Las Vegas

Mitch Connor

Hi all, myself, my girlfriend and a few friends are thinking of heading to Vegas for a week later this year.

Hadn't really been able to decide on somewhere to go, and my brother said he lved vegas when he was over there, so i looked in to it a bit.

Of the people going, none of us would be mad gamblers, might spend some time on the slots but nothing big. However, my brother said there is loads more to do then gamble and the place is just amazing. From looking at a couple of sites, there does seem to be a lot on offer.

Could anyone who has been give me any advice on the place, sites to see or things to do?

Also, from looking at accomodation, it all looks pretty good. Again, my brother recommended the Stratosphere Hotel. I had a quick look at it online, and it looks decent value (about €400 for a double room for the week, or €800 if you want one of the kickass rooms) but as i have never been, i don't know what the place is actually like. Any other suggestions?

Everyone going is fairly young (22-25) so money is a little tight; we won't be going for the penthouse in the MGM!

BuffyBot

http://las-vegas-hotels.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g45963-d114898-r4563783-Stratosphere_Hotel_Casino_and_Tower-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html should give you an idea of what to expect.

The hotel does seem to be recommended by people as being good for young travellers. It is a little bit off the strip, but if you don't mind that then for the money you're being quoted for a room it's not that bad a deal.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054995325&referrerid= has some good tips

Jimmy81

Definitely take a trip to see the Grand Canyon, it is unreal. When we were there last October we took a plane/helicopter tour. We flew from Vegas to Boulder, a bus from Boulder to the rim of the canyon, lunch was included as was a helicopter ride into and around the canyon. It really was incredible. All of that cost about €200, which was pretty reasonable i thought.

The good thing about Vegas is that you can get free drinks while you are "gambling". If you really want to do the dog on it, wait to see what direction the waitresses are moving and sit at one of the slot machines in front. Then order whatever you want for free.

Vegas is a crazy place you will have a ball.

zuutroy

Can recommend the Days Inn on Koval Lane if you'r stuck for sheckles. Think its like $70 for a room with 2 double beds. The place also has an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. 5 mins walk from the strip. I think you can't but have a good time in Vegas. Grand Canyon is a definite.

Mitch Connor

Jimmy81 wrote:

Definitely take a trip to see the Grand Canyon, it is unreal. When we were there last October we took a plane/helicopter tour. We flew from Vegas to Boulder, a bus from Boulder to the rim of the canyon, lunch was included as was a helicopter ride into and around the canyon. It really was incredible. All of that cost about €200, which was pretty reasonable i thought.

The good thing about Vegas is that you can get free drinks while you are "gambling". If you really want to do the dog on it, wait to see what direction the waitresses are moving and sit at one of the slot machines in front. Then order whatever you want for free.

Vegas is a crazy place you will have a ball.

what was the weather like over there at the time. Considering the place, i presume it was brilliantly hot and sunny, but would like confirmation - as the plan is to go the first week in october. Grand Canyon helicopter trip is a definate.

zuutroy

One piece of advice: Bring rubber soled shoes. It's the static shock capital of the world. I was like a basket case after a couple of days there. Everything I touched was giving me shocks. I touched an escalator at one point and it was like someone hit my finger with a hammer. Not sure if others have experienced it to the same extent!

Mitch Connor

zuutroy wrote:

One piece of advice: Bring rubber soled shoes. It's the static shock capital of the world. I was like a basket case after a couple of days there. Everything I touched was giving me shocks. I touched an escalator at one point and it was like someone hit my finger with a hammer. Not sure if others have experienced it to the same extent!

will def remember that - i seem to be a magnet for static shocks lately - really geting on my nerves!:D

spudulike

vegas is class - was there 3 weeks ago - it's hot there at the moment - and getting hotter.

We spent 4 nights there and then flew to San Fran (which only cost 88 dollars or something). I would recommend that as 7 days in vegas might be a bit much - especially if your not gamblers. San fran is class aswell - great city.

Zaph

spudulike wrote:

7 days in vegas might be a bit much - especially if your not gamblers.

I'd agree with that, spent 4 days there a couple of years ago and that was perfect, even though I like gambling. A trip to the hoover Dam is something else you must do. It's only about a 45 minute drive from Las Vegas.

Jimmy81

Tauren wrote:

what was the weather like over there at the time. Considering the place, i presume it was brilliantly hot and sunny, but would like confirmation - as the plan is to go the first week in october. Grand Canyon helicopter trip is a definate.

the weather was perfect. It was about 25 celcius during the day iirc. At night it was still very warm aswell. Apparently the worst time to go is July and August as its too damn hot to do anything outside.

If you want any more info on the helicopter trip let me know and ill dig up the details.

brettmirl

Just got back from Vegas on Thursday (2nd trip there). Weather when we were there was 30c and it was due to get warmer.
Night time was still warm enough to stay in the shorts and t-shirts.

The Stratosphere is nice but it is a bit of a distance away from the main attractions on the Strip.

Check out the prices on www.expedia.com - it's usually pretty good on prices and sometimes has 4 nights for the price of 3, etc.

We stayed in Bally's which was reasonably priced and it's mid-strip. Another hotel that was pretty cheap was Circus Circus. However, having popped out for a look, it's a kip and full of kids high on sugar. AVOID no matter what the cost.

If you wanna do some shopping while there, well worth taking a trip out to the Las Vegas Premium Outlet Centre - http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=58

Tony Danza

Was in vegas for a few days, go place to go, but gambling is really what it's all about, I'd recommend maybe going to LA for a few days as well, you could rent a car and drive it in a few hours (maybe 4/5 can't really remember). There's a hotel that's shaped like a pyramid, I'm sure somebody here will know the name, as far as I know it's not too expensive, and it's much better located than the stratosphere.

Zaph

Tony Danza wrote:

There's a hotel that's shaped like a pyramid, I'm sure somebody here will know the name, as far as I know it's not too expensive, and it's much better located than the stratosphere.

The Luxor. Stayed there when I was there and got a decent deal on the room. If you do book there and are in the pyramid (there's also a more conventional tower block beside it) make sure you get a room close to the lift serving that floor. The lifts are in the corners and each corner only serves a certain number of floors. Our room was in the opposite corner to the lift on that floor, and it was a 5 minute walk to the lift. Not too bad admittedly, but a real pain when you get to the lift and discover that you've left your wallet back in the room.

galah

The Stratosphere is a bit out of the way, but it's definitely nice! If you can, go for dinner or at least a drink in the revolving restaurant up top - fantastic views, especially at night!!!

Grand Canyon is a must - we did a one-day guided tour, with a jeep - it was fairly expensive, but worth it. Went to the Hoover Dam, Joshua Tree National Park, saw wild horses, and went for a helicopter ride across the Canyon - unbelievable!

Make sure you catch a show as well - the Cirque du Soleil performances are fantastic! There's bound to be an exhibition and concerts there as well (we went to the "Bodies" expo - amazing!)

And don't miss the Freemont Street Experience - fanstastic light shows, every hour at night!

And apart from that, you can easily spend lots of time just wandering around, looking at the hotels and casinos!


Ah, so much to see and do - prepare to be dazzled! ;-)

brettmirl

How could I forget the shows!!!!

This time went to see:

Ka (by Cirque Du Soleil) at the MGM Grand - well worth going to see. Absolutlely amazing show which starts the minute you walk into the theatre.

David Copperfield also at the MGM Grand - some very good illusions and tricks but damn, does that man love himself!

Last time round:

The Blue Man Group at the Venetian - very different and probably unlike anything you have ever seen before but well worth it. Tickets can be pricey compared to the same show in other cities.

Penn & Teller at Rio - lots of talking from the big guy and light on the magic. Not worth the money!

Not been to see Celine or Elton, but both are meant to be good stage shows...and I think Celine is finishing up this year.

C.O.Y.B.I.B

Stayed in the Boardwalk hotel which was a nice 3-star hotel in the centre of everything . Cheap gambling (1$ Blackjack etc.....) Food average but there is so much choice in vegas . Did Grand Canyon by bus. Takes a full day but you stop at Hoover Dam for photos etc... and there are stops at 2 or 3 locations around the canyon . Also they show movies on the way back . Looking around the bigger hotels will take up to 2 days in itself as these are the biggest tourist attractions . Dont miss the pirate show ! Lots of theme parks/ Water parks . Was there in May and it was 40+Celsius

elvis2002

I think the Stratosphere is too far away from the main attractions, you'll probably end up spending the same amount for taxi/monorail fares as you would staying somewhere central strip. I think Luxor is the job.

gandalf

Heading to a mates wedding in November so will watch this thread with interest.

One thing that I want to try is www.thegunstorelasvegas.com/rental.htm or something like it. I believe there are outdoor ranges as well

Darren

I went to a conference with work to Vegas in 2001. I stayed at the Bellagio, it's a lovely hotel. I wasn't very impressed with Vegas, I thought the food was awful and gambling is very, very boooooooooorrrrrrrringggggg.........
I did take a flight over the Hoover Dam and grand canyon which I found terrifying. And, What is all this having hardly any time to cross the road on the walk sign.

Mitch Connor

elvis2002 wrote:

I think the Stratosphere is too far away from the main attractions, you'll probably end up spending the same amount for taxi/monorail fares as you would staying somewhere central strip. I think Luxor is the job.

was looking at the prices for the Luxor, as a few people have recommended it, and it is over twice the price of the statosphere - in fact, you can get the higher priced room in the stratosphere (size of my brothers apartment) with a Spa in the room and other stuff for less then the lowest price on the Luxor website.

I could afford it for myself and my girlfriend, but there are other people coming on the trip and it is way out of their price range, and i don't want to stop people from coming by pricing them out.

So far the Stratosphere looks to be offering the best accomodation and facilities within the budge. I am a bit annoyed at ho far out it is from the centre of the strip, but when working to a budget i suppose sacrifices and compromises have to be made.

EDIT: As a quick aside, does anyone know if i need to get a new passport heading over? My current one isn't up til 2013, but I remember reading about some new chipped passport.

gandalf

Check out Hooters Hotel as well, its got mixed reviews but its closer to the strip and should be around the budget you want.

galah

what we did (on a budget as well) was to book into the Stratosphere for 3 nights for cheap, and on the last night we splashed out and stayed in the Venetian - right in the middle of everything...

The strip trolley is a cheap and nice alternative to taxis - it does take a while, but you'll get to see all the hotels and all!

brettmirl

gandalf wrote:

One thing that I want to try is www.thegunstorelasvegas.com/rental.htm or something like it. I believe there are outdoor ranges as well

We went there on our trip. Just tried the hand-guns, but you can try anything you want there. None of us had ever fired a gun before and they go through all the safety proceedures with you. You get to pick out your taregt...mostly Osama Bin Laden in different poses... You'll have to get a taxi out to it. It's not walking distance from the Strip.

Tauren wrote:

As a quick aside, does anyone know if i need to get a new passport heading over? My current one isn't up til 2013, but I remember reading about some new chipped passport.

No, your passport needs to be "machine readable" - more details on that here http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/travel-and-recreation/travel-abroad/passports-and-visas-to-travel-abroad/machine_readable_irish_passports_and_travel_to_the_US

Tauren wrote:

So far the Stratosphere looks to be offering the best accomodation and facilities within the budge. I am a bit annoyed at ho far out it is from the centre of the strip, but when working to a budget i suppose sacrifices and compromises have to be made.

The monorail is pretty good value if you get the 10-trip ticket or 3-day pass and when we were over there, they were handing out money off vouchers to use it.

C.O.Y.B.I.B

Apologies , Boardwalk has been closed for over a year according to their website !!
First Time I was there stayed in Circus Circus . Cheap and cheerful , but like the Strat is a little far off the strip , but worth considering for the indoor theme park !

El Stuntman

don't bother with slots; play some low-stakes poker instead. if you have even 10% of an idea of what to do, you'll be better than most

you will meet lunatic characters and have a good time, including free booze

head over to the poker forum here for more tips

blahblah06

tauren yes strat is cheap but its miles away. You will be getting cabs everywhere and ur price will rocket. better of paying for a better location hotel

Ballyman

Totally agree re: the Stratosphere. It's a bit far away from everything.

I was on a budget and stayed in the Tropicana. It's right in the middle of the strip and was only marginally more expensive than the Stratosphere but the location was A1. The bedrooms even have mirrors on the ceiling. I shít you not!!! Hotel is a little old but it's clean, enormous and has a massive tropical type pool area. Definitely recommended as it's 1/2 the price of all the hotels in the immediate area. Hooters Hotel is behind it so if you get that cheap enough then thats obviously in a prime location as well.

Also, as mentioned above, stay away from the slots. Whats fun about pulling a handle/pressing a button on a machine over and over again? Way better fun playing the low stakes poker.

There was a table in either the Luxor or the Excalibur where there was a single blind of $1 and a max raise of $3. If you have no idea what you're doing then this is the table for you. Just keep folding and let the waitress fill you up with booze and if you win a hand then it's a bonus! Also, you'll meet some great characters and have a good laugh at the poker tables rather than listening to bleeping machines for hours!

If you drive to the Hoover Dam then get up at 7am and go then. I left Vegas at 10am and got there at 12pm. It's a 15 mile journey!!! So if you don't want to be stuck in traffic go early.

If you're going to the Canyon, I'd avise just getting a helicopter trip from Vegas there and back. You don't want to be sitting in a bus or in traffic in that kind of heat. Pay the few bob extra and make it an amazing trip instead.

Also, if you have rented a car, a trip out to Death Valley is a must. This is one of the hottest places on the planet, exceeding 50 degrees regularly in the summer. There's nothing there but desert but the scenery is amazing. It's a few hours drive from Vegas but you could then head onto LA for the night and head back to Vegas the following morning.

To be fair, away from the strip and fremont street, Vegas is a bit of a kip but there is plenty to do on the strip and in the Vegas surrounds to keep you entertained. 3 or 4 days of the strip and fremont is probably enough so you'll really have to get a car and head off for a few days.

Great spot though. Heat is chronic in July and August but there is always the pool to cool you dowm. You'll have a great time.

krinpit

Jimmy81 wrote:

If you want any more info on the helicopter trip let me know and ill dig up the details.

Hi Jimmy. Can you get me the name of the helicopter tour company you used.

I've found a company called "Grand Canyon Tour Company" who fly from Boulder airport and land at the bottom of the canyon for a Champagne "snack".

However, I've read a lot of negative feedback on the web from those who have used this company for bus tours. So far, I can't find reviews from people who have used the helicopter tour, so I guess it must be OK

Anyway, if you can get me the details of the company you used, I'd really appreciate it.

Jimmy81

krinpit wrote:

Hi Jimmy. Can you get me the name of the helicopter tour company you used.

I've found a company called "Grand Canyon Tour Company" who fly from Boulder airport and land at the bottom of the canyon for a Champagne "snack".

However, I've read a lot of negative feedback on the web from those who have used this company for bus tours. So far, I can't find reviews from people who have used the helicopter tour, so I guess it must be OK

Anyway, if you can get me the details of the company you used, I'd really appreciate it.

Will do, I have the details at home, will post them up this evening.

furtzy

Got married in Vegas in June 2004 Stayed in the Luxor...fantastic.
Did the Grand Canyon Helicopter trip with these guys

http://visionholidays.com/

Highly recommended. Only thing is if it is very windy at the canyon they may not run the helicopter trip on safety grounds.

Grand canyon is breath taking and a must see

The stratosphere revolving restaurant is also top notch. Try and book late evening as you will see the sun set over Vegas...stunning.

Fremont street is mind blowing....they do the show every half hour or so

Can't wait to go back myself and recoup my casino losses

Jimmy81

krinpit wrote:

Hi Jimmy. Can you get me the name of the helicopter tour company you used.

I've found a company called "Grand Canyon Tour Company" who fly from Boulder airport and land at the bottom of the canyon for a Champagne "snack".

However, I've read a lot of negative feedback on the web from those who have used this company for bus tours. So far, I can't find reviews from people who have used the helicopter tour, so I guess it must be OK

Anyway, if you can get me the details of the company you used, I'd really appreciate it.

Right, we booked through a company called Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters.
Their website: http://www.papillon.com/

The exact tour was this one: http://www.papillon.com/popris/show_package.aspx?package_id=34&lang=en-US
It was the Grand Canyon Deluxe.
They picked us up by minibus outside of the hotel at about 6:30am. The bus went to an airstrip near Boulder, it took about 40 mins drive. Then we got on a small plane (about 16 people or so) and flew out to the Grand Canyon.

We flew over the Hoover Dam and a lot of teh Grand Canyon. It was pretty spectacular as the sun was just up. When we got to an airstrip out by the GC a bus picked us up and brought us right in to GC National Park. The tour guide gave us a good bit of info about the area. We were then left on our own for about an hour to take it all in. You get to see this exact part of the GC:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Grandcanyon_laban.jpg
As the yanks would say, its pretty awesome!

The bus then brought us for an all you can eat lunch which wasnt great, but did the job. Then back to the airstrip for a 30 min helicopter journey into the Canyon, that was the highlight and was absolutely incredible.

Then it was a plane back with more cool views before the bus brought us right back to the hotel. Everything was included in the price. We paid about $270 which worked out at about €215 at the time, but with the exchange rate now it would prob be about the €200 mark. It was WELL worth it though. All the tour guides along the way were very friendly and helpful, which is always good.

If you need anymore info let me know, but the above tells you just about everything;)

pow wow

I agree Circus Circus is a bit.....gross. If you can afford it stay somewhere better. I stayed at the Riviera which is opposite Circus Circus and found it ok. The Stratosphere is way at the opposite end of everything as everyone else has said, there is a bus called the Deuce that runs up and down the Strip - It was $5 for a 24 hour pass when I was there. Ballys is good, the rooms are the biggest you'll get for the price in Vegas.

I love Vegas and am flying back again for Valentine's! There isn't a whole lot there other than casinos and plenty of lights, but the atmosphere is great.

Bacchus

Hey, I was out there last month for a conference. Stayed in the Orleans hotel. It's off the strip but it's $80 a night, the rooms are grand and comfortable and there's regular (every 15 minutes) shuttle buses onto the strip. 10 minutes to the strip and it's free. If you're on a budget, I'd recommend it.

Good advice on the rubber soles. The static is unreal over there. Be warned :-)

Really 7 days is too much unless you plan 1 or two big trips outside Vegas (like the Grand Canyon). The Grand Canyon tours range from $80 (all day bus) to $200 (helicopter) as far as I remember.
The only things to do in Vegas are drink, gamble and see shows. Most casinos are $5/10 minimum bets so be warned. You will lose money fast. The slots are cheaper and quite fun. Drink is "free". Just tip the cocktail waitresses. Oh, there's an Irish casino on the strip (leprauchan and all) that has 24 hour happy hour. $2 cups of beer (not a pint) which is good. It had $1 poker too.

The shows is really what Vegas was about for me. I HIGHLY recommend you go see the Blue Man Group. Words cannot describe or do justice to that show. Go to it and try get good seats. Also went to see the Producers with The Hoff :-) That was a good show. Went to a hypnotist and magic show too. All good.

A good tip is to go down the strip in the direction of the Stratosphere. After the pirate ship place there's a shopping mall there. There's a budget/last minute ticket sales place there where you can get tickets for that nights shows up to half price. Well worth it for going to see the smaller shows.

Hope that helps. Enjoy your stay.

Bacchus

Just skimmed through the other replies.

I didn't stay there but I did wander down to Circus Circus and the whole area is a dive. I got out of there ASAP. Really, if you're on a budget I recommend The Orleans. As I said, regular buses, nice rooms, good price, decent casino downstairs. Taxis back at night cost about $10-12 between the two of us.

drdre

I went two years and got everything paid for by a company
Flights, food and hotel
Stayed in cesears palace, if i go again ever i would love to stay in ballegio.
Went to the graand canyon it was great fun, but was on 20 so couldnt get into many clubs they have a stict policy in america

krinpit

Jimmy81 wrote:

Then back to the airstrip for a 30 min helicopter journey into the Canyon, that was the highlight and was absolutely incredible.

Just one question; Did the helicopter land at the bottom? If not, did you feel that you were missing out on anything?

Thanks

Jimmy81

krinpit wrote:

Just one question; Did the helicopter land at the bottom? If not, did you feel that you were missing out on anything?

Thanks

No it didnt. A mate of mine went on one that lands at the bottom, he said it wasnt all that great, so we didnt bother. You get to walk around the rim of the canyon, you see it from the plane, and you go right into it with the helicopter. After all that we all felt we had seen enough of the Canyon.

krinpit

Jimmy81 wrote:

No it didnt. A mate of mine went on one that lands at the bottom, he said it wasnt all that great, so we didnt bother. You get to walk around the rim of the canyon, you see it from the plane, and you go right into it with the helicopter. After all that we all felt we had seen enough of the Canyon.

Thanks Jimmy, I've just booked it now for next Thursday, 31st. Really can't wait now.

One final question for you: is it possible to drive to the airport, rather than hanging around waiting for the bus? This way we'd also be able to take the short trip to the Hoover dam

Jimmy81

krinpit wrote:

Thanks Jimmy, I've just booked it now for next Thursday, 31st. Really can't wait now.

One final question for you: is it possible to drive to the airport, rather than hanging around waiting for the bus? This way we'd also be able to take the short trip to the Hoover dam

The airport the bus brings yout to is just a little bit outside of Vegas, I don't think you would have time to drive to Hoover dam and then make your flight out to the GC. The bus will pick you up when they say they will.
Id probably leave the Hoover dam for another day. You will fly over it on the way to GC anyway.

krinpit

Hmmm, just got confirmation email now saying that we have to take a later departure time.

On the website it says that the trip takes approx 10 hours. Is this a fair estimate, based on your experience?

Thanks again for all your help

Jimmy81

krinpit wrote:

Hmmm, just got confirmation email now saying that we have to take a later departure time.

On the website it says that the trip takes approx 10 hours. Is this a fair estimate, based on your experience?

Thanks again for all your help

10 hours from leaving hotel in the morning to getting back in the afternoon evening seems about right iirc.

krinpit

Jimmy81 wrote:

10 hours from leaving hotel in the morning to getting back in the afternoon evening seems about right iirc.

Hey Jimmy; Thanks a mill for all your help. It was indeed an excellent trip, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone planning something similar. Incredibly well organized and punctual

Linoge

Ballyman wrote:

If you drive to the Hoover Dam then get up at 7am and go then. I left Vegas at 10am and got there at 12pm. It's a 15 mile journey!!! So if you don't want to be stuck in traffic go early.
.

Hey Bally, thanks for the tip. Going to LV 24th June.

Was the traffic that you hit on the way out of LV or was the traffic bad at the dam itself? I was thinking of seeing Hoover Dam on way out or back from Grand Canyon.

Edit: And thats 1,000 posts of my amazing advise, opinions and questions!

Ballyman

The traffic builds up at both sides of the Dam and resulted in a few miles tailback at either side of it.
A lot of it, from what I would make out is due to people trying to park and blocking up the road and the cops slowing cars down at the dam which results in huge tailbacks.

No problem heading back to Vegas from the dam though. Back there in 30mins. Try not to go to the Arizona side of it to park as you will have to join the Q again to get back over it and back to Vegas.

Snail30

I was in Vegas about a 2 months ago and stayed in Circus Circus - as the others have said it's a kip but if u are on a budget and don't mind the walk then it does the job...we really only slept there. If I could ever afford to I would stay in the Bellagio!

I took the helicopter tour that lands in the Canyon - Maverick Helicopters - it was fab...when we landed we had 'champagne' (sparkling wine) and 'hor d'ourves' (dips and chips) but it was worth it - a bit more pricey though at $400 I think.

Anyhow Vegas is fab - you'll love it. Make sure u bring loads of sunscreen! :cool:

jahalpin

I went to Vegas and SFO in January. I stayed at Hooters hotel, which was very nice and very cheap, £100 for 2 nights including flights from SFO trought expedia.co.uk

I walked past the Stratosphere, it is at the far end of the strip and looks very old and tacky