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Las Vegas Recommendations for a 30th?

  • 29-06-2017 12:38pm
    #1
    Densey12
    Registered Users Posts: 121 ✭✭


    Hi all,

    I am looking for a bit of advice please. Rather than having a double 30th birthday party, my friend and I have now decided to go on holidays and are thinking of going to Vegas early next year Feb / March. I would think there could be between 5 or 10 of us! We would be looking to be in the heart of it and looking for a bit of partying and relaxation :)

    I am just looking for some recommendations on:

    Should I book with a travel agency when there will be a group of us?
    When is the best time to go?
    Where should we stay?
    Any other tips form people who have been to Vegas!

    Thanks in advance any help would be greatly appreciated!
    Tagged:


«1

Comments

  • #2
    rossie1977
    Registered Users Posts: 11,341 ✭✭✭✭rossie1977


    1. Honestly that's up to yourselves but you can get great deals online booking flights on secretflying or momondo and hotels on places like trivago/booking.com (genius level)

    2. The best time to go would be march (if the choice is between february and march) because its warmer and the pools will start to open after the winter break. It still won't be that warm though and can be quite windy that time of year.

    3. Best place to stay for first timers is mid strip. You don't really want to stay north of wynn/encore or south of mgm grand otherwise alot of walking/buses/cabs/driving. If you have the budget bellagio, Caesars palace, wynn/encore and venetian/palazzo are world class resorts with mirage, planet Hollywood, mgm grand and Paris the next level down. Many of these hotels have special offers depending on the week.

    4. Pieces of advice. Try to book around major conventions. Numerous sites will list the conventions in town and you will be lucky to get a rat infested motel when the big ones are in the sands/lvcc. Friday and Saturday nights are obviously the busiest but expect to pay four to five times the price for a room on those nights.

    Get out and explore. Some of the us best scenery is within a short drive of Las Vegas like mount Charleston, death valley, red rock canyon, valley of fire. Lake mead is a good day trip not just to see hoover dam.


  • #3
    Atlantic Dawn
    Registered Users Posts: 81,110 ✭✭✭✭Atlantic Dawn
    M


    Should I book with a travel agency when there will be a group of us?
    I'd book with the likes of Ebookers or Expedia as you can combine flights and hotel in one booking while having access to literally hundreds of flight options so you can tailor departure and stopover times to suit you. Some prefer flights via Dublin to UK and then taking a 12 hour flight direct to Vegas, others prefer Dublin to a US city like New York, Atlanta or Philidelphia with a few hours layover and then another flight from there. Advantage from Dublin direct to US is you clear immigration in Dublin Airport, much of a muchness really, depends what you prefer.

    When is the best time to go?
    July and August are very hot, can get up to 50 degrees some summers, very uncomfortable outdoors and best avoided.
    Booking around major sporting events and public holidays like 4th of July or events like Spring Break will push up prices.
    Hotel pools open around April/May and close October or so, might be worth factoring in if your in to lounging around pool during the day.

    Where should we stay?
    It's not worth staying anywhere off stip cheap as your taxi fairs will make up the difference in no time. I'd stay somewhere between Excalibur and Wynn, middle ground between both would be best to be central, the strip is about 4 miles long.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Vegas_Strip#Locations_of_major_landmarks

    Any other tips form people who have been to Vegas!
    Shopping is good, there's an outlet centre at either ends of the strip and also Fashion Show and Planet Hollywood Malls which are decent.
    You are usually to check out of your hotel at 11am unlike Europe which is usually 12pm, try to get a flight early afternoon when your leaving.
    Almost all hotels charge a resort fee this is at least $25 a night and can be double that in some places, you have to pay this regardless when you check in, factor in this charge.


  • #4
    jme2010
    Registered Users Posts: 974 ✭✭✭jme2010


    Bunch of 30 year olds? Stay in the LINQ. Super cool place especially by the pool, but Feb/March might be dead.

    It's opposite Ceasers.


  • #5
    cath_1
    Registered Users Posts: 11 ✭cath_1


    Densey12 wrote: »
    Hi all,

    I am looking for a bit of advice please. Rather than having a double 30th birthday party, my friend and I have now decided to go on holidays and are thinking of going to Vegas early next year Feb / March. I would think there could be between 5 or 10 of us! We would be looking to be in the heart of it and looking for a bit of partying and relaxation :)
    I am just looking for some recommendations on:

    Should I book with a travel agency when there will be a group of us?
    When is the best time to go?
    Where should we stay?
    Any other tips form people who have been to Vegas!

    Thanks in advance any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Hi my husband & I are heading to Vegas end of March for my 29th Birthday. Staying in Bellagio. We are going to do Grand Canyon & shooting ranges & some out let shopping. Have just being looking into some pool parties & clubs now to see what to book. Hope you got to finalise your plans :)


  • #6
    ceadaoin.
    Registered Users Posts: 8,091 ✭✭✭ceadaoin.


    jme2010 wrote: »
    Bunch of 30 year olds? Stay in the LINQ. Super cool place especially by the pool, but Feb/March might be dead.

    It's opposite Ceasers.

    I don't think there is ever a "dead" period in Vegas tbh. There's always something going on. The March madness NCAA basketball tournament is a very popular time to come to Vegas so if the trip is during that time it will be packed. Paddy's day will be busy too.

    I'd wait until March. It will be warmer then and some pools might be open. If you can wait until closer to April the weather should be perfect


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  • #7
    jme2010
    Registered Users Posts: 974 ✭✭✭jme2010


    ceadaoin. wrote: »
    I don't think there is ever a "dead" period in Vegas tbh. There's always something going on. The March madness NCAA basketball tournament is a very popular time to come to Vegas so if the trip is during that time it will be packed. Paddy's day will be busy too.

    I'd wait until March. It will be warmer then and some pools might be open. If you can wait until closer to April the weather should be perfect

    Sorry, I meant the vibe by the pool might be dead.


  • #8
    phobia2011
    Registered Users Posts: 1,291 ✭✭✭phobia2011


    Is October a bad time to visit? I was gonna surprise the missus and book for early October, thought it might be nice and toasty considering what we’re used to?


  • #9
    the whole year inn
    Registered Users Posts: 7,077 ✭✭✭the whole year inn


    phobia2011 wrote: »
    Is October a bad time to visit? I was gonna surprise the missus and book for early October, thought it might be nice and toasty considering what we’re used to?

    Not at all, I was there in October and was Brilliant. As someone mentioned there is aways something on. Going again this year around the same time and only thing ya miss the pool parties.


  • #10
    razorblunt
    Registered Users Posts: 17,300 ✭✭✭✭razorblunt


    Densey12 wrote: »
    Hi all,

    I am looking for a bit of advice please. Rather than having a double 30th birthday party, my friend and I have now decided to go on holidays and are thinking of going to Vegas early next year Feb / March. I would think there could be between 5 or 10 of us! We would be looking to be in the heart of it and looking for a bit of partying and relaxation :)

    I am just looking for some recommendations on:

    Should I book with a travel agency when there will be a group of us?
    When is the best time to go?
    Where should we stay?
    Any other tips form people who have been to Vegas!

    Thanks in advance any help would be greatly appreciated!

    1. Get them to give a quote by all means, but there frequent "flights + stay" deals on various sites. I've gotten 5 nights at the MGM (from the UK) for £777), then the Cosmo for 5 nights from the UK for ~£850

    2. Been there in February and September, September was 35+ but it's a dry heat so not as bad as 35+ in Spain I found. February was 27 degrees but "too cold to open the outdoor pools! so keep that in mind!

    3. I can't recommend Cosmo enough, it was built with apartments in mind, then changed to hotel before opening, so every room is a "suite". MGM is great too, but keep in mind it can often be a 15 minute walk to get OUT of your hotel, you'll be sick of walking to get into the middle of the strip. Cosmo is beautiful and ideally located

    4. Hit the Wicked Spoon for bunch, its ~$40 restaurant standard buffet with unlimited Champagne, so worth it.
    Don't be afraid to ask about any upgrades, in the Cosmo we left £20 x 2 in the passports showing, and were offered adjacent rooms facing the Bellagio fountains for $110 total over the 5 nights
    Spend a day just walking the casinos and soaking it all up, its immense
    The monorail out the back of hotels is a handy and cheap way to travel, but keep in mind you'll still have to walk through the hotels to get to the strip
    A day trip to the Grand Canyon and/or Hoover Dam is worth it, if you have or want a day to spare


  • #11
    razorblunt
    Registered Users Posts: 17,300 ✭✭✭✭razorblunt


    Also it's never really "dead" but Friday and Saturday are obviously the big nights, with Americans and Canadians flying in for the weekend.

    Most importantly don't let anyone on the street take you anywhere or sell you anything. Which pretty much goes without saying in general for any city.


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  • #12
    ceadaoin.
    Registered Users Posts: 8,091 ✭✭✭ceadaoin.


    phobia2011 wrote: »
    Is October a bad time to visit? I was gonna surprise the missus and book for early October, thought it might be nice and toasty considering what we’re used to?

    Early October temps should be in the mid to high 20s at least. Will be cooler later in the month. Spring and autumn are pretty much the prefect times to visit weather wise IMO. Summer is stupidly hot and can make walking the strip fairly unpleasant


  • #13
    phobia2011
    Registered Users Posts: 1,291 ✭✭✭phobia2011


    Where is the best place to book lads, tour America etc?


  • #14
    jme2010
    Registered Users Posts: 974 ✭✭✭jme2010


    phobia2011 wrote: »
    Where is the best place to book lads, tour America etc?

    Christ no, unless you're getting a ridiculous bargain, just book it yourself.

    Use google flights and booking.com/travelrepublic for hotels.

    I'd recommend having the stop over in London then going direct to Vegas rather than 7-8 hours to NYC / BOS / ATL / ORD then face a second long-haul flight.


  • #15
    tricky D
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,700 ✭✭✭tricky D


    Ethiopian to LA and connector to LV can have some very good value. Definitely worth checking out.


  • #16
    ceadaoin.
    Registered Users Posts: 8,091 ✭✭✭ceadaoin.


    jme2010 wrote: »
    Christ no, unless you're getting a ridiculous bargain, just book it yourself.

    Use google flights and booking.com/travelrepublic for hotels.

    I'd recommend having the stop over in London then going direct to Vegas rather than 7-8 hours to NYC / BOS / ATL / ORD then face a second long-haul flight.

    Another route we like for trips home is Dublin to San Francisco with aer lingus then a short 40 min flight to Vegas. It's a godsend to just arrive in Dublin after a long flight with little sleep rather than have to wait around in London for a connection


  • #17
    the whole year inn
    Registered Users Posts: 7,077 ✭✭✭the whole year inn


    We stoped in JFK the last time we were flying ,I didn't like it at all no place would take cash for a few beers all card and was mad expensive and wanted to get some vodka no where would sell it to us unless we were flying international.It a **** hole of a place really and will be avoiding if I can.


  • #18
    jme2010
    Registered Users Posts: 974 ✭✭✭jme2010


    ceadaoin. wrote: »
    Another route we like for trips home is Dublin to San Francisco with aer lingus then a short 40 min flight to Vegas. It's a godsend to just arrive in Dublin after a long flight with little sleep rather than have to wait around in London for a connection

    Very good tip. I would take that option next time...only thing is I hate flying domestic within the States.


  • #19
    phobia2011
    Registered Users Posts: 1,291 ✭✭✭phobia2011


    What kind of cost would you expect to pay, early October - Thursday to Wednesday (very flexible)
    Have budgeted approx 800-1000 each.
    Then it’s having half an idea of what hotels are decent. I’ve some reading to do!!

    All info greatly appreciated.


  • #20
    Idbatterim
    Registered Users Posts: 17,840 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    phobia2011 wrote: »
    Is October a bad time to visit? I was gonna surprise the missus and book for early October, thought it might be nice and toasty considering what we’re used to?

    October would be good, but preferably early october, think pools generally close mid to late October and the weather not as warm...


  • #21
    Idbatterim
    Registered Users Posts: 17,840 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    phobia2011 wrote: »
    What kind of cost would you expect to pay, early October - Thursday to Wednesday (very flexible)
    Have budgeted approx 800-1000 each.
    Then it’s having half an idea of what hotels are decent. I’ve some reading to do!!

    All info greatly appreciated.

    post up here if you need help with hotels, I know vegas like the back of my hand, stayed there over a month before hopping between hotels. Off to there again in may...

    mid week rates are very cheap compared to weekends, so you can stay somewhere far fancier and move to cheaper at weekends. Depends on budget and what you want...

    can pm you link to room that is streets ahead of anything else, value for money wise, if you like op...


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  • #22
    Idbatterim
    Registered Users Posts: 17,840 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    phobia2011 wrote: »
    What kind of cost would you expect to pay, early October - Thursday to Wednesday (very flexible)
    Have budgeted approx 800-1000 each.
    Then it’s having half an idea of what hotels are decent. I’ve some reading to do!!

    All info greatly appreciated.

    forgot to mention, the rates look a lot more competitive, before they whack on their 35 usd resort fee, which wont be included in any prices that you get on trivago etcm so just bare that in mind, nearly everywhere charges it...


  • #23
    ceadaoin.
    Registered Users Posts: 8,091 ✭✭✭ceadaoin.


    jme2010 wrote: »
    Very good tip. I would take that option next time...only thing is I hate flying domestic within the States.

    Yeah, that can be a pain, but it's literally up in the air, quick beverage service and descent so it's bearable. It's united and I find they aren't as bad as others. The only problem is you can't reserve a seat for that flight online if you book via the Aer lingus site. A quick phone call sorts that though.
    Idbatterim wrote: »
    forgot to mention, the rates look a lot more competitive, before they whack on their 35 usd resort fee, which wont be included in any prices that you get on trivago etcm so just bare that in mind, nearly everywhere charges it...


    Not nearly everywhere, literally everywhere! Some are cheaper than others though but a lot of places put them up every year. Plus most properties on the strip are paid parking now so if you hire a car that has to be factored in.


  • #24
    jme2010
    Registered Users Posts: 974 ✭✭✭jme2010


    Idbatterim wrote: »
    post up here if you need help with hotels, I know vegas like the back of my hand, stayed there over a month before hopping between hotels. Off to there again in may...

    mid week rates are very cheap compared to weekends, so you can stay somewhere far fancier and move to cheaper at weekends. Depends on budget and what you want...

    can pm you link to room that is streets ahead of anything else, value for money wise, if you like op...

    Go ahead and post it here...I'd love to hear the tips.

    Been to Vegas 3 times and love it more each visit. By the way things are going it's a yearly visit please god.


  • #25
    Idbatterim
    Registered Users Posts: 17,840 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    The signature MGM. the strip view with with balcony studios or one bed suites are class. Hot tub in the bathroom, his and hers sinks, kitchen etc. Way better value than other high end properties, usually good deals on airbnb..


  • #26
    phobia2011
    Registered Users Posts: 1,291 ✭✭✭phobia2011


    Ok lads, missus birthday next month so i need to get moving, slight change of plan,
    Hoping to go to new york for 3nts then on to vegas for 4 nights.

    Going early october 5/12 - 12/19
    Budgeting approx €1000- €1200 for flights
    Was looking at either Luxor ( unsure after tonights reading) approx $550 and mgm grand, approx $750

    Was quoted price by TA for €2600 all in but hotel was Excalibur(unsure of)

    I really need to get it nailed down now the clock is ticking😜


  • #27
    Idbatterim
    Registered Users Posts: 17,840 ✭✭✭✭Idbatterim


    phobia2011 wrote: »
    Ok lads, missus birthday next month so i need to get moving, slight change of plan,
    Hoping to go to new york for 3nts then on to vegas for 4 nights.

    Going early october 5/12 - 12/19
    Budgeting approx €1000- €1200 for flights
    Was looking at either Luxor ( unsure after tonights reading) approx $550 and mgm grand, approx $750

    Was quoted price by TA for €2600 all in but hotel was Excalibur(unsure of)

    I really need to get it nailed down now the clock is ticking😜
    the mgm for that price is a west wing room I assume. They don’t even have a window!!!


  • #28
    phobia2011
    Registered Users Posts: 1,291 ✭✭✭phobia2011


    Exactly that, west wing, no mention of windows views etc. the signatue looks fantastic and is my preferred option at this stage. Could you send me on link to apartment you stayed in, the are quite a few on abnb, but all of them look great. Thanks in advance


  • #29
    boredatwork82
    Registered Users Posts: 1,214 ✭✭✭boredatwork82


    Been to Vegas a few times. Luxor isn't a bad hotel. I like it. A bit away from centre strip but not really an issue, and a but dated but they improving it. No difference to Excalibur or MGM location wise. Its pretty cool staying in a pyramid, and there is always a good buzz on the casino floor. Likewise Excalibur is grand. Once again a bit dated and tacky. But isn't that Vegas!
    The MGM is so big, I never got a good buzz from the place. The gaming floor is so big it seems to sap the energy out of it. And it's like a shopping centre.

    If you looking at that price other hotels to check out are flamingo, Linq and Paris.
    The coolest hotel I stayed in Vegas was Planet Hollywood. Great location and great atmosphere.

    But there was some great advice from a previous poster about staying midweek in a classier place, and downgrading for the weekend,aybe even consider Downtown.

    I always check Expedia,Skyscanner and the travel agents. Sometimes I have gotten better deals through travel agents than booking myself.

    And it's easy to fill a week in Vegas.


  • #30
    the whole year inn
    Registered Users Posts: 7,077 ✭✭✭the whole year inn


    phobia2011 wrote: »
    Ok lads, missus birthday next month so i need to get moving, slight change of plan,
    Hoping to go to new york for 3nts then on to vegas for 4 nights.

    Going early october 5/12 - 12/19
    Budgeting approx €1000- €1200 for flights
    Was looking at either Luxor ( unsure after tonights reading) approx $550 and mgm grand, approx $750

    Was quoted price by TA for €2600 all in but hotel was Excalibur(unsure of)

    I really need to get it nailed down now the clock is ticking😜

    I done 4 nights in Vegas and then 3 nights in NYC last year .I was tired when I got yo NYC.Who are you flying with to Vegas ?
    I was looking at the Airbnb for hotels this year ,it's the way to go about think and as long as your on the strip you will be fine.Make sure you check out old Vegas class spot.


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  • #31
    jme2010
    Registered Users Posts: 974 ✭✭✭jme2010


    the whole year inn wrote: »
    I was looking at the Airbnb for hotels this year ,it's the way to go about think and as long as your on the strip you will be fine.Make sure you check out old Vegas class spot.


    AirBnb is not allowed in NYC I believe.


    Why use airbnb for vegas? Unless your going for a mansion with a gang of 10 people.


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