Las Vegas

Poppers1888

Woo hoo, I have finally convinced my friends to go to Las Vegas on Holidays, were gonna go laste next Summer, can people tell me of their experiences and what you recommend and dont recommend, what hotels are central and reasonable enough etc.... There are prob 7 of us going all 26-32, 3 couples and another friend, have been looking at the driving from LA down to Vegas to make it more fun, were gonna head off for about 2/3 weeks so any helpful advice would be appreciated.

CANT WAIT!!!!

THANKS

kenmc

I think you'll quickly get bored of Vegas, it's a sort of a 'see once, that's grand' place. Was there for a weekend earlier in the year (happened to be working in SF and flew down) and wouldn't be in a rush to go back. Pretty depressing place to be honest, everyone just sitting in the casinos in front of the slot machines - the same person will be at the same machine in the same clothes in the morning as was there when you're going to bed at night.
Hotelwise, NyNy looks cool, as does excalibur. I stayed in the Luxor, it's a bit of a hole but cheaper. All hotels are Huge.
We took a flight to the grand canyon - you can take a helicopter trip INTO it too, but it's circa 300dollars.
For what it's worth, if you never saw Vegas you wouldn't miss much, so if it's not set in stone I'd be looking elsewhere personally. It's really not all that.

Mitch Connor

kenmc wrote:

I think you'll quickly get bored of Vegas, it's a sort of a 'see once, that's grand' place. Was there for a weekend earlier in the year (happened to be working in SF and flew down) and wouldn't be in a rush to go back. Pretty depressing place to be honest, everyone just sitting in the casinos in front of the slot machines - the same person will be at the same machine in the same clothes in the morning as was there when you're going to bed at night.
Hotelwise, NyNy looks cool, as does excalibur. I stayed in the Luxor, it's a bit of a hole but cheaper. All hotels are Huge.
We took a flight to the grand canyon - you can take a helicopter trip INTO it too, but it's circa 300dollars.
For what it's worth, if you never saw Vegas you wouldn't miss much, so if it's not set in stone I'd be looking elsewhere personally. It's really not all that.

I know a few people who have been, and they couldn't disagree with you more.

My brother has been, and he said it is one of the palces he would go back to. Said he absolutely loved it, as did the girlfriend. My boss went last year too, with a group of people and stayed for a week, said it was brilliant and there was loads to do.

From looking round sites on the net - there is a lot i want to do over there. A bit of poker, helicopter trip to the canyon, gun shooting, speedway day, a couple of shows and some other stuff.

I think you are painting an overly depressing picture of the place.

gibo_ie

Ive been twice in the last few years, it is a great place with a wide range of things to do and see for all the family. You couldnt possibly get bored there due to the enermous amount of shows, free things to do, shopping, adventure tours etc..
I went on an ATV tour in Valley of Fire which was amazing. As for kenmcc - its what you make of it yourself to be fair. Ignore people constantly sitting at the same machine, so what! Enjoy yourself and you will want to return. I know a couple who have been there 13 times in the last 10 years!! so something is worth going back for!!
P.S. You can gamble too and have free drink!!

jjbrien

I was looking into going to Las Veagas myself. I am a former travel agent. I was very supprised when I looked on the MGM Grand website as to how cheap you can get accomindation in the MGM Grand. They do very good quality rooms at aount €60 per night sometimes cheaper. Thier idea is get you in and to the tables. But the MGM always has lots on concerts, boxing matches etc. It where alot of the big events in Veags happens take a look at it when I sent people there they always had fun.

The hard rock is good as well. The Luxor is cheap and I think its beside New York New York and the MGM.

bobbyjoe

I went last year stayed at the Tropicana, its an old casino but in the center of things and cheap. Didn't spend much time in the room anyway.
The first 48 hours were great but couldn't wait to get away from it after the second day.
If you want to gamble I'd advise going into a casino during the day time to get the hang of it. People get pissed off if its a busy table and your not sure what your doing later on. The dealer will even give you lessons if you ask them and its quiet.
What I didn't like about the place is that everywhere you turn is designed to take your money. If you have a hangover and want a nice quiet bar to chill for a bit it couldn't be found. The bars have few seats the whole place is designed to keep you moving and gambling.

Tuesday_Girl

kenmc wrote:

I think you'll quickly get bored of Vegas, it's a sort of a 'see once, that's grand' place. Was there for a weekend earlier in the year (happened to be working in SF and flew down) and wouldn't be in a rush to go back. Pretty depressing place to be honest, everyone just sitting in the casinos in front of the slot machines - the same person will be at the same machine in the same clothes in the morning as was there when you're going to bed at night.
Hotelwise, NyNy looks cool, as does excalibur. I stayed in the Luxor, it's a bit of a hole but cheaper. All hotels are Huge.
We took a flight to the grand canyon - you can take a helicopter trip INTO it too, but it's circa 300dollars.
For what it's worth, if you never saw Vegas you wouldn't miss much, so if it's not set in stone I'd be looking elsewhere personally. It's really not all that.

My experience was similar to yours, I was there for the first time last year and I don't plan on going back anytime soon. Granted, I was there for work but we had a lot of free time and the best nights were the ones where we had work dinners and parties. I stayed in the MGM where there are 5,000 rooms, it takes an age to just get out of the place, and of course you end up being routed through the casino from where there never seems to be a exit in sight.

I did some shopping and spent some time checking out the various hotels but by the end of the week I was glad to leave. It gets boring after a few days, the heat, the crowds and the constant ching-ching of the casinos really gets to you after a while. But if you're into gambling and all-night partying, the you can have a good time!

keefg

Hi Poppers1888,

I went to Vegas in 2003, 2004 (got married there) & 2005 and I plan to get back there soon.

Vegas is a bit of a Marmite destination - you either love it or hate it. As you can guess, I am a fan and I know about 25 people who have been there and they all loved it.

For all three of my visits I stayed in The Flamingo which may not be the best hotel in Vegas but for the money you pay you can't beat the location. It's right in the middle of the strip overlooking the Belagio Fountains & Caesars Palace. I am not a big gambler but there is still plenty to do and see. One of the best shows I have seen is The Amazing Jonathan (a comedien/magician) beware of the bad language though!! Think of a very rude Tommy Cooper - he is VERY funny.

For a bit of "Old Vegas" there is a good Rat Pack tribute show that plays at The Greek Isles Hotel (it's a short cab ride from the strip).

Not sure what dates you are going but look our for the Andre Aggasi Charity concert in the MGM Grand (Sept or Oct I think). It was about 150 bucks but the line up was fantastic and if you get there early you can watch all the rich people spend their dosh at the charity auction.

Most of the big hotels are worth a look but I would advise staying away from The Stratosphere end of town, it's a dump.

Another cool place to go (if you are into that sort of thing) is The Gun Store. It's a couple of miles down the road next to the MGM. You can go in there, choose any gun (pistol or machine gun), buy some ammo and go for a bit of target practice in their indoor range. You will need a drivers licence or passport to leave at the front counter before you can shoot. Let the ladies go shopping for a day while the lads go shooting!!

There are tons of cool (but bloody expensive) shops, check out the Cheesecake Factory in Caesars.

Just be warned, you will need comfy shoes and everything will all be very over the top & very tacky - but remember....it's supposed to be!!

Have fun.

keefg

Hi Poppers1888,

I went to Vegas in 2003, 2004 (got married there) & 2005 and I plan to get back there soon.

Vegas is a bit of a Marmite destination - you either love it or hate it. As you can guess, I am a fan and I know about 25 people who have been there and they all loved it.

For all three of my visits I stayed in The Flamingo which may not be the best hotel in Vegas but for the money you pay you can't beat the location. It's right in the middle of the strip overlooking the Belagio Fountains & Caesars Palace. I am not a big gambler but there is still plenty to do and see. One of the best shows I have seen is The Amazing Jonathan (a comedien/magician) beware of the bad language though!! Think of a very rude Tommy Cooper - he is VERY funny.

For a bit of "Old Vegas" there is a good Rat Pack tribute show that plays at The Greek Isles Hotel (it's a short cab ride from the strip).

Not sure what dates you are going but look our for the Andre Aggasi Charity concert in the MGM Grand (Sept or Oct I think). It was about 150 bucks but the line up was fantastic and if you get there early you can watch all the rich people spend their dosh at the charity auction.

Most of the big hotels are worth a look but I would advise staying away from The Stratosphere end of town, it's a dump.

Another cool place to go (if you are into that sort of thing) is The Gun Store. It's a couple of miles down the road next to the MGM. You can go in there, choose any gun (pistol or machine gun), buy some ammo and go for a bit of target practice in their indoor range. You will need a drivers licence or passport to leave at the front counter before you can shoot. Let the ladies go shopping for a day while the lads go shooting!!

There are tons of cool (but bloody expensive) shops, check out the Cheesecake Factory in Caesars.

Just be warned, you will need comfy shoes and everything will all be very over the top & very tacky - but remember....it's supposed to be!!

Have fun.

cooperguy

I know a few people who have been to Vegas they all loved it. However they did say about 3/4 days is all you should do at a time. It is a very tiring, expensive place to be!! You said you wanted to drive from Las Angelas. Id recommend staying there for a week or 2 before heading to vegas. There is loads to do there. Check out Six Flags theme park if your into that sort of thing (I am:D) plenty to see round Hollywood and you could head down to Long Beach area for a bit of a beach holiday for a day or 2 aswell.