wizurd Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 Hi all. I'm trying to sort a week in Las Vegas for Sept next year. Been looking around and would like to go to the Bellagio looking at reviews and the such. However I'd appreciate anyone else's actual experiences of either this hotel or any others that they'd recommend. It doesn't have to be all out luxury as long as it's a good hotel. I picked this one initially because I want some sort Of guarantee that it'll be clean and nice. All of this is for a Christmas present as well so sooner anyone could help would be great. Much appreciated all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarnie Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 (edited) I stayed at the Bellagio in June this year. It's a great hotel but maybe a little classic/dated. It's perfectly clean of course but not as contemporary as the Cosmopolitan or the Wynn for example. When we were there at the end of June it was over 50 degrees which was record temperatures so we spent 10 hours in the pool everyday drinking cocktails, which were $15 a pop. Defo do the Grand Canyon helicopter ride! I stayed at the MGM in 2008 when I got married there, which is great but it is at the end of the strip........which is no big deal really. Edited December 19, 2013 by Sarnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizurd Posted December 19, 2013 Author Share Posted December 19, 2013 Cheers Sarnie. Yer I'd wondered if it was looking dated. I guess I want it all and for a good price. But then who doesn't lol. Like you say I don't think being at the end of the strip is an issue because isn't there some sort of monorail or something? Also looked at the venetian, Ceasars palace, vdara is it?, luxor, stratosphere and the medival one lol can remember the name. I'd like more up to date and with good rooms that aren't worn. Although I know I'll be out a lot. Plus what about eating out since its all room only? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R35LEE Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 Try and stay in the Wynn and like sarnie said the helicopter ride is cool! I did a below the rim canyon trip where you land and get some food etc, 100% worth doing. Try and look into what's on and book some show tickets in advance too Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarnie Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 Cheers Sarnie. Yer I'd wondered if it was looking dated. I guess I want it all and for a good price. But then who doesn't lol. Like you say I don't think being at the end of the strip is an issue because isn't there some sort of monorail or something? Also looked at the venetian, Ceasars palace, vdara is it?, luxor, stratosphere and the medival one lol can remember the name. I'd like more up to date and with good rooms that aren't worn. Although I know I'll be out a lot. Plus what about eating out since its all room only? Don't get hung up on your room. I went with 12 blokes in June and spent about 16 hours in my room over 4 days. If you want modern and contemporary (eg the Cosmopolitan) it costs! Theres no monorail. Taxi's are quick and cheap though. Don't bother walking!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neo Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 there is a monorail, it runs from the back of the mgm grand right up almost to the stratosphere tower with a few stops along the way, well it was there in 2011 when I went the castle one is the Excalibur, clean but slightly dated tacky themed hotel, yes we stayed there but like sarnie said we weren't in the room/hotel long enough for it to matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neo Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 http://www.lvmonorail.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris AME Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 Love vegas, I have stayed in the luxor a couple of times, the monte carlo can be good value its not as flash as some of the others but is still clean. I found the medieval one a little tacky when I went for a look round. Hope this helps and wherever you stay its hard to not have a good time in vegas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizurd Posted December 20, 2013 Author Share Posted December 20, 2013 (edited) Cheers all . I thought excalibur would probably be a bit tacky lol. Like has been said I wasn't expecting loads of time in the room anyway. Good point on the show I'll have a nose around now. Prices looked pretty similar across all of Sept so can look and see what's on. Definitely want to do the helicopter trip . Under the rim one I've seen. Looked excellent. I'll have another look at hotels tonight try to get something booked then. I'll have a look at the Wynne. Also the luxor and the monte carlo again. Choices choices lol. Edited December 20, 2013 by wizurd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizurd Posted December 20, 2013 Author Share Posted December 20, 2013 What about food options as well. I've seen these cards that give discounts across multiple restaurants. Are they any good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pagey Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 (edited) Went around 3 years ago for my g/f 21st Birthday and stayed at the MGM (had problems with ID at first as 11/04 to them is 04/11 (month/day/year) which would meant she was under 21, however I managed to show them my ID which was 21/02 to which they then realised that there is not 21 months and gave us wrist bands so we would not get bothered again), like others said I wouldnt get too hung up on the hotel rooms as you dont spend a whole lot of time there. Also you will notice although you stay in one hotel you will end up visiting, seeing shows and eating at a range of hotels including your own. Drinking at the bars in the casinos is very expensive, unless you are gambling then they have waitresses coming round serving drinks which are free for anything and all you have todo is give them a tip usually a dollar or two. The monorail runs I believe from near the luxor/mandalay bay right along the back of the strip upto the sahara/stratosphere and from memory it only cost around 13 dollars each for a day pass. Im not into fine dining so we eat mostly at the hotels buffets for breakfast and dinner but remember you are welcome to eat at any of the hotels so dont feel confined to your own. Breakfast was around 25 dollars each and dinner around 40 dollars each and being a buffet the range is varied and obviously all you can eat. Went to the stratosphere, note they have rides at the top to which they sell tickets at the bottom (for a good reason) I bought them all and got to the top and thought f**k that for some of them and only ended up going on the big shot. From the top the other end of the strip didnt look too far away, dont be fooled IT IS. We decided to walk the whole way back which took us a good couple of hours with from memory with a few stops. We went to see a few shows while there and they have some great cirque du soliel (musical circusy kinda thing) and also went to see the Phantom of the Opera in the venetian mainly for the Mrs however i really enjoyed it. Prepared to get raped for some of the couply things, We did the gondala's in the venetian which I think cost us 75 dollars and there are 2 different ones, 1 inside and 1 outside. I would also recommend going to see the old strip "freemont street" which has the golden nugget and the like, also has a roof that is a tv and at night 21, 22, 23 hrs they have a show with music above your heads, was amazing, we saw the queen one. Edited December 20, 2013 by pagey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizurd Posted December 20, 2013 Author Share Posted December 20, 2013 (edited) Cheers pagey. That sounds excellent. I'm thinking more and more to save money in rooms so there's more money while we are out there. I've seen those rides at the top of the stratosphere and thought sod that straight away lol. Will see how I feel when I'm there. Those prices for breakfast and dinner. They are fairly typical then? So that would be 50 dollars each every morning for breakfast? Ouch lol. I wanted to go see that roof on the old strip so I'll make sure to get that done. Taxis seem cheap from what people have said so will use them a bit plus that monorail seems good. Shows wise might try the circus show. Already seem phantom so hopefully don't have to do that again. Although gotta admit it ain't bad. I thought I'd heard it was free drinks when gambling. Will enjoy that then lol. I've gotta gamble a little bit. Would be wrong not to. That's my excuse. Edited December 20, 2013 by wizurd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stutopia Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 I stayed at THE Hotel at Mandalay Bay. I liked it because it's extremely well appointed and it had no casino, so reception and food areas are quite chic and very peaceful. It is joined to the Manadalay Bay so in two minutes walk in AC goodness you're in the Casino, but it's not all over you when you come and go. Also, being part of Manadalay Bay you get access to the best pool in Vegas with genuine sand brought in from California (best quality ) Only drawback is it's at one end of the strip, not the middle, but that can be viewed as a positive or a negative depending on your needs. Wherever you stay, go to the Double Down bar and have some shots of ass juice. Amazeballz. Also, rent a convertible and drive to Grand Canyon, bus tours are for gringos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OV53 Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 It depends on who you are going with and what your tastes are. The Cosmopolitan suites with the balconies are nice, the MGM Grand has renovated the majority of their rooms and they are immense but the Wynn/Encore is the best hotel on the strip and probably the only hotel I would stop in if we were to go back to be honest. We spent a week of our honeymoon in Vegas and did 4 nights in the MGM Grand Penthouse CityView Suite and then 3 nights in the Encore in one of the Tower Suites. Both were unbelievable and although the MGM Grand room was bigger than my first ever apartment, the Encore room and hotel in general was probably the best I've ever stayed in. Hope this helped.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevoD Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 whilst your out there http://www.u-drift.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fraktion Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 Some tips for you: Be warned, 'The Strip' is very deceiving it doesn't look like you have to walk to far but from experience, it's a damn long walk. When you arrive in Vegas and get in your cab to the hotel pick up one of the booklets in the back of the cab, these tell you what is going on and there will be coupons in there for free stuff like meals and drinks etc. Free things to do and see: It's great to go around all the hotels and casinos and have a look around. Things to see: Rio (get a cab there) in the Casino they have the 'show in the sky' free to watch and see if you catch some beads, it's in the far area of the casino near the buffet (which apparently is the best sea food buffet in Vegas) Bellagio: fountains at the front, there is a show with the fountains at the front of the hotel, but they don't run so often in the winter months because of the weather. Mirage: the volcano, there is a new improved volcano show out the front of the mirage, this runs as well every half hour or so weather permitting, and next door at Treasure Island there is the Pirate ship show, whores of whore island or something to that effect, but Treasure Island has recently been bought out so I don't know if the show will still be running. Luxor hotel: have a look around the luxor it's a very strange hotel, you must go into the main lobby area and look up to the top of the pyramid, check out the freaky elevators. Freemont Street: this is the original Vegas, with the Golden Nugget and other landmark hotels. this is a covered area with a free light show in the canopy every hour or so. best to go in the evening. get a cab to freemont street, and don't deviate from freemont street to far as it's really not nice just outside. Paid things to do and go to see: If you feel you have the time I would recommend the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, there are many different trips to choose from, go to www.vegas.com and look at the tours, you can go on many different trips or experiences. make sure you check the timing of everything in case you have things planned. We have also been on the helicopter trip over the strip, it was quite enjoyable but only lasts 15 mins. Another place we have been was the stratosphere tower...it's a long walk. I would recommend going just before dusk and take your camera with you. There is a revolving restaurant up there with a typically french menu, you can view the menus online if you feel like eating there. There are also a couple of scare rides up there, go to the stratosphere website to see what they look like. I'm not sure if they still have the roller coaster on the top but we went on the big shot (during the day) which was great fun! Gambling: Keep an eye out for the reward cards, you earn points for how much you play, which can be turned into comps (meals, slot rewards etc) also make sure you know which hotels belong to which group, you have the MGM group (MGM, Bellagio, Mirage, Monte Carlo, New-York New-York, Luxor, Excalibur, Circus Circus) and Harrahs group (Harrahs, Caesars, Paris, Rio, Flamingo, Ballys, Imperial Palace). Sluts: I mean Slots! a couple of slots to look out for, we had great fun on the E-bay slot, it's a 1c slot and great fun to play. also look for a machine in The Venetian, it's called lil' ladybird and it payed out nice and big because it has stacked wilds, keep an eye out for the stacked wilds, and it's a 1c machine. they were kind of tucked out of the way in The Venetian. Shopping: You will not be stuck for places to shop while you're there, make sure you take a spare suitcase if you are going to do some shopping. We went out to one of the outlet malls which made quite a nice morning. Las Vegas premium outlets and Las vegas outlet center are good places to go, we got a cab to these places. Don't go to the Fashion outlet of Las Vegas in Primm, it was rubbish! and took ages to get there on a coach. There are huge shopping areas in Caesers Palace (my favourite place) Planet Hollywood (not bad shops here) Fashion Show Mall (opposite Wynn) good shopping for homewares and other items. Eating: Well if you have been to Amerca before you will know what the eating will be like. I love the breakfast buffet in the Mirage. I would recommend eating a good breakfast and we usually skip lunch, there is only so much food I can eat in one day. Mirage also has a really really good steak restaurant called Stack, but there are plenty of other places popping up here and there. Apparently the best evening buffet & Sunday Brunch to go to is in the Bellagio (good luck getting in there though, the queue is always to big for us to get in there) Also Wynn do a fantastic Sunday Brunch buffet with champagne. problem is you cannot book the buffet which sucks, we queued for an hour for the Wynn buffet once, only once I refuse to wait. if you like the tex mex food we went to Diablos cantina at the front of the Monte Carlo hotel, a great meal in there. Oh you must travel over to the Hooters hotel, for many reasons...the chicken is the best ever, we both love it. In Harrahs hotel there is a really good burger restaurant Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill, to find it, it's on the way to the monorail station. Basically, you can't really go wrong in Vegas - unless you stay in Circus Circus. Find a mid priced hotel, ideally mid strip (for location) the reality of a mid priced hotel means good quality food at a reasonable price (not extortionate) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scootg Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 My vote would go for the Mirage. Central on the Strip, no real theme, which makes for a more authentic Vegas theme. But it does have a waterfall indoors.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizurd Posted December 20, 2013 Author Share Posted December 20, 2013 Wow! Cracking ideas and reviews, thanks very much all. Looking at what's been said. Avoid circus circus lol. Encore sounds very nice as does the mgm and the mirage I think. I'll look at the helicopter trips because they look great and it's definitely a unique thing to do. That drift school looks soooo good!! I may have to do that. I think I forgot to say as well it's a Xmas present for the girlfriend not a lads do although we do like to party so it's not going to be all lovey dovey lol. Eaten in America before so rough idea on what to expect just didn't expect 25 dollars per head for breakfast. However the mirages buffet sounds lush. Will have to go to hooters as well. Get my pic taken with some of the girls Rofl. Girlfriend will love that. I've heard about the heart attack grill as well. Anyone been there? Love tex mex as well so diablos sounds good. There really is soooo much to do isn't there. Can only do a week this year maybe a longer stay next year. Keep the ideas coming Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neo Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 Circus Cirucs is only good for the indoor theme park http://www.adventuredome.com/ Breakfast buffets can be had cheaper depends on the hotel, am sure the Excalibur was around $16 back in 2011 *edit* - http://www.excalibur.com/restaurants/excalibur_buffet.aspx still is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stutopia Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 Read Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas before you go too, it's sort of a manual of how to approach the place. Is there a Medieval Times in Vegas? I've always wanted to go since I watched Cable Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizurd Posted December 20, 2013 Author Share Posted December 20, 2013 I've watched fear and loathing lots. Love that film. And I'd love a trip like that to Vegas! Lol that's not on the cards this time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarnie Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 there is a monorail, it runs from the back of the mgm grand right up almost to the stratosphere tower with a few stops along the way, well it was there in 2011 when I went the castle one is the Excalibur, clean but slightly dated tacky themed hotel, yes we stayed there but like sarnie said we weren't in the room/hotel long enough for it to matter. I've been three times and never seen a monorail!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neo Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 ^^ too many free beers ??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizurd Posted December 20, 2013 Author Share Posted December 20, 2013 (edited) I swear there's a monorail or something like that shown on the maps I've been looking at lol Edited December 20, 2013 by wizurd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarnie Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 I swear there's a monorail or something like that shown on the maps I've been looking at lol It looks like there is one, I've just never seen it or even heard of it till this thread! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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