Vegas guides/advice?

[tinksmom02]

All right, so I'm not just a Disney freak, I'm a planning freak. I just love having something to look forward to

Our latest (and last, for a while) Disney trip hasn't even arrived yet and I'm already stressing about planning a new trip LOL I was thinking that it would be nice for DH and I head out to Vegas for a few days in November 2008 (during "Jersey Week"). We could leave DD with my mom, fly out on Wed night and come home Sun afternoon/evening.

My questions to you: Can you recommend anything? LOL I know nothing about Vegas. We don't gamble much, and we're pretty close to Atlantic City, so we're really going for the Vegas experience. I wouldn't mind picking up a good guidebook..do you think one is better than another? Nice hotels? Things we must do?

Any and all advice is welcome! Thank you!

[rjbarker]

Definitely stay on the strip (somewhere between Treasure Island and Mandalay Bay) that way you can walk to other casinos. I don't really know if there are any "must-dos" in Vegas. They have some cool shows (concerts, Cirque de Soleils).

Also, it depends on what you like: do you want to know where the coolest clubs are? The best buffets? Or are you interested in the Tiger exhibit at the Mirage or the shark reef at Mandalay Bay? There's also the ESPN Zone, etc.

[carrieb]

I like the Lonely Planet and Rough Guides if you need paper, even Fodors is pretty good.
Even better is when the Travel Channel runs lots of shows on Las Vegas!

When I go to Vegas I don't do normal Vegas things - I climb so a trip to Vegas is to go out to Red Rocks.
I've never seen a show and have only been to a buffet once! I have attended a friend's wedding (and no, they were not married by Elvis!)

I really love just wandering the Strip when we go. But for your first time do stay on the Strip - and yes aim for between TI (Treasure Island) and Mandalay Bay.
Don't stay downtown, visit downtown, but don't stay.

[luvdiznee]

I am planning a trip to Vegas in 08 also. Hoping to stay at the Mirage. Because I'm definitely wanting to stay on the strip as well as be "in the middle" of it. But definitely planning on visiting the Venetian for a Gondola ride and Madam Toussads wax museum. And yes the Shark Reef and White tigers at the other hotels as well. And of course a ride on the NYNY RollerCoaster. Lots to do in Vegas for a non gambler like myself. Maybe even a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon. Yes, I'm a planning freak, too.

[Cinderelley]

If you have the $, I would recommend staying at the Venetian - awesome customer service and atmosphere. I also enjoy eating on the "patio" at Canaletto. I don't gamble much - one roll of quarters lasts me all weekend, but I love wandering in an out of the different resorts and enjoying the atmosphere.
1. Many friends have told me to check out the Freemont Experience (I'm not sure how it's spelled). I haven't yet because we only get up there every 8 years or so, but it's supposed to be great.
2. I want to eat dinner at the top of the Eiffel Tower at Paris, Paris.
3. Enjoyed the art work at the Bellagio
4. Window Shopping at Caesar's Palace
5. Each resort has their own "attraction", such as the Tigers at the Mirage
6. I love the gondola rides at the Venetian. There's a shop near where you board that I always buy chocolate covered strawberries to eat while I'm waiting for my time slot.

[mickey-mouse35]

We did Vegas last year and had fun--so much to do even if you don't gamble. Visit your local library and get guide books--they have so many!!!

Stay on the strip if you can. The middle is good but not necessary. We stayed at the Tropicana down by the MGM and still walked everywhere or took the monorail. If you do gamble, you'll have better odds at older hotels on the north side near Circus Circus or downtown. The Freemont Experience with the lasers is cool. I don't suggest renting a car--too much traffic. Airport is so close, cab is only $8-$10, and you can take monorail, cab, bus or walk everywhere else. We did a bus tour (Grayline I think) to Hoover dam, which was neat. They pick up at different hotels.

Must dos are to see the free fountain shows at Bellagio, the gondola ride at the Venetian, some shows and window shopping at the resorts. There are two places that do discounted same day shows if you don't really care what you see but want cheaper prices. Vegas used to be inexpensive, but no more in my book!

[disneynarula]

The Dolphin show at the MGM is very nice too.

I wouldn't recommend staying at Ceasers. It was very smoky in our non smoking room and the housekeeping took DS's security blanket.

[Momof2boys]

I've been to Vegas 3 times and going again from Sept 7-13 (part of the trip is a seminar for work). I'd suggest staying at The Flamingo. It's perfectly situated mid-Strip, the rooms were great, and the slots paid me very well. We've stayed there, Excalibur, and Paris. Paris was nice too, although I think you can get a better deal at Flamingo. This next trip we're staying at Harrah's. Just like DIsney, you aren't in your room a whole lot.

For restaurants, I'd suggest Isla (Treasure Island), Mesa Grill (Caesars), and for a nice dinner any of Emeril's restaurants. We also ate at Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill at MGM Grand which was really good and the atomosphere is casual.

For shows Tony & TIna's Wedding is really fun, and both DH and I loved Cirque's Mystere. Some of the hotels comedy clubs are really fun too. Plus there's a wax museum right outside of the Venetian which provides some great photo ops.

[tinksmom02]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm heading to the library tomorrow, will have to look up some books.

DH and I don't gamble all that much, and we are pretty close to Atlantic City, so we're not really going for the gambling. I just want to SEE everything LOL And LOL I want us to get remarried by Elvis LOL Maybe in a drive-through.

Thanks again!

[SoundQ SVT]

Whenever I go to Vegas, I like to go up to Mount Charleston Lodge for lunch one of the days. It is an easy 40-45 minute drive to the northwest from the strip. The scenery from their deck where you can eat outside is wonderful. It has been voted Las Vegas' best outdoor dining for the past three years by AOL CityGuide editors.

http://www.mtcharlestonlodge.com/