when I see people post about being an ';invited guest';.

Invited Guest Status Worth Applying for Credit Card?

I%26#39;d expect more than that from a credit card.

Invited Guest Status Worth Applying for Credit Card?

you%26#39;re asking a financial question - no one here should be giving you that type of advice - particularly since the inaccurate tax info that is posted here is an indicator of the lack of knowledge.

make any financial decisions based on your situation. if you want to know about the perks that are included call the card issuer and ask specifically. read all the fine print and make an infomred decision based on your requirements.

NY NY offer

Hi everyone, just received this offer via emai. PROMO code INT203

Chill Out in Style

This online package includes:

• Park Avenue Upgrade

• 2 FREE Drinks

• 2 for 1 Il Fornaio Breakfast

• 2 for 1 Nine Fine Irishmen Lunch

• Admission for 2 to the Spa

• 2 Roller Coaster passes

*Upgrade to a Spa Deluxe Room for only $40

Promotion Runs

November 16, 2006 - January 28, 2007

Offer Expires

December 1, 2006

View Available Dates

Hope this helps somenone... I am looking for deals in February...

NY NY offer

Oh it starts at $64 per night...

NY NY offer

sounds like a good deal but anyone stay here? is it child friendly?

I%26#39;ve stayed there and am again in Feb and no, it%26#39;s not really child-friendly. There is a small arcade/midway upstairs but your 20 month old is probably too young for that. There%26#39;s quite a few bars and restaurants. But nothing for kids. I do think the Orleans is probably your best bet, or Excalibur--have you considered that? it%26#39;s right next door to NY NY.

Hi, I tried the NY NY code you posted, but it did not work for me, do you know if it might have changed, I am looking for a deal in December , Thanks

Smartchic try this link nearly all codes are posted here

http://www.fatwallet.com/t/63/658200/

Smartchic-I was able to log in from the email they sent me. Iam not sure why it is not working.

But if you go directly on NYNY they have specials for december now--just use the link and then click ';online specials';

nynyhotelcasino.com/pages/index_noflash.asp

Smartchic --looks like they changed the promo code: INT204

use this link:

https:/…

South Coast Casino

Has anyone stayed here and if so was it any good??

Is it about the same standard as Orleans or a little better/worse??

When was it built - i was told last year but not sure when exactly!?

Thanks all

South Coast Casino

Opened about 20 months ago. Havn%26#39;t visited but supposedly very nice. A LONG distance from the Strip. Rumored to be struggling in terms of low reservations and already looking at %26#39;reinventing%26#39; its image.

South Coast Casino

blagger - seems like a %26#39;good value%26#39; hotel then, would you agree?

Thats of course if you dont mind driving to strip, etc and have a car!

You can get good deals at South Point (as they%26#39;re now going as) and there is a shuttle to and from the Strip. It all depends if you%26#39;re happy staying that far out, well away from the atmosphere of the Strip. That%26#39;s fine for some, not so great for others.

Nick, I%26#39;ve been there twice this year, and because they%26#39;ve now become South Point, they%26#39;ve sent me comps twice for free rooms. They have a shuttle to take you to Barbary Coast (Just recently added to the website: SouthPointCasino.com

I did a review from my stay in August, check it out.

I have a friend in Vegas, and in his opinion, local casinos pay better than the strip casinos. Don%26#39;t really know if that%26#39;s true or even possible, but I know I%26#39;ve had better luck there.

South Point opened last December. (early from it%26#39;s scheduled January opening)

I love the South Point Casino! =)

I%26#39;m planning to stay there next trip from all I heard about it. Did gamble there twice and I always rent a car so it isn%26#39;t a problem for me.

Nick, I satyed there twice, its almost 2 years old casino, so the rooms are even better than Orleans.

Coast sold that casino last month, and now it is called South Point.

I had great luck in that casino, so I would highly recommend it both for stay and to play.

It is only 5 miles away from MGM, and if you drive it aint that bad.

I stayed at the South Coast last August....nice deluxe king room...had no luck at the casino...played mostly nickel and quarters machines...Nice buffet for breakfast...got 2 for 1 when check in...Got to rent a car because of the distance...but nice hotel ...might go back for xmas since they send me 2 free nights...Was more lucky at the bingo hall.

Not much reason to stay here rather than the Orleans, it is practically a cookie-cutter copy but a few miles away. I actually prefer the Gold Coast because you can walk to the Rio and Palms hotels next door.

Hard to say what will become of the place now that it is not affiliated with Coast Hotels so it depends on when your travels are. right now it is status quo but food quality etc could go either way eventually.

to bad we cant bet , dec 22,2005 open date,

i would take it over orleans ,

I stayed there in May. It was nice, clean, and served it%26#39;s purpose. But it is a LONG way to the strip. They do have a free shuttle but it fills up fast and several times I had to wait for the next one. So if you stay there get to the shuttle early.

Rodeo Question

Are the balcony seats too high? Thanx

Rodeo Question

I have been to probably 200 events in the Thomas %26amp; Mack. Mostly basketball. Depending on where you sit in the balcony, no the seats arent too high. However there is a huge difference between the 1st row in the uper level and the last row. Also if your seats are on the ends or in the middle. I usually sit in the lower level and do prefer the lower level. I have been to a couple NFR%26#39;s and sat low. For Rebel Basketball I have sat up stairs maybe 5 times and it was fine to watch BB.

Rodeo Question

Thanx Goodbeer..... Its hard to get lower level seat at decent price. Is section 225 row C ok for Rodeo? Tic is pretty cheap compared tp plaza level.. thanx

Assuming A is the 1st row, those will be good.

Bedding Set

Planning 30th birthday trip… any advice?

Hello,

I’m planning on taking my girlfriend to Vegas for the first time for her 30th Bday (End of January for a week).

Since this trip will be a surprise, and it’s celebrating an important occasion I’d like to splash out a bit. Therefore, I’m thinking of staying at either the Venetian or the Bellagio are there any major differences between these two? Are there other hotels which I should consider? Does it make much difference booking direct with the hotel or thru a tour operator (such expedia)?

Also, does anyone have any recommendations for excursions such as helicopter tours / horse riding etc?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Planning 30th birthday trip%26hellip; any advice?

Certainly book through the hotel as it is generaly cancellable (see the terms for each hotel) and you cann call if and when the rate lowers, which happens often in Vegas.

Bellagio is the ultimate luxury hotel and would be a fabulous birthday surprise! Venetian is a beautiful hotel with large suites standard. I would say either way you can%26#39;t go wrong, but because it%26#39;s such a special occasion I would give the edge to Bellagio for overall luxury feel and location.

You might consider an evening helicopter flight over the strip.

Also, look into having a limo pick you up at the airport - Presidential Limo is a company that gets a lot of good reviews here. Pretty reasonable too.

Planning 30th birthday trip%26hellip; any advice?

Make sure your week does not run into superbowl weekend,or the big convention in january as rates will rocket for these 2 dates

CES is 8-11 jan and superbowl is sun 4/2

The dates we%26#39;re looking at are 19th - 27th +/-

Are there any conversions during this period?

Better off going 18-26 as you only take in one fri/sat night.A lot of hotels will not let you stay a fri night only,and it will be cheaper.

Any hotels in mind?

There%26#39;s one very big convention (85,000 delegates) during your stay. Use this link to see a convention calendar for any dates:

lvcva.com/meetings/convention-calendar.jsp

The dates you mention cover two weekends. Try to avoid Friday %26amp; Saturday nights if at all possible. Hotel rates can be three times or more what they are midweek.

The Bellagio is $2200+taxes

The Venetian is $1800+ taxes

Both for 7 nights starting on 18th jan.

The Bellagio at 1800 sounds pretty good. Did you get that rate from their site?

Should I be concerned by the concrete convention?

Hey there Jon,

I would go with the Bellagio deal always a fun place to stay. We like the casino better at the Bellagio and it has great access to the rest of the strip.

From everyones experience is it worth waiting for room rates to go down closer to the date?

I%26#39;ve noticed that Expedia has a good flight/hotel deal (around $1,000 less) although I guess taking this option would be mean I%26#39;m not able to take advantage of price drops / comps.

Free Internet on the Strip?

Anyone has luck with free wireless NET on the strip? IF so, where?

Any of these close to Bally%26#39;s?? Free WI-FI HOTSPOTS VEGAS...

Las Vegas

Aces %26amp; 8%26#39;s Bar %26amp; Grill - 310 S. Decatur Blvd - 702-259-6400

Apple Store - and nearby area outside store - Fashion Show Mall - 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S. STE 1760 - (702) 650-9550

Bleu Gourmet - 8751 W. Charleston Boulevard, Suite 110 - 702-363-2538

Buffalo Wild Wings - 6640 N. Durango - 702-395-2455

Buffalo Wild Wings - 4280 S. Hualapai Way - 702-251-3911

Buffalo Wild Wings - 7345 S. Durango - 702-260-4800

Café Mitz - 4550 S. Maryland Pkwy #9

Coffee Bean %26amp; Tea Leaf (Coffee house) - 4550 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite A - (702) 944-5029

Coffee Bean %26amp; Tea Leaf - 7291 W. Lake Mead Drive - 702-944-0030

Coffee Bean %26amp; Tea Leaf - 4190 S Rainbow Blvd - (702) 871-2233

Coffee Bean %26amp; Tea Leaf - Aladdin hotel- miracle mile shopping area

CompUSA - 3535 West Sahara Ave - 702-252-0149

East Boy Japanese Restaurant - 4755 Maryland Pkwy - 702-798-1777

Elysium Internet Cafe - 7875 W. Sahara Ave. - (702) 307-4931

Euro Asian Motorworks - ask for password - 2585 S. Maryland Parkway Suite D - (702) 399-3876

Fortuna Coffee/Wine Bar - Las Vegas Hilton - 3000 Paradise Road - 702-732-5111

Hamburger Mary%26#39;s - 4503 Paradise Rd - 702 735 4400

It’s A Grind Coffee House - 8899 Eastern Ave. - 702.260.0430

It’s A Grind Coffee House - 8470 West Desert Inn Rd. - 702.360.4232

It’s A Grind Coffee House - 4190 S. Rainbow Blvd - 702.220.7946

Krispy Kreme - 7015 W. Spring Mountain Rd., 9791 S. Eastern Avenue and 301 Fremont St.

Krispy Kreme - inside Excalibur Casino,3850 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Lahaina Grill - 4570 S. Hualapai - 702-309-9911

Clark County Library System locations

Library District Headquarters - Las Vegas-Clark County Library District - 833 Las Vegas Boulevard, North - (702) 734-READ

Clark County Library - 1401 E Flamingo Rd - (702) 507-3400

Enterprise Library - 25 E Shelbourne Ave - (702) 507-3760

Las Vegas Library - 833 Las Vegas Blvd N - (702) 507-3500

Rainbow Library - 3150 N Buffalo Dr - (702) 507-3710

Sahara West Library - 9600 W Sahara Ave - (702) 507-3630

Spring Valley Library - 4280 S Jones Blvd - (702) 507-3820

Summerlin Library - 1771 Inner Cir - (702) 507-3860

Sunrise Library - 5400 Harris Ave - (702) 507-3900

West Charleston Library - 6301 W Charleston Blvd - (702) 507-3940

West Las Vegas Library - 951 W Lake Mead Blvd - (702) 507-3980

Whitney Library - 5175 E Tropicana Ave - (702) 507-4010

Main Street Station Hotel, Lobby %26amp; Players Gold room - 300 N Main St

Meadows Mall - 4300 Meadows Lane - 702-878-4849

Saks Fifth Avenue - Fashion Show Mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. - (702) 733-8300

TA Service Station %26amp; Truck Stop - intersection of Blue Diamond Hwy ( Rte 160) and Industrial Drive

Nextel Central Station - Las Vegas Convention Center Monorail Station - behind their retail store - 3300 Paradise Rd - 702-862-2626

Free Internet on the Strip?

Nothing is FREE in Vegas

Free Internet on the Strip?

The Coffee Bean is in the Aladdin (a few hotels down from Ballys) in the Desert Passage Shops. They have some comfy counches and chairs and you can usually get a signal even when they are closed because access to the mall remains open.

I agree that Aladdin is probably your best bet. We%26#39;ve used their wifi when the coffee shop was open %26amp; when it was closed %26amp; found our connection to be really quick too.

GREAT, I%26#39;ve always wanted to check out the Aladdin%26#39;s passage shops and never have!

Good luck, I just lugged my laptop up and down the strip looking for WI-FI a few weeks ago. The Apple Store at the Fashion Store Mall will be fairly close, as will the Krispy Kreme in the Excaliber. But the coffee shop in the Alladin will be your best bet. I ended up going to the business center inside the MGM and paying a fortune for a laptop port. Sounds like you did better research than me.

mor

Steak Dinners...

Here%26#39;s a few I%26#39;ve read the reviews on...I%26#39;d like your opinions..

Legends @ Tropicana

Ballys @ Ballys

Blackstones @ Monte Carlo

Delmonico @ Venetian

Palm @ Caesars

Phils Steakhouse @ New Frontier

Samba Brazilian Steakhouse @ Mirage

Steak Dinners...

Palm and Delmonico are the two best of those you%26#39;ve listed if that%26#39;s what you want to know. However, ask 10 different people and you will also get 10 different answers!

hotel for twin's 21 birthdays in May

Wanting to surprise our twins that will be turning 21 in May. Wanting to stay on the strip. Looking for the best deal with good pool in case we loose our $$$ quick.!!! Thought about Hooter%26#39;s but the pool didn%26#39;t look like much. Any suggestions????

hotel for twin's 21 birthdays in May

We are taking our twins to celebrate their 21st birthday in October. We like TheHotel at Mandalay Bay. They have a great pool and a bar at the top of the hotel called Mix that has the most awesome views. We also like the Mirage. They have a huge pool. My 24 year old son likes the

MGM pool - more people his age.

hotel for twin's 21 birthdays in May

I would look at Flamingo, which is a less expensive hotel with one of the best pools in Vegas and a great location on the Strip. Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand are also options to consider, but will be more expensive and not quite as ideally located.

Stay away from hooters (for stay), but visit it if you want for few hours.

To stay, I%26#39;ll recommend, any top 10 hotel, that is within your budget

Mandalay Bay has one of the best pools in Vegas. It is a sand beach with a wave pool and a lazy river. They sometimes have concerts out there. Also in Mandalay Bay is the House of Blues which always has bands and dancing. There are other good clubs popular with that age group. Rooms in Mandalay Bay are cheaper then THE Hotel which is a hotel inside Mandalay Bay.

The best place for that age group is the Hard Rock Hotel, although it is not on the strip. It also has a great sand beach pool area.

Other great pools in order of greatness- MGM, Ceasar%26#39;s, NYNY, Monte Carlo.

Trip Report – 11/6-11/9 – Bally’s

Our past 3 Vegas vacations have included stays at Harrah’s, and the Total Rewards card has given us a few great comps and deals. This time we decided to try Bally’s, one of the Center Strip locations we’ve never visited, for the 2 free nights they offered, and keep our options open for our 3rd night.

We flew Continental with no problems, as usual, and checked in to Bally’s at McCarran. This is a new feature for the Harrah’s family, and we loved it. No wait time in line, and rooms ready for us at 11 AM! We decided to take advantage of the shuttle for $7 each – about the same amount we would pay for a cab. After waiting for 20 minutes, we were loaded on a mini-bus that took the long way – through the tunnel – and stopped at Caesar’s and Bellagio before going to Bally’s. All in all, took about an hour from the time we landed. Our luggage was stuffed on the bottom of a pile; it’s a good thing there was nothing fragile in them, with the throwing around we saw the driver do. Next time, we’ll just take a cab.

Bally’s was a pleasant surprise. We asked for a North Tower Room, and got one on the 25th floor. The king-size bed was soft and firm in the right proportions, and the room was huge for a standard size room (photos are being posted). The marble bathroom with a full length mirror was the standard better-quality size with good water pressure and “wild fig and ivy” shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. We took advantage of room service twice, once for a late dinner, and once for breakfast. Both times brought a wheeled table elegantly set in white linen with lots of appropriate small-sized condiments in under 30 minutes, and breakfast was accompanied by orchids and the sweetest strawberries I’ve ever tasted.

We had two other meals at Bally’s. The first afternoon, we tried The Big Kitchen Buffet which had delicious prime rib and a wonderful dessert selection, no bargain at $17 each but not too expensive. On our last evening, we stopped at the deli in the shop area across from the sports bar, and had good sandwiches made with Boar’s Head meats %26amp; cheeses for $8 each.

Our favorite meal was the dry-aged sirloin at Gallagher’s. This was the best sirloin either of us carnivores had ever tasted. We had intended to eat here since our first Vegas visit when I took a picture of their meat locker outside the restaurant, where huge chunks of beef are being dry-aged behind glass. The service was impeccable, and even our seat near the open kitchen was a plus, not a minus. (We had, after all, arrived without reservations.)

We made it to the Fremont Street Experience one night, and took in the “America” show as well as one with lots of girls and fire. The best part was watching the other people watching the show, and especially the drunken tourists that danced to “God Bless America.” The casinos there proved to us that they are looser, especially the new Wheel of Fortune game where we literally sat down and two spins later were $500 richer! That paid for our food %26amp; shopping indulgences for the week.

We ended up staying our third night at Bally’s, having enjoyed the previous two nights and in no mood to move. The pool there was closed, but we used the Paris pool next door, large and shallow, but deep enough for lap swimming and conducive to lazing around the edges in the shade of the Eiffel Tower with a fruity frozen drink in hand.

We still haven’t made it out to Hoover Dam or anyplace else on the “must drive there” list. Once again, we’re saying, “That’ll be the next trip!”

Trip Report %26ndash; 11/6-11/9 %26ndash; Bally%26rsquo;s

Nice... and for all you kiddies out there - let that be a lesson to you. Cab it, Cab it Cab it.

Trip Report %26ndash; 11/6-11/9 %26ndash; Bally%26rsquo;s

Sounds like you had a grand time... and all this talk of Bally%26#39;s makes me think I better return there again soon. My upcoming trip will be Flamingo, but after that I think I am going to have to give Bally%26#39;s another go. Its just an overall pleasant place to be.

live.com

How many times have you been to Vegas?

I just thought it might interesting and helpful to know how much experience some of , ';the regulars'; on this forum have with Vegas. So I%26#39;m curious, how many times have you been to Vegas?

How many times have you been to Vegas?

Three trips, fourth will be in December...

My trips have been 7 nights, 5 nights, 3 nights, and this time it will be 5 nights again. Can%26#39;t WAIT

How many times have you been to Vegas?

7 times in the last 4 years..sure is an expensive hobby

3rd time this year is coming up in December...it%26#39;ll be my 6th time since 2001

Both my husband and I had visited Vegas a couple of times separately 7 or so years ago. Once my husband and I discovered how much we love going there together we have gone an average of 3-4 times a year for the last 3 or 4 years. We love our trips to there- it%26#39;s our alone time, no guilt over not taking the kids and we %26#39;do%26#39; Vegas so well together -

About 10 or 12 for me. I%26#39;m lucky to live in CA, we have great air fares and Vegas is only 1 hr 20 mins from home!

About 10 or 12 for me. I%26#39;m lucky to live in CA, we have great air fares and Vegas is only 1 hr 20 mins from home!

I honestly can%26#39;t recall. Maybe 20 or a bit more.

Usedtobe: This has been asked before, and I just know Amberloo will say it is no big deal compared to his visits, but I go to Vegas about every 6 weeks..I am single and retired, so like to get away from the rain here in the Northwest...I have stayed in just about every hotel, but do not like to make trip reports, as everyone has their personal likes and dislikes., and sometimes responses are very critical...I actually began going to Vegas during the Presidents Birthday weekend in the 80%26#39;s with about 12 other educators.....I rarely stay on the strip anymore, prefer downtown and the Orleans or Gold Coast....usually get free nights and buffets, so the answer is about 80 plus trips.....course, I like to get in a Reno/lake Tahoe trip in between.....will be in Vegas this month and again in December, as I make reservations a couple months in advance...

2 times in %26#39;04, 4 times last year, 4 times this year, and already have 2 planned for next. It%26#39;s like I hit three months away and start to get anxiety attacks.

hundreds, over a span of 40+ years

great place to do business - one of the most requested destinations for both our customers and vendors. Our overseas visitors are always amazed.

I still get a thrill every time i am with someone for their first trip and they get that ';deer in the headlights'; look as you take a limo ride down the strip at night and stop along the way. A wonderful experience, and for 2 hr limo cost a value.

Yet another nightclub newbie question...

So I did it, I booked Vegas for August. Two of us Vegas firstimers will be heading down to have some fun. There are only two of us, both 21 year old females... do they let smaller groups of just females into the clubs faster? Or should we be safe and get tickets ahead of time (yes I know some tickets you still have to wait in line)?? We really want to try ICE and Studio 54.. when people say get in line ';early'; what exactly is early in vegas? and are these clubs worth it?? Perhaps people have other suggestions of where to go...

I know these questions may have been answered already.. but thanks for any info..

I have no idea what to expect when I get down there...

Thanks!!!

Yet another nightclub newbie question...

Hey There, It all depends on how cute and slim you two are. If you walk up to the boucers and give them a tip then they%26#39;ll let you guys in.

Early is 10ish

ICE %26amp; Studio 54 are good clubs.

Also try Tao, Pure and the Ghostbar at the Plams is also really cool to relax and chat with peeps.

Avoid The Beach club, that place is bunk.

Yet another nightclub newbie question...

';how cute and slim you two are';

Uh, surfer dude, you left out another very important ';piece'; to that puzzle. A ';nice rack'; will also ';enhance'; the young lady%26#39;s chances of getting in the door quickly...

I didnt like ICE what so ever, the bottle service was awful and the host was a real idiot

I recommend Tryst, it doesnt get too packed and there arent people saying move along every two seconds.

Also Try Mix at THE hotel, just for the view and the toilets for girls arer meant to be eye popping!

I didnt like ICE what so ever, the bottle service was awful and the host was a real idiot

I recommend Tryst, it doesnt get too packed and there arent people saying move along every two seconds.

Also Try Mix at THE hotel, just for the view and the toilets for girls arer meant to be eye popping!

Hi! I just got back from Vegas last week (trip report comin), and we (one other guy and two girlfriends of ours) went to the Foundation Room at the Mandalay. We got there around 11:30pm, and that seemed to be relatively ';early.'; The rooms at the club--which I HIGHLY recommend for the vibe, view and people--didn%26#39;t really start getting too packed until 1am, but there was already a good amount of people there when we got there.

I wouldn%26#39;t get tickets. Foundation is only open Monday nights, so you can imagine how popular it is, and the girls were able to get in for free. My friend and I paid 30 and I think we were also lucky to be with the ladies, since a BUNCH of solo guys were arguing trying to get in. 30 is the general admission price for everybody, but like I said our girls got in free. They didn%26#39;t flirt either, we just stood around debating whether to go in or not, and the bouncer who told us how much it cost noticed we were discussing entrance, and offered the free admission for the girls. They don%26#39;t have ';huge racks';, BUT they are ';cute and slim'; as someone above mentioned ;-)

I would say it was TOTALLY worth it once we got up to the top of the hotel and started partying!

All in all, I would just give you the advice that Vegas is VERY female friendly, you and your friend should have few problems getting what you want at the clubs.

skip ICE. If you ever saw the tv show, you could see how crappy that place is. Try Pure, Tangerine, Body English,

I second Ghostbar. Rain at the Palms is also very cool, but a really long line. We skipped it by making friends with someone who got us to the front of the line or would have been there 2+ hours. Eek.

Have fun!

Vegasbaby- How many pictures have you actually collected? Why don%26#39;t you post a pic for all of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best Place to play Blackjack?

Can anyone tell me where they have had the best experiences playing blackjack? I am staying at the Paris next week.

Best Place to play Blackjack?

www.bj21.com - has a free trainer, set the parameters to suit the game you will play. call paris pit and ask what they have - i am not familiar, be sure to ask ALL rules

www.wizardofodds.com

best places for info

you want to look the best table rules, NOT lowest minimums

plaza used to have a good game low limit, it was MIA for a while making EC best, call the plaza pit and ask - these things change frequently

i hate downtown and play 100 minimum so find games i am happy with on the strip

even the best rules have to be played perfectly - if you don%26#39;t know how get a strategy card and use it.

Best Place to play Blackjack?

I too play $100 minimum tables. Where is the best?

mor

Spas

Is is best to book spas prior to arrival or can you get a good time, etc if you book when you arrive? Thanks.

Spas

Book in advance if there is a particular time or service you want. If you are open time wise and to what services are available, you can book when you get there and still get in.

Red Square - Pricing

I have heard about going into the freezer etc at Red Square, how much does this cost for the tasting session, how does this work

Red Square - Pricing

OK, I thought I knew a good deal about Las Vegas, but this one stumps me! Did you mean to post this in a Moscow/Russian forum?Help me out here-what/where is this???

Red Square - Pricing

Well unless I have been told lies, Red Square is in Mandalay Bay and is a vodka bar

IT';S A VODKA BAR AND RESTAURANT IN Mnadalay Bay, I%26#39;m interested also to learn about the what goes on in the freezer and how much does it set you back, thx. anyone?

i%26#39;m not shouting, didn%26#39;t realize the cap lock was on, ignore please.

OK, thanks! I thought I knew all the places at MB but obviously I don%26#39;t. I believe the restaurant with the legendary wine list is Aureole or something like that? Sorry to accuse you of having the wrong forum, cvrom. I kept thinking about your huge loss at the craps table all during my trip last week. Sadly, I never had a chance to blow too much of my winnings %26#39;cause I didn%26#39;t have many! Good luck with getting info.

was there last sunday night had dinner we didn%26#39;t go into the freezer but we did what they called a flight it was 4 tall shots of vodka that the glasses were in an ice block. ours cost 34 dollars they had others as much as 70 for 4 shots. I also had a key lime pie martini wonderful. I want to say they had around 8 different ';flights';

I don%26#39;t know the cost but, I understand they give you fur coats to put on and you go in and taste vodka in the freezer and a tour guide teaches you about the different vodkas. I would call the restaurant directly.

Well I think I will wait till I get there and let it be a surprise...not that I am a vodka fiend or anything!!

I%26#39;ll report on it when I get back, only 24 days to go!!!

...and I wont be touching the craps tables this time!!

Good idea on avoiding the craps tables. If you won $35,000 or whatever playing Poker, I%26#39;d stick to what you obviously know best. Nice avatar, too. Looks like me after getting my butt kicked in Vegas!

Please do report on your visit to Red Square. I am going December 19-24 and am hoping to check that out too, but not sure my travel companions will want to do it if it is over-the-top expensive. I am just curious, though, and anxious to try things I wouldn%26#39;t do outside of Vegas.

You have to be a ';member'; to go in. You purchase a mebership that is good for one year and I believe it is about $1000. I could be way wrong on this, but I checked into it at one point and found it was not in my reality...

vc

do we need a rental car in Las Vegas?

we have not yet chosen the hotel for our three-day stay, but we are pretty sure we will be on the strip. we are young and in good shape -- walking is not a problem. I am not sure whether we should rent a car while in Vegas (we will be renting it for the rest of our vacation, but were not sure whether we should start the rental period from our day 1 in Vegas or rent it right before we leave Vegas). I read that many hotel%26#39;s parking lots are far and inconvenient to get to and that there is lots of traffic on the strip. On the other hand, other people have said that parking is free everywhere and it is convenient to have a car in Las Vegas. We will not be making any side-trips while in the city.

do we need a rental car in Las Vegas?

If you%26#39;re on the Strip and don%26#39;t plan any trips then I wouldn%26#39;t bother renting. You may end up taking a few cabs but the cost won%26#39;t come close to what the car would be.

do we need a rental car in Las Vegas?

Ditto the previous post. If you are on the strip and don%26#39;t plan on going off strip, a car is not needed. We stay off strip for half our trip and we love visiting the off strip properties, so we always rent a car.

There is free parking at every property, and valet parking costs only a $2-3 tip. Traffic on the strip can be congested, but it is not difficult at all.

Agree with the other 2. But, if you do feel the need to rent a car, the strip is more than often a parking lot. Travel Koval or Industrial/Frank Sinatra Drive parallel to the strip to get to other Casinos faster.

I think it’s all a matter of personal taste. I always feel like I *need* to have a car when there and rarely drive very far when I do have one. It does give you the flexibility to hop from one casino to the next (as a previous poster suggested, get familiar with the roads that run parallel to LVB). Whether you valet or self-park it’s not an issue. I prefer having a car, but I may try and go without one on my next trip.

I have always rented a car when I have been in Vegas. I almost feel ';caged in'; without one. But if you are only going to be there three days and you do not plan to go off the strip- no, I would not recommend you rent one. Parking is not a problem nor is traffic on the strip (most times it can be avoided). But you do not really need a car to get from one casino to another. I just park at one garage and then walk to nearby casinos. I would only move the car to go to another area of the strip.

thanks for everyone%26#39;s input.

It%26#39;s just that we will be renting a 4WD to go to Monument Valley, etc. (we are visiting several national parks too), and they are pretty expensive. The rates start right around $600 for two weeks. That%26#39;s why we were trying to cut down on costs if we really do not need a car in Vegas

Last year we rented a car for 2 of the 5 days we were there. That way we were able to drive to the Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon as well as the Valley of Fire.

We were also able to eat at some fabulous off strip restaurants - not to mention the ';in %26amp; out burger';.

This year we are renting for the entire 5 days....heck it%26#39;s only $85 bucks total w/Thrifty.

My .02

Jo Anne

As a tourist here, you absolutely do NOT need a car. Everything is in walking distance. Take a bus, trolly or cab if you want to go from one end of the strip (LV Blvd) to the other. It%26#39;s about 10 miles.

I%26#39;m with Blagger and Diva. By your parameters you will be totally fine saving the money for MV. Wear comfortable shoes though!

two short taxi rides is cost of a daily rental usually in vegas for me. so i always rent a car.. without a car, you are stuck on the strip and cant go shopping or eat at many of the good restaurants off strip.

when rental rates are usually 20bux or less per day for a car, it makes sense to rent one.

Dinner @ Tao?

How%26#39;s the food here?

I called them and asked if you have dinner, does that allow you in the club and she said that you get a line pass for the club but you still have to pay the cover charge.

Does anyone have experince with this? Does it actually work?

Thanks!

Dinner @ Tao?

I%26#39;ve been to the one in NY (same owners). You don%26#39;t really go to Tao%26#39;s for the food. You go to look and be seen! The place has a really cool look and vibe to it. Even as a restaurant it feels like a club. The food is good but nothing fabulous. But where else are you going to see a 12 foot Buddah?

Dinner @ Tao?

They have food at Tao? ;)

Which day of the week are you planning to go? I was there last week (staying at the Venetian). Monday and Tuesday it was dead - no line and no cover. Wednesday was busier - but no line and no cover. Thursday we didn%26#39;t event try to go near the place because the line wrapped through the lobby and into the mall (and... I assume there was a cover).

Needless to say - it is a great club. Since it was in our hotel that is where we ended our nights out. Their specialty drinks are great - try the ';Orange Dragon'; and the ';Orient Espresso';... delish!

Hi,

Trying to go on a Saturday night ... did you ever eat there? Was the food decent?

No, we did not eat at Tao. I would imagine that on Saturday it would be crowded (judging from the line on Thursday).

Anyone eaten here? I really would like to get a review before I book for my birthday party of 10 people??

Anyone??? Help??

Bebe,

If you just do a search using ';Tao Asian Bistro'; you will get a list of reviews of the restaurant/club.

Good luck!

To avoid confusion, do the search in the upper left corner ';search'; box, not the search feature in the forum section.

Thank you! Looks like the reviews are not that good. I guess we will just pass on eating here.

We are heading to Vegas this weekend for my birthday, and I chose a new place at Treasure Island called Social House. It%26#39;s Japanese, and looks really good (lots of options, not just sushi). You might want to check it out and see if it looks like a good spot for your birthday dinner.

Here%26#39;s the link w/info: http://www.socialhouselv.com/

I just a great review about social house. Please come back %26amp; let us know what you thought.

I never hear anything about the food a Tao. Guess I%26#39;ll stay away too.

Quick rental car question

Which hotels have rental car pick-up/drop-off locations inside of them?

Quick rental car question

I know IP does.

Quick rental car question

if you go to the car rental sites, and Pick LAS Vegas as the pick up, the drop down menus will let you know which hotels there also have p/u avail. I noticed at RIO and TI that when I went to park, there was parking for rental cars only, so, I know those two for sure have them too. But, I know there are a couple of places around Aladdin that have them as we were going to be walking from there and knew there were some within walking distance.

Almost all do- even dumps like the Plaza have a desk in the lobby for rental cars.

Flamingo has Budget and I think Bally%26#39;s has Dollar.

Bellagio has Dollar. Most of the hotels on the strip have car rental places in them. I think Dollar probably has the most locations. Check the website.

MGM has Dollar inside their lobby.

Beware- I thought I was renting from Budget inside MGM (they told me on the phone they were at MGM) but once I arrived I found it was in a seedy little excuse for a office near MGM. I should have walked away but didn%26#39;t and I ended up having a HORRIBLE exprience. DO NOT RENT FROM THIS PLACE!!!

New Year in Las Vegas

Hello-

I am spending New year in Las vegas and would like to know were the best shows and parties are.

We are staying at the Bellagio, is there anything good there?

thanks

New Year in Las Vegas

Not sure specifically about Bellagio. I would check lasvegas.com as it gets closer for New years info. Last year we had friends go to a party at Tao, but my husband and I opted to hang out on the strip for fireworks, etc. Turned out to be extremely crowded outside. we tucked back into the Flamingo and gambled. Slots seemed to be pretty loose at this time. I won $2000 and immediately after the woman playing behind me won the same amount. The best time had was around 1 am deciding to venture out again onto the strip for some fun people watching. The crowds had died down, but the street was still closed. Everyone was in such a great mood and so friendly! This year we are trying Tahoe for nye, but would go back to Vegas in a heartbeat. I think I would prbably do the same thing. All in all we weren%26#39;t into spending the $200 pp for the club experience. Our friends said they had fun though and spotted some celebrities.

New Year in Las Vegas

I spent new years in vegas three years ago, I must say that it was an incredible experience. You can get into any club last minute if you decide to, but you will pay to get in. We went to dinner inside Aladin and then bar hopped down the strip and celebrated midnight and into the early morning on the strip. It was an incredible trip. You are staying in the central part of the strip, I am sure that the bars in all the hotels will be celebrating. enjoy!

mor

airport transfer for party of 6

What is the best and cheapest way to get 6 people from airport to Barbary Coast hotel?

Hotel recommended shuttle, but everything on TA says to avoid. What is the deal with shuttles exactly?

Thanks everyone, in advance.

airport transfer for party of 6

knr: Shuttle for 6 people, about 36 dollars...Taxi for 6 people about 10 bucks for each taxi, as they will only take 5 in each...taxi direct...shuttle round and about, never know if your hotel will be the first or last..., plus you have to wait usually til the entire shuttle is full...take the taxi...imo

airport transfer for party of 6

We like to use Presidential limo. Good deal for all of you with a bottle of champagne to shareand a rose for each lady. A nice touch.

We like to use Presidential limo. Good deal for all of you with a bottle of champagne to shareand a rose for each lady. A nice touch.

Well, here are your choices.

Shuttle: 5$ per person x 6 = $30 (do not use this option for the return trip to LAS)

Cab: $14 x 2 (cabs can only carry 5 people by law) =$24 or $4 per person

Limo: $45? (haven%26#39;t done it) = $7 per person

Here is a link for the cab prices:http://taxi.state.nv.us/FaresFees.htm

2 cabs. Will cost very little over shuttle, but a huge difference in convenience

To answer your question about the shuttle - OK - so the shuttle holds 12-15 people. 6 people to Barbary Coast, 4 people to Wynn, 2 people to Flamingo.

So now - they decide to take the couple to Flamingo first, then up the street for the 4 to Wynn, then finally your group to Barbary.

Personnally - I%26#39;d go with the Limo. Hubby and I have done that a few times - even tho it%26#39;s more expensive then the taxi - if you order one ahead of time - the driver stands near baggage claim with your name on a sign, gets your bags for you, and has your limo waiting.

PLUS - if the taxi lines are long, you don%26#39;t have to wait for the taxi.

My vote - LIMO.

Enjoy!

Thanks everyone. Sound like I%26#39;ll either do a taxi or limo. Can anyone recommend a good limo company? What can I expect to pay?

Thanks again!

I think you can save some money by not booking a limo in advance. If you go out the door in baggabe claim where the shuttles are, some of those companies ( Bells and CLS that I know of) have limos waiting you can book on the spot. I think they are $35 or $40 for the trip and would hold all of you comfortably.

If you book ahead and have someone waiting for you at baggage claim with a sign to help you with your luggage, it will be about $100. If you don%26#39;t require luggage assistance ( we use wheeled suitcases) you can save money by just bringing your luggage out to the sidewalk yourself and hiring one on the spot.

Just to be sure my info isn%26#39;t outdated you can Google Bell%26#39;s Limousines or CLS , two of the better known transport companies that have ticket booths at the airport there where you can hire a limo and see what their rates are these days.

I checked both their websites and Bells and CLS both offer ';walk up '; limousines for $42 /hr- one hr is more than plenty to get to Barbary- you can even ask them to give you a little ';tour'; on the way- there would be time for that!

Presidential Limos has an Internet deal for airport pickup in a stretch limo to Strip or downtown hotel and return to airport at end of stay for $92 + tip(s) for ';non-amenities'; (rose and champagne) and $106 + tip(s) for ';amenities.';

Considering that shuttles are the LAST thing to take, especially on the return trip to the airport, this isn%26#39;t a bad deal for 6 folks ($7.67pp per trip) - and spring for the amenity package - hey it%26#39;s Vegas and the women will be impressed!

presidentiallimolv.com/Las_Vegas_Airport_Lim…

reptiles

Gold Coast or Sams Town

Seem to be sort of on a level. Just wondering which one is regarded as the better choice. I know the location of Sams Town is a lot further from the strip.

Gold Coast or Sams Town

Just on location alone I%26#39;d go with Gold Coast. Sam%26#39;s may be just a tad nicer, if your idea is to do the tourist thing and spend alot of your time on the Strip go with Gold Coast. Its about 2 blocks off the strip, but across the street from the Rio and The Palms. If you want to stay out way off the strip go to Sam%26#39;s Town.

Gold Coast or Sams Town

Thank you, as I thought. Must show this to hubby.

waterford: As was said, Sam%26#39;s Town is a long way from the strip, whereas Gold Coast is a short trip away, plus close to the Rio and Palms..Another point of view: I have played at the Coast casinos and Sam%26#39;s Town numerous times...I have received many free nights at the Gold Coast and Orleans but never from Sam%26#39;s Town....

Maybe from a price perspective they appear about the same, but the clintel is quite diferent.

At Sam%26#39;s Town you get a mature Vegas veteran who cares nothing or wants anything to do with the strip. They are frugal, yet want excellent gambling pleasure, good service, and value.

Gold Coast is a mixed bag of folks who cannot afford to stay on the strip, but still want access.

Gold Coast is a mixed bag of folks who cannot afford to stay on the strip, but still want access.

I have to disagree with that statement. I have stayed at the GC and I can very well afford to stay on the strip(and I have)-but I choose not to anymore. After 60 some trips to Vegas, staying on the strip is no longer important to me. I have had my ';strip view';,central location and things like that. Now all I want is a clean and safe place to stay-and the GC fits that description just fine. I prefer someplace small and where I know the staff is friendly and helpful-again-this describes the GC. I always have a car so distance doesn%26#39;t really matter. I have stayed at Sam%26#39;s Town and would do so again but right now the GC gives me comped rooms or rooms at the casino rate so I stay there. I would not want to go back to staying on the strip-but it has nothing to do with what I can or cannot afford!

Thank you all so much for you honest views.

Waterford when are you going and why are you considering only these 2 options?

mpo

We are going 7th to 14th February. The reason Sams Town was in the equation at all is that Hubby is going to a Model Helicopter Competition while we are there and this was the best of the hotels they recommended and Hubby reckoned we should take that. I want to stay near the strip and found the Gold Coast at the same rate and I have now managed to find the Imperial Palace for the same rate as the Gold Coast. I have allowed ourselves a budget of $500 for the week and I am going to see what the best I can get for that. At the moment it seems to be the IP.

Hey Waterford - the photos have disapeared!

Im off to Vegas in 30 days - cant wait - you have a great time when you go.

The Imp Palace is surely no palace..but it does have an on-strip location. Don%26#39;t eat there, but it is surrounded by nice hotels with nice places to eat

Dinner Choice. Pre-show Danny Gans

Staying at Bellagio, Have tickets to 8:00 Danny Gans show at Mirage. I am looking for help for a restaurant choice along the walking route.

We are considering:

Fix

Olive%26#39;s

Spago

We are open to other suggestions. Not concerned about price.

Not interested in buffet, sushi, or steakhouse as we will be doing these on other nights. Not really interested in chain restaurants that we can get elsewhere.

Any preference on the above choices?

Any better suggestions?

We have never been to any of the restaurants at the Mirage. Any of them worth a look?

I appreciate your help.

Dinner Choice. Pre-show Danny Gans

Spago would be my choice. It is right there at the Forum Shops with a nice view of the fountains in the Shops. Then a short stroll out to the strip and over to the Mirage. Make reservations for 5 so that you will not be rushed, and p/u Gans tickets early in the day or the day before to avoid the lines priot to the show. ENJOY!!

Dinner Choice. Pre-show Danny Gans

I would highly recommend Stack in the Mirage. Owned by the same company as Fix (The Light Group). You can check out the menu on the Mirage website. Make sure you reserve ahead!

Hertz versus Dollar or Budget

We always book with Hertz (and get AAA discount, as well as Hertz%26#39;s #1 Club Gold privileges). However, this time, the price difference between Hertz and Budget/Dollar is $100. We have never rented from either company. Has anyone had experience with them? Would it be worth reserving with them (same vehicle) as opposed to Hertz?

We are starting off in Vegas (3 nights) and spending 11 more nights touring the National Parks of Arizona and Utah. We have decided not to rent the car while we are in Vegas (is that a good move?) and to rent a 4WD.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

Hertz versus Dollar or Budget

Go with the lower price! Hertz, Budget, Dollar, Alamo, etc.....never had a problem with any of them. They%26#39;re all basically the same. But everybody%26#39;s experiences are different, so I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;ll get some different opinions here on their experiences.

Hertz versus Dollar or Budget

Never had a problem with either. Save the money and use it elsewhere.

that%26#39;s great to hear.

do you think it%26#39;s the right move not to have the rental car with us while we are in Vegas?

As far as location of the rental places vis-a-vis the Las Vegas airport -- are they equally convenient (or inconvenient ;))?

Check the rates - your rate for 14 days (two weekly rates) vs. 11 days (1 weekly plus 4 daily rates) may not be that much different. Plus you will not have to arrange transportation to/from the airport to get to your hotel, then back to get the car. I%26#39;d vote for just getting the car at the begining of your trip, I think you%26#39;ll appreciate the convenience.

You might want to check out Thrifty too. They often have the lowest prices and they give excellent service. You can check fatwallet.com for promo codes that might give you a discount. Also, I agree that it would be beneficial to have the car the whole time in Vegas. The strip is a lot bigger than it looks and we found having a car very helpful. Parking everywhere is free and you can park at any hotel then walk around from there. You will likely spend more on airport shuttles, taxis, etc if you don%26#39;t have the car. We were able to visit some off-the-strip places too by having the car.

thanks very much for all the advice

I made this trip a couple of weeks ago, and had the same decision to make on rental cars. I asked a cousin who manages a rental service at the Tulsa airport and he suggested I check Hotwire.com (not his company so very unbiased advice). His thinking was that the budget companies do not offer assistance in case of break-downs, etc. while you%26#39;re on the road. I did check and was able to get a car from Avis actually as cheap as any of budget companies.

we were in vegas last week and rented from Advantage (they have a counter in the airport). they were cheaper than anyone else, and we got great service, no complaints at all. our grand total for 5 days was $90. it%26#39;s the 2nd time we%26#39;ve rented from them in vegas.

I have rented cars from Thrifty and Dollar many many times. I never had a problem with either one of them. After you have reserved the car- keep checking the rates until the day you leave. The rates fluctuate and if they drop you can cancel and rebook. I always rent a car while in Vegas. I like not having to rely on the Deuce, cabs or monorail.

hun, do you realize that you are renting a car for few days and not getting married to them!!!!!!

They all give you the same kinda car and same sorta service.

Who cares if one gives you a FORD Vs Chevy or Toyota????

Get the lowest price one

best weekly car rental in february??

any one have any info or promos??thanks

best weekly car rental in february??

check travelzoo.com and breezenet.com for deals. February deals may not be out yet, probably after the holidays.

best weekly car rental in february??

expedia, or

www.dollar.com Join Dollar Express

Here are a couple that I usually search when preparing for a trip - sometimes you can combine codes to get a double discount :-)

rentalcarmomma.com/

destinationcoupons.com

Margarita's Mexican Resturant

has anybody ate at Margarita%26#39;s Mexican Resturant in the Frontier recently? If I wanted to get there, do I have to walk through the outside of the Fashion show mall to get to the strip or is there a side walk from TI that goes along the strip to Frontier?

any suggestions.

Margarita's Mexican Resturant

bump

mor

miniature huskies

Tropicana- never again

I just got back from Vegas this morning, took a 3 day last minute trip because we found a cheap package which included a room at the Tropicana. Oh my god! I had tried to do some reading on the hotel and the rooms, and we basically said, %26#39;oh it can%26#39;t be THAT bad, all we need is to lie our heads down.%26#39;.....it was.

We tried to check in when our flight got in at 11am, we were told they could not do check in%26#39;s until after noon. So we took off for a bit and came back early afternoon. We finally got booked in, and had a room in the Island Tower(?). The person at check in said it was a newer section of the hotel and one of the best. The walk was through the casino, up an escalator, down another hall, up another escalator. When I think of how people complain about the size of MGM it made me laugh compared to this. At least the rooms at MGM are like 25 feet from the lobby. ANYWAY. We get to the room, and once we opened the door we almost gagged. It smelled almost like fried onions, and very musty. The windows were not very big and didn%26#39;t open. There was some sort of mold or something in the bathroom between the cracks, and the tub was old and kinda ripped up. I decided I could not stay in that room, and stepped outside before I hyperventilated. When I got outside into the hall, we noticed there was vomit on the carpet right in the middle of the hall. We stopped a housekeeping manager who was walking by, and she said, ';yeah sorry, we had some marines here and we haven%26#39;t had a chance to really shampoo carpets and stuff.'; It was revolting. Anyhow, in the end, I paid the extra money and moved over to MGM where we had a great room and a great view.

NEVER will I step foot in the Tropicana again. I think I need to shower just thinking about it.

Tropicana- never again

JacqtheCoug, sorry your experience was so bad. I%26#39;ve never stayed at the Tropicana but made a mental note to myself to never stay there while I was walking through the hotel one day. It sort of stunk...like old or death or something rotting...couldn%26#39;t quite put my finger on it but I%26#39;m definitely not staying there! Thanks for the report!

Tropicana- never again

Wow. I%26#39;ve never gone inside, it looks so unappealling from the outside, I just haven%26#39;t bothered to take a look at the interior, sounds like I%26#39;ve made the right choice.

I gambled there last year for about five minutes in a nickel or penny slot and got offered a free room.... I figure they can%26#39;t be very good.

I had a totally different experience at the TROP. I had an Island Tower room that was quite nice. The gaming was good and people were very friendly. I look forward to patronizing them again. They do not compare to the ';Mega Resorts'; that are abundant on the Strip, but who needs an overpriced room.

With all due respect to those who repeatedly say things like ';how much time are you a room anyhow?'; and ';all I need is a place to lay my head,'; I can%26#39;t understand why anyone would excuse a dirty holtel.

Its a matter of personal choice whether you choose to spend your hard earned money on an upscale resort, fine food, gambling, shows, or first class plane tickets. I personally like to go on the cheap and spend money gambling and seeing shows. To each his own. I am content with a basic room but it had better be clean! In this day of allergies, infection risk, bedbugs, etc, why should anyone settle for less.

It angers me that so many properties in Vegas can demand a room rate that would be considered high in most other cities, expect to rob you in the casinos and then think they can give you a dump for a room. The non casino hotels seem to have issues in Vegas too. I travel frequently in my job and am surprised that some basic chains (like Comfort Inn, Hampton, even Super 8) that are consistently clean and low priced elsewhere are getting such bad review in Vegas. Perhaps if more of us would demand cleanliness, the properties would raise their minimum standards.

BTW, Alaska, I was not referring to your post. I don%26#39;t doubt you had an accpetable room. I had the experience in another vacation city of getting a dirty, run down room in the same resort in which the rest of my family had nice rooms. It can happen that different people can have a very different experience in the same place at the same time.

I had just spent too much time reading hotel reviews last night and felt sorry for those who came to Vegas expecting a good time and then had immediate disappointment at their hotels.

%26lt;Saluting%26gt; Thank GAWD for the MGM. People? This is a great place to stay! =)

The MGM was 69 dollars a night with my Players Club card. FAR from overpriced! Maybe that%26#39;s the ticket is to buy some cheap cheap flight/hotel package at some dump and just move hotels if the price is right.....hhhmmmmm.

I%26#39;ve stayed 2 times at the Trop one good room and one icky ucky yucky room. Rumor is the garden rooms will be taken out, and for that I am thankfull!

I was at the Tropicana this past weekend as well, I didn%26#39;t stay their but I went to the Titanic exhibit. I stopped in the ladies room and couldn%26#39;t believe how dirty, smell, old , and musty it was. I told my husband that I would meet him in the hall way outside of the rest room but the smell was so bad in the hallway that I felt sick to my stomach and got out of their quickly. I think it is time to for the Tropicana to meet the wrecking ball!!!!

Trip Report Day 1 - Started so good, ended so bad(reprise)

I did the first post back on 11/8 but my treo does not work well for long posts. So here we go again.

Here I am in my hotel room typing on my treo(forgive any errors) and decided to put my pain in a report. First off, had a nonstop flight on Southwest out of San Antonio. We left a little early and got into vegas thirty minutes early so great job there. Yet all that extra time was spent at baggage claim(no suprise there) and then spent a good twenty minutes at the wells fargo at the airport. my buddy didnt want to carry his money like last time and he banks with wells fargo. I don%26#39;t know what the deal was but man, this line took forever. In the end, we were able to get in line for a taxi, which was thankfully short. We%26#39;re staying at the Aladdin and I asked the guy to take Swenson. Quick ride and only $12.75 so I told my buddy to give a nice tip.

Now I have to say this about the Aladdin. THE CONSTRUCTION IS NOT A BIG DEAL! Yes at first, where the taxi dropoff is akward. You have to take an almost backdoor way to the elevator(where the staff would travel) and from there go to the mezzanine to check in. Before checking in, I had to run and get a player club card for the promo rate. No problem getting the card nor checking. I was asked for the card and the typical CC and ID. Yes I did do the $20 trick and yes it worked. Got the upgrade to foutainview room which isn%26#39;t much of a view(freakin balloon from Paris is in the way) but it only cost me $20(would be an extra $30 a night) and its right near the elevators which is great since I don%26#39;t have to walk as much. Had to wait a few hours for the room to be ready(we were there at 1pm).

The room is nice. Good size room and bathroom. I can only compare it to the MGM rooms and these are better. As for the the casino, it is much nicer than the old style. Everything is laid out well and it%26#39;s real quick to get to the strip. While waiting, we ate at PF Changs(40 minute wait) which was good. I played a little video poker and while laughing at my friend%26#39;s mistake of doing a max bet for 100 instead of the typical 5, well I did the same mistake he did and lost some money real quick.

After some video poker, it was time for some regular poker. For those who havent been to the Aladdin lately, the poker ';room'; is upstairs on the mezanine. I used the term ';room'; loosely since it%26#39;s more of a roped off area. However, being where it is, the area is not annoyingly loud(like MGM Grand) nor incredibly quiet(like Ceasars Palace). Now being where it is and no real signs pointing to way to the poker room(there are posters that say where the room is, but no big signs pointing the way like in other casinos), well this makes the room a little less popular than other rooms on the strip. What I enjoyed about the room was that it was a friendly room. It wasnt filled with arrogant poker players who think they%26#39;re a hand a way from being a pro(when they%26#39;re playing the lowest limits) and it didnt have the incredibly annoying poker novice that has a lot of money, playing like a complete idiot, and thinking they%26#39;re the best poker player around.

What I learned from my last trip is that starting off with some limit poker really helps. It%26#39;s less of a stress and gets me going for some poker. Unfortunately, the Aladdin only had one table going and it was NL. There was just not enough people to start up a limit game. After 20 minutes or so, there were finally enough people to start up another no limit game which I decided to partake in. After an hour or so, after winning a nice pot, I remember one thing that I have read online and that is to try and play after you win. Why? Like in any gambling game, there are streaks that happen. These streaks are not something that can proven by statistics. There are just times that people go on a roll where they pick up great cards or get cards that just make great hands. So I decided to play an overall mediocre hand of 5-7 offsuit. The result of the hand was me getting the full house and going all in, while another guy made a better full house and called my all in. In this situation, there%26#39;s really not much you can do and almost everyone will go broke in this case.

With that, I leave the table and find my buddy who%26#39;s playing roulette. On our last trip in February, we both made big money off of roulette doing a very simple betting pattern of only betting on a section of the wheel. My buddy was there, winning a bit of money and I joined him borrowing $100. We played, winning a bit here and there but then losing it. After a quick trip to a non casino ATM(saw the charges was 4% of the amount you take out), we went to the Bellagio buffet. The line took some time to move but overall, it was just a great buffet. One thing that I really enjoyed was the Sweet and Sour Chicken. The reason I bring it up is that I had some Sweet and Sour Pork at PF Changs earlier and the two dishes werent that much different. That%26#39;s saying a lot about a buffet that can match a dish from a quality restraunt like PF Changs. Myt only complaint was the shrimp. Like other buffets, they had it on ice of course. My complaint comes that there were quite a bit of just shrimp tails. Maybe it%26#39;s sometihng that I%26#39;m missing, but having just the actual tails in the pile of shrimp is pointless. Overall, it%26#39;s a real toss up between the Wynn and Bellagio for the best buffet. May have to give the edge to the Bellagio for the Sweet and Sour chicken.

Back to the Aladdin for some more poker for me and roulette for my buddy. Poker didnt work out for me again so I headed to the room. Not much later after that, my buddy came up to the room. He had lost $300 in roulette in 30 straight spins. So with everything starting so well early on, it just did not end on a good note. Nevertheless, this was still just day 1.

Trip Report Day 1 - Started so good, ended so bad(reprise)

kinda fun hearing your report AS you are there.... how many days are you in Vegas. Looking forward to hearing what else happens with you and your buddy.

Trip Report Day 1 - Started so good, ended so bad(reprise)

The plan was to report on a daily basis but that didnt work out well since my treo is a pain to type on and has a limit of characters to post. On top of that, using my phone to get online with my laptop didnt work out right.