Viva Las Vegas! recommendations for hotels / places of interest

[Sabbie]

If you can afford it, take a trip in a plane over the Grand Canyon. It takes up a lot of a day but so worth it. There are lots of companies that run them and pick you up at your hotel etc. Plus, it's actually nice to get away from the strip as it can drive you crazy after a few days.

If you are spending more time in the area or going on a road trip Death Valley is A M A Z I N G.

 

[Bear99]

We went in March this year and stayed at the mirage for 5 nights ! 100% recommend the hotel, it’s fairly central on the strip. It’s right next door to Caesar’s palace opposite the Venetian and only a short walk away to the others. We only slept in the hotel as we were out all day everyday doing things.
Taxis are ok but if you wanted to get down to Fremont street the bus is better and much cheaper.
I would 1000000% say to get a helicopter ride over the canyon, we did it on our first day at we picked the sunrise tour that picked us up at 5.30 and we were up already at 2 due to jet lag. Had a 45 min ride over the hoover dam etc and landed in the canyon for drinks and a picnic for around 40 mins and then set off back and flew down the strip on the way back. We were back at around 12 afternoon so we had the rest of the day to play with.
If you’re thinking of a shooting range go to battlefield Vegas .. we were picked up from our hotel in a army truck. All the staff are ex servicemen so are really helpful with novices.

I would suggest to get a list together and plan your days, there’s so much to do and see. We had a rough idea of what we wanted to do everyday and it worked well for us.

Also make sure you do the slotzilla zip line through Fremont street AMAZING (go for the lying down one, it’s higher and longer).

Feel free to private message if you need anymore tips etc xx

Also if you're thinking of booking the helicopter we booked through viatour. Sign up and you get 15% (I think) off your first tour which helps when you’re spending a bit. Groupon have good deals for meals out etc.

We also booked our shooting range direct through battlefield on their website as it was cheaper.

 

[mcfeez]

Bit of a late reply but thank you to those who responded to my post! Does anyone have any experience with the 20 dollar trick for a room upgrade?

Honestly, don't expect anything. $20 has been mentioned as the 'trick' for years - its funny its never went up with inflation! Personally I'd just ask nicely at check in if there are any free upgrades available and then tip them if they find one for you. It depends as well on when you are going. Monday, Tues, Weds more likely to have some free rooms than the weekend.

 

[Impleo]

I go every year, it's so much fun. Got married there when I was pretty young and get to use it as an excuse to go back and enjoy it.

Hotels are a really personal preference,I like the Cosmopolitan over the Bellagio, I've stayed there for the last 4 years in a row, off again in a few months. It's bang on central, next door to the Bellagio, has an excellent players club if you want to gamble, has good food options and is the only hotel on the strip that has rooms with balconies which gives a stunning view in the evening, especially if you are overlooking the Bellagio Fountains. For me, the Bellagio is a little stuffy and I don't think the casino is as good. But you might prefer it, so do your research.

You've had good tips already about where to visit. A nice place to clear your head is Red Rock Canyon, it's about a 30 minute drive from the strip, you can hike, see some wildlife, have a picnic, watch people rock climbing. Hoover Dam is interesting.

I get a bit fed up with the Vegas food, so I do love to stop at Wholefoods which is just at the north of the strip beyond Mandalay Bay and just have a normal sandwich/salad. I prefer to eat at some of the more local restaurants off-strip, look on tripadvisor and there are some really good authentic restaurants, Thai, Mexican. Saying that, you can't beat at least one trip to the Cheesecake Factory at Caesars and Earl of Sandwich in the mall by Planet Hollywood is a really good, quick, cheap eat.

For shopping, I like the Fashion Show Mall, it's got all the stores we like. I tend to do a lot of my Christmas shopping there. When are you going? November time has some really good pre-black friday sales. Make sure you have Uber and Lyft on your phone, the cars are everywhere and are much better than taxis.

 

[Cookiedough93]

Booked with thomas cook and stayed at mirage for 10 nights was amazing. Bellagio is fab too. We booked online for day trip to grandcanyon someone on the same coach paid double the price through these reps out on the strip/hotels.
Have a meal at ceasars palace and breakfast at the veniciation with candlelight and the boats going past.

Very jelous

 

[Halliestar]

We walked through the Grand Canyon instead of taking a helicopter and it was amazing, definitely takes up a whole day with travel there and back but it you go on a tour bus they also take you through and stop off at Route 66. Just be careful if you do walk around the canyon as some tourists can be very pushy as they’re all after a photo.

Definitely visit the old strip, we only spent a few hours there but it’s worth a visit plus you can zip wire over the crowds.

We also saw Cher perform, can’t wait to visit again sometime

 

[Summeroscar33]

I go every year, it's so much fun. Got married there when I was pretty young and get to use it as an excuse to go back and enjoy it.

Hotels are a really personal preference,I like the Cosmopolitan over the Bellagio, I've stayed there for the last 4 years in a row, off again in a few months. It's bang on central, next door to the Bellagio, has an excellent players club if you want to gamble, has good food options and is the only hotel on the strip that has rooms with balconies which gives a stunning view in the evening, especially if you are overlooking the Bellagio Fountains. For me, the Bellagio is a little stuffy and I don't think the casino is as good. But you might prefer it, so do your research.

You've had good tips already about where to visit. A nice place to clear your head is Red Rock Canyon, it's about a 30 minute drive from the strip, you can hike, see some wildlife, have a picnic, watch people rock climbing. Hoover Dam is interesting.

I get a bit fed up with the Vegas food, so I do love to stop at Wholefoods which is just at the north of the strip beyond Mandalay Bay and just have a normal sandwich/salad. I prefer to eat at some of the more local restaurants off-strip, look on tripadvisor and there are some really good authentic restaurants, Thai, Mexican. Saying that, you can't beat at least one trip to the Cheesecake Factory at Caesars and Earl of Sandwich in the mall by Planet Hollywood is a really good, quick, cheap eat.

For shopping, I like the Fashion Show Mall, it's got all the stores we like. I tend to do a lot of my Christmas shopping there. When are you going? November time has some really good pre-black friday sales. Make sure you have Uber and Lyft on your phone, the cars are everywhere and are much better than taxis.

Thank you ! We have booked the Cosmo with a terrace and balcony view ! We are going in October ! There’s so much to cram in but really excited

 

[Deleted member]

I go every year, it's so much fun. Got married there when I was pretty young and get to use it as an excuse to go back and enjoy it.

Hotels are a really personal preference,I like the Cosmopolitan over the Bellagio, I've stayed there for the last 4 years in a row, off again in a few months. It's bang on central, next door to the Bellagio, has an excellent players club if you want to gamble, has good food options and is the only hotel on the strip that has rooms with balconies which gives a stunning view in the evening, especially if you are overlooking the Bellagio Fountains. For me, the Bellagio is a little stuffy and I don't think the casino is as good. But you might prefer it, so do your research.

You've had good tips already about where to visit. A nice place to clear your head is Red Rock Canyon, it's about a 30 minute drive from the strip, you can hike, see some wildlife, have a picnic, watch people rock climbing. Hoover Dam is interesting.

I get a bit fed up with the Vegas food, so I do love to stop at Wholefoods which is just at the north of the strip beyond Mandalay Bay and just have a normal sandwich/salad. I prefer to eat at some of the more local restaurants off-strip, look on tripadvisor and there are some really good authentic restaurants, Thai, Mexican. Saying that, you can't beat at least one trip to the Cheesecake Factory at Caesars and Earl of Sandwich in the mall by Planet Hollywood is a really good, quick, cheap eat.

For shopping, I like the Fashion Show Mall, it's got all the stores we like. I tend to do a lot of my Christmas shopping there. When are you going? November time has some really good pre-black friday sales. Make sure you have Uber and Lyft on your phone, the cars are everywhere and are much better than taxis.

We went to Cheesecake Factory on our first night and I literally couldn’t eat a quarter of the portion I got them to box it up gave it to a wee homeless lady and she was delighted.

Earl of Sandwich was our new discovery and I would kill for the club sandwich right now. I never thought I’d say it but it is now my fave over a moons over my hammy from Denny’s.

For the original poster,if you fancy a nice more up market but still reasonably priced meal,Joes seafood,prime steak and stone crab restaurant was fab. It’s in the forum shops at Cesars.

My other half was desperate to try Gordon Ramsay’s signature dishes but getting a table at Hell’s Kitchen was impossible and it’s extortinate. We ended up in his pub and grill in Cesars and had a lovely meal. There was a tasting month so we got to have the scallops,beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding for 80 dollars each.

 

[JudgeyPants]

We went for 5 days a couple of years ago, it’s amazing!

We had a meal at the top of the Stratosphere, I’d highly recommend this if you can afford it! The views are fantastic!

We also watched Rock of Ages at the Venetian, you have to see a show of some kind!

We did a ghost hunt out in the desert, went in Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Shark Reef, shopped in the malls and looked in all the hotels, saw the Las Vegas sign and the fountains, found an amazing backstreet smokehouse, visited Fremont St and went in the Mob Museum (awesome!), had a buffet breakfast in the Bellagio and one of the days we did a visit to the Grand Canyon and the Hoover Dam! We didn’t do the helicopter ride, I’m too much of a chicken for that but we did walk on the Skywalk!

My recommendation would be to have a plan of what you want to do each day and book as much as you can before you go, we used Viator and booked our meal directly with the Stratosphere. We just found this easier than wasting time trying to find things to do/get tickets in the short time that we were there, although just exploring in the hotels is amazing in itself!

You’ll have great fun!

 

[Impleo]

Thank you ! We have booked the Cosmo with a terrace and balcony view ! We are going in October ! There’s so much to cram in but really excited

Ahhh brilliant !

October is the perfect time to go, weather will be warm but not scorching.

Can I suggest you ask for a high floor when you check in, it makes the view even more "wow".

I think I was on the 48th floor last year and this was the view.

 

[Al Fresco]

I’d like to revive this thread as I’m going for the first time in September, so if anyone has anymore vegas tips or recommendations I’d appreciate it
Has anyone bought one of those vegas passes or do you just generally buy tickets separately?
also not sure what shoes to wear whilst out and about, I know trainers are the most obvious choice but feel like my feet will be really hot and sweaty in the heat

I’ve been a couple of times and could give you lots of tips but I’d recommend you watch a girl on YouTube called Travel Ruby as she lives there and is completely up to date.

Yes, your feet will be hot and tired, everything looks closer than it is from your window as the buildings are huge so don’t try and cover too big an area each day. Don’t be fashion conscious with your feet, go for comfort, maybe something like Sketchers go walk sandals or lightweight trainers like Allbirds.

You must keep drinking water as that affects your feet too. Desert heat is very dehydrating as is the air conditioning everywhere. Go to Walgreens when you get there and get some Jergens Aloe Vera moisturiser. Even my armpits were dried out!. You’ll love it.

 

[Sabbie]

Bit of a late reply but thank you to those who responded to my post! Does anyone have any experience with the 20 dollar trick for a room upgrade?

I honestly think that’s a myth? But I could be wrong. You can just ask if there are any room upgrades available? Didn’t get an upgrade but got a sweet upgrade on the flight going home.

 

[JudgeyPants]

We only went for 5 days so had a tight schedule of trying to fit things in.

I used a website called Viator to book and pay for all our trips before we got there to save time trying to do it out there. It was great, hassle free and everything ran smoothly.

We did the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon with the Skywalk, a ghost hunt out in Goodsprings, dinner at the Top of the Stratosphere (booked before we went), a show at The Venetian, breakfast at the Bellagio and the Mob Museum and downtown, as well as all the usual sightseeing stuff (Siegfried and Roys Secret Garden, Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, the Las Vegas sign, the chapels, etc) and mooching around all the hotels! I was knackered when we got back!

 

[Luce0331]

I’d like to revive this thread as I’m going for the first time in September, so if anyone has anymore vegas tips or recommendations I’d appreciate it
Has anyone bought one of those vegas passes or do you just generally buy tickets separately?
also not sure what shoes to wear whilst out and about, I know trainers are the most obvious choice but feel like my feet will be really hot and sweaty in the heat

 

[Deleted member]

We went last month to celebrate both of us turning 40.

It was a toss up for us between the Belaggio and the Mirage and we went for the Mirage in the end cos I preferred the pool area. At the end of the day,you can go into the casinos and restaurants/shops in all the hotels so you’ll still get to experience all they have to offer. Location wise,you have the Mirage,Cesars Palace and the Belaggio in a row and in a fab location on the strip.

We went for a week,we usually spent a few hours in the morning sunbathing.

We got the bus to the Vegas sign one afternoon- there are frequent buses on the strip and it costs 2 dollars for any stop or you can get a 24 pass for 6 hours or you can get ones for longer durations. Recommend this because the strip is massive and we really struggled walking in the heat and we love Orlando and are used to walking miles in a day.

Defo go and check out Fremont Street,you can do the zip line down it. Prepare yourself to see some very weird sights.

We hired a car and drove to LA and visited Hollywood and Santa Monica pier. I booked through usrentacar and it was £160 for a mustang for 2 days. It was my other half that wanted to do this - it was a verrrrry long drive but we can say we’ve been. We also drive to Hoover Dam,another thing ticked of the bucket list.

There is designer shops galore but for more affordable shopping there are outlets and the shops in the miracle mile mall next to Planet Hollywood were good.

We seen the cirque du soleil show in the Mirage- the Beatles Love. It was fab. There are loads of shows to chose from so pick whatever takes your fancy - I had went to book online but ended up getting tickets direct from the hotel for a discount.

You’ll have a ball whatever you decide to do.

 

[VicksterIcon]

Any recommendations for shows?

We loved “Love” by Cirque and Beatles at the Mirage

 

[Youtubegossip]

We went to Cheesecake Factory on our first night and I literally couldn’t eat a quarter of the portion I got them to box it up gave it to a wee homeless lady and she was delighted.

Earl of Sandwich was our new discovery and I would kill for the club sandwich right now. I never thought I’d say it but it is now my fave over a moons over my hammy from Denny’s.

For the original poster,if you fancy a nice more up market but still reasonably priced meal,Joes seafood,prime steak and stone crab restaurant was fab. It’s in the forum shops at Cesars.

My other half was desperate to try Gordon Ramsay’s signature dishes but getting a table at Hell’s Kitchen was impossible and it’s extortinate. We ended up in his pub and grill in Cesars and had a lovely meal. There was a tasting month so we got to have the scallops,beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding for 80 dollars each.

You didn’t miss out at Gordon Ramsey’s. We’ve been to several in London and hated Hell’s Kitchen. Yes the food was good but we had a booking and still had to queue whilst tourists kept coming in to take pictures and there’s a very loud sports bar as part of the dining area. Not what you’d expect want when it’s costing almost £300 with drinks.

I’ve had my wedding in Vegas and stayed at the MGM Grand, which I loved. I also stayed in the Encore (amazing but pricey), and off strip in a great hotel called the Platinum once ( perfect hotel if you don’t mind staying off strip. You save a ton!) .
The Bellagio rooms are really dated and imho not worth the money. You can still tour the resort and see the fountains without staying anyway. I heard great things about the Aria.

I know a couple of people who have stayed in the Aria and said it was great too.

 

[eyeballs]

I went last summer, 4 nights in the Mirage. I wanted somewhere in the centre and near the main decent hotels. It was perfect for me. Walking distance to a mall and opposite the Venetian.
I saw the David copperfield magic show, cheesy but amazing.
Took a cab to an outlet mall. Any other questions, I’ve only been once but happy to help.

 

[Luce0331]

Bit of a late reply but thank you to those who responded to my post! Does anyone have any experience with the 20 dollar trick for a room upgrade?

 

[Halliestar]

Ooo yeah we also saw Frederic Da Silva who does paranormal mind reading which I didn’t think I would enjoy but I actually did.

The in-laws also went last year and said the Michael Jackson impersonator concert was really good. We stopped at the Excalibur Hotel which is at the start of the strip, not the best hotel there but it’s really cheap and it’s fine if you’re going to be out exploring the whole time